The ‘Infinite Money Glitch’: MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Strategy Under Scrutiny
- MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy, valued at $17B, is under scrutiny due to its $4.25B debt and premium stock valuations.
- The company’s “infinite money glitch” allows it to raise capital and acquire more Bitcoin, but risks from debt complexities remain.
- Despite Bitcoin price volatility, MicroStrategy’s software revenue seems enough to cover debt interest, preventing forced sales.
MicroStrategy owns more than 250,000 Bitcoins, worth $17 billion, while its stock is valued at $43 billion. According to Wu Blockchain, even though the company has $4.25 billion in debt, it keeps raising money by selling more shares to buy even more Bitcoin.
Infinite money glitch tactic has been likened to the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust’s previous premium-to-NAV trading pattern. Nonetheless, worries about MicroStrategy’s long-term viability are still there due to its complicated financing and volatile market.
BitMEX Research: MicroStrategy has $4.25 billion in debt, its stock is worth $43 billion, and its bitcoin holdings are worth $17 billion. While the stock is trading at a premium, there is the “infinite money glitch” and no reason to sell Bitcoin. But this glitch will not last… pic.twitter.com/XnOqQ29Dus
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) November 17, 2024
The ‘Infinite Money Glitch’ and Premium Valuations
MicroStrategy has launched five equity offerings, raising $4.4 billion since adopting its Bitcoin strategy. Consequently, this approach increases the stock’s book value, enticing investors. However, such premiums resemble the speculative fervor seen in past Bitcoin cycles. The company’s $43 billion valuation significantly exceeds its NAV, puzzling analysts. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust previously experienced similar conditions, attracting immense inflows before its ETF conversion.
Moreover, Michael Saylor, MicroStrategy’s co-founder, remains controversial in crypto. Critics highlight his stances against privacy technologies, Bitcoin developers, and self-custody. Similarly, Barry Silbert of Grayscale faced backlash for his role in the 2017 New York Agreement. Despite these controversies, both figures propelled Bitcoin adoption through their bold strategies.
Debt Complexities and Bitcoin Price Volatility
MicroStrategy’s $4.25 billion outstanding bonds include various conversion options, complicating valuation. The company must navigate cash liabilities from four interest-bearing bonds. Despite Bitcoin price volatility, MicroStrategy’s software business generates enough cash flow to cover interest payments. Hence, a Bitcoin crash alone would not force the company to liquidate its holdings.
However, zero-coupon bonds introduce unique risks. Holders lack cash redemption rights unless fundamental business changes occur, increasing potential vulnerability to market fluctuations. Besides, current stock prices exceed bond conversion thresholds, adding complexity to bondholder options.
