Shares of conservative cable channel Newsmax have seen an extraordinary rise, surging over 40% in early trading on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. This follows a staggering debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) where the stock skyrocketed more than 700% on its first day, closing at $83.51 per share after opening at just $14. The remarkable performance has drawn significant attention from investors and analysts alike, marking a notable moment for the media company.
Newsmax’s stock began trading under the ticker symbol “NMAX” after a successful initial public offering (IPO) that raised $75 million. The shares were initially priced at $10 each but quickly gained momentum, resulting in a market capitalization that exceeded $8 billion by the end of the first trading day. The trading frenzy prompted multiple halts due to volatility, with shares peaking at around $89 shortly after market close on Monday.
The surge in Newsmax’s stock is attributed to its growing viewership, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency. Nielsen data indicates that Newsmax has become the fourth most-watched cable news channel in the United States, trailing only behind Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN. Despite its rising popularity, Newsmax’s audience remains significantly smaller than that of Fox News, which averaged nearly 3.1 million primetime viewers compared to Newsmax’s 309,000 during the same period.
Industry experts suggest that this IPO comes at a critical time for traditional cable networks as they face fierce competition from streaming services. Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax, expressed optimism about the network’s future and highlighted its mission to provide conservative viewpoints amid a predominantly liberal media landscape.
As retail investors continue to show strong interest in Newsmax, analysts are closely monitoring how this momentum will affect the broader media landscape and whether it will influence other conservative outlets to consider going public. The ongoing volatility in Newsmax’s stock reflects both investor enthusiasm and the challenges facing traditional cable news channels today.
In summary, Newsmax’s remarkable stock performance underscores its growing influence in the media sector and signals a potential shift in investor interest towards conservative news platforms as they navigate an evolving market landscape.
