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MicroStrategy’s Bold Bitcoin Bet Divides Market: Confidence Soars While MSTR Drops
- MicroStrategy acquired 55,500 BTC for US$5.4B, raising total holdings to 386,700 BTC valued at US$38B, funded through convertible bonds and stock issuance.
- However, the firm’s stock, MSTR, dropped over 18% despite 500% year-to-date growth, with concerns over valuation and major trading firms shorting it.
- Bitcoin neared US$100K before retreating to US$94K, driven by optimism over crypto-friendly political developments.
MicroStrategy, known as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin (BTC), recently announced a significant addition to its cryptocurrency portfolio. Despite initial enthusiasm in pre-market trading, the company’s stock (MSTR) experienced a decline during regular trading hours, reflecting a mix of market reactions and investor caution.
Related: Australia Stuck In Crypto “Regulatory Slow Lane” Under Labor Government Says Senator Bragg
Details of the Acquisition
According to a regulatory filing, MicroStrategy acquired approximately 55,500 Bitcoins between November 18 and November 24, 2024, for a total of US$5.4B (AU$8.37B), bringing the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to around 386,700 coins, currently valued at approximately US$37B (AU$57.3B).
The purchase was financed through the issuance of convertible bonds and new stock, continuing the company’s strategy since initiating its Bitcoin investments in 2020.
The acquisition comes on the heels of another substantial purchase —US$4.6B (AU$7.13B) worth of BTC in the prior week, highlighting the firm’s aggressive accumulation of the cryptocurrency as it approaches the US$100K (AU$154K) barrier.
Stock Performance and Investor Concerns
Despite the company’s growing Bitcoin stash, MicroStrategy’s stock performance has been volatile. After rising in pre-market trading on Monday, MSTR shares fell by nearly 9% during the trading session before recovering slightly to a 5% loss. That didn’t last long, as its price plunged again, but this time over 18%.
While the stock has soared more than 500% year-to-date, its rapid ascent has raised investor concerns. What’s even worse is that some market participants view the stock as overvalued. Citron Research, while expressing optimism about MicroStrategy’s long-term prospects, revealed it had opened a short position as a hedge against the stock’s elevated valuation.
Bitcoin and Market Dynamics
MicroStrategy’s intensified Bitcoin purchases coincide with a broader rally in the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin recently neared US$100K, although it has since retreated to below US$95K (AU$146K) as of Monday morning, currently trading at US$94,223 (AU$145.7K).
The recent surge in Bitcoin prices has been partly attributed to investor optimism regarding a perceived crypto-friendly political landscape following the November 5 US election results.
MicroStrategy’s Outlook
Originally focused on business software, MicroStrategy shifted its strategy in 2020 by positioning itself as a major corporate advocate of Bitcoin. The company’s leadership, including CEO Michael Saylor, views Bitcoin as a superior store of value compared to traditional assets, driving its aggressive acquisition policy.
Related: MicroStrategy Vows to Secure $42 Billion for Bitcoin Investments, Despite Loss on Impairment
Saylor is so obsessed with Bitcoin that he wants everyone to buy it. He even pitched to Microsoft’s board.
Author
José Oramas
José is a journalist and translator with a keen interest in blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
