hodler

27 Apr 2026, 17:15

Bernstein sees IREN pivoting from Bitcoin mining to $3.7B AI cloud business

As Bitcoin miner IREN shifts toward AI cloud infrastructure, leveraging a Microsoft deal and GPU expansion, analysts expect mining revenue to decline over time.

27 Apr 2026, 16:03

Tether expands into Bitcoin mining infrastructure with launch of open-source MDK framework

Tether's new MDK framework aims to standardize and automate Bitcoin mining, expanding its role beyond stablecoins.

27 Apr 2026, 15:31

Egrag Crypto Unveils XRP Monthly EMA and Wave 3 Setup

Crypto analyst Egrag Crypto has outlined a detailed technical outlook for XRP in a recent post on X, emphasizing a combination of exponential moving averages and Elliott Wave theory to support a bullish scenario. His analysis focuses on the monthly timeframe, where he identifies the 50 EMA as a key level currently holding price structure. According to the post, XRP’s previous market cycle saw price action wick down to the 100 EMA, which he describes as a final accumulation zone before a major upward move. In contrast, the current cycle appears to show reduced selling pressure and a more stable structure. He states that the market is maturing, which may result in less aggressive downward movements compared to prior cycles. Egrag Crypto suggests that the 50 EMA is now acting as a base, reinforcing the idea that XRP may not revisit deeper levels. While he does not completely rule out a move toward the 100 EMA, he indicates that such a scenario would likely be brief and represent a limited opportunity rather than a prolonged correction. #XRP – Monthly EMA + Wave 3⃣ Setup: 1⃣ EMA Signal: Holding 50 EMA (Monthly) Last cycle wicked to 100 EMA → final buy zone Now: selling pressure fading, structure stronger 2⃣ Key Hypothesis: No deep repeat this time 50 EMA = base Possible shallow wick to 100 EMA… pic.twitter.com/pcBunmg1Rn — EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) April 25, 2026 Wave 3 Projection Supports Higher Price Targets A central component of the analysis is the identification of an ongoing Elliott Wave pattern. Egrag Crypto outlines that XRP has already completed Wave 1, defined as the breakout phase, followed by Wave 2, which involved a corrective movement. He now asserts that the asset has entered Wave 3, typically considered the strongest phase in an Elliott Wave cycle. He highlights that Wave 3 often extends to at least 1.618 times the length of Wave 1, which forms the basis for his projected price range. In this case, he estimates a potential move toward levels between $15 and $31 . This projection aligns with the visual chart he shared, which includes an upward price channel and Fibonacci extensions supporting these targets. The chart also integrates the 50 EMA and 100 EMA as dynamic support levels, reinforcing the structural argument. Egrag Crypto presents this alignment of indicators as evidence that XRP is transitioning from an accumulation phase into an expansion phase. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Strategy and Market Positioning In terms of strategy, Egrag Crypto states that the 50 EMA should be viewed as an accumulation zone under current conditions. He adds that any dip toward the 100 EMA would represent a rare entry opportunity within the broader trend. His approach emphasizes gradual accumulation, suggesting that market participants consider dollar-cost averaging while adding more positions during periods of weakness. He also addresses risk and reward, noting that waiting for lower prices could result in missed positioning if the anticipated expansion phase continues without significant pullbacks. He indicates that early positioning aligns with how more experienced market participants approach such setups. Egrag Crypto concludes that XRP’s current structure favors strength as long as the 50 EMA holds. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Egrag Crypto Unveils XRP Monthly EMA and Wave 3 Setup appeared first on Times Tabloid .

