Latest news with #TrumpMedia
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Better Media Stock: Newsmax vs. Trump Media
Newsmax and Trump Media benefited from President Donald Trump's popularity. Newsmax saw its audience and revenue increase year over year, both by double digits. Trump Media raised the funds needed to pursue a Bitcoin strategy. 10 stocks we like better than Trump Media & Technology Group › President Donald Trump's ascent to the White House helped draw interest to shares of Newsmax (NYSE: NMAX) and Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT). After all, he encouraged followers to watch the former, and the latter sports his name. Conservative news outlet Newsmax is the newer public company of the two. Its initial public offering (IPO) took place in March. Trump Media isn't too old, either. It began trading in 2024. Of these two media businesses, one stands out as a superior stock investment over the other. Digging into each in more detail will reveal which one and why. In the era of digital content and cord-cutting, Newsmax does well, even though its news and other media are broadcast on linear television and radio. It also produces a print magazine. The company delivers digital media, as well, such as via its Newsmax+ streaming app. But its old-school approach resonated with viewers. Newsmax reported a 50% year-over-year increase in its audience in April. The growth helps the company charge higher advertising rates. This is important since ads represent the bulk of its income. In Newsmax's initial earnings report as a public company, $28.9 million of its $45.3 million in first-quarter revenue came from advertising. Higher broadcast ratings allowed the company to increase Q1 ad revenue, enabling total sales to grow 12% year over year. Despite a solid quarter, the company isn't profitable. Its Q1 net loss was $17.2 million. That said, the result was a substantial reduction from 2024's net loss of $50.7 million, illustrating the company's progress toward profitability. Trump Media is working to build up its business through three main avenues. These include the social media site Truth Social, its Truth+ streaming video service, and a new financial brand. Currently, the company generates nearly all its revenue from advertising through Truth Social. In Q1, sales were $821,200, compared to $770,500 in 2024. Trump Media plans to expand its horizons by investing in Bitcoin. To raise the funds to do so, the company sold 55.9 million additional shares to institutional investors, as well as convertible senior secured notes due in 2028 to generate $2.3 billion in net proceeds. According to the company, the proceeds from this will enable Trump Media to become "one of the top Bitcoin holders among publicly traded U.S. firms." However, like Newsmax, Trump Media isn't profitable. Its Q1 net loss came in at $31.7 million. The result suggests that the company's potential to eventually turn a profit is bleak, considering this is nearly double Newsmax's $17.2 million Q1 loss, yet Trump Media's sales in the quarter could not break $1 million. The situation means Trump Media desperately needs to find new revenue streams or its Bitcoin strategy has to pay off. Otherwise, the company could go bankrupt, which was the fate of Trump's previous publicly traded business, Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, in 2004. Deciding whether to invest in Newsmax or Trump Media shares involves weighing a few other factors. Although Newsmax grew Q1 revenue year over year, a Delaware judge has already ruled that Newsmax aired false claims about Dominion Voting Systems regarding the company's voting machines and the 2020 election, and Dominion will now seek up to $1.6 billion in damages in a defamation trial. Given the substantial sum involved, if Newsmax loses, the company stated the case "could have a material adverse effect on Newsmax's financial position." The broadcaster previously settled another defamation case brought by Smartmatic, another voting systems vendor, for $40 million. Turning to Trump Media, it has a massive Achilles' heel: A single unidentified customer is responsible for 93% of Q1 advertising revenues. Such a concentration in a single customer leaves Trump Media on unsteady footing. One final consideration is stock valuation. This can be assessed using the price-to-sales ratio (P/S), which tells you how much you're paying for every dollar of revenue a company earned during the trailing 12 months. This metric is commonly used to evaluate stocks for unprofitable businesses, such as Newsmax and Trump Media. Newsmax's P/S multiple is 10 as of June 30, while Trump Media's is nearly 960. This indicates that Newsmax is the better value. Trump Media shares appear to be overpriced, given the sky-high P/S ratio. Considering its revenue growth, shrinking net loss, and superior stock valuation, Newsmax is the clear winner between these two media companies. Even so, given the potential impact of the Dominion trial, you may want to wait until the legal dust settles to consider buying shares. Before you buy stock in Trump Media & Technology Group, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Trump Media & Technology Group wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $722,181!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $968,402!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,069% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 177% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 30, 2025 Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Better Media Stock: Newsmax vs. Trump Media was originally published by The Motley Fool
