Workflow
MicroStrategy(MSTR) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Bitcoin Holdings and Strategy - In 2024, the company purchased approximately 258,320 bitcoins at an aggregate purchase price of approximately 22.073billion,averaging22.073 billion, averaging 85,447 per bitcoin[31]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company held 23.909billionindigitalassets,consistingofapproximately447,470bitcoins,withcumulativeimpairmentlossesof23.909 billion in digital assets, consisting of approximately 447,470 bitcoins, with cumulative impairment losses of 4.059 billion[33]. - By February 14, 2025, the company held approximately 478,740 bitcoins acquired at an aggregate purchase price of 31.134billion,averaging31.134 billion, averaging 65,033 per bitcoin[34]. - The company did not sell any bitcoins during 2023 or 2024, indicating a long-term holding strategy[31]. - The company’s treasury reserve policy allows for the acquisition of bitcoin through capital raising transactions, including debt and equity securities[28]. - The company’s bitcoin strategy includes the potential to sell bitcoin for corporate purposes or to generate tax benefits[29]. - The average market price of bitcoin on February 14, 2025, was reported at 97,236.98[34].Thecompanyemphasizestheroleofbitcoinasahedgeagainstinflationandastoreofvalueduetoitslimitedsupply[26].Bitcoinisviewedasanattractiveassetforitspotentialtoserveasahedgeagainstinflationandastoreofvalueduetoitslimitedsupply[54].ThecompanyholdssubstantiallyallofitsbitcoinincustodyaccountsatU.S.basedcustodians,diversifyingriskexposureacrossmultiplecustodians[50].Thecompanybelievesthatitsbitcoinholdingsareprotectedfromcustodianbankruptcyclaimsduetospecificcontractualtermsandregulatoryprotections[53].Theconcentrationofassetsinbitcoinlimitsthecompanysabilitytomitigaterisksassociatedwithamorediversifiedportfolio[115].Thecompanyprimarilypurchasesbitcoinusingproceedsfromequityanddebtfinancings,makingitsstrategydependentonfavorablefinancingconditions[116].Thecompanyanticipatesthattheproportionoftotalassetsrepresentedbybitcoinholdingswillincreaseinthefuture,leadingtogreatervolatilityinearningscomparedtopriorperiods[140].Thecompanyincurred97,236.98[34]. - The company emphasizes the role of bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a store of value due to its limited supply[26]. - Bitcoin is viewed as an attractive asset for its potential to serve as a hedge against inflation and a store of value due to its limited supply[54]. - The company holds substantially all of its bitcoin in custody accounts at U.S.-based custodians, diversifying risk exposure across multiple custodians[50]. - The company believes that its bitcoin holdings are protected from custodian bankruptcy claims due to specific contractual terms and regulatory protections[53]. - The concentration of assets in bitcoin limits the company's ability to mitigate risks associated with a more diversified portfolio[115]. - The company primarily purchases bitcoin using proceeds from equity and debt financings, making its strategy dependent on favorable financing conditions[116]. - The company anticipates that the proportion of total assets represented by bitcoin holdings will increase in the future, leading to greater volatility in earnings compared to prior periods[140]. - The company incurred 4.059 billion of cumulative impairment on its bitcoin holdings through December 31, 2024, reflecting the volatility of bitcoin prices[136]. - The price of bitcoin has historically been subject to dramatic fluctuations, impacting investor confidence and market dynamics[135]. - The company measures the fair value of its bitcoin based on quoted prices on the Coinbase exchange, which is its principal market for bitcoin[136]. - The company faces counterparty risks related to custodians of its bitcoin holdings, which could impact access to assets in case of custodian insolvency[118]. - The broader digital assets industry is subject to risks that could negatively impact the adoption rate, price, and use of bitcoin, affecting the company's financial condition[119]. - The company faces potential challenges from macroeconomic changes, including interest rates and inflation, which could affect the digital assets market[127]. - The company holds its bitcoin with regulated custodians, but as of December 31, 2024, the insurance covering losses only accounts for a small fraction of the total value of its bitcoin holdings[163]. - The concentration of bitcoin holdings limits risk mitigation, enhancing risks inherent in the company's bitcoin strategy[153]. Financial Performance and Reporting - The company reported a net loss of 1.790billionforthefiscalyearendedDecember31,2024,primarilyduetodigitalassetimpairmentlosses[98].TheoutstandingindebtednessasofDecember31,2024,was1.790 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to digital asset impairment losses[98]. - The outstanding indebtedness as of December 31, 2024, was 7.274 billion, with an annual contractual interest expense of 35.1million[100].Thecompanyhad35.1 million[100]. - The company had 1.525 billion in deferred tax assets, primarily related to the impairment of bitcoin holdings[99]. - The enterprise analytics software business did not generate positive cash flow from operations for the year ended December 31, 2024[100]. - The adoption of ASU 2023-08 on January 1, 2025, will require the company to measure its bitcoin holdings at fair value, resulting in a cumulative-effect net increase to retained earnings of 12.745billion[102].TheadoptionofASU202308isexpectedtoincreasethevolatilityoffinancialresultsandaffectthecarryingvalueofbitcoinonthebalancesheet[120].Thecompanymaybecomesubjecttothe1512.745 billion[102]. - The adoption of ASU 2023-08 is expected to increase the volatility of financial results and affect the carrying value of bitcoin on the balance sheet[120]. - The