27 Apr 2026, 14:55

Hut 8 Bond Sale Powers Google AI Data Center Expansion: A Strategic Shift

BitcoinWorld Hut 8 Bond Sale Powers Google AI Data Center Expansion: A Strategic Shift Nasdaq-listed Bitcoin miner Hut 8 (HUT) is pursuing a bond issuance to finance a new data center linked to Google that will support artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reported. The company is raising funds by issuing secured bonds maturing in 2042, with a target of at least $3 billion. This move marks a significant pivot from Bitcoin mining to energy and digital infrastructure. Hut 8 Bond Sale Details and Key Players The offering is being managed by investment banks including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley. Google will reportedly support the project financially, including making rent payments for the data center under a lease agreement. The secured bonds are designed to attract institutional investors seeking long-term, stable returns tied to a major technology partner. Hut 8’s decision to issue secured bonds maturing in 2042 reflects a strategic shift toward infrastructure assets with predictable cash flows. The company aims to leverage its existing energy assets and land holdings to build a facility optimized for AI workloads, which require high-density computing and reliable power. From Bitcoin Mining to AI Infrastructure This move comes as Hut 8 shifts its business focus from Bitcoin mining to energy and digital infrastructure. The company has been repositioning itself as a provider of data center services, capitalizing on the growing demand for AI computing power. By partnering with Google, Hut 8 gains a credible anchor tenant and access to a stable revenue stream. Hut 8’s transition mirrors a broader trend among Bitcoin miners. Many are repurposing their facilities for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) due to the energy-intensive nature of both industries. This diversification reduces reliance on volatile cryptocurrency markets and positions miners for long-term growth. Financial Structure and Investor Appeal The secured bonds offer investors a claim on specific assets, reducing risk compared to unsecured debt. The involvement of top-tier investment banks signals confidence in the project’s viability. Google’s financial backing, including rent payments, provides additional security for bondholders. Analysts note that the 2042 maturity date aligns with long-term infrastructure investments, offering predictable returns over two decades. This structure appeals to pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors seeking stable, inflation-adjusted yields. Google’s Role and AI Data Center Demand Google’s involvement extends beyond a simple lease agreement. The tech giant is actively seeking to expand its AI infrastructure capacity, driven by the rapid adoption of generative AI and cloud services. Partnering with Hut 8 allows Google to secure dedicated computing resources without the capital expenditure of building its own facilities. The data center will be designed to support AI workloads, including training large language models and running inference tasks. These operations require specialized hardware, such as GPUs and TPUs, and significant cooling infrastructure. Hut 8’s experience in managing energy-intensive Bitcoin mining operations provides a natural advantage. Market Context and Competitive Landscape Hut 8 is not alone in this pivot. Other Bitcoin miners, including Riot Platforms and Marathon Digital, have announced plans to diversify into AI and HPC. However, Hut 8’s partnership with Google sets it apart, providing a direct link to one of the world’s largest cloud providers. The AI data center market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30% through 2030, according to industry reports. This growth is fueled by increasing enterprise adoption of AI, edge computing, and the expansion of 5G networks. Hut 8’s early move positions it to capture a share of this expanding market. Timeline and Next Steps The bond issuance is expected to close in the coming months, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals. Proceeds will be used to fund construction, purchase equipment, and cover operational expenses. Hut 8 has not disclosed the exact location of the new data center, but it is expected to be in North America, leveraging the company’s existing power infrastructure. Construction timelines for large-scale data centers typically range from 18 to 36 months. Hut 8 aims to begin operations by late 2026 or early 2027, aligning with Google’s projected AI capacity needs. The company will need to secure additional permits and grid connections, which could introduce delays. Risks and Challenges Despite the promising outlook, Hut 8 faces several risks. The bond market may be volatile, and interest rate changes could affect investor demand. Construction delays, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory hurdles could push back the timeline. Additionally, the AI industry is competitive, and technological shifts could render some infrastructure obsolete. However, the partnership with Google mitigates some of these risks. Google’s financial strength and long-term commitment provide a stable foundation. Hut 8’s management has experience in navigating complex energy and infrastructure projects, which should help address challenges. Conclusion Hut 8’s bond sale for a Google-linked AI data center represents a strategic pivot from Bitcoin mining to digital infrastructure. The $3 billion secured bond offering, managed by top investment banks, signals confidence in the project’s viability. With Google’s financial backing and the growing demand for AI computing, Hut 8 is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Investors should monitor the bond issuance and construction progress for further developments. FAQs Q1: What is Hut 8’s bond sale for? Hut 8 is issuing secured bonds to raise at least $3 billion to finance a new data center linked to Google that will support artificial intelligence workloads. Q2: Why is Hut 8 shifting from Bitcoin mining to AI infrastructure? Hut 8 is diversifying to reduce reliance on volatile cryptocurrency markets and capitalize on the growing demand for AI computing power, which offers stable, long-term revenue. Q3: How is Google involved in this project? Google will support the project financially, including making rent payments for the data center under a lease agreement, providing a stable revenue stream for Hut 8. Q4: What are the risks associated with this bond sale? Risks include market volatility, construction delays, supply chain disruptions, regulatory hurdles, and technological obsolescence in the fast-moving AI industry. Q5: When will the new data center be operational? Hut 8 aims to begin operations by late 2026 or early 2027, with construction expected to take 18 to 36 months. This post Hut 8 Bond Sale Powers Google AI Data Center Expansion: A Strategic Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

27 Apr 2026, 10:25

A Zero-Day Hack Triggered a 13-Block Reorg on Litecoin: Are User Funds Actually Safe?

