TLDR:
- Meta’s stock has outperformed Apple with 16% revenue growth versus Apple’s 5%
- Meta trades at a forward P/E of 23.8 while Apple’s is higher at 27.1
- Meta reportedly plans to add cryptocurrency support for its 3 billion users
- Bitcoin prices are trading at $103,921.96, up 0.67% and 30% from April lows
- Meta faces fewer tariff concerns than Apple and has promising smart glasses development
In a tech landscape where even the “Magnificent Seven” stocks aren’t delivering the stellar performance they once did, Meta Platforms (META) is showing resilience and potential for substantial growth. After an initial sell-off early in the year, Meta’s share price has rebounded into positive territory, spurred by strong first-quarter results.
The social media giant reported impressive numbers in Q1 2025. Revenue jumped 16% year over year to $42.3 billion, with profits soaring 35%. These figures far outpace Apple’s modest 5% growth in both revenue and earnings for its latest quarter.
Wall Street analysts expect this growth gap to continue. Meta is projected to deliver revenue growth exceeding 13% in both 2025 and 2026. By comparison, Apple’s revenue is forecast to increase by only about 4% in 2025 and 6% in 2026.
Despite this growth advantage, Meta’s valuation remains more attractive. The company’s shares trade at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.8, compared to Apple’s 27.1. Both companies have identical price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratios of 1.98.
Crypto Plans Could Boost User Engagement
In a development that could further enhance Meta’s growth trajectory, reports suggest CEO Mark Zuckerberg is planning to add cryptocurrency support for the company’s three billion users. This news, reported by Forbes based on industry leaks, could potentially boost investor sentiment and cryptocurrency markets.
Bitcoin prices have already gained 30% from April lows, breaking through the $100,000 mark. The cryptocurrency is currently trading at $103,921.96, with a market capitalization exceeding $2 trillion.
Meta’s move into cryptocurrency would coincide with positive government signals. David Sacks, recently appointed by President Trump to lead artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency strategy, has predicted a “Trump boom” in the crypto market.
Meta shares closed at $591.50 after Friday’s market session, down slightly from $592.49 at the previous close. While Meta stock has lost 1.13% year-to-date in 2025, it has gained 9% in the past month and delivered over 180% returns to investors over the last five years.
Fewer Headwinds Than Competitors
Another factor favoring Meta over Apple is the impact of Trump administration tariffs. These present a more serious near-term threat for Apple than for Meta, as evidenced by recent earnings calls. Apple executives discussed tariffs extensively, with CEO Tim Cook acknowledging the uncertainty they create. In contrast, Meta’s earnings call didn’t mention tariffs once.
Apple also faces potential challenges from federal antitrust lawsuits against Google. The iPhone maker could lose the approximately $20 billion per year it receives from Google for making its search engine the default on Apple’s Safari browser.
Meta’s biggest question mark remains its massive metaverse investment. However, the company has seen initial success with its smart glasses, potentially pioneering a new market with explosive growth potential. While Apple is developing competing products, Meta appears well-positioned to remain a top player in this space.
The massive user base for Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp apps continues to attract advertisers, providing a stable revenue foundation as it explores new territories.
For investors looking at these two tech giants, both Meta and Apple should deliver solid returns over the long run. However, Meta’s stronger growth story, more attractive valuation, and fewer immediate headwinds make it the better choice right now.
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