Somewhat atypically, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) stock rose higher on Thursday because of a potential acquisition. The social media giant, not typically known for being an aggressive asset buyer, saw its shares close more than 2% higher as a result. This was on a day when the S&P 500 index could only muster an 0.8% rally.
Not Playing around
It helps greatly that the apparent acquisition target concentrates on artificial intelligence (AI), the hot technology of our age. On Thursday, Bloomberg, citing unnamed “people familiar with the matter,” wrote that Meta was close to acquiring privately held PlayAI, a niche company specializing in AI voice replication technology.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Learn More »
Image source: Getty Images.
In the article, which was disseminated in other media outlets, Bloomberg said that its PlayAI play was a component of Meta’s strategy to advance its AI capabilities and offerings. When and if a deal is reached for the company, Meta would bring at least some PlayAI into its workforce.
The story did not detail any financial particulars of the potential acquisition.
Neither Meta nor PlayAI has provided an official response to the Bloomberg article.
Easily affordable
With its vast financial resources — it held over $70 billion in cash and cash equivalents alone at the end of its most recently reported quarter — Meta can pay handsome premiums for assets it desires. Given that, it’s believable that if it truly is interested in PlayAI, it’s making the company a compelling buyout offer.
The impact of a potential acquisition is a bit tougher to gauge. PlayAI is an AI company, yes, and that’ll get investors excited simply on that basis. Voice recognition is a fairly niche (albeit useful) technology, so I don’t think this apparently looming deal will be a ground shifter on its own. It’s worth watching Meta’s other moves in the AI sphere, though, to gauge how it plans to leverage the technology.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
-
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $400,193!*
-
Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $38,264!*
-
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $687,731!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
See the 3 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2025
Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
