MicroStrategy, now doing business as Strategy, has been buying so much bitcoin that it now reports when it didn't buy any.
Despite the fears in the immediate aftermath of the spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) approvals, MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) – rebranded as just Strategy – has been a major winner of 2024.
MicroStrategy NASDAQ: MSTR, now doing business as Strategy, is a leading player in crypto markets and recently announced an intriguing security issuance: preferred stock. Below, I'll describe in detail exactly how this type of stock works.
MicroStrategy's rebranding to "Strategy" underscores its commitment to Bitcoin, with a significant BTC stash and innovative financing mechanisms like STRK preferred stock. MSTR maintains a strong statistical correlation to BTC, and the correlation coefficient tends to be stronger as Bitcoin's bullishness increases. Despite potential Bitcoin bear market risks, MSTR's substantial BTC holdings and strategic financial maneuvers mitigate concerns, differentiating it from high-risk entities like FTX.
I am upgrading Strategy stock to a "buy" rating due to adjusted valuations and limited downside potential following significant declines from all-time highs. Despite disappointing Q4 earnings, Strategy's substantial increase in bitcoin holdings and favorable cryptocurrency market conditions present a strong investment opportunity. Comparative valuation metrics show Strategy's price-book ratio has become more reasonable, making it a viable option within the cryptocurrency stock peer group.
MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ: MSTR) has already delivered close to 7x returns in the trailing 12 months – but a KBW analyst is convinced it has still significant room to the upside in 2025. Bill Papanastasiou assumed coverage of MSTR with an “outperform” rating on Friday.
Strategy reported Q4 losses due to Bitcoin impairment charges, not reflective of true earnings; rebranded to focus on Bitcoin accumulation. New accounting measures will better reflect Bitcoin holdings' value; introduced Strike preferred stock for a perpetual call option on MSTR. MSTR aims for 15% BTC yield and $10 billion BTC gain, continuing aggressive Bitcoin buys and funding through the 21/21 plan.
Because of its cryptocurrency hoarding strategy, MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) is now a big deal.
MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR) announced it is rebranding as Strategy shortly before reporting a significant loss for the fourth quarter as it invested in growing its Bitcoin holdings. The company, which has become a Bitcoin proxy by accumulating significant holdings of the cryptocurrency, exited the quarter with approximately 447,470 Bitcoins with a market value of about $42 billion.
Strategy saw over $670 million in net losses while its Bitcoin expenses surged.
(Micro)Strategy's stock rating is a hold due to the breakdown in correlation with Bitcoin prices, which undermines its primary investment appeal. The company's software business remains insignificant, with its value largely tied to its substantial Bitcoin holdings, now worth $44.1 billion. Strategy's capital structure includes $7.6 billion in liabilities and significant future equity dilution risks, making direct Bitcoin investment more attractive for now.
I still see MSTR as a "Bitcoin bank", but I believe the rebrand to "Strategy" may signal Saylor's lack of ideas on how to effectively monetize its BTC holdings. ATM offerings have diluted shareholders in fiat terms, but not in Bitcoin terms: MSTR's BTC per Share has increased by 74% in 2024. Despite good Bitcoin metrics, MSTR remains a leveraged bet on Bitcoin, dependent on whether the company can justify its rich NAV premium long-term.