Twitter Has Four CEO Candidates Left

In a report published Tuesday, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analyst Robert S. Peck maintained a Neutral rating on Twitter Inc TWTR. Twitter's CEO Dick Costolo is scheduled to step down. "Based on board relationships and skill sets required we arrived at a target list of 5 Top Candidates that we heard were most probable: Jack Dorsey, Adam Bain, Ross Levinsohn, Mike McCue and Neal Mohan," analyst Robert S. Peck said. Twitter has now announced that executive search firm Spencer Stuart would help identify Costolo's successor, while adding a new requirement: that the new CEO must be full time. "Hence, we think our list is culled by 1, as Jack Dorsey has recently reiterated his desire to remain CEO of Square. Correspondingly, we think the odds of the remaining four candidates increase," Peck added. In the report SunTrust Robinson Humphrey noted, "Speed is Important, but Fit is Key…We continue to believe that ALL candidates must have a deep understanding of the product, monetization possibilities, and long term platform vision. Importantly, we think a "cultural fit" is paramount." Peck believes that internally Adam Bain seems to fit this set of criteria; however, if an external candidate is selected, the ability to work with Mr. Bain would be critical, as "he is considered instrumental." "While we remain very bullish on the LT Optty in front of Twitter and the potential success of products like Periscope and Lightening, we think near-term trends could weigh on the stock," Peck commented.