Metaplanet's $6.9M Bitcoin Buy Boosts Holdings to 506 BTC, Stock Soars 495%
October 1, 2024Metaplanet, a Japanese investment firm, has made headlines by acquiring 107.913 BTC for approximately 1 billion yen, equivalent to $6.9 million, bringing its total Bitcoin holdings to 506.745 BTC.
This latest purchase is part of a broader strategy that has seen the company invest a total of 4.75 billion yen in Bitcoin since it declared the cryptocurrency a reserve asset, with an average acquisition price of about $65,000 per coin.
Metaplanet's approach aims to provide domestic investors with exposure to Bitcoin while leveraging favorable tax treatment, aligning with a growing trend among Japanese investment managers.
The company's strategy mirrors that of other corporations like Tesla and Square, which have also made significant investments in Bitcoin, showcasing a rising corporate confidence in digital assets.
Since May 2024, Metaplanet has followed the lead of U.S. firm MicroStrategy in diversifying into Bitcoin, earning the nickname 'Asia’s MicroStrategy' for its aggressive accumulation of the cryptocurrency.
In a strategic move to enhance its Bitcoin trading and custody services, Metaplanet partnered with SBI Group’s crypto investment arm in September.
The firm plans to raise $70 million through stock rights offerings, with over 80% of the proceeds earmarked specifically for its Bitcoin strategy.
CEO Simon Gerovich has ambitious plans to acquire a total of 1,000 BTC, positioning Metaplanet among the top corporate holders of Bitcoin globally.
This strategy is designed to protect the company from Japan's economic challenges, including the depreciating value of the yen, and has proven effective as Metaplanet's stock price surged by 420% since it began investing in Bitcoin.
As a result of its investments, Metaplanet has become the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin in Japan and the second-largest institutional holder in Asia, trailing only Meitu Inc.
Following the announcement of its Bitcoin strategy, Metaplanet's stock experienced a remarkable surge, increasing approximately 495% year-to-date, despite recent market fluctuations.
In response to the growing interest in cryptocurrencies, Japanese regulators are considering easing regulations to stimulate investment, which may include potential tax reductions for funds investing in digital assets.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
CoinDesk • Oct 1, 2024
Metaplanet Buys Another 107 Bitcoin, Pushing Stock-BTC Ratio to 20%Decrypt • Oct 1, 2024
Metaplanet Adds $6.6 Million in Bitcoin to Its Corporate TreasuryCrypto Briefing • Oct 1, 2024
Metaplanet acquires additional ¥1 billion worth of BTC