Scotiabank reduced its price target on Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) to $525 from $627, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating, citing a convergence of headwinds weighing on the stock.
Meta shares have fallen roughly 16% year-to-date as investors react to a combination of macro uncertainty, weakening digital ad trends, and the sharp pullback in ad spending from Chinese e-commerce players—most notably Temu, which had accounted for about 5-6% of Meta’s revenue. Data from app stores suggests a steep decline in ad impressions after Temu halted its campaigns, a trend that could continue dragging on Meta’s top line.
Even though third-party data indicates that Meta’s revenue is currently trending slightly above sell-side expectations, analysts are expected to keep lowering their forecasts given the slowdown in Chinese direct-to-consumer ad budgets and the broader market retreat.
On top of advertising pressures, Meta is also contending with legal challenges. The company’s recent $450 million settlement offer to the FTC was far below the regulator’s $30 billion ask, and regulatory risks remain elevated. Hopes that a Trump-led FTC would ease scrutiny have not materialized, as the agency continues aggressive oversight.
According to the bank, rising tariff-related import costs may further weigh on advertising partner budgets, potentially compounding the softness in Meta’s ad business.