Shares of (NASDAQ:) , a leading Bitcoin (BTC) mining firm, closed higher on Friday, extending gains after the company missed earnings estimates for the first quarter.
However, investors appeared to be more focused on the company’s efforts to reduce costs, which analysts believe will be crucial for miners to succeed in the long run. At press time, MARA stock is up by 9%, trading at $15.52 on Friday.
What Happened: Jefferies analysts highlighted that the recent surge in Bitcoin price and MARA’s transition toward more sustainable energy, including solar and flared gas-driven data centers, will likely lower the company’s power costs.
Jonathan Petersen, an analyst at Jefferies, noted that the company’s infrastructure expansion, impacting 114 MW wind farm and newly energized 25 MW micro flared gas data center would aid in decreasing energy costs, ultimately improving profit margins. “MARA is expanding infrastructure at its 114 MW wind farm and has fully energized its 25 MW micro flared gas data center,” Petersen stated.
Analysts are optimistic that as MARA continues investing in energy assets, they will be able to cut costs even further, leading to improved profitability. Petersen raised his price target for the stock to $16 from $13, while maintaining a “hold” rating.
Bitcoin miners have struggled in recent times as their profit margins have been squeezed by lower crypto prices and higher energy costs. In response, some miners are exploring additional sources of revenue, such as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing (HPC).
However, MARA has remained focused on diversifying within its core business, aiming to generate revenue from transaction services, mining pools, and cutting energy costs through green energy.
H.C. Wainwright analyst Kevin Dede highlighted MARA’s strategy to stay ahead of competitors. “The company remains focused on technology development in its core vertical of power conversion,” Dede added.
He believes MARA’s approach will provide a sustained competitive edge. Dede, who has a buy rating on the stock with a target of $28, agreed that the company’s focus on improving power efficiency will be key to their success.
