Meta’s AI Ambitions: A 2026 Roadmap and Boardroom Shift

Meta Platforms, Inc. is accelerating its artificial intelligence strategy with a clear plan for 2026, even as a high-profile board member makes a swift exit. The social media and technology giant is navigating a complex market environment with significant infrastructure investments, while its equity demonstrates notable resilience.

A recent executive order from President Trump on December 11th, establishing federal AI regulations, is viewed favorably for Meta and its industry peers. Analysts suggest a unified national framework could prevent a patchwork of conflicting state-level rules, thereby providing greater long-term planning certainty for major tech firms.

Dual AI Flagship Models Slated for 2026

During an internal company meeting, executives Alexandr Wang, Chief AI Officer, and Chris Cox, Chief Product Officer, outlined the AI development timeline. The first half of 2026 is targeted for the launch of two flagship AI systems:

• "Mango": A model concentrating on image and video generation capabilities.
• "Avocado": An advanced language model designed with enhanced programming functions and incorporating "World Model" research.

This announcement underscores Meta's determined efforts to compete more aggressively in the AI sector against rivals like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. In a potential strategic pivot toward direct monetization, the company is considering charging for access to the "Avocado" model, a departure from its previous approaches.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Meta?

Sudden Departure from the Board of Directors

Dina Powell McCormick, a former advisor in the Trump administration, has resigned from Meta's Board of Directors effective immediately. Her tenure was brief; she was appointed to the board alongside Stripe CEO Patrick Collison in April 2025. A filing with the SEC indicates the company was notified of her decision on December 19th.

Meta does not intend to fill the vacant seat. Reports suggest Powell McCormick may transition into a strategic advisory role for the company's management team. Following this departure, the board continues to operate with 14 members, including UFC CEO Dana White and Broadcom CEO Hock Tan.

Analyst Sentiment Maintains a Positive Bias

Wall Street's outlook remains broadly optimistic despite several recent price target adjustments. The consensus average price target among analysts stands at approximately $835.

• Wedbush maintained its "Outperform" rating but lowered its target from $920 to $880.
• Morgan Stanley reduced its target from $820 to $750 while keeping an "Overweight" recommendation.
• Rosenblatt holds the most bullish view, reiterating a "Buy" rating with a $1,117 price target.

Solid Fundamental Backdrop

Meta's financial foundation appears robust, supported by a market capitalization near $1.67 trillion. The company recently reported quarterly revenue growth of 26% and maintains operating margins above 40%. Capital expenditures are projected to be between $70 and $72 billion for 2025, with a further significant increase anticipated for 2026. Shareholders are set to receive the next quarterly dividend of $0.525 per share on December 23.