GameStop Volatility Returns: GME Stock Rides Bitcoin Highs, Tumbles on Q1 Earnings

As investors process worse quarterly earnings, GameStop's stock is once again exhibiting indications of instability following a huge...

GameStop’s $515M Bitcoin Bet Stirs Market, but Revenue Miss Bites Back

Quick overview

  • GameStop's stock surged over 25% following a $515 million Bitcoin investment but has since shown volatility due to disappointing quarterly results.
  • The company's latest earnings report revealed a revenue drop to $732.4 million, despite a swing to a net income of $44.8 million.
  • GameStop has paused further Bitcoin acquisitions after purchasing 4,710 BTC, highlighting a strategic pivot towards digital assets.
  • Investors remain cautious as the retailer's core business struggles to stabilize amidst its ambitious crypto ventures.

As investors process worse quarterly earnings, GameStop’s stock is once again exhibiting indications of instability following a huge increase driven by its unexpected Bitcoin purchase.

Crypto-Driven Surge Fades into After-Hours Slide

GameStop (NYSE: GME) reignited investor excitement late last month with the announcement of a bold $515 million Bitcoin investment, sending its shares soaring more than 25% in just three days. The stock peaked at $35.81, fueled by renewed retail enthusiasm and speculative buying, reminiscent of past meme-stock frenzies.

GME Stock Chart Daily – Will Open with A Bearish Gap Tomorrow

The cryptocurrency play came just weeks after GameStop revealed its intention to raise $1.3 billion through convertible bonds, citing “general corporate purposes,” a term later confirmed to include Bitcoin purchases. The company ultimately acquired 4,710 BTC but has since paused any additional crypto buying, noting no further acquisitions beyond the initial announcement.

Weak Revenue Report Casts a Shadow

However, the excitement has quickly been tempered by the retailer’s latest earnings report. GameStop’s quarterly revenue disappointed investors, triggering a pullback in share price. Although the stock closed Tuesday at $30.24, down a modest 0.53%, it slumped further in extended trading, falling by 6% to $28.45. The market’s swift reaction underscores lingering concerns about the company’s core business amid its pivot into digital assets.

GameStop Q1 2025 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue Drop, But Profit Emerges:
    Net sales came in at $732.4 million, down from $881.8 million in Q1 2024. Despite the revenue decline, net income swung to a profit of $44.8 million, reversing a $32.3 million loss last year.
  • Operating Efficiency Gains:
    Operating loss narrowed substantially to $10.8 million from $50.6 million.
    When excluding $35.5 million in impairment charges linked to international restructuring, adjusted operating income was $27.5 million, compared to a loss of $55.0 million in the prior year.
  • Improved Bottom Line Metrics:
    Adjusted net income jumped to $83.1 million, a notable improvement from an adjusted net loss of $36.7 million last year.
  • Lean Cost Structure:
    SG&A expenses dropped to $228.1 million, compared to $295.1 million in Q1 2024 — signaling disciplined cost management.
  • Fortified Liquidity Position:
    Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities stood at $6.4 billion at quarter-end, up sharply from $1.0 billion a year earlier — largely driven by equity sales and crypto gains.
Key Post-Quarter Developments
  • Strategic Exit from Canada:
    GameStop completed the divestiture of its Canadian operations on May 4, 2025, aligning with its focus on core markets.
  • Aggressive Bitcoin Investment:
    Between May 3 and June 10, the company purchased 4,710 Bitcoins, signaling a bold diversification move and a clear bet on crypto markets.

Conclusion: Balancing Crypto Ambition With Retail Reality

GameStop’s venture into Bitcoin has undeniably reignited interest in the stock, breathing new life into a name that had faded from the meme-stock spotlight. Yet, as the retailer’s disappointing revenue shows, speculative momentum alone may not be enough to sustain long-term gains. For investors, the next chapter will depend on whether GameStop can align bold bets like crypto exposure with meaningful progress in stabilizing its traditional retail operations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

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