Riot Platforms expands with Kentucky Bitcoin mining acquisition By Investing.com

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:), a key player in mining, has officially acquired Kentucky-based Block Mining, Inc., in a strategic move to increase operational capacity and enhance its hash rate. The deal, valued at $92.5 million, was settled with $18.5 million in cash and $74 million in Riot common stock. Additional payouts up to $32.5 million could follow based on future power capacity expansion through 2025.

Block Mining operates two sites in Kentucky, combining for 60 MW of capacity, with an immediate expansion potential to 110 MW. The acquisition not only boosts Riot’s hash rate by 1 EH/s but also positions the company for a potential increase to 16 EH/s by the end of 2025. Block Mining’s current and planned facilities could contribute over 300 MW to Riot’s portfolio, subject to executing power purchase agreements (PPAs).

The transaction brings Riot into new energy markets beyond ERCOT, leveraging relationships with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Big Rivers Electric Corporation in the MISO energy region. Riot’s CEO, Jason Les, emphasized the significance of the acquisition in diversifying Riot’s operations and accelerating growth in Kentucky. Block Mining’s management team, praised for their experience and efficiency, will remain to drive the expansion.

The purchase was advised by Stifel for Riot and XMS Capital Partners for Block Mining, with legal counsel provided by Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Winston & Strawn LLP, respectively. This expansion aligns with Riot’s vision to lead in Bitcoin-driven infrastructure and follows the company’s strategy of vertically integrated operations, which now span across Texas, Kentucky, and Colorado.

This article is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Riot Platforms, a key player in Bitcoin mining, has exceeded its second-quarter target by reaching a deployed hash rate of 22.0 exahashes per second. This increase is attributed to the addition of 7.3 EH/s at Riot’s Corsicana Facility and the utilization of additional capacity at its Rockdale Facility. The company is also in the midst of a strategic review following a dispute with its largest shareholder, Bitfarms, over a rejected $950 million acquisition offer.

Simultaneously, Bitfarms has announced the appointment of Ben Gagnon as its new CEO, a move that comes amid the ongoing tension with Riot Platforms. Gagnon, previously the company’s Chief Mining Officer, brings extensive industry experience to his new role.

In the political sphere, the upcoming U.S. presidential elections have led to speculation about the potential impacts of either candidate’s policies on various industries. Analysts from UBS and J.P.Morgan have provided insights into how sectors such as banking, clean energy, and cryptocurrency might be affected under the potential administrations of incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Moreover, shares linked to a potential Trump presidency, including Trump Media & Technology Group and various cryptocurrency-related stocks, have seen significant gains. This surge is reportedly linked to an increase in investors’ bets on Trump’s victory in the upcoming elections.

These are recent developments in the financial and political landscape, providing investors with a clearer view of the current situation.

InvestingPro Insights

In the wake of Riot Platforms, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) acquisition of Block Mining, Inc., the company’s financial metrics and market performance provide a broader context for investors evaluating the impact of this strategic move. According to InvestingPro data, Riot holds a market capitalization of $3.34 billion, reflecting the scale of its operations within the Bitcoin mining industry. The company’s Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 15.99, indicating how much investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings, which is a key metric for valuation.

On the operational front, Riot has demonstrated a solid 13.51% revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, signaling an upward trend in its business activities. This is complemented by a robust gross profit margin of 16.89%, underscoring the company’s ability to manage its cost of goods sold effectively.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Riot not only holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet but also anticipates net income and sales growth in the current year. These factors are crucial for investors considering the company’s financial health and growth prospects post-acquisition. Additionally, while Riot’s stock price movements have been quite volatile, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, which could be a positive sign for potential investors.

For readers interested in deeper analysis, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, which include insights on Riot’s cash burn rate, valuation multiples, and liquidity position. For instance, while Riot trades at a low P/E ratio relative to near-term earnings growth, it also suffers from weak gross profit margins and a valuation that implies a poor free cash flow yield. To access these insights, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/RIOT and use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription. In total, there are 15 additional InvestingPro Tips available for Riot Platforms, Inc., providing a comprehensive view of the company’s financial performance and market outlook.

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