BitMine, known as the largest publicly traded holder of Ethereum, has announced a $1 billion open-ended stock buyback program. This initiative aims to enhance share value and broaden investor exposure.
Stock Buyback Program
BitMine announced a new open-ended stock buyback program for up to $1 billion. Currently, the company's shares are valued below their net asset value (NAV), prompting the management to decide on buybacks instead of increasing Ether reserves. The estimated NAV per share is $22.76, with BitMine holding approximately 625,000 ETH and 192 BTC.
Ether Strategy: The Alchemy of 5%
As part of a long-term strategy announced on June 30, 2025, BitMine plans to acquire and stake up to 5% of Ethereum's total supply. Tom Lee, the company's chairman, emphasizes that Ethereum is "the most important macro trade for the next decade," highlighting stablecoins as a pivotal innovation within the crypto landscape.
Competition in the Ethereum Market
Despite being the largest publicly traded ETH holder, BitMine faces competition. Sharplink Gaming Inc. recently increased its Ether holdings by acquiring an additional 77,209.58 ETH. Sharplink, led by Joe Lubin, aims to rapidly accumulate more Ether per fully diluted share, while maintaining a cautious approach to leverage management.
BitMine's strategy of share buyback and increasing Ethereum assets highlights the company's confidence in the future of blockchain, while competition in this market continues to intensify.