Riot Platforms Mined 460 Bitcoins in December 2025 and Sold 1,818 Bitcoins for $161.6 Million

Riot Platforms, a publicly traded Bitcoin miner, sold 1,818 Bitcoin for $161.6 million in December 2025, according to its production report. The firm also sold 383 BTC for $37 million in November, totaling $198.6 million in two months. The proceeds will be used to fund the company's AI data center build-out in Corsicana, which is expected to reach 112 MW by Q1 2027.

The Bitcoin sales brought Riot's year-end holdings to 18,005 BTC, valued at approximately $1.65 billion. This represents a reduction from October's 19,324 BTC, as the company continues to prioritize AI expansion over long-term BTC accumulation. The sales align with CEO Jason Les' strategy to fund operations and growth through Bitcoin liquidation rather than equity financing.

Riot's December Bitcoin production totaled 460 BTC, an 8% increase from November and 11% decrease from December 2024. Despite this production, the firm sold significantly more BTC than it mined, reflecting its focus on converting mining profits to AI infrastructure capital.

Why Did This Happen?

Matthew Sigel, head of digital asset research at VanEck, noted that the amount sold in late 2025 is sufficient to cover the entire capital expenditure for the first phase of Riot's AI data center project. Sigel emphasized that Bitcoin miners increasingly sell BTC to fund AI-related capex, especially during tight credit conditions.

The company's strategy is part of a broader trend among publicly traded miners transitioning to AI and cloud computing. Companies like Bitfarms, CleanSpark, and MARA have also announced AI-focused shifts or partnerships. By leveraging Bitcoin mining to monetize power assets, Riot aims to efficiently transition its infrastructure to data center use.

How Did Markets React?

Riot's shares rose sharply at the start of 2026, up 14% in late trading, tracking Bitcoin's rebound. Bitcoin itself gained 1.4% to $91,277, reflecting improved sentiment in the crypto market. Other Bitcoin mining stocks, including Marathon Digital and TeraWulf, also surged, underscoring renewed interest in the sector.

The market reaction highlights the growing interconnection between Bitcoin prices and AI infrastructure investing. Sigel previously stated that Bitcoin miners are among the largest marginal sellers of BTC, often using the proceeds for AI expansion. This trend could influence Bitcoin's price dynamics as more miners pivot to alternative revenue streams.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are tracking Riot's progress in completing its AI build-out and how it manages future Bitcoin production and sales. The company has also announced it will shift to quarterly Bitcoin production updates in 2026, reducing the frequency of disclosures. This change may impact transparency for investors seeking to monitor the firm's Bitcoin treasury activity.

Riot's all-in power costs decreased to 3.9 cents per kilowatt hour in December, while power credits increased significantly. The efficiency gains and cost reductions could support the company's AI project margins, particularly if Bitcoin prices remain volatile.

Investors are also monitoring broader market conditions, including ETF inflows and macroeconomic data. A January 9 employment report and Federal Reserve policy decisions could influence risk appetite and crypto-linked assets. Additionally, MSCI's Jan. 15 review of digital-asset-heavy companies may affect how investors perceive Riot and similar firms.