Finance

Trump’s Social Media Stock Soars: What’s Fueling This Surprising Comeback?

2024-10-14

Author: Kai

Trump’s Social Media Stock Soars: What’s Fueling This Surprising Comeback?

Former President Donald Trump's social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, is experiencing a remarkable revival on Wall Street, much to the surprise of investors and analysts alike. The resurgence is largely attributed to the perceived odds of Trump reclaiming the White House in the upcoming election.

After facing significant setbacks, the company's stock price plummeted to a record low of $12.15 on September 23, marking a jaw-dropping 82% decline from its peak. However, in just three weeks since that low, the stock has surged nearly 150%, more than doubling in price and peaking at an impressive $30 last week after a staggering near 50% jump.

What’s driving this remarkable turnaround? Analysts suggest it isn’t due to new revenue streams or product launches; rather, it’s the shifting political landscape. With Trump's likelihood of winning the election seen as increasing, investors are betting that a Trump presidency could translate to significant gains for Trump Media. As Matthew Tuttle, CEO of Tuttle Capital Management, succinctly put it, the stock's potential is tied directly to Trump's political fortunes: 'If Trump gets elected, this stock has the potential to do something. If he doesn’t, it likely goes to zero.'

Trump himself remains at the helm, enjoying the title of the most popular user on the Truth Social platform with a hefty 114.75 million shares, making him the largest shareholder. Consequently, the value of Trump’s stake in the company has surged approximately $1.7 billion since late September, climbing to an impressive $3.4 billion.

Market analysts, including Jay Ritter, a finance professor with four decades of experience, have described the stock's rebound as “stunning.” He noted that meme stocks thrive on attention, and Trump Media's price movements are closely linked to the political zeitgeist, evidenced by changes in betting markets that suggest the race has tightened significantly.

Interestingly, recent bullish options activity in the lead-up to November 15—just days after the election—indicates that many investors are specifically betting on a Trump victory. The former president's improving poll numbers, as well as his strategic alliance with tech mogul Elon Musk, appear to be reshaping public perception.

Despite the dramatic upswing, it's essential to underscore that Trump Media's stock price remains far from its March peak of $66, and the company is still down about $2 billion from its previous high valuation.

Moreover, concerns linger around the company's long-term viability. Many market experts, including Ritter, argue that the stock is significantly overvalued. He states that Trump Media's worth could be little more than its cash reserves, as the company has yet to prove it possesses a sustainable business model for generating profits. Ritter estimates that with the stock price now hovering around $25, it may be overvalued by a staggering 1,000%, warning that a major downturn could be inevitable.

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on both Trump and his media venture, making this a captivating saga to follow. Investors are left contemplating whether this stock is a sound bet or merely a high-stakes gamble in the ever-evolving arena of politics and social media.