Twitter Gains Amid Clubhouse Buyout Speculation

Twitter, Inc. (TWTR) shares added nearly 3% Wednesday after Bloomberg reported that the social media giant considered acquiring popular invitation-only audio-chat app, Clubhouse. The platform allows users to host shows, listen to panel discussions and engage in live chats.

People familiar with the matter said both parties discussed a possible valuation of $4 billion for Clubhouse but added that the negotiations had ceased. A potential buyout would have brought across the app’s 10 million active weekly users and complemented Twitter’s own recently launched beta-stage audio offering, Spaces. Such is the success of the Clubhouse app, other tech companies, including Facebook, Inc. (FB), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), and Salesforce.com, inc. (CRM) have begun to develop similar features on their social media platforms.

As of April 8, 2021, Twitter stock has a market value of $55.1 billion and trades up 27.41% YTD. Over the past 12 months, the shares have surged nearly 170%. From a valuation standpoint, the stock trades 46% above its five-year average forward earnings multiple of 49 times.

Wall Street View

In February, Piper Sandler analyst Thomas Champion bumped up the investment firm’s price target on the stock to $61 from $45 while reiterating his ‘Neutral’ rating. Champion believes the company sits well-positioned to capitalize on daily active user growth it gained from the U.S. election. He also likes improvements the social media giant has made to its products and advertising.

Elsewhere, the stock receives 25 ‘Hold’ ratings, 10 ‘Buy’ ratings, 4 ‘Sell’ ratings, and 1 ‘Underweight’ rating. Twelve-month price targets range from a Street-high $95 to a low of $30. Through Wednesday’s close, the shares trade 5% below the median analyst price target of $72.50.

Technical Outlook and Trading Tactics

Twitter’s share price has remained in a steady uptrend since the 50-day SMA crossed above the 200-day SMA last summer. After a recent retracement to the 50-day SMA, the stock has regained upside momentum, with the MACD moving above its trigger line to generate a buy signal.

Active traders who buy here should look for an initial retest of all-time high (ATH) at $80.75, followed by a possible move higher. Protect against losses by placing a stop-loss order either beneath the 50-day SMA or under last month’s swing low at $59.28, depending on personal risk tolerance.

For a look at today’s earnings schedule, check out our earnings calendar.