Metaplanet, the Tokyo-listed investment firm, has recently made waves by acquiring 135 Bitcoin, which brings its total holdings to an impressive 2,235 BTC. This move solidifies its status as one of Japan’s foremost corporate Bitcoin investors. On February 25, the company announced this latest acquisition, which set it back approximately 1.9 billion yen (around $12.8 million), bringing its average purchase price to about 12.44 million yen (roughly $82,000) per Bitcoin.
Since initiating its Bitcoin Treasury Operations, similar to the renowned investments of MicroStrategy, Metaplanet has been steadily increasing its holdings. Notably, the firm’s Bitcoin Yield—a measure indicating the amount of Bitcoin held per share—spiked by 309.8% during the last quarter of 2024. This rapid growth, which saw its total Bitcoin holdings shoot up from just 141 BTC at the end of June 2024, has demonstrated the company’s aggressive investment strategy.
Looking forward, Metaplanet has ambitious goals for its cryptocurrency investments, aiming to hold 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026. This commitment aligns with Japan’s progressive attitude toward cryptocurrency, setting the stage for the firm to potentially influence other companies considering similar ventures.
On the capital front, Metaplanet has utilized various market strategies to finance its Bitcoin acquisitions. Earlier this year, the company offered 21 million stock acquisition rights to EVO FUND, managed by Evolution Capital Management, and followed this up with bond redemptions totaling 4 billion yen (around $26.5 million) just last month. This mounting financial maneuverability has seen Metaplanet emerge as the best-performing stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, witnessing its stock price soar by over 3,000% since launching its Bitcoin purchasing strategy.
To continue this momentum, Metaplanet announced plans for its upcoming 10-to-1 stock split, set to take effect on April 1. This restructuring of shares, following a reverse stock split last August, is aimed at enhancing liquidity and attracting new investors by making shares more accessible. With the stock price firmly above 6,000 yen per share, this split may offer existing and prospective stockholders expanded opportunities for investment as Metaplanet looks to consolidate its burgeoning position within the cryptocurrency space.
Despite these positive movements, Metaplanet's stock saw a slight dip of 1.3% during lunch trading on Tuesday, though it remains on track with significant year-to-date growth of 67.5%. The company’s shares have jumped by 233.7% over the past year, showcasing investor confidence as well as the thriving market for Bitcoin.
Despite the challenges, Metaplanet's strategy may serve as a roadmap for other businesses eager to incorporate Bitcoin within their asset portfolios. With Bitcoin remaining volatile yet resilient, the proactive steps taken by Metaplanet not only speak to its unique business model but also highlight the growing acceptance and integration of digital currency within traditional financial ecosystems. The anticipated results of the stock split and future Bitcoin acquisitions will be closely observed by both domestic and international investors as the company charts its course within the vibrant world of cryptocurrency investing.