ZACKS·2025-11-27 14:11Core Insights - CleanSpark (CLSK) and MicroStrategy (MSTR) are two prominent options for investors seeking Bitcoin-linked exposure without direct cryptocurrency ownership. Their business models differ significantly, with CleanSpark focusing on Bitcoin mining and MicroStrategy acting as a large Bitcoin holding company with a software foundation [1][2] CleanSpark Overview - CleanSpark operates energy-efficient Bitcoin mining data centers, achieving a 10.9% year-over-year increase in Bitcoin production, totaling 7,873 Bitcoin in fiscal 2025. The average revenue per Bitcoin rose by 55% to approximately $98,000, contributing to a 102.2% year-over-year revenue increase to $766.3 million [3][4] - The company has expanded its hashrate, reaching an average of 45.6 exahash per second (EH/s) as of September 30, 2025, up from 27.6 EH/s a year prior [4] - CleanSpark is transitioning from a Bitcoin miner to a broader digital infrastructure provider, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) data centers, which diversifies its revenue streams and reduces reliance on Bitcoin price fluctuations [6][7] MicroStrategy Overview - MicroStrategy has evolved from a software analytics firm to one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders, with approximately 640,808 BTC valued at nearly $71 billion as of October 26, 2025. This substantial Bitcoin treasury significantly influences the company's financial performance [8] - The company generated a 26% Bitcoin yield year-to-date, with Bitcoin-related gains nearing $12.9 billion, and aims for a full-year yield target of 30% for 2025 [9] - In Q3 2025, MicroStrategy's revenues increased by 11% year-over-year to $128.7 million, with earnings per share improving to $8.42 from a loss of $1.72 in the previous year [11] Revenue Growth and Estimates - CleanSpark is projected to have a better sales growth outlook, with fiscal 2026 revenue estimates at $1 billion, indicating a 30.8% year-over-year increase [15] - In contrast, MicroStrategy's revenue estimates for 2025 and 2026 are $473.1 million and $496.1 million, reflecting modest growth rates of 2.1% and 4.9%, respectively [16] Stock Performance and Valuation - CleanSpark's stock has gained 47.9% year-to-date, outperforming MicroStrategy, which has seen a decline of 39.2% [18] - In terms of valuation, CleanSpark trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 3.47, significantly lower than MicroStrategy's 100.19 [19] Conclusion - CleanSpark presents a more compelling investment case due to its faster expected revenue growth, attractive valuation, and strategic diversification into AI and HPC data centers, while MicroStrategy's slower growth and higher valuation make it less appealing at this time [20]