Why Michael Saylor's #Bitcoin investments have been successful?
Warren Buffett, the renowned investor, has criticized Bitcoin as being based on the "Greater Fool Theory." According to Buffett, Bitcoin's value relies on the belief that someone else will be willing to buy it at a higher price in the future, rather than any inherent intrinsic value.
A year ago, when Michael Saylor, the former CEO of MicroStrategy, decided to pivot the company's focus to investing in Bitcoin (BTC), the decision raised eyebrows. Bitcoin's price was on a downward spiral, and MicroStrategy's paper losses were hovering around $1 billion, with an average purchase price of $30,664, while the crypto market seemed to be in turmoil.
The situation took a darker turn when the crypto exchange FTX collapsed, dragging Bitcoin's price to under $16,000, leading to concerns about MicroStrategy's financial stability. Today, the narrative has changed. Bitcoin's price has surged to over $34,000, and MicroStrategy's Bitcoin holdings have grown to 152,800, significantly lowering their cost basis to $29,672. MicroStrategy's stock price has also rebounded to $390, a significant improvement from $270 a year ago, though still below its 2021 peak of nearly $1,300.
Saylor's strategic shift into Bitcoin has paid off remarkably. Since August 2020, MicroStrategy's share price has surged by an impressive 254%, outperforming the Nasdaq's 31% gain and tech giants like Google's Alphabet, Apple, and Microsoft, which have seen increases ranging from 60% to 76% in the same period.
This journey, however, is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market. The Greater Fool Theory, which suggests that some are willing to pay more for assets that may lack inherent value, rings true in this context. Market dynamics, speculation, and investor sentiment can drive prices well beyond fundamental value, creating opportunities for early entrants and challenges for those who join the party later.