Meta Platforms ( META - Free Report ) is the world's largest social media platform. Meta shares have outperformed the industry year to date. It is benefiting from steady user growth across all regions, particularly Asia Pacific. Increased engagement for its offerings like Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook has been a major growth driver. The company is leveraging AI to recommend content which is driving traffic in Instagram and Facebook. Its restructuring plan is expected to reduce expenses driving profitability. Meta is considered to have pioneered the concept of social networking, which is why it enjoys a first mover's advantage in this market. Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term. Meta has a strong balance sheet and generates significant cash flow, which makes it an attractive stock for investors.