Litecoin (LTC) took a hit on April 25, and not a small one. What exactly triggered the chaos, and whether the hack damage is truly contained, deserves a closer look. A zero-day vulnerability in Litecoin’s codebase was exploited on April 25, triggering a 13-block reorganization that temporarily halted transaction finality across major mining pools. The attack vector: un-updated nodes incorrectly accepted invalid MWEB (MimbleWimble Extension Block) transactions, which a Denial-of-Service attack exploited to flood the network. The Litecoin team confirmed the bug on their official X account and stated a patch has been fully deployed, with node operators urged to update immediately. Litecoin update: • A zero-day bug caused a DoS attack that disrupted major mining pools. • Non-updated mining nodes allowed an invalid MWEB transaction allowing them to peg out coins to third party DEX’s • A 13-block reorg reversed those invalid transactions — they will not… — Litecoin (@litecoin) April 25, 2026 No user funds were lost, but the reorg reversed transactions across those 13 blocks, a depth that qualifies as a serious network event by any measure. A 13-block reorg isn’t a rounding error. Broader crypto markets are already navigating fragile sentiment around Bitcoin stalling near key levels , and a security incident on a top-20 chain adds pressure that technical analysis alone can’t absorb. Can Litecoin Price Recover to $94 After the Hack Incident? LTC holding up after the incident is actually the story, not the dip. Price bounced despite negative headlines, which tells you sellers did not fully take control. But it is not strong either, it is just stable. Volume is messy across exchanges, which points to fragmentation, not a clean trend. Source: Tradingview Right now, everything comes down to $60. That is the level that flips the structure if it breaks with volume. If that happens, LTC can move back toward the top of its range and regain momentum. More realistically, this just stays sideways between roughly $56 and $59 while the market moves on and the news fades. The risk is if issues resurface or sentiment weakens, because $52 is the floor, and if that breaks, downside opens quickly. So this is a neutral setup, holding steady for now, but still waiting for a real direction. Here is Why LiquidChain Could Be Replacing OG Coins Like Litecoin LiquidChain is positioning around that idea, aiming to connect Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana liquidity into one layer so developers and users are not tied to a single ecosystem. The pitch is about reducing fragmentation and making execution smoother across chains. The presale is still early, around $0.01453 with just over $700K raised, which means it is in the early accumulation phase rather than widely priced. But that also comes with the trade-off. Early-stage projects carry real execution risk, and liquidity only comes after launch. So the contrast is simple, LTC offers stability with limited upside, while something like LiquidChain offers higher potential, but with much higher uncertainty. Visit LiquidChain Here. The post A Zero-Day Hack Triggered a 13-Block Reorg on Litecoin: Are User Funds Actually Safe? appeared first on Cryptonews .

