Bitcoin News Today: Empery Digital Doubles Down on Bitcoin and Shareholder Returns

Empery Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: EMPD) has expanded its Bitcoin (BTC) holdings by acquiring an additional 12.97 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 4,064.88 BTC as of August 22, 2025. The recent purchase added $1.5 million to the company's total investment in Bitcoin, raising the overall investment to approximately $478 million, with an average purchase price of $117,549 per BTC [1]. This update follows the company's broader strategy to adopt a bitcoin treasury approach, announced in July 2025, with the goal of becoming a leading, low-cost, capital-efficient, and globally trusted aggregator of Bitcoin [1].

In addition to the Bitcoin purchase, Empery Digital announced that it has repurchased 363,395 shares of its common stock under its $100 million share repurchase program, with an average purchase price of $7.39 per share. The repurchase, using cash from the company's balance sheet, represents the maximum number of shares permitted under applicable securities laws during the week of August 22, 2025. Approximately $97 million remains available for future repurchases under the current program [1]. Management has indicated its intention to continue allocating capital to fund share repurchases at prices below the company's net asset value (NAV), and it has $25 million of available capacity to draw down, with an anticipated additional $75 million in availability through an uncommitted borrowing facility [1].

Empery Digital’s approach to capital allocation underscores its dual focus on both direct Bitcoin investment and share repurchases. The company's strategy reflects a belief that acquiring and holding Bitcoin can serve as a hedge against inflation and a means to attract new investors, while repurchasing shares at a discount to NAV is seen as an accretive use of capital. The company’s management has also highlighted the flexibility afforded by modest borrowing against BTC holdings to enhance share repurchase opportunities and increase Bitcoin per share for shareholders [1].

The broader trend of corporate Bitcoin adoption has been growing rapidly, with a record number of publicly traded companies acquiring and holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Empery Digital's actions align with this trend, as more firms explore Bitcoin as a strategic asset. According to Bitcoin Treasuries.net, over 950,000 Bitcoin are now controlled by publicly traded companies, valued at over $110 billion. This trend has spurred significant activity in the custodial, brokerage, and asset management sectors, with firms like Coinbase, BitGo, and Morgan Stanley benefiting from increased demand for custody services and underwriting fees [3].

As Bitcoin continues to gain traction in corporate portfolios, the debate between direct ownership and ETF-based exposure remains relevant. Direct ownership offers companies full control over their Bitcoin holdings, with flexibility in custody solutions and security measures, including multi-signature wallets and cold storage [4]. However, it also requires significant technical expertise and infrastructure investment. In contrast, Bitcoin ETFs provide a more streamlined and legally compliant approach, particularly in markets where Bitcoin's status is still evolving. The liquidity and collateralization advantages of direct Bitcoin ownership also make it a preferred choice for companies seeking to leverage their digital assets in financing and expansion efforts [4].

Empery Digital’s latest Bitcoin acquisition and share repurchase activity highlight the company's strategic flexibility in navigating the dynamic crypto landscape. With Bitcoin price fluctuations and regulatory developments shaping corporate treasury strategies, Empery Digital’s approach reflects a commitment to both long-term value creation and immediate shareholder returns [1]. As the company continues to build its Bitcoin holdings and execute its share repurchase program, it remains positioned to benefit from the broader corporate Bitcoin adoption trend and the associated ecosystem of financial services providers [3].

Source:

[1] Empery Digital Provides Update on Share Repurchase Program (https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250825549804/empery-digital-provides-update-on-share-repurchase-program)

[2] Empery Digital: Bitcoin holdings increased to (https://www.odaily.news/en/newsflash/445006)

[3] Who's Getting Rich Off The $100 Billion Crypto Treasury ... (https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliegoldenberg/2025/08/19/whos-getting-rich-off-the-100-billion-crypto-treasury-boom/)

[4] Bitcoin vs Bitcoin ETFs for Corporate Treasury Diversification (https://droomdroom.com/bitcoin-vs-bitcoin-etfs-for-corporate-treasury-diversification/)

[5] Bitcoin Treasury Management: Riding the Rollercoaster (https://www.onesafe.io/blog/navigating-bitcoin-volatility-strategies-for-crypto-treasury-management)