This company is a leader in its market, and AI could make its products and services even better.
Some opportunities don’t come around every day, and that means when they do pop up, we should seize them. Right now, a particularly great opportunity exists in the world of investing, and it’s the chance to get in on a pioneer in a potentially game-changing technology, for a dirt cheap price. I’m talking about a company that’s making artificial intelligence (AI) its focus this year, setting itself up for leadership in this high-growth area.
The AI market is forecast to surpass $1 trillion by the end of the decade, and companies that invest wisely today may benefit down the road. Acting now could translate into significant earnings growth over time, boosting share prices and the portfolios of all of those investors who got in on these growth stories early.
So let’s take a closer look at the once-in-a-generation investment opportunity sitting before us right now, an AI growth stock to buy hand over fist.
Image source: Getty Images.
A social media giant
This player is Meta Platforms(META -4.13%), a company you may best know for its social media apps Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Meta is the world’s social media leader, with more than 3.1 billion people using at least one of its apps every day.
And this is exactly why advertisers rush to Meta to run their campaigns, aiming to reach us, their audience, where they know they can find us. Advertising revenue makes up most of Meta’s revenue, so it’s critical to keep them coming back — and to do this, Meta has to ensure social media users remain engaged and spend more and more time on the apps.
And this is where AI comes in. Meta is investing heavily in the technology, with the idea of rolling it out across current and future products and services. Chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg wants Meta to offer users AI suited to their needs — from an AI assistant to help them with daily tasks to AI suited to business needs like customer support. Last year, the company launched Meta AI, a conversational assistant, in beta across its apps in certain locations.
Meta’s large language model (LLM), Llama, trained on vast amounts of data, helps make these innovations possible. Meta, aiming to have enough capacity to keep powering its AI projects, expects to have 600,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) on board by the end of the year. And the company said AI will be its biggest area of investment this year too.
Meta’s open-source policy
Meanwhile, Meta isn’t keeping Llama all to itself. The company has an open-source software policy, meaning anyone can use this LLM, and at the same time, Meta keeps its own projects proprietary. Here’s why this is a smart idea. Open sourcing means Meta gains access to feedback that helps improve its platform, and it encourages many to try the platform, which may put it on the road to becoming an industry standard.
Now let’s consider how this can help boost earnings over time. By adding AI tools and features to social media apps, Meta’s likely to keep users loyal — and they may spend more time on the particular platform if they find it increasingly helpful or fun. As a result, advertisers will keep spending on ads and could even boost spending if Meta’s user numbers or length of time spent on the apps increase.
On top of this, Meta might launch new products and services that incorporate AI, and these could add to revenue. The sky really could be the limit if Meta’s investments now produce compelling AI tools over time.
But, at the very least, even if the AI opportunity isn’t as enormous as predicted, Meta still is likely to deliver AI products to strengthen an already stellar social media offering — and that should drive revenue growth over time.
Today, Meta shares trade for 24 times forward earnings estimates, a bargain basement price for this top stock with a proven earnings growth track record and potential to become a leader in the revolutionary technology of AI. And that makes the stock a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity right now, in the early days of the AI growth story.
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. Adria Cimino 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.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
