Tom Lee's Bitmine Immersion Newest Target of Short-Seller Kerrisdale Capital

Core Viewpoint - Kerrisdale Capital has taken a short position in BitMine Immersion (BMNR), criticizing its business model as outdated and unsustainable in current market conditions [1][2]. Company Overview - BitMine, based in Las Vegas, has shifted from a niche bitcoin miner to an ether-focused corporate treasury, raising over $10 billion since July 2025 and acquiring more than 2.8 million ETH [3]. - The stock price surged from approximately $5 to over $100 following the launch of its ether treasury strategy but has since declined to around $58 [4]. Financial Strategy and Market Position - Kerrisdale argues that BitMine's strategy of issuing shares at a premium to acquire crypto is no longer viable, with the pace of stock issuance reaching about $170 million per day, leading to investor fatigue [4]. - The recent $365 million equity raise was criticized as a "discounted giveaway" when considering warrant terms [4]. Leadership and Investor Sentiment - The report questions the effectiveness of Thomas Lee's leadership, suggesting he lacks the influence needed to maintain investor confidence compared to other industry figures [5]. Market Competition and Alternatives - Kerrisdale remains bullish on ether but sees no reason to pay a premium through intermediaries like BitMine, suggesting direct purchases of ETH instead [6]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with over 150 U.S.-listed firms planning $100 billion in crypto treasury offerings and upcoming Ethereum ETFs expected to provide lower-cost exposure [6]. Performance Metrics - BitMine's disclosures have become less transparent, with ETH-per-share growth slowing significantly despite an increase in token holdings. The market premium for BitMine has decreased from 2.0x in August to around 1.2x in October [7].