Block, a leading fintech company spearheaded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, recently unveiled its fourth-quarter 2023 earnings report, showcasing robust performance fueled by Bitcoin sales through its Cash App. The firm reported a substantial gross profit of $66 million from Bitcoin transactions, marking an impressive 90% surge compared to the previous year.
Block registers gross profit of $66 million from Bitcoin transactions
This positive financial outcome triggered a notable rally in the stock price of NASDAQ:SQ, soaring by 12.35% in after-hours trading to reach $76.10, up from $67.96 at the market close. The earnings report highlighted a significant increase in the total sale amount of Bitcoin to customers, totaling $2.52 billion, representing a substantial 37% year-over-year growth.
This uptick was attributed to both the rise in the average market price of Bitcoin and the appreciation of Block’s Bitcoin inventory during the quarter. Block’s strategic investments in Bitcoin, amounting to $50 million and $170 million in late 2020 and early 2021 respectively, proved to be lucrative endeavors.
By the end of 2023, the company amassed 8,038 Bitcoins on its balance sheet, valued at approximately $340 million. With the current valuation surpassing $400 million, Block recognized a $207 million gain from these investments as of December 2023. The majority of Bitcoin sales were facilitated through mobile devices, particularly the Cash App, which emerged as a pivotal revenue generator for Block.
The mobile platform contributed $205 million in Bitcoin gross profit and generated $9.50 billion in Bitcoin revenue throughout 2023, reflecting impressive 31% and 34% year-over-year growth rates respectively. Jack Dorsey emphasized the importance of establishing Cash App as a reliable and trustworthy platform, ensuring users view it as a dependable tool for managing their finances, including the direct deposit of paychecks.
Embracing emerging technologies for future growth
In terms of overall financial performance, Block reported a substantial revenue increase for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, reaching $9,498,302. This figure represents a robust 33.54% growth compared to the previous year. However, it is worth noting that the company experienced a 28.96% decline in revenue from 2021 to 2022, falling from $10,012,647 to $7,112,856.
The positive momentum observed in the third quarter, where Block’s stock rose by 20% to $52 per share, was attributed to better-than-expected earnings news. During that period, the company reported a total net revenue of $5.62 billion, with $2.42 billion attributed to the Cash App. Amrita Ahuja, Block’s COO and CFO, highlighted various factors contributing to the company’s improved financial performance, including an increase in Bitcoin gross profit resulting from pricing adjustments implemented during the quarter.
Additionally, Jack Dorsey underscored the growing significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping future financial services, citing its impact on productivity, learning, and innovation. Dorsey emphasized AI’s ability to accelerate learning processes, expedite product development, and enhance overall market competitiveness.
Block’s recent earnings report reflects its strong position in the fintech sector, driven by strategic investments, innovative products such as the Cash App, and a commitment to leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. As the company continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its market presence, investors remain optimistic about its future growth prospects.
