Japanese investment firm Metaplanet is making waves with an audacious financial maneuver, announcing plans to raise 21.2 billion yen ($135 million) through a strategic capital increase dubbed “MERCURY.” This aggressive move comes despite significant market headwinds that have seen the company’s shares decline 7.75% to 357 yen on Friday, contributing to a six-month loss of approximately 60% in shareholder value. The management’s decision to double down raises questions about strategic foresight versus potential overconfidence.
Financial Strategy and Bitcoin Accumulation
At the heart of Metaplanet’s strategy lies the issuance of 23.61 million Series “MERCURY” shares, with all proceeds exclusively dedicated to expanding the company’s Bitcoin holdings. The terms reveal a surprising confidence from institutional backers, featuring a substantial premium to current market levels:
- Issue price per share: 900 yen (representing a significant premium over the current 357 yen market price)
- Total offering value: Approximately 21.2 billion yen ($135 million)
- Dividend yield: Fixed annual rate of 4.9%
- Capital allocation: 100% of proceeds directed toward Bitcoin acquisition
The final decision rests with shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for December 22. Under CEO Simon Gerovich’s leadership, the company aims to complete the transaction before year-end.
Portfolio Performance and Market Realities
Metaplanet’s substantial Bitcoin portfolio, now totaling 30,823 BTC, faces considerable pressure in the current crypto market environment. Verified market data reveals a challenging position:
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- Average acquisition cost: Approximately $108,000 per Bitcoin
- Current Bitcoin trading range: $86,000 – $88,000
- Unrealized portfolio loss: Roughly 15% on Bitcoin holdings
This valuation gap has created an unusual market dynamic where Metaplanet’s stock trades below its net asset value. The company’s market capitalization currently sits lower than the spot value of its Bitcoin reserves alone, creating a discount that investors are closely monitoring for potential correction opportunities.
Market Position and Strategic Implications
From a technical perspective, Metaplanet shares remain firmly in a downtrend, with Friday’s closing price of 357 yen confirming negative momentum from 2025 highs. The stock’s performance closely mirrors Bitcoin’s retreat from previous peaks around $100,000.
The company effectively functions as a leveraged long position on Bitcoin, adopting an Asian interpretation of the MicroStrategy investment approach. The willingness of institutional investors to participate in the capital raise at 900 yen per share suggests confidence in the underlying value exceeding current market prices. The deal structure further minimizes immediate dilution concerns, with a conversion price set at 1,000 yen – nearly triple the current trading level.
All attention now turns to the December 22 shareholder vote. Approval would serve as the necessary catalyst to initiate the next wave of Bitcoin accumulation. Successful deployment at current levels around $86,000 could significantly reduce the company’s average acquisition cost, though substantial risk remains inherent in this high-stakes strategy.
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