In a surprising shift, secondary buyers are now showing renewed interest in X, formerly known as Twitter, driven by the potential resurgence of its platform. After a period of minimal interest, investors are beginning to see opportunities in X shares, influenced by Elon Musk's involvement and broader market trends. Banks like Morgan Stanley have been selling off billions in X debt at face value, indicating a growing confidence in the company’s future. This newfound interest contrasts sharply with the lack of enthusiasm seen throughout 2024.
Recent months have witnessed a notable uptick in inquiries about purchasing shares of X, a stark contrast from the previous year when such interest was virtually nonexistent. Glen Anderson, CEO of Rainmaker Securities, notes that while it's not a flood, there has been a steady stream of orders coming in. Investors seem to believe that the worst is behind X, and Musk's commitment to revitalizing the platform is a key factor. The valuation of X shares has also seen a significant rebound, with some platforms valuing the company at $42 billion, up from $25 billion in 2023.
The shift in sentiment is particularly evident in the secondary market, where trading private company shares can be complex. Unlike public stocks, these transactions require intermediaries like Rainmaker Securities to facilitate deals. Sellers are often employees or early investors looking to cash out, while buyers include family offices and hedge funds. Despite the complexity, Anderson confirms that deals are currently in progress, though they can take months to finalize. Importantly, all secondary transactions must receive approval from Musk, underscoring his central role in shaping investor confidence.
Musk's influence extends beyond just leadership; it has become a driving force behind investor interest. His connections and influence, particularly in relation to President Donald Trump's administration, have bolstered confidence. Additionally, X's equity stake in Musk's AI startup xAI and improved revenue streams have contributed to this renewed optimism. Investors are also riding the wave of success seen in other Musk ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, seeking similar returns from X.
However, not all investors are convinced yet. Some secondary brokers report limited activity, anticipating that demand will remain muted until X demonstrates tangible progress in areas like Grok integration, advertising spend recovery, and creator monetization. Internal communications from Musk suggest ongoing challenges, but external data indicates a gradual increase in advertisers. As X continues to navigate these hurdles, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this renewed interest translates into robust market activity.