TLDR
- Japanese investment firm Metaplanet plans to issue 1 billion yen ($6.26 million) in bonds to purchase Bitcoin.
- Metaplanet currently holds 141.07 Bitcoin and aims to increase its holdings for long-term investment.
- The company’s stock price has surged over 500% this year, with a 12.2% jump following the recent announcement.
- Metaplanet adopted a “Bitcoin-first, Bitcoin-only approach” to its treasury in May 2024 in response to economic pressures in Japan.
- The planned purchase would bring Metaplanet’s total Bitcoin holdings to approximately 241 BTC, worth around $15 million.
Metaplanet Inc., a Tokyo-based investment and consulting firm, has announced plans to issue 1 billion yen ($6.26 million) worth of bonds to purchase more Bitcoin. This move, approved by the company’s board of directors on Monday, June 24, 2024, is part of Metaplanet’s strategy to increase its cryptocurrency holdings for long-term investment.
*Metaplanet issues ¥1 billion in 0.5% bonds; proceeds to fund additional purchases of $BTC* pic.twitter.com/qKZQKHZ6MS
— Metaplanet Inc. (@Metaplanet_JP) June 24, 2024
The company, which currently holds 141.07 Bitcoin, aims to significantly boost its digital asset reserves. If the planned purchase were to occur at current market prices, Metaplanet’s total Bitcoin holdings would increase to approximately 241 BTC, with an estimated value of around $15 million.
Metaplanet’s decision to issue bonds for Bitcoin acquisition comes as part of its “Bitcoin-first, Bitcoin-only approach” to treasury management. The company first adopted this strategy in mid-May 2024, citing it as a direct response to ongoing economic challenges in Japan. These challenges include high government debt levels, extended periods of negative real interest rates, and a weakened yen.
The bonds, set to be issued on June 26, 2024, will have an annual interest rate of 0.5% and a maturity date of June 25, 2025. Metaplanet has explicitly stated that the funds raised through this bond issuance will be used to purchase Bitcoin.
This announcement has had a significant impact on Metaplanet’s stock performance. The company’s shares surged 11.5% on Monday, trading at 96 yen ($0.60) per share. This continues the impressive growth trend seen throughout the year, with Metaplanet’s stock price having increased by over 500% since the beginning of 2024.
The company’s Bitcoin investment strategy has drawn comparisons to that of MicroStrategy, a U.S.-based software company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings. However, it’s worth noting that MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin reserves far exceed those of Metaplanet, with the American firm holding 214,400 BTC, valued at approximately $13.4 billion.
Metaplanet’s Bitcoin purchases have been carried out in stages. The company made its initial Bitcoin acquisition in mid-May, followed by additional purchases on June 11. With each purchase, Metaplanet has reaffirmed its commitment to holding Bitcoin as a long-term investment.
Metaplanet’s average purchasing price for Bitcoin stands at 10.28 million yen (about $65,365) per Bitcoin.
Given the recent market downturn, with Bitcoin trading at around $62,733 as of June 24, the company’s investments are currently underwater. However, Metaplanet appears undeterred by short-term price fluctuations, maintaining its focus on long-term holding.
The broader cryptocurrency market has experienced some volatility in recent weeks. Bitcoin, after nearly touching $72,000 in early June, has retreated to a 40-day low. Despite this market downturn, Metaplanet’s commitment to increasing its Bitcoin holdings remains steadfast.
Metaplanet’s strategy reflects a growing trend among corporations to diversify their treasury holdings with digital assets. This approach is particularly notable in Japan, where economic pressures have led some companies to explore alternative store-of-value assets.
The company’s move also highlights the increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. By issuing bonds to fund Bitcoin purchases, Metaplanet is leveraging traditional financial instruments to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market.
