Bitcoin miners are undoubtedly one of the essentials of the cryptocurrency market. During the crypto winter of 2022, a large number of Bitcoin miners filed for bankruptcy. However, Hut8 CEO Asher Genoot is optimistic that this trend will be less common in the next cycle. He believes that the risks for BTC miners have decreased. So, what is expected in the next phase?
Changes in Mining Sector Dynamics Show Strength
According to Genoot, the number of Bitcoin (BTC) mining companies facing bankruptcy in the coming years will be much less compared to the turmoil of 2022. Genoot attributes the previous wave of bankruptcies to excessive borrowing and inadequate preparation for rising energy costs.
“A major area that led to numerous bankruptcies and distressed assets in the mining sector was the leverage ratio of 2021. Many companies grew with this debt, and when Bitcoin prices fell and energy prices rose in 2022, this debt became unpayable,” says Genoot.
Compute North, Celsius Mining, and Core Scientific were among the Bitcoin miners that filed for bankruptcy during the 2022 crypto winter. However, Genoot notes that since then, miners have moved towards less leverage and have relied more on equity markets for debt-free capital to expand their operations.
What Are the Expectations for the Future?
Genoot expects an increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among smaller-scale Bitcoin miners, which he believes will contribute to a lower bankruptcy rate. He suggests that significant M&A activity or distress opportunities could emerge if Bitcoin’s price retreats to the $30,000 or $40,000 levels.
With Bitcoin’s halving set to occur on April 20th, Genoot predicts that investor focus will shift towards large-scale operators with the lowest marginal production costs. He cites his own strategic decision to merge the operations of US Bitcoin Corp with Hut 8 Mining Corp through a complete stock merger as an example of this approach.
Market Dynamics in Cryptocurrencies Also Differ
Historically, Bitcoin has reached all-time highs approximately 6-12 months after the halving events of 2012, 2016, and 2020. However, Bitcoin recently broke this pattern by surpassing its all-time high price of $68,990 about 46 days before the upcoming halving on March 5th.
Industry experts attribute this unusual price movement to the recent introduction of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States. This development has contributed to the bullish sentiment surrounding Bitcoin in recent months.
In conclusion, while challenges persist in the volatile cryptocurrency mining sector, Hut8 CEO Asher Genoot believes that Bitcoin miners will be at a lower risk of bankruptcy in future cycles.
