Acacia Research's Q2 2025: Unpacking Contradictions in M&A Strategy, Tariff Impacts, and Bitcoin Risk Management

Impact of tariffs on operations, acquisition strategy and market opportunities, Bitcoin as collateral and risk mitigation, are the key contradictions discussed in Acacia Research's latest 2025Q2 earnings call.



Investment in Bitcoin-backed Loans:
- Acacia Research announced a commitment of $20 million to acquire a portfolio of fully recourse commercial loans backed by Bitcoin.
- The expected return on these loans is in excess of 10%.
- The purpose is to capitalize on the growing number of commercial borrowers seeking ways to access dollar-based liquidity without selling their Bitcoin.

Financial Performance and Cash Flow:
- Acacia reported total company revenue of $51.2 million for Q2, with total company adjusted EBITDA at $1.9 million and free cash flow at $47.9 million.
- The reported diluted earnings per share loss was $0.03.
- The strong cash flow was driven by a previously announced settlement in their IP business.

Benchmarks Oil and Gas Operations:
- Benchmark operations generated $15.3 million in Q2 2025, with a $7 million adjusted EBITDA.
- The company paid down incremental $3.5 million of debt, bringing total debt reduction to $24 million over the last 12 months.
- The focus on hedging strategies helped mitigate some pressure from lower commodity prices.

Deflecto Manufacturing Segment:
- Deflecto grew revenue sequentially but faced challenges from global trade flow uncertainties and tariff-related demand headwinds.
- The company implemented operational improvements and cost reductions, including operational initiatives at Deflecto, to offset these challenges.

Strategic M&A and Acquisitions:
- Acacia continued to evaluate new acquisition opportunities in oil and gas, though valuation multiples are increasing in their geographies.
- The company is strategically building around existing assets, such as the Cherokee position acquired as part of the Revolution deal, and considering alternative capital partnerships for monetization opportunities.