Meta Platforms AI Ambitions Soar With Llama 3.1: An 'Inflection Point In The Industry'

Meta Platforms Inc META is making waves again, this time with its latest AI advancements.

JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth highlights Meta’s release of Llama 3.1 and its expanding AI initiatives as a clear indicator of the company’s soaring ambitions in the artificial intelligence landscape.

As Meta gears up for its earnings next week, all eyes are on its capex plans and AI trajectory.

Llama 3.1: Meta’s Game-Changing Open Source Model

Meta’s bold move to launch Llama 3.1, “the largest open-source model,” marks a significant milestone.

The model promises to be a game-changer, with Meta anticipating it will be an “inflection point in the industry toward open source models.” The open-source nature allows developers to run Llama 3.1 at around 50% of the cost compared to closed models like GPT-4o, a move that not only democratizes AI access but also challenges the giants in the space.

Meta AI on Track to Dominate

Anmuth notes, “Meta AI is on track to become the most-used AI assistant by year-end—or even a few months earlier,” emphasizing its rapid scale and integration into Meta's massive ecosystem of over 4 billion users.

The AI is now available in seven new languages and Latin American countries, featuring enhancements like “Imagine me” for AI-generated images and creative editing functions.

Open Source Strategy: A Shot at Innovation

The push towards open-source AI reflects a strategic pivot, aligning with Meta’s philosophy against the restrictive nature of “closed platforms,” which Anmuth states can “stifle innovation.” This move underscores Meta’s intent to avoid the constraints it has faced with mobile platforms, notably from giants like Apple Inc.

Llama 4 and Beyond: Planning for the Future

Looking ahead, Meta is not resting on its laurels. Llama 4 is already on the horizon, with the company planning “compute clusters and data trajectories” for future iterations up to Llama 7.

Such foresight ensures Meta remains at the forefront of AI innovation, and investors are keenly aware of the “heavy investments needed to support AI ambitions over the long term.” Meta's capex intensity could see a leap, with potential guidance for 2024-2025 possibly reaching $50 billion.

Meta’s Vision: Custom AI for Everyone

Meta’s ultimate vision is for every small business, creator, and user to create custom AI agents, aiming for a future where hundreds of millions of assistants are just a few clicks away. By leveraging AI to enhance engagement, ad targeting, and creative tools, Meta seeks not just to keep pace but to redefine the future of AI.

Rating: Overweight

As Meta heads into earnings on July 31, Anmuth’s insights suggest that the tech giant’s AI ambitions, embodied by Llama 3.1, are more than just another venture—it's Meta's declaration of leadership in the AI realm.

The company's commitment to open source could be the catalyst that not only boosts its stock but also reshapes the industry’s landscape.

Read Next:

• ‘Markets Are Sounding An Alarm:’ Peter Schiff Warns Federal Reserve Should Cut Rates Before Recession Hits

Photo: Shutterstock