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RIOT Stock Declines 13% in a Month: Is This a Buying Opportunity?
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Riot Platforms, Inc. (RIOT - Free Report) has soared 35% over the past three months but dipped 13% in the past month, signaling a correction phase.
This aligns with other crypto-focused stocks like Cipher Mining (CIFR - Free Report) , down 33%, and Marathon Digital (MARA - Free Report) , off 29% in the past month.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
With RIOT’s recent pullback, investors might see this as a buying opportunity. But is now the right time to invest in RIOT? Let’s dive in.
Trump’s Policies Should Propel Bitcoin and RIOT
Bitcoin's value touched unprecedented levels, surpassing $100,000 for the first time. This surge is largely attributed to expectations of favorable cryptocurrency policies under the incoming Trump administration. As a Bitcoin mining company, Riot Platforms directly benefits from higher Bitcoin prices, which can lead to increased revenues and profitability.
President-elect Trump intends to integrate cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets, including plans to establish a national Bitcoin reserve. Such policies are expected to create a more supportive regulatory environment for cryptocurrency-related businesses, potentially reducing operational uncertainties for companies like Riot Platforms.
The post-election period has seen a rise in institutional investments in cryptocurrencies, with major financial entities like BlackRock and Fidelity launching Bitcoin-related financial products. This growing institutional interest enhances the legitimacy and stability of the cryptocurrency market, indirectly benefiting mining companies by fostering a more robust market environment.
Bitcoin Halving and Volatility Challenges Persist for RIOT
One of the primary factors hurting RIOT is the Bitcoin halving event, which has significantly increased operational challenges for miners. The halving means that each ASIC miner needs to work double as hard to mine the same amount of Bitcoin, but the anticipated price increase for Bitcoin has not occurred to balance this increased difficulty. Riot's Bitcoin production decreased 17% year over year in December 2024, highlighting the operational inefficiencies and increased challenges the company faces due to the halving.
RIOT exhibits a beta of 4.22, indicating significant volatility compared to the broader market. This heightened volatility means the stock is susceptible to rapid and substantial price fluctuations, which can lead to swift erosion of investment gains.
Estimates Moving North for RIOT
Two estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased over 60 days versus one downward revision. For 2025, four estimates increased over 60 days versus no downward revision.The increase in estimates reflects growing analyst confidence in the company’s financial prospects. For the fourth quarter, upward revisions highlight optimism regarding short-term performance. Similarly, for 2025, upward revisions indicate sustained confidence in RIOT’s long-term growth potential. These revisions reflect favorable market conditions, possibly tied to cryptocurrency trends or strategic initiatives.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RIOT has a Strong Balance Sheet
As of September 2024, RIOT reported a strong cash balance of $656 million against a minimal total debt of $7 million, highlighting its robust financial health. This resulted in a liquidity-rich current ratio of 5.68, significantly surpassing the industry average of 2.16. A current ratio above 1 reflects the company's ability to meet short-term obligations comfortably, reducing financial risk.
Such financial stability not only enhances operational flexibility but also boosts investor confidence, potentially driving positive sentiment for RIOT stock. Strong liquidity enables the company to invest in growth opportunities, sustain operations during market volatility and maintain a competitive edge in the cryptocurrency sector.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Buy RIOT for Long-Term Crypto Gains
RIOT offers a compelling investment opportunity amid its correction phase. The company stands to benefit significantly from Bitcoin's rally, driven by pro-crypto policies under the incoming Trump administration. Favorable regulatory changes and growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, led by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, bolster market stability and growth. Despite challenges like Bitcoin halving, RIOT’s robust financial health, with $656M in cash and minimal debt, ensures resilience and operational flexibility. Positive earnings revisions and long-term growth potential make RIOT an attractive pick for investors betting on the crypto sector's future expansion.
Image: Bigstock
RIOT Stock Declines 13% in a Month: Is This a Buying Opportunity?
Riot Platforms, Inc. (RIOT - Free Report) has soared 35% over the past three months but dipped 13% in the past month, signaling a correction phase.
This aligns with other crypto-focused stocks like Cipher Mining (CIFR - Free Report) , down 33%, and Marathon Digital (MARA - Free Report) , off 29% in the past month.
With RIOT’s recent pullback, investors might see this as a buying opportunity. But is now the right time to invest in RIOT? Let’s dive in.
Trump’s Policies Should Propel Bitcoin and RIOT
Bitcoin's value touched unprecedented levels, surpassing $100,000 for the first time. This surge is largely attributed to expectations of favorable cryptocurrency policies under the incoming Trump administration. As a Bitcoin mining company, Riot Platforms directly benefits from higher Bitcoin prices, which can lead to increased revenues and profitability.
President-elect Trump intends to integrate cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial markets, including plans to establish a national Bitcoin reserve. Such policies are expected to create a more supportive regulatory environment for cryptocurrency-related businesses, potentially reducing operational uncertainties for companies like Riot Platforms.
The post-election period has seen a rise in institutional investments in cryptocurrencies, with major financial entities like BlackRock and Fidelity launching Bitcoin-related financial products. This growing institutional interest enhances the legitimacy and stability of the cryptocurrency market, indirectly benefiting mining companies by fostering a more robust market environment.
Bitcoin Halving and Volatility Challenges Persist for RIOT
One of the primary factors hurting RIOT is the Bitcoin halving event, which has significantly increased operational challenges for miners. The halving means that each ASIC miner needs to work double as hard to mine the same amount of Bitcoin, but the anticipated price increase for Bitcoin has not occurred to balance this increased difficulty. Riot's Bitcoin production decreased 17% year over year in December 2024, highlighting the operational inefficiencies and increased challenges the company faces due to the halving.
RIOT exhibits a beta of 4.22, indicating significant volatility compared to the broader market. This heightened volatility means the stock is susceptible to rapid and substantial price fluctuations, which can lead to swift erosion of investment gains.
Estimates Moving North for RIOT
Two estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased over 60 days versus one downward revision. For 2025, four estimates increased over 60 days versus no downward revision.The increase in estimates reflects growing analyst confidence in the company’s financial prospects. For the fourth quarter, upward revisions highlight optimism regarding short-term performance. Similarly, for 2025, upward revisions indicate sustained confidence in RIOT’s long-term growth potential. These revisions reflect favorable market conditions, possibly tied to cryptocurrency trends or strategic initiatives.
RIOT has a Strong Balance Sheet
As of September 2024, RIOT reported a strong cash balance of $656 million against a minimal total debt of $7 million, highlighting its robust financial health. This resulted in a liquidity-rich current ratio of 5.68, significantly surpassing the industry average of 2.16. A current ratio above 1 reflects the company's ability to meet short-term obligations comfortably, reducing financial risk.
Such financial stability not only enhances operational flexibility but also boosts investor confidence, potentially driving positive sentiment for RIOT stock. Strong liquidity enables the company to invest in growth opportunities, sustain operations during market volatility and maintain a competitive edge in the cryptocurrency sector.
Buy RIOT for Long-Term Crypto Gains
RIOT offers a compelling investment opportunity amid its correction phase. The company stands to benefit significantly from Bitcoin's rally, driven by pro-crypto policies under the incoming Trump administration. Favorable regulatory changes and growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, led by firms like BlackRock and Fidelity, bolster market stability and growth. Despite challenges like Bitcoin halving, RIOT’s robust financial health, with $656M in cash and minimal debt, ensures resilience and operational flexibility. Positive earnings revisions and long-term growth potential make RIOT an attractive pick for investors betting on the crypto sector's future expansion.
RIOT currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.