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Bitcoin Miners Show Relative Strength as Broader Crypto-Exposed Stocks Sink

Bitcoin-related equities have broadly struggled over the past month, with the average stock in this theme declining roughly 21%. However, this sell-off has not been uniform. A clear divergence is emerging between pure-play mining companies, which are showing relative resilience, and other bitcoin-exposed names that have suffered steeper drawdowns. The market appears to be pricing in a potential recovery narrative for miners, rewarding technical strength even as fundamental metrics remain deeply challenged.

RIOT Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT)

Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT) is the standout performer on a relative basis, bucking the theme's trend with a surprisingly mild drawdown. Its price action suggests strong technical support and potential accumulation, despite the fundamental backdrop showing significant stress.

  • Relative Strength (RS): ChartMill RS of 96.85 – outperforms 97% of all stocks and 97% of peers in the Software industry.
  • Recent Performance: Declined only -3.08% over the past month, compared to the theme's average drop of -21%.
  • Technical Rating: Achieves a 9/10 technical rating, with both short- and long-term trends positive.
  • Profitability: Return on Equity (ROE) is -36.2%; Return on Assets (ROA) is -25.2%.
  • Valuation: P/E ratio is negative at -11.8; forward P/E is also negative.

The market is granting RIOT a substantial relative strength premium. Its resilience, combined with a top-quartile technical ranking, suggests that some investors view the current levels as a buying opportunity for a leading low-cost mining operator, ignoring the current negative earnings cycle. However, the underlying profitability metrics remain a serious concern, making this a trade driven by price momentum rather than fundamental value.

MARA Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA)

MARA Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA) is the second miner demonstrating relative resilience. While its drop is steeper than RIOT's, its price performance is still far stronger than the theme's average, supported by a solid Growth rating that hints at future earnings normalization.

  • Relative Strength (RS): ChartMill RS of 75.17 – outperforms 75% of all stocks.
  • Recent Performance: Declined -6.46% over the past month.
  • Growth Rating: Receives a 6/10 Growth rating, with analysts expecting long-term EPS growth of 25.32% per year.
  • Profitability: ROE is deeply negative at -91.3%, placing it in the worst quartile of its industry.
  • Financial Health: Altman-Z score is a distressed 0.10; the company has a Debt/Equity ratio of 1.06.

MARA's resilience suggests the market is looking past current operating losses toward a potential recovery. The strong forward EPS growth estimates are likely a key factor, indicating that analysts expect a significant turnaround in profitability. However, the distressed Altman-Z score and deeply negative ROE are major red flags. The stock's relative strength appears to be a bet on a future fundamental inflection, not a reflection of current business health.

Galaxy Digital (NASDAQ:GLXY)

Galaxy Digital (NASDAQ:GLXY) rounds out the miners showing relative strength, posting a one-month decline that is roughly half the theme's average. Its high Relative Strength and improving earnings trajectory set it apart, even as its long-term trend remains neutral.

  • Relative Strength (RS): ChartMill RS of 88.24 – outperforms 88% of all stocks and 94% of peers in the Capital Markets industry.
  • Recent Performance: Declined -11.26% over the past month.
  • EPS Growth (YoY): EPS improved by +43.0% in the latest quarter compared to the same quarter last year.
  • Growth Outlook: Analysts project long-term EPS growth of 41.21% per year on average.
  • Valuation: Forward P/E is very expensive at 92.4; trailing P/E is negative.

Galaxy Digital stands out for its improving earnings trajectory within a struggling theme. The 43% year-over-year EPS improvement provides a fundamental anchor for its relative strength, which is further supported by a strong Growth outlook. The catch is valuation: a forward P/E of 92.4 leaves no room for disappointment. The stock is pricing in a perfect execution of its growth story, making it a high-conviction but high-risk position.


The divergence between the performance of mining equities and other bitcoin-exposed names is a notable development for investors tracking the space. For a complete list of companies in this group, see the full Bitcoin Related Stocks theme.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

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