Social media giant Meta Platforms (META) kicked off 2026 on a shaky note as its aggressive push into artificial intelligence (AI) began to unsettle investors. The trouble began last October, when the company reported its Q3 results and unveiled ambitious AI-focused capital spending plans. While the company’s underlying performance remained solid, the sheer scale of planned spending stole the spotlight. Investors balked at the prospect of sharply higher capex in 2026, worrying that the company may be taking on too much risk at a time when the returns from generative AI remain uncertain.
That said, despite lingering skepticism on Wall Street, one major bull is standing firm. In a recent investment note, Jefferies argued that Meta’s sharp selloff has created an attractive entry point, naming the stock a “Top Pick.” The firm laid out five key reasons why the selloff should be bought, suggesting the market may be overemphasizing near-term spending fears while underestimating Meta’s long-term AI and monetization potential. With that in mind, here’s a closer look at what’s driving Jefferies’ bullish stance.