Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) shares have been struggling since January as reality set in, but analysts at MKM Partners see more excitement ahead. In fact, they believe the stock is preparing to take off yet again. Rob Sanderson raised his price target from $50 to $72 a share and reiterated his Buy rating on the stock.
Twitter still a momentum stock
The analyst believes that momentum stocks—which he still sees Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) as—continue working until the company’s “revenue momentum stalls, key metrics reverse or the market breaks.” He calls Twitter’s revenue momentum “impressive,” as it has sped up to 116% growth during the fourth quarter after posting 105% in the second and third quarters. He notes that the company’s first quarter guidance implies growth of between 101% and 110%.
He does admit that Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR)’s big issues are now user growth and engagement. However, he believes investors have digested the disappointing metrics, as well as management’s view on the topic and how likely Twitter is to improve the situation. He notes that over the last four weeks, Twitter shares have settled into a narrow trading range.
The analyst is projecting that Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) will grow its revenue to $15 billion by 2020 with a 40% operating margin and a 50% EBITDA margin.
Topeka Capital also has a Buy rating
Analyst Victor Anthony at Topeka Capital also has a Buy rating on Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR). He notes that the rest of the shares which are still on lockup will be eligible to be sold on May 6. That set of shares amounts to nearly 480 million or 81% of the current common shares outstanding, according to Anthony.
Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) already went through one lockup expiration, although that was a much smaller one than this one will be. Whenever a lockup expires, the company’s shares tend to drop, although we’re still nearly two months away from this sizeable expiration.
