Meta Platforms () will announce fourth-quarter results after markets close on Thursday and analysts predict that the Facebook parent will post strong improvement in earnings per share (EPS)and revenue as advertising remains strong and the company integratꦡes artificial intelligence (AI) technology into its existing—and now leaner—operations.

According to analyst consensus compiled by Visible Alpha, Meta is forecast to report 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:diluted EPS of $4.90 for the final quarter of𒆙 2023, versus $1.76 in the prior-year quarter. Net income is pegged at $12.89 billion, also up significantly from $4.65 billion a year ago.

Revenue is expected to come in at $38.9 billion, up 21% from $32.2 billion in the last quarter of 2022. This growth is driven primarily by Meta's advertising revenue, which analysts expect to rise to $37.92 billion and hit a record high for the third consecutive quarter.

Key Metric: Monthly Active People

Meta defines monthly active people (MAP) as users who visited at least one of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp within a month-long period of measurement. This is as opposed to 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:monthly active users (MAU), which ⛦inc꧅ludes users active only on Facebook or Messenger.

Growing its MAP base is essential for Meta to continue to garner 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:new intere🍰st and revenue from advertisers. I🤡t is also a genꦑeral reflection of the health of the company's overall suite of social media products and services.

Analysts expect Q4 MAP figures to reach 3.97 billion, eking out a record high for the company and an improvement of more than 6% year-over-year. Growth in MAP has accelerated in recent quarters, likely in part because of Meta's integration of AI capabilities into its pre-existing offerings. Rather than launch a new AI-based product, Meta has so far opted to enhance its existing lineup with 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:new AI features and tools.

Business Spotlight

Despite Meta's success in the last several quarters, the company is also under intense scrutiny over the way it engages with users. In October, more than 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:30 states sued the company over allegedly unfairly en♌snaring children and deceiving users about the safety of its offerings.

Metaꩲ shares have skyrocketed in the last year, climbing by about 162%.