Core Scientific Sells 1,900 BTC as AI Shift Accelerates

Nasdaq-listed Core Scientific has sold nearly 1,900 Bitcoin as it shifts focus from cryptocurrency mining to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. The stock (CORZ) fell close to 4% in Tuesday’s pre-market trading, following a 2.83% drop to $16.49 in the previous session.

Core Scientific Reduces Bitcoin Holdings

The company confirmed it liquidated approximately 1,900 BTC for about $175 million, securing an average sale price of roughly $92,100 per coin. Core Scientific said the transaction was aimed at strengthening liquidity as it repositions toward AI-focused data centre operations.

During its Q4 2025 earnings call, Core Scientific reported holdings of 2,537 BTC valued at nearly $222 million. After the divestment, its Bitcoin reserves have fallen below 1,000 BTC. Management described the sale as “opportunistic” and said the company will maintain flexibility in future Bitcoin transactions.

The company plans to gradually sell remaining BTC holdings in Q1 2026, with proceeds expected to support capital expenditures and expand its AI colocation platform. This approach contrasts with other digital asset treasury companies, such as Strategy, which continue accumulating Bitcoin despite macroeconomic tensions, including the US-Iran conflict.

CEO Adam Sullivan stated: 

“We’re now past the halfway point on our existing builds and scaling our colocation platform into a 1.5 gigawatt pipeline of leasable capacity. With a multi-geography footprint and proven execution, we’re accelerating RFS timelines across multiple sites to position the company for durable growth.”

CORZ Shares Under Pressure

Core Scientific’s stock extended losses in Tuesday’s pre-market session, falling nearly 4%. Trading volume exceeded the 11 million average, reflecting heightened volatility and broader market uncertainty. 

Meanwhile, other crypto-linked equities posted gains. Shares of MSTR and BMNR spiked more than 7% after the US ISM Manufacturing PMI came in higher than expected.

Several Bitcoin miners are pivoting toward AI infrastructure amid rising mining difficulty and tightening block rewards. MARA Holdings saw its stock jump more than 15% after announcing a joint venture with Starwood Capital Group to develop AI data centres.

Bitcoin Price and Futures Activity

Bitcoin’s price has retreated over 3%, trading at $66,605, down from a 24-hour high of $70,044. Trading volume has climbed 40% over the past 24 hours, signalling sustained market activity. 

According to CoinGlass, total Bitcoin futures open interest declined more than 2% to $43.76 billion within four hours. CME Group open interest dropped over 8%, while Binance recorded a decline exceeding 4%.