27 Apr 2026, 09:27

MARA Holdings: De-Risking The Balance Sheet For The AI Boom

Summary MARA Holdings reported a difficult quarter, with a $1.7 billion net loss and revenue of $202.3 million, missing analyst expectations. MARA recently unveiled plans to revamp its capital structure, starting with a major Bitcoin sale. MARA is aggressively pivoting to AI and HPC, highlighted by a Starwood joint venture targeting over 1 GW of data center capacity. The acquisition of Exaion further strengthens MARA's technical capabilities in enterprise AI, signaling a strategic diversification beyond Bitcoin mining. MARA Holdings, Inc. ( MARA ) experienced a challenging quarter that was the end of a challenging year, thanks to Bitcoin's decline. The company reported a giant loss for the quarter, but fear not…that doesn't necessarily mean that MARA Holdings doesn't deserve your attention. We will dive into the results and analyze MARA's prospects for growth in 2026. High-Level Overview MARA Holdings has a storied history as one of the first public companies to begin mining Bitcoin. And therefore, it holds a substantial amount of Bitcoin USD ( BTC-USD ) on its balance sheet. If you are bullish on Bitcoin, then MARA's balance sheet as well as its operations represent upside potential. MARA is currently undergoing a full-fledged transformation into an AI/HPC data center company that mines Bitcoin, rather than just a pure-play miner. This decision has played out well for peers, especially IREN Limited ( IREN ), which was among the first to successfully (so far) navigate this transition. Investors and companies alike are discovering that the AI/HPC space offers greater growth potential than Bitcoin mining alone. That said, the two strategies remain a perfect complement to one another. IREN, for instance, continues to mine Bitcoin to fund its AI expansion. Bitcoin mining complements AI by reducing downtime as data centers get prepared for high-performance computing. Mining fills the gaps and generates a return on investment during transitional phases. This complementary relationship is expected to drive similar efficiencies for MARA Holdings. MARA's Current Bitcoin Position As of April 2026, MARA Holdings reports a total Bitcoin reserve of 38,689 BTC, valued at approximately $2.7 billion. This follows a landmark month in March 2026, when the company significantly altered its capital structure . While the reduction in BTC holdings might be viewed cautiously by Bitcoin maximalists, the strengthening of the balance sheet and the focus on AI data centers suggest a long-term play for stability and operational growth in post-halving environments. Key Takeaways on Updated Capital Structure Major Debt Retirement: In March 2026, MARA liquidated 15,133 BTC (roughly 28% of its total holdings) to generate $1.1 billion in cash. This capital was immediately deployed to repurchase $1 billion in principal of its convertible senior notes due in 2030 and 2031. Balance Sheet Optimization: The move effectively deleverages the company, reducing interest expenses and mitigating the risk of shareholder dilution that often accompanies convertible debt. The company's new debt-to-asset ratio as of Q4 2025 should now be close to 44%, where it was previously near 52%. Strategic Pivot to AI/HPC: This liquidation signals a move away from a “pure-play” Bitcoin HODL strategy. CEO Fred Thiel has indicated that the capital is being recycled to fund the company’s expansion into High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI infrastructure, diversifying revenue streams beyond Bitcoin mining. Institutional Standing: Despite the sale, MARA remains the third-largest publicly traded corporate holder of Bitcoin, trailing only Strategy Inc ( MSTR ) and Twenty One Capital, Inc. ( XXI ). Starwood Joint Venture The company announced a major partnership at the end of Q4 that should help the transformation into AI and HPC go smoother. This partnership focuses on developing, financing, and operating digital infrastructure for enterprise customers . Under the agreement, MARA contributes its data center sites, while Starwood oversees design, construction, tenant sourcing, and facility management . This model allows MARA to maintain its Bitcoin mining operations as a flexible workload to monetize power while simultaneously building out higher-value compute capacity . Starwood has been engaged in the AI data center space since 2019-2020, so given how young the industry is, they have been in it since the beginning. The question is, will Starwood and their relationships deliver accelerated growth to MARA? The joint platform is built for significant scale, with an initial development roadmap targeting more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of power capacity and the potential to exceed 2.5 GW over time . To ensure capital efficiency, MARA holds the option to invest up to 50% in joint venture projects, allowing the company to retain ownership in assets that generate steady operating cash flow while benefiting from Starwood’s institutional credibility and development expertise . This collaboration will hopefully reposition the company to capitalize on energy constraints in the AI sector by leveraging their already owned and energized infrastructure. Starwood Digital Partnership Details (MARA Holdings Q4 Presentation) Starwood Digital Partnership Part 2 (MARA Holdings Q4 Presentation) Here's a quote from their presentation. Starwood's development engine adds the strong execution and operating capabilities and deep experience required to convert and expand MARA's existing sites into scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure. Exaion