Michael Saylor Responds to Critics of Bitcoin Treasury Companies

MicroStrategy Chairman Defends Bitcoin Corporate Treasury Strategy Amid Criticism

During a recent appearance on the What Bitcoin Did podcast, Michael Saylor, Chairman of MicroStrategy, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to holding Bitcoin as a core component of its treasury reserves. Saylor addressed criticism surrounding corporate adoption of Bitcoin, emphasizing the strategic advantages of allocating excess cash into the cryptocurrency rather than traditional assets like U.S. Treasurys or stock buybacks.

Key Takeaways

• MicroStrategy has accumulated over 687,410 Bitcoin since 2020, making it the largest corporate holder of the asset.
• Saylor argues that Bitcoin holdings can offset weak operating results, especially for unprofitable companies.
• The company’s treasury strategy is based on rational capital allocation, favoring Bitcoin over conventional low-yield investments.
• Notable firms like MARA Holdings and Twenty One Capital also maintain significant Bitcoin reserves, consolidating corporate interest in crypto assets.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC, $MSTR, $MARA

Sentiment: Bullish

Price impact: Positive. The endorsement of corporate Bitcoin holdings supports broader institutional confidence in the asset class.

Market context: The narrative reflects growing mainstream acceptance toward Bitcoin as a long-term store of value and a strategic treasury asset amid turbulent markets.

Saylor Defends Company’s Bitcoin Strategy

Michael Saylor highlighted MicroStrategy’s longstanding commitment to Bitcoin, which began accumulating during 2020. He argued that the decision to hold Bitcoin is rational, especially for companies with excess cash, as it provides a compelling risk-reward profile compared to traditional treasury investments.

Saylor compared corporate treasury strategies to individual investing, emphasizing that regardless of company size or industry, holding Bitcoin can be a rational decision. He also dismissed concerns about unprofitable firms embracing Bitcoin, suggesting that digital assets can offset operational losses. “If a company is losing $10 million a year but gains $30 million from Bitcoin appreciation, it has effectively saved itself,” he explained.

He further contrasted Bitcoin purchases with corporate stock buybacks and low-yield Treasurys, stating that the latter can worsen outcomes for struggling firms by amplifying losses. Bitcoin, on the other hand, offers a different, potentially more rewarding, risk profile on balance sheets.

Saylor pointed out that companies with Bitcoin on their balance sheets often face harsher scrutiny than those that do not hold any digital assets, further fueling criticism from certain quarters of the industry. “The Bitcoin community tends to be very critical of its advocates,” he said, adding: “It’s strange that many companies choose not to adopt Bitcoin, yet are quick to criticize those that do.”

Since 2020, MicroStrategy has consistently increased its Bitcoin holdings, making it the most prominent corporate entity with a substantial digital asset reserve. Recent reports indicate the company added 13,627 BTC in a major purchase worth approximately $1.25 billion, its largest since July 2025.

Wider Adoption of Bitcoin in Corporate Reserves

The trend of publicly traded companies turning to Bitcoin as a treasury asset has accelerated into 2025. Currently, approximately 1.1 million Bitcoins are held collectively by corporate entities, representing about 5.5% of the circulating supply. This shift has occurred despite market volatility and broader macroeconomic uncertainties.

However, data from BitcoinTreasuries.NET shows that ownership remains concentrated among a small number of firms, with MicroStrategy, MARA Holdings, and Twenty One Capital leading. MARA holds 53,250 BTC, and Twenty One Capital possesses 43,514 BTC, demonstrating a significant institutional stake in digital assets.