Trump Media and Technology Group, the social media venture spearheaded by former President Donald Trump, witnessed a sharp decline in its share price this Wednesday. The drop of as much as 10% has pushed the company’s market valuation below the $5 billion mark for the first time since its public debut, leaving investors and market watchers reeling.
Trading at $34.30 per share by the late afternoon in New York, the company saw an 8.5% decline on the day, contributing to a staggering 40% fall month-to-date. This downturn in fortunes comes amidst a broader context of decreased options trading for the company, which operates Truth Social. Wednesday’s activity saw about 70,500 contracts traded – merely a third of the volume seen in the preceding ten-day average.
The market debut of Trump Media on Nasdaq under the ticker “DJT” late in March had initially sparked a frenzy, shooting the stock up by 67% and temporarily elevating Trump’s personal wealth to nearly $7 billion, thanks to his 58% stake in the company. However, the recent volatile trading patterns have drastically altered this trajectory, ejecting Trump from the list of the world’s 500 wealthiest individuals. His personal fortune, significantly impacted by the company’s stock performance, has now been recalibrated to an estimated $4.5 billion, positioning him at 699th globally according to Forbes.
Investor confidence seems to have been further eroded following a recent disclosure by Trump Media of a $58 million net loss for 2023, set against a modest revenue of $4 million. The company’s admission of expected continued operating losses, negative cash flows, and “material weakness” in financial reporting controls has cast a shadow over its prospects. These challenges are compounded by criticisms from media figures such as Barry Diller, who last week denounced Trump Media as a “scam.”
Amidst these tumultuous developments, there looms the possibility of Trump deciding to liquidate his substantial holdings in the company. This potential move, whether post-lockup period or through a waiver from the board — comprised of family members and close allies — poses a significant risk of further destabilizing the share price.
As Trump Media endeavors to expand its user base, attract advertisers, and forge partnerships, the road ahead appears fraught with uncertainty. Investors and observers alike are keenly watching the unfolding narrative, assessing the implications of these volatile trading patterns on the future of Trump Media and its ambitious venture into the social media landscape.