Tom Lee's Bitmine uplists to NYSE, expands buyback authorization to $4 billion

Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, moving from the NYSE American as it scales its crypto-focused treasury strategy.

The company paired the uplisting with an increase in its share repurchase program, raising the authorization to $4 billion from $1 billion. The buyback ranks among the largest announced this year, according to the company. BMNR's stock has plunged roughly 90% since peaking last summer amid the height of the digital asset treasury mania. Shares are lower by 2.8% in early Thursday trading.

Bitmine now holds about 4.8 million ETH, equal to 3.98% of total supply, and continues to target 5%, or what it calls the "Alchemy of 5%."

The macro backdrop could play a role. Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee, who also chairs Bitmine, has argued that U.S. equities may have found a bottom following a ceasefire tied to tensions in Iran. Stocks, oil and volatility shifted sharply in response, a pattern that has also lifted crypto markets.

Bitcoin recently moved above $72,000 alongside gains in equity futures, reflecting a broader “risk-on” trade. Ether may benefit as well, with recent inflows into spot exchange-traded funds and increased staking activity reducing selling pressure, according to Lee.

For Bitmine, the link is direct. Each 1% rise in ether’s price adds roughly $100 million to the value of its holdings. A sustained rebound in crypto could support its balance sheet and stock.