company may become subject to the 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) starting in the 2026 tax year if its average annual adjusted financial statement income exceeds 1 billion[103]. - The effective tax rate under the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) regime will increase from 50% to 37.5% beginning in fiscal year 2027, impacting the company's income tax liability[108]. - The company completed a 10-for-1 stock split of its class A and class B common stock on August 7, 2024[94]. - The company has significant holdings in bitcoin and expects to continue making substantial future purchases, which may impact financial performance[97]. - The company has $211.9 million in other remaining performance obligations as of December 31, 2024, which may not represent actual revenue for future periods[177]. - The company is exposed to counterparty risks, particularly concerning custodian performance obligations, highlighted by recent high-profile bankruptcies in the digital asset industry[171]. - The company's equity market capitalization as of December 31, 2024, exceeds its stockholders' equity calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicating potential overvaluation[213]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to various privacy and data protection laws, including the GDPR, which can impose fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual revenue[85]. - The company may face enhanced regulatory scrutiny due to its bitcoin holdings, especially in light of increased focus on anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance[145][146]. - Regulatory actions, such as the SEC's enforcement against major exchanges, could materially affect the price and trading of bitcoin[128]. - The SEC's actions against major participants in the digital asset industry, including Binance and Coinbase, could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and impact market operations[128]. - Regulatory changes could classify bitcoin as a security, potentially subjecting the company to additional regulatory controls and adversely affecting its business strategy[167]. - The company is not subject to the same legal and regulatory obligations as investment companies, allowing for greater discretion in its bitcoin strategy[169]. - Changes in foreign tax laws and OECD recommendations could increase tax uncertainty and adversely affect the company's provision for income taxes[107]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The analytics market is highly competitive, with major competitors including IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, and SAP, affecting the company's ability to maintain market share[82]. - The emergence of alternative digital assets, including stablecoins and CBDCs, could negatively impact the price of bitcoin and adversely affect the company's business[156][155]. - The approval of spot ETPs for ether may further dilute the value of bitcoin and the company's class A common stock[142]. - The trading price of the company's class A common stock declined significantly following the SEC's approval of spot bitcoin ETPs, indicating a shift in investor preference[142]. Operational and Cybersecurity Risks - The company faces risks related to the custody of its bitcoin, including potential loss or destruction of private keys and cyberattacks[162]. - Security breaches or cyberattacks could result in the loss of bitcoin, materially affecting the company's financial condition[158]. - Cybersecurity incidents could adversely affect the company's business and results, especially related to AI applications integrated into its operations[179]. - The integration of artificial intelligence into the company's analytics offerings may incur substantial costs and could affect its competitive position if competitors adopt AI more successfully[178]. - The company faces potential challenges from geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or pandemics that could materially affect the company's operating results and internal controls[192]. Human Resources and Corporate Governance - As of December 31, 2024, the total employee headcount was 1,534, a decrease from 1,934 in 2023 and 2,152 in 2022, reflecting a reduction of approximately 20.7% year-over-year[88]. - The ability to attract and retain skilled personnel is critical for the company's success, with significant competition in the technology industry[198]. - The company has entered into an indemnification agreement with its Chairman, which may affect its ability to attract and retain qualified directors and officers[210]. - The company has two classes of common stock, with class B stockholders having ten votes per share, giving the Chairman significant control over corporate matters[214]. - The company is subject to Delaware anti-takeover provisions, which could impede third-party acquisitions even if beneficial to stockholders[216]. Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company is actively involved in advocacy and educational activities to promote the acceptance and value of bitcoin[30]. - The company’s cloud-native flagship, Strategy One™, powers large analytics deployments across various industries, enhancing decision-making through AI capabilities[66][68]. - Strategy One™ features include an AI assistant, Auto, which simplifies complex functions and makes analytics accessible to non-technical users[70]. - The company’s cloud solution for government has achieved FedRAMP authorization, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal security standards[71]. - Strategy sells its software under user-based subscriptions for cloud deployments and legacy enterprise licensing for on-premise deployments, typically ranging from 12 to 36 months[75]. - A dedicated Customer Success team manages the customer lifecycle, enhancing customer experience and satisfaction post-sale[76].