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Trump Media Takes Truth+ Streaming Global After President Slashes Voice Of America
President Donald Trump's media company is testing a global rollout of its streaming platform, raising conflict-of-interest questions, just months after he ordered sharp cuts to Voice of America, the U.S.-funded broadcaster that's delivered international news for decades. President Donald Trump speaks in front of a map of his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system ... More in the White House on May 20. (Photo by) Getty Images Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT), the parent company of Truth Social—of which Trump owns 114.8 million shares—announced Monday it's beta testing an international rollout of its streaming platform, Truth+, aiming to expand beyond North America. Trump Media CEO and chairperson Devin Nunes said in a statement accompanying the news: 'International viewers who want to get the other side of the story will soon have an easy opportunity to do so.' The global push follows Trump's February executive order slashing Voice of America's parent company's work to the ' by law,' with the White House labeling the outlet 'the voice of radical America.' Voice of America is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, reaching 354 million people a week in 50 languages, and is funded by Congress 'to provide comprehensive coverage of the news and tell audiences the truth,' according to its website. Trump Media did not share a date for when it plans to officially launch Truth+ globally. Spokespeople for Trump Media and the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment, but White House deputy spokesperson Anna Kelly told Forbes in a statement the president's assets are in a trust managed by his children and 'there are no conflicts of interest.' There's no evidence tying Trump Media's global push to his administration's move to slash Voice of America. While Trump Media's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and press releases don't appear to explicitly mention plans to take Truth+ global, its 2024 annual report does warn that foreign governments could restrict the streaming platform— suggesting overseas ambitions were on the radar. Chief Critic Noah Bookbinder, president of government ethics watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and a former federal corruption prosecutor, told Forbes Trump's expansion raises perennial concerns about whether his decisions serve the country or his own bottom line. While most ethics laws don't apply to the president, Bookbinder said, the moves to shrink Voice of America and grow Trump Media abroad 'highlight the inherent conflicts posed by his ongoing business interests, which are ever expanding.' Trump can still earn income from his businesses while in office through the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, the same structure he used during his first term. He is its sole donor and beneficiary, while Donald Trump Jr. serves as the trustee. The Trump Organization confirmed in an April regulatory filing in the United Kingdom that Trump retains control over his businesses. Truth+ programming includes rightwing political content from outlets like Real America's Voice and One America's News Network, movies including flattering documentaries on Elon Musk and Clarence Thomas and Christian shows. Its international expansion will make Newsmax available globally for the first time. Meanwhile, Trump Media is in the midst of restructuring its finances. It raised $2.3 billion from institutional investors in May to buy bitcoin, registered a crypto ETF with the SEC and announced plans last week to buy back up to $400 million in shares. In 2024, Trump Media reported just $3.6 million in sales and a net loss of nearly $401 million, according to its annual report. News Peg The Trump administration announced it was laying off 639 employees at Voice of America's parent organization last month. On Friday, however, the administration reversed course, rescinding the notices after employees flagged errors in the terms, The New York Times reported. Big Number $2 billion. That's the value of Trump's 114.8 million shares in Trump Media, as of Tuesday's close. Surprising Fact Trump Media warned in May of possible 'material misstatements' in its financial filings, citing weak internal controls and a lack of SEC reporting expertise—though a company spokesperson told Forbes the filing was 'a routine disclosure that TMTG has repeatedly made in the past, and is typical for former shell companies, that does not in any way indicate an intention to restate any of TMTG's financial reporting.' Tangent Eric Swider, one of seven board members at Trump Media and a leader in the deal to take Truth Social public, has sold around 90% shares since November, netting roughly $4.4 million before taxes, SEC filings show. Swider did not respond to Forbes' inquiry and does not appear to have commented publicly on the sales. He is in the process of launching another blank-check company with Nunes. Forbes estimates Donald Trump's net worth at $5.2 billion. Editor's Note In November 2023, Trump Media sued 20 media outlets, including Forbes, for reporting that included calculations of its financial results while still a private company. The defendants have moved to dismiss the claims but the case is currently ongoing. Further Viewing The 3 Easy New Ways Anyone Can Funnel Money Directly To Donald Trump's Businesses (Forbes) CEO Devin Nunes Made $47 Million While Truth Social Parent Company Reported $401 Million In Losses In 2024 (Forbes) Trump Media Shares Rise After Planning Fintech Brand—Trump's Net Worth Spikes Over $200 Million (Forbes) Truth Social Hosted Party At Trump's Mar-A-Lago (Forbes) Trump-Linked SPAC Spent $10.8 Million On Legal Fees Amid Regulatory Probes (Forbes) When It Comes To Truth Social, Republicans In Congress Aren't Buying What Trump's Selling (Forbes)
