With Bitcoin reaching new heights in the crypto market, analysts at Bernstein have predicted that the cryptocurrency has the potential to hit $1 million by 2033. They also project a cycle-high of $200,000 by 2025. This optimistic outlook comes as Bernstein initiates coverage of MicroStrategy, a software developer and the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. Currently, MicroStrategy holds approximately $14.5 billion worth of Bitcoin, which amounts to 1.1% of the global supply of the cryptocurrency.
In a span of just four years, MicroStrategy has transformed itself from a small software company to a major player in the crypto space. This significant growth can be attributed to the company’s founder and chairman, Michael Saylor, who has positioned MicroStrategy as a leading Bitcoin-focused firm. Saylor’s leadership has attracted substantial capital, enabling the company to implement an active Bitcoin acquisition strategy. With 214,400 Bitcoin in its possession, MicroStrategy has actively accumulated the cryptocurrency since 2020 as a reserve asset.
Bernstein’s analysts, Gautam Chhugani and Mahika Sapra, have assigned an outperform rating to MicroStrategy with a $2,890 price target. This rating is based on MicroStrategy’s active leveraged Bitcoin strategy, which sets it apart from passive spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The analysts highlight the increased amount of Bitcoin per equity share that MicroStrategy has acquired through its active approach over the past four years. The price forecast for Bitcoin is primarily driven by unprecedented demand from spot ETFs and the limited supply of the cryptocurrency.
MicroStrategy’s long-term convertible debt strategy has allowed the company to capitalize on the potential upside of Bitcoin while minimizing liquidation risk associated with the cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. Recently, the company proposed a $500 million debt sale of convertible notes to further bolster its Bitcoin holdings, reaffirming their commitment to expanding their Bitcoin portfolio and leveraging their position in the crypto market. This move showcases MicroStrategy’s confidence in the future performance of Bitcoin.
Several major corporate investors in Bitcoin, including MicroStrategy, have already started reaping significant rewards from their holdings. At current market prices, MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin position is valued at over $14.59 billion, reflecting massive unrealized profits of nearly $6.5 billion. This gain represents an impressive 104% yield-to-date from the investment allocation initiated under Saylor’s leadership in 2020. MicroStrategy’s successful Bitcoin strategy has also inspired other public companies to consider adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets, with Metaplanet being one of the latest entrants aiming to diversify its treasury assets and hedge against inflation and currency risks.