Acquisition Complementing its pivot toward AI infrastructure, MARA Holdings also completed the acquisition of a 64% controlling stake in Exaion, a French high-performance computing and cloud provider, on February 20, 2026. MARA paid $168 million in cash to the seller, EDF Pulse Ventures (this was the venture arm of the French utility giant Électricité de France). The deal includes a strategic option for MARA to increase its ownership to 75% by 2027 for an additional $127 million investment. As part of the transaction, French billionaire Xavier Niel’s NJJ Capital also took a 10% stake in MARA’s French subsidiary, further solidifying the company's institutional backing in Europe. The acquisition becomes another foundational piece of MARA’s strategy to diversify beyond Bitcoin mining. Exaion brings a European footprint—already operating sustainable, low-carbon data centers in France and Canada—and some established relationships with enterprise clients, including EDF (the seller), which remains a minority shareholder. By integrating Exaion’s expertise in AI inference, secure cloud services, and immersion cooling technology, MARA is again accelerating its position to capture the high-margin revenue from the global AI boom. This move, combined with the Starwood joint venture, has the potential to quickly transform MARA Holdings. MARA Holdings Quarterly Report Financial Highlights Here are the financial highlights from MARA's Q4 Report. Revenue: Reported at $202.3 million, a decrease of roughly 6% year-over-year. This fell short of the analyst consensus of approximately $253 million. Net Loss: The company posted a staggering net loss of $1.7 billion for the quarter, a sharp reversal from the $528 million net income reported in Q4 2024. See below for a greater explanation. Earnings Per Share ((EPS)): Reported at -$4.52, significantly missing the estimated loss of $0.11 per share. Full-Year Performance: Despite the difficult fourth quarter, full-year 2025 revenue grew 38% to $907.1 million. However, the company ended the year with a total net loss of $1.3 billion. Bitcoin Production: The company produced 2,011 BTC in Q4, which was a 19% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Q4 2025 Highlights (MARA Holdings Q4 Presentation) Contextualizing the $1.7 Billion Loss The loss was primarily driven by non-cash accounting adjustments. Specifically, $1.5 billion was attributed to the unfavorable mark-to-market “fair value” adjustment of Bitcoin holdings as prices declined toward year-end. This was compounded by $772.8 million in depreciation and amortization. Despite these “paper” losses, MARA's liquidity remains robust; the company closed the year with approximately $5.3 billion in combined cash and Bitcoin. Of course, that has since changed with the recent sale of 28% of their Bitcoin, but liquidity remains strong. Global Data Center Power Demand This chart should be burned into the back of the mind of every investor. Ask yourself, would you rather own power companies that are your standard everyday utility or companies that are building the power supply for data centers and artificial intelligence? This chart shows where growth-minded investors will focus. This chart's trajectory is confirmed across various AI industry sources . Data Center Power Demand 5-year Projections (Statista via MARA Holdings Q4 Presentation) 2026 Outlook In 2026, MARA is projected to execute a sweeping transformation. Analysts forecast significant scaling, with consensus projections suggesting an annual EPS growth rate of approximately 70.3%. Beyond operational expansion, MARA’s 2026 outlook is bolstered by a dramatically strengthened balance sheet. By reducing its convertible debt by roughly 30%, the company has lowered its interest burden and mitigated dilution risks. While the stock remains a high-beta play tied to Bitcoin, the underlying thesis for 2026 has shifted toward its ability to monetize a world-class 1.9 GW power portfolio for both AI and low-cost Bitcoin production. Other Cryptocurrencies In addition to Bitcoin on its balance sheet, the company has a line item on its quarterly report accounting for the value of other cryptocurrencies that it holds. In previous quarters, this was named as the cryptocurrency Kaspa ( KAS-USD ), but it has remained unnamed in recent quarters. Although Kaspa has had terrible performance over the last 24 months, it could wake up with major updates coming in July of this year, paving the way to smart contracts on this layer one proof-of-work protocol. This likely won't have a meaningful impact on MARA's valuation, but it is something to keep in the back of one's mind when watching MARA. Conclusion MARA Holdings is trading near its low and, even after the Bitcoin sale, remains near its book value of $3.4 billion. It currently trades with a market capitalization of $4.4 billion and holds $3 billion of Bitcoin. Investors are essentially paying $1 billion for the company’s massive AI/HPC upside, which is the difference between its market cap and its book value. For context, IREN Limited trades at a $17 billion market cap (almost quadruple MARA) with roughly only double MARA's power capacity. Because IREN does not HODL Bitcoin, MARA may have the advantage when the crypto bull market returns. I won't say that MARA will suddenly grow faster than IREN, but I will say MARA is positioned to outperform many AI investments. Crucially, Q4 2025 was the first quarter since 2022 that the company did not use its ATM program to issue shares. If this discipline continues, the days of heavy dilution may be behind us. I rate MARA a BUY based on valuation to book value and growth prospects.