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
GameStop And Trump's Bitcoin Buys: What It Means For Future Crypto Adoption In 2025
A clear legal framework is needed to support regulatory consistency and provide the stability ... More required for broader institutional participation in bitcoin. Institutional adoption of bitcoin is gaining new momentum in 2025, driven by high-profile developments in both the private and public sectors. GameStop's purchase of 4,710 bitcoin and a $2.5 billion bitcoin initiative from Trump Media highlight how digital assets are entering mainstream financial strategy. This article explores the cascading effects of GameStop and Trump Media publicly adding bitcoin to their balance sheets, indicating a growing institutional interest in digital assets. It also examines how President Trump's executive actions are reshaping the federal approach to digital assets and what these combined developments could mean for the future of institutional crypto adoption in the United States. GameStop's Strategic Bitcoin Acquisition In May 2025, GameStop announced it had purchased 4,710 bitcoin, confirming the acquisition in a press release on May 28. The purchase reflects a growing trend among public companies using bitcoin as a treasury asset and positions GameStop alongside other firms integrating digital assets into their balance sheets as a potential hedge against economic uncertainty. CEO Ryan Cohen addressed the decision in a recorded interview at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. He described bitcoin and gold as 'hedges against global currency devaluation and systemic financial risk.' When asked whether GameStop planned to increase its holdings, Cohen said the company's future strategy remains undecided and emphasized that it will continue making decisions based on what aligns best for the company as a whole. Trump's Administration and Crypto Initiatives Since taking office for his second term in 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has aggressively advanced crypto-friendly policies to position the U.S. as 'the crypto capital of the world.' On January 23, 2025, the President signed Executive Order 14178, 'Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,' revoking prior guidance on a central bank digital currency and creating a working group to develop a federal regulatory framework for digital assets. On March 6, President Trump issued Executive Order 14233 establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile funded with cryptocurrencies seized through forfeiture proceedings. These initiatives reflect a clear shift in policy, treating digital assets as reserve holdings alongside more traditional stores of value. In addition to executive action, the Trump administration has shifted its approach to regulatory enforcement. Leadership changes at key agencies included the appointment of Paul Atkins, a proponent of digital assets, as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the disbanding of the Justice Department's crypto enforcement unit. Legal proceedings involving major platforms such as Coinbase and Binance have been paused or dismissed under updated guidance from the administration's crypto task force. Separately, Trump Media and Technology Group launched a $2.5 billion initiative to build a bitcoin treasury, with custody provided by Anchorage Digital and These developments reflect a broader strategy to integrate digital assets into government policy and private-sector activity. The Impact On Institutional Crypto Adoption GameStop's bitcoin purchase marks a notable example of a public company allocating digital assets as part of its treasury strategy. The company's decision to acquire 4,710 bitcoin and publicly disclose the move highlights a growing corporate interest in alternative value stores. While not unprecedented, GameStop's actions add to the visibility of bitcoin as a financial asset and may prompt further examination of similar strategies among other publicly traded firms. In parallel, the Trump administration introduced a series of executive actions that frame digital assets as legitimate components of the U.S. financial system. Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, prohibiting a central bank digital currency and creating a federal working group on digital asset markets represent a coordinated policy shift. These developments have altered the regulatory environment, potentially shaping how institutions approach compliance, custody and long-term planning for digital asset involvement. Regulatory Landscape The regulatory environment for digital assets is changing, accompanied by increased engagement from businesses and individual investors. President Trump's executive actions related to digital assets have shifted the federal approach, introducing a new perspective on how executive agencies treat digital assets. These developments have taken place amid broader interest in digital assets across the private sector, as companies and financial service providers explore potential uses within existing economic and technological systems. Despite these developments, Congress has not passed any federal legislation to formalize the new direction. The current framework is based solely on executive orders, which future administrations can revise or reverse. As a result, the long-term regulatory outlook remains uncertain. A comprehensive legal framework is needed to establish lasting economic stability and support sustained institutional adoption of digital assets. Legislative clarity also helps standardize compliance, reduce risk and encourage broader market participation. The Outlook Of Institutional Crypto Adoption In the short term, institutional interest in digital assets is gaining traction. High-profile moves by companies like GameStop and President Trump's actions have contributed to a more open environment for exploring bitcoin as part of financial strategies. Custodial partnerships, treasury allocations, and public disclosures are becoming more common as institutions test limited exposure to digital assets within existing risk frameworks. Over the long term, the outlook for institutional adoption will likely depend on establishing a clear and consistent regulatory foundation. While executive orders and market signals have shaped current policy, the absence of formal legislation leaves room for uncertainty. The passage of comprehensive federal laws could provide the stability and legal clarity needed to support broader integration of digital assets across the financial system. Bottom Line Momentum is growing in digital asset adoption, including GameStop's bitcoin purchase and new executive actions, which show a deepening alignment between digital assets and institutional finance. These signals suggest that bitcoin is becoming more accepted in both corporate strategy and federal policy, with increasing visibility in treasury management and government planning. However, these shifts rely on executive authority rather than formal legislation. Long-term adoption remains uncertain without a federal law to anchor the current direction. A clear legal framework is needed to support regulatory consistency and provide the stability required for broader institutional participation. In the meantime, companies and investors are navigating a landscape shaped by executive orders and market momentum, while watching closely for legislative efforts that could define the future of digital asset integration.
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Trump Media Begins Beta Testing Global TV Streaming
SARASOTA, Fla., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (Nasdaq, NYSE Texas: DJT) ("Trump Media" or the "Company"), operator of the social media platform Truth Social, the streaming platform Truth+, and the FinTech brand announced today that the Company has begun beta testing the launch of Truth+ globally. The global launch will make most Truth+ TV streaming channels and video on demand content available on apps worldwide, joining the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where Truth+ is now available via iOS, Android, and connected TV apps and on the web. For the first time, the launch will also make the flagship Newsmax channel available in international markets without the need for a VPN. Trump Media's CEO and Chairman Devin Nunes said, 'We're excited to deepen Trump Media's international footprint and bring a fresh perspective to viewers in Europe, Asia, and beyond. We're also thrilled to bring Newsmax to a global audience, who will see a dramatically different style and substance in news delivery. International viewers who want to get the other side of the story will soon have an easy opportunity to do so.' Newsmax CEO and President Chris Ruddy said, 'We're excited to partner with Trump Media as part of our growing distribution outside of the U.S. Being on Truth+ will introduce Newsmax to a new audience and will create a significant boost in viewership around the world.' The flagship Newsmax channel will be added to the web version of Truth+ already available internationally. As they are approved, Truth+ apps for iOS, Android, and connected TVs will become available in the relevant app stores around the world. About Trump Media The mission of Trump Media is to end Big Tech's assault on free speech by opening up the Internet and giving people their voices back. Trump Media operates Truth Social, a social media platform established as a safe harbor for free expression amid increasingly harsh censorship by Big Tech corporations, as well as Truth+, a TV streaming platform focusing on family-friendly live TV channels and on-demand content. Trump Media is also launching a financial services and FinTech brand incorporating America First investment vehicles. Trump Media's Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the plans, strategies, and prospects, both business and financial, of Trump Media. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, including expected potential merger & acquisition activity, the rollout of products and features, the timing and price of any share or convertible note repurchases, our Bitcoin treasury strategy, the future plans, timing and potential success of the streaming services and the launch and success of our financial services and FinTech platform. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions, or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "soon," "goal," "intends," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations that we describe in our forward-looking statements. There may be events in the future that we are not accurately able to predict, or over which we have no control. About Newsmax Newsmax Inc. is listed on the NYSE (NMAX) and operates, through Newsmax Broadcasting LLC, one of the nation's leading news outlets, the Newsmax channel. The fourth highest-rated network is carried on all major cable stations, as well as a major satellite system. Newsmax's media properties reach more than 40 million Americans regularly through Newsmax TV, the Newsmax App, its popular website and publications such as Newsmax Magazine. Through its social media accounts, Newsmax reaches 20 million combined followers. Reuters Institute says Newsmax is one of the top U.S. news brands and Forbes has called Newsmax "a news powerhouse.' Newsmax's Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements. From time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements can be identified by those that are not historical in nature. The forward-looking statements discussed in this communication and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us. Newsmax does not guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this communication to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations, and we do not intend to do so. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include various factors, including but not limited to the factors set forth in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in Newsmax's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, Newsmax's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and other filings Newsmax makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein. For more information, please visit Investor Relations | Newsmax Inc. Investor Relations Contact Media Contact
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Wall Street rocked by heavyweight slugfest as investment titan lays down massive bet against $100bn company
Two billionaire Wall Street titans have gone to war over the rise of Bitcoin in the financial markets. The ongoing clash between cryptocurrency investor Michael Saylor and renowned financial skeptic James Chanos has sent shockwaves through the stock market. Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, has built what he refers to as a 'treasury' of the cryptocurrency by amassing a huge stockpile of more than 500,000 Bitcoins over the past five years, reports the Washington Post. The investor has made billions out of the move as his company bought the currency through issuing stock and bonds, and he has seen his fortune skyrocket since President Trump was elected. Trump was once a crypto skeptic, but he has since become a keen supporter of the financial tool, even launching his own cryptocurrency, $TRUMP coin, in January. In May, Trump Media & Technology Group echoed Saylor's tactics by announcing it would raise $2.5 billion to build its own 'Bitcoin treasury.' Stocks in Saylor's company have risen an astronomic 1,500 percent since 2020, and his 'treasury' of Bitcoin is currently valued at almost double that of Bitcoin itself. The massive surge in price could have an impact on wallets across the country, as MicroStrategy is expected to join the S&P 500 - and many 401ks - at some point this year. But Chanos, a legendary Wall Street player known for betting against other companies, has gambled against Saylor's investments in a feud that could crater the stock market. Chanos announced at the Sohn Investment Conference in May that he was 'selling MicroStrategy stock and buying Bitcoin,' alleging in a subsequent CNBC interview that Saylor's 'treasury' is 'ridiculously' overvalued so he was shorting his firm. Chanos described his play of buying Bitcoin and shorting Saylor's company as the equivalent of buying something for $1 and selling it for $2.50. Jim Osman, founder of financial analysis firm Edge, told the Washington Post that the battle between the two titans has gripped traders on Wall Street, and is seen by many as a litmus test for the strength of the cryptocurrency industry at large. 'It's a poker game with very high stakes,' he said. 'One man has put everything on Bitcoin, predicting that it's the future of money. And the other man is saying it's all smoke and mirrors and that he is blinding you with science.' Osman said the clash comes down to one fundamental question: 'Do you want to bet on a dream, or do you want to bet against it?' Saylor's stockpile of over 500,000 Bitcoin is valued at around $59 billion. Chanos has long been a skeptic of cryptocurrency, and in 2018 he described it as a 'libertarian fantasy' to Cointelegraph. He has doubted the stability of Bitcoin because it is not backed by any major currency, and has labelled it 'the dark side of finance' due to its links to illegal activities. Take Compound ₿ — Michael Saylor (@saylor) June 26, 2025 Jim Chanos lays out his MSTR short strategy. 'I'm doing what Saylor is advocating. I'm selling MSTR securities to buy Bitcoin.' — Bitcoin News (@BitcoinNewsCom) June 14, 2025 Chanos has built his reputation, and net worth of around $2 billion, on shorting companies, and most famously bet against Enron before the company's accounting scandal in 2001. When Chanos laid down his gamble against Saylor in May, he said MicroStrategy's approach to cryptocurrency could lead other, less stable firms to follow suit, and ultimately lose money if he is correct. He said his trade is 'a good barometer of not only just the arbitrage itself, but I think of retail speculation', per Cointelegraph. Earlier this month, the feud between the two billionaires escalated as Saylor criticized Chanos on Bloomberg TV, warning that 'if our stock rallies up, he's going to get liquidated and wiped out.' The next day, Bloomberg showed Saylor's warning to Chanos, to which he responded: 'I always love it when management says: 'He just doesn't understand our business.' 'Michael Saylor is a wonderful salesman, but that's what he is: He's a salesman. … I call it financial gibberish.'
