Galaxy Digital Posts Impressive Earnings, Riding Wave of Institutional Adoption

Galaxy Digital (GLXY) experienced a strong end to 2023, with notable growth in its diversified business segments. Assets under management (AUM) surged to over $10 billion, marking a significant uptick from year-end, while equity capital rose to $2.1 billion. The firm's focus on institutional trading through its unique crypto-specific prime brokerage product, Galaxy One, is viewed as a key driver for capturing market share.

Galaxy Digital Reports Robust Performance, Boosted by Institutional Trading Focus

New York, NY - March 8, 2023 - Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. (TSX: GLXY), the crypto financial services firm founded by Michael Novogratz, has concluded 2023 with a solid financial performance, driven by strong operating results across its diversified business lines.

In a research report published Wednesday, analyst Joseph Vafi of Canaccord Genuity highlighted several positive developments for Galaxy Digital. Notably, the firm experienced a substantial increase in assets under management (AUM), rising from year-end levels to over $10 billion. Equity capital also grew significantly, climbing to $2.1 billion from approximately $1.5 billion at the end of the third quarter.

Galaxy Digital's income before tax for the quarter-to-date period stood at approximately $300 million. "It is important to note that Galaxy continues to evolve its business model, with a focus on institutional trading," stated Vafi. "We were pleased to see further maturation and rollout of the company's unique crypto-specific prime brokerage product, Galaxy One."

Canaccord analysts believe that Galaxy One's continued development will be instrumental in capturing market share as traditional asset managers seek exposure to cryptocurrencies. The crypto firm's deepened relationship with the FTX estate has also contributed to a material increase in AUM within its asset management unit since year-end. As FTX liquidates its digital assets at spot prices, the firm anticipates higher AUM will translate to increased trading revenue over time.

Galaxy Digital's exchange-traded fund (ETF) strategy continues to provide tailwinds. Canaccord highlights the company's collaborations with European partner DWS for the launch of bitcoin and ether ETFs, as well as the gradual ramp-up of the U.S. bitcoin ETF with partner Invesco.

Based on these positive indicators, Canaccord maintains its "buy" rating on Galaxy Digital shares with an unchanged price target of C$17 ($12). Galaxy Digital's share price closed at C$13.46 on Wednesday, providing investors with a potential upside to the target price.

The strong end to 2023 and positive commentary from Canaccord Genuity suggest that Galaxy Digital is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. The firm's focus on institutional trading, coupled with its diversified business lines, provides a solid foundation for continued financial performance and market growth in the years to come.