MicroStrategy Chairman Michael Saylor Bolsters Bitcoin Bet with $593.3 Million Purchase

Michael Saylor, chairman and co-founder of MicroStrategy Inc., has intensified his commitment to Bitcoin with a substantial investment of $593.3 million, expanding the enterprise-software company’s cryptocurrency holdings.

In a filing on Thursday, MicroStrategy revealed the acquisition of 16,130 Bitcoins in November, elevating its total holdings to approximately $6.5 billion.

This move represents Saylor’s most significant purchase since the acquisition of 19,452 Bitcoins for just over $1 billion in February 2021.

Saylor initiated MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin investments in 2020 and has accelerated these efforts throughout 2023, aligning the company with the cryptocurrency’s resurgence after a challenging period marked by rising interest rates and notable crypto-related incidents.

Stepping down from the CEO position a year ago, Saylor emphasized his focus on advancing MicroStrategy’s dual strategy with a primary emphasis on Bitcoin.

MicroStrategy’s stock has witnessed a remarkable 250% surge this year, surpassing Bitcoin’s 125% rally.

The optimism stems from the anticipation of potential approval for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States.

Contrary to concerns that an ETF approval might diminish demand for MicroStrategy’s stock, analysts like Matthew J. Maley, Chief Market Strategist at Miller Tabak + Co., suggest that an ETF could enhance interest in the asset class without significant cannibalization.

In conjunction with its Bitcoin investment, MicroStrategy entered into an agreement with Cowen and Company, Canaccord Genuity, and BTIG to offer up to $750 million of common stock.

The initial announcement of this stock offering in August outlined intentions to utilize the proceeds for Bitcoin purchases, working capital, and debt repurchases.