Is Cipher Mining Inc. (CIFR) One of the Best Cryptocurrency Stocks to Buy for the Long Term?

Core Viewpoint - Cipher Mining Inc. is positioned as a strong long-term investment in the cryptocurrency sector, bolstered by significant agreements and financial backing, particularly in high-performance computing and AI hosting [1][2][3]. Group 1: Strategic Agreements and Financial Backing - Cipher Mining has secured a 10-year AI-hosting agreement with Fluidstack valued at approximately $830 million, with potential total contracted revenue reaching about $2 billion and overall partnership value around $9 billion [1]. - Google has provided a lease guarantee of $333 million, increasing its total backing to approximately $1.73 billion [1]. - The company completed a private offering of $1.4 billion in senior secured notes, enhancing its financial capacity to support the construction of its Barber Lake facility [4]. Group 2: Operational and Financial Projections - Cipher plans to finance the construction of its Barber Lake facility through project debt and $118 million in equity, with expected construction costs between $9 million and $10 million per megawatt and anticipated margins of 85% to 90% [2]. - The company operates Bitcoin mining facilities while expanding into high-performance computing, focusing on sustainable and efficient energy use [5]. Group 3: Market Position and Analyst Ratings - Citizens initiated coverage of Cipher Mining with a Market Outperform rating and a price target of $30, highlighting the company's strategic shift from pure bitcoin mining to leveraging its 3.8-gigawatt power pipeline in Texas [3]. - Analyst Greg Miller noted that Cipher's buildout plans for 2026 position it uniquely in the high-performance computing market, potentially allowing it to compete with major projects and establish itself as a significant data-center operator [3].