In a significant move for the video game retail giant, GameStop announced on Tuesday that its board has unanimously approved a plan to use corporate cash reserves to invest in the crypto market’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC).
This decision mirrors a strategy made by the now Bitcoin proxy company Strategy (previously Microstrategy) by MicroStrategy, which has made headlines for its substantial Bitcoin acquisitions led by its co-founder Michael Saylor.
With $4.8 Billion In Cash, GameStop Eyes Bitcoin Expansion
Following the announcement, GameStop’s stock surged more than 6% in extended trading, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the company’s new direction.
This news aligns with earlier reports from CNBC in February, which hinted at GameStop’s intentions to incorporate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into its financial strategy.
As of February 1, GameStop reported holding nearly $4.8 billion in cash, and the company indicated that a portion of this cash, along with potential future debt and equity issuances, may be allocated to Bitcoin and US dollar-denominated stablecoins.
Notably, GameStop has not imposed a ceiling on the amount of Bitcoin it may purchase, suggesting a commitment to exploring the cryptocurrency market without restrictions.
Ryan Cohen’s Vision
This foray into cryptocurrencies is part of a broader strategy by GameStop’s CEO, Ryan Cohen, to revitalize the company’s struggling brick-and-mortar operations.
Under Cohen’s leadership, GameStop has focused on cost-cutting measures and operational streamlining to ensure long-term profitability. By adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet, GameStop aims to modernize its financial approach and appeal to a new generation of investors.
However, the company has also acknowledged the risks associated with this venture. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), GameStop noted that Bitcoin is a highly volatile asset, subject to significant price fluctuations.
The firm cautioned that its Bitcoin strategy has yet to be tested and may ultimately prove unsuccessful, highlighting the inherent risks of investing in cryptocurrency. In conjunction with the cryptocurrency announcement, GameStop also reported positive financial results for its fourth quarter.
The company posted a net income of $131.3 million, more than double the $63.1 million earned in the same period last year. This financial performance, coupled with the new Bitcoin strategy, has generated optimism among investors about GameStop’s future.
At the time of writing, BTC is seeing a notable 7% price recovery on the weekly timeframe, leading to the retaking of the key $88,000 mark. This comes after weeks of heavy selling pressure that saw the leading crypto retreat to the $76,000 level for the first time since November 2024.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
