“On September 14, 2020, MicroStrategy completed its acquisition of 16,796 additional bitcoins at an aggregate purchase price of $175 million. To date, we have purchased a total of 38,250 bitcoins at an aggregate purchase price of $425 million, inclusive of fees and expenses.“
As a business intelligence software firm, MicroStrategy is not normally associated with cryptocurrency. But last month, the company revealed its revised treasury strategy to weather the uncertain economic conditions.
The news brought a boost to cryptocurrency advocates, who have long suffered accusations that Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme. As a NASDAQ listed firm, MicroStrategy’s foray does add an air of legitimacy to Bitcoin. However, some observers have criticized the move, especially considering Bitcoin’s failure to close above the critical $12k level.“This investment reflects our belief that Bitcoin, as the world’s most widely-adopted cryptocurrency, is a dependable store of value and an attractive investment asset with more long-term appreciation potential than holding cash… MicroStrategy has recognized Bitcoin as a legitimate investment asset that can be superior to cash and accordingly has made Bitcoin the principal holding in its treasury reserve strategy.”
Bitcoin daily chart with volume. (Source: )
Bitcoin as a Hedge? Not Every Shareholder is Convinced
As much as this is a boost for Bitcoin in terms of legitimacy, some have suggested MicroStrategy’s approach of going BTC heavy is the wrong thing to do. pointed out that this leaves the company seriously cash deficient. What’s more, with on-going expenses, that require paying in dollars, it was a move that made little sense.Grayscale recently hit the headlines off the back of reports the firm is buying up more Bitcoin than the mining output rate.
Analysis of the situation showed that their BTC purchases were significant. But the reported “in-flows” came from “old-Bitcoin” sent by hedge funds.