Metaplanet Pauses Share Sales to Fund Bitcoin Purchases

Metaplanet (MTPLF) has announced it will suspend the exercise of its 20th to 22nd series of stock acquisition rights, also known as Moving Strike Warrants, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 17. The suspension, which applies to warrants issued through a third-party allotment to Evo Fund, will pause the exercise of all remaining rights for a 20-day trading period.

What it means

Metaplanet is essentially halting, for now, the sale of common stock to fund additional bitcoin purchases. The company is doing this after a months-long collapse in its stock has left the share valuation at just barely above the value of the bitcoin on its balance sheet. Additional share sales would thus potentially be dilutive to shareholders.

Metaplanet isn't alone. Even as bitcoin has risen throughout the year and trades within sight of record highs, shares in bitcoin treasury companies — most of which were quickly formed in attempt to mimic the success of Michael Saylor's Strategy (MSTR) — have plunged.

Among them are KindlyMD (NAKA) and Strive (ASST), both of which recently closed SPAC merger deals only to see their share prices quickly lose 80% or more as investors question to need to pay any premium to the value of the bitcoin on their balance sheet.

Metaplanet, which holds 30,823 BTC and ranks as the fourth largest corporate bitcoin holder globally, said the suspension is a strategic move to manage capital formation amid evolving market conditions. The company said will continue to maximize flexibility, strengthen its financial foundation, and support shareholder value. It also plans to continue developing new financial instruments and enhancing its capital policy.