TON Insider

Telegram’s Financial Results Revealed: $400m of Assets in Crypto Telegram’s 2023 financials have been disclosed, offering a rare glimpse into the company’s operations and raising questions about its sustainability: 5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣ Key Financial Highlights: ⚫Revenue: Telegram reported $342.5 million in revenue, a significant figure but one overshadowed by an operating loss of $108 million. ⚫Operating Expenses: The company burned through over $450 million in operating expenses to generate its revenue, highlighting the high cost of maintaining its platform. ⚫Crypto Revenue: Over 40% of Telegram's revenue came from crypto-related activities, including its "integrated wallet" and "sale of collectibles." ⚫Digital Assets: Telegram’s digital assets, primarily Toncoins, are valued at nearly $400 million, making up a substantial portion of its balance sheet. ⚫Asset Revaluation: The company recorded a gain of $86 million through the revaluation of digital assets, boosting its comprehensive income. ⚫New Business Line: The "integrated wallet" introduced in 2023, allowing users to store, send, and trade crypto assets, became a crucial revenue stream for Telegram. ⚫Liabilities: Despite raising over $2.3 billion from blue-chip investors, Telegram is burdened with substantial liabilities, raising concerns about its financial health. ⚫Valuation Concerns: With an operating loss and heavy reliance on volatile crypto assets, the $30 billion valuation touted by Durov earlier this year is now under scrutiny. ⚫Debt Maturity: $2.4 billion in debt maturing by 2026, including a $1bn bond issued in 2021, which might be unsustainable due to Telegram's operating losses. Telegram’s heavy reliance on crypto assets like Toncoin underscores the company’s shift towards digital currencies as a primary revenue driver. The TON blockchain, originally developed by Telegram and now managed by an open-source community, continues to play a pivotal role in the company’s financial ecosystem. While Telegram’s financials reveal impressive revenue figures, the underlying challenges—significant operating losses, high expenses, and dependence on crypto—suggest a need for a closer examination of its long-term viability. As the company navigates these financial hurdles and the recent arrest of its founder Pavel Durov, the future of Telegram remains uncertain. Investors and users alike will be watching closely as events unfold. 🤑 TON Insider 🤑