Galaxy Digital’s Strategic Pivot: High-Margin AI Infrastructure as the New Growth Engine

Albert FoxTuesday, May 13, 2025 4:50 pm ET
3min read

The cryptocurrency downturn has left scars across the digital asset ecosystem, but one company is turning adversity into opportunity. Galaxy Digital (BRPHF) is repositioning itself as a leader in AI-driven data center infrastructure, leveraging its Helios campus in West Texas to secure a $4.5 billion revenue stream over 15 years with CoreWeave—a partnership that promises to transform its financial trajectory. This strategic pivot isn’t just about survival; it’s a calculated move to capitalize on the AI boom while insulating earnings from crypto’s volatility.

The CoreWeave Deal: A Foundation for Decade-Long Growth

Galaxy’s partnership with CoreWeave, a Nasdaq-listed provider of GPU-based AI infrastructure, is its most critical asset today. The 15-year lease agreement secures $4.5 billion in total revenue, with an average annual run rate of $300 million for the initial 133 MW Phase I capacity. But this is just the beginning. CoreWeave has already expanded its commitment to 393 MW (adding 260 MW in Phase II), unlocking a $13.5 billion total revenue potential over the full term.

Crucially, the 90%+ EBITDA margins projected for the combined capacity are game-changing. These margins—driven by fixed-rate leases, minimal variable costs, and scale—contrast sharply with Galaxy’s current struggles in its cryptocurrency businesses. While its Treasury & Corporate segment posted a $392 million Q1 operating loss due to digital asset depreciation, the data center segment’s $2.9 million loss is transitional. Revenue from Phase I leasing will begin flowing by mid-2026, with Phase II contributions starting in 2027.

Mitigating Crypto Volatility with Infrastructure Resilience

The write-downs in Galaxy’s digital asset portfolio—down 37% in Q1—highlight the risks of its legacy business. But the Helios deal is designed to de-risk earnings by anchoring them to a recurring, high-margin revenue stream. CoreWeave’s demand for AI/HPC infrastructure is secular: global spending on AI data centers is projected to grow at a 20%+ CAGR, driven by hyperscalers and startups alike.

Galaxy’s 393 MW commitment positions it as a strategic supplier in this ecosystem. Even if crypto prices remain depressed, Helios’s contracts provide a buffer against market swings, with escalators baked into lease terms. This stability is reflected in its balance sheet: cash and net stablecoins rose to $1.