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Saylor's $5.7 b bitcoin gamble: what you need to know

Saylorโ€™s $5.7B Loss Under Scrutiny | MicroStrategyโ€™s Bold BTC Strategy

By

Dr. Liam O'Sullivan

Feb 18, 2026, 08:43 PM

Edited By

Marco Rossi

3 minutes estimated to read

A representation of MicroStrategy's logo alongside Bitcoin symbols and charts showing market fluctuations, reflecting a strategic investment in cryptocurrency during a downturn.

MicroStrategy has added over 2,000 Bitcoin to its holdings, raising eyebrows amid its staggering losses. With Bitcoin prices hovering around $68,000 and an average purchase cost of $76,027, the company now faces a paper loss that has brought criticism and concern from various corners of the financial community.

The Financial Gamble

Last week, MicroStrategy purchased 2,486 Bitcoin, pushing its total to 717,131 BTC. By selling common stock and preferred shares, the firm manages to fund these acquisitions despite apparent losses. Many retail traders might panic and sell at this juncture, but MicroStrategy seems unperturbed.

"If a massive company is willing to ignore a $5.7 billion loss to buy more at this price, why are you scared to hold?"

Critics argue that the firmโ€™s funding method raises serious questions. One commenter called it a reliance on future investor interest, stating, "They borrow money from investors and use it to buy Bitcoin."

Concerns About Sustainability

The controversy grows as observers wonder about the long-term viability of MicroStrategyโ€™s strategy. Many comments reflected skepticism:

  • "MSTR doesnโ€™t have a choice. They canโ€™t sell here."

  • "Who is going to lend you $65 billion on 'assets' worth $10 billion? What a dumb comment."

Still, advocates claim the firm is simply engaging in supply-and-demand tactics and buying hard assets while others are hesitant. "Losses are temporary; treasury BTC is permanent," one commentator noted, suggesting that MicroStrategyโ€™s focus on long-term asset retention is part of a sound strategy.

Market Sentiment

The sentiment among people appears to be mixed. Some are optimistic, confident that MicroStrategy's BTC strategy will pay off:

"They didnโ€™t lose anything at all. They still own 717K+ BTC."

While others are cautious, predicting a potential downtrend for MicroStrategy's stock price:

"I am waiting for MicroStrategy to go under and be forced to sell."

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŸข MicroStrategy now holds 717,131 BTC, posing a significant market player.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Average acquisition cost at $76,027 versus current price around $68,000.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Market skepticism is high; some question sustainability after $5.7 billion loss.

Ending

Despite the substantial paper losses, MicroStrategy's bold approach to Bitcoin acquisition continues to attract attention. Whether this gamble pays off in the long run remains to be seen, as market sentiment fluctuates and investors keep a close eye on developments.

What Lies Ahead for MicroStrategy and Bitcoin?

MicroStrategy's strategy hinges on Bitcoin's price movements, and analysts place their bets on the future. There's a strong chance that if Bitcoin rallies back towards its previous highs, MicroStrategy's losses could quickly become gains. Estimates suggest about a 60% probability for Bitcoin reaching $80,000 again within the next year as institutional interest grows. However, should the market downturn persist, this could lead to increased scrutiny and potential changes in MicroStrategy's funding methods, given the firm's reliance on ongoing investor confidence. Expect volatility as both optimism and skepticism will continue to shape public sentiment over the coming months.

Unexpected Echoes from the Dot-Com Era

The situation surrounding MicroStrategy brings to mind the early 2000s tech bubble, where many companies experienced explosive growth yet faced heavy losses. A lesser-known example is that of pets.com, which despite its early hype, collapsed under weighty costs and flawed models. Both MicroStrategy and pets.com illustrate how bold strategies can draw investors' attention while ignoring underlying risk. Just as pets.com failed to adapt to shifting market landscapes, the pressure on MicroStrategy reminds us that even entrenched players in volatile markets must remain adaptable to survive.