Marathon Digital Holdings has announced the acquisition of two Bitcoin mining sites for $178.6 million. This strategic purchase from Generate Capital is set to bolster Marathon’s mining capabilities considerably, especially in anticipation of the upcoming Bitcoin mining reward halving in 2024.

Doubling Down on Capacity and Efficiency

These newly acquired sites in Texas and Nebraska add a combined 390 megawatts to Marathon’s existing capacity. This expansion is not just about size; it’s also a leap towards greater operational control and efficiency. Previously, 97% of Marathon’s capacity came from third-party data centres. Post-acquisition, the company will own and operate 45% of its 910 megawatts, marking a significant shift towards greater autonomy.

Cost-Effective Mining and Expansion Potential

The deal is to reduce Marathon’s cost of mining a single Bitcoin by 30%, substantially improving profitability. The sites offer an immediate expansion potential with 82 megawatts of vacant capacity. Furthermore, as existing hosting clients vacate, Marathon plans to deploy additional equipment, aiming to double its operational hash rate to 50 exahashes in the next two years.

Marathon Digital’s Prudence in Preparation for Halving

Marathon’s approach to this expansion has been marked by financial prudence. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Salman Khan, highlights the deliberate increase in cash and Bitcoin reserves while keeping debt low. This cautious fiscal strategy aligns with the company’s preparation for the Bitcoin mining reward halving event in 2024.

Marathon’s strategic moves have been reflected in its financial performance. The company reported a 670% surge in year-on-year revenue for the third quarter of 2023. This growth translated into a substantial increase in Bitcoin production and a net income of $64.1 million for the quarter, as stated in their November 8 results filing.

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