MicroStrategy's executive chairman and a well-known Bitcoin maximalist, has publicly challenged Apple to ditch its underperforming stock buyback program in favor of acquiring Bitcoin.
His bold call, made on June 10 via X, was a direct response to criticism from financial commentator Jim Cramer, who deemed Apple’s current buyback strategy ineffective.
Apple’s stock has dropped over 17% this year, despite its massive $110 billion buyback initiative announced in May 2024. In stark contrast, Bitcoin has surged over 17% in the same period, and a staggering 1,000% over the past five years, far outpacing Apple’s 137% gain.
Saylor argues this stark difference in performance makes Bitcoin a far superior investment for the tech giant’s capital.
This isn’t just Saylor’s personal opinion; it reflects a growing trend of corporate Bitcoin adoption. Companies like GameStop, which recently bought 4,710 BTC for $513 million, are increasingly adding crypto to their balance sheets.
Japan’s Metaplanet has become the world’s eighth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder, even planning to raise $5.4 billion for more acquisitions.
Similarly, Paris-based The Blockchain Group has amassed over 1,471 BTC and aims to raise another $340 million for its Bitcoin treasury. Saylor’s push for Apple signals a desire for one of the world’s most influential companies to join this emerging financial paradigm.
Bitcoin’s market structure has undergone a dramatic transformation, with Binance surpassing $650 trillion in BTC futures volume since launching the product in September 2019.
While altcoins are enjoying a strong performance across markets, it is Bitcoin that continues to dominate crypto social media chatter, according to a July 3 report by on-chain analytics firm Santiment.
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has issued a cautious outlook for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, predicting a possible short-term downturn as the U.S. government shifts its liquidity strategy.
Bitcoin’s bullish undercurrent continues to strengthen as on-chain data and derivatives market behavior reveal aggressive accumulation from long-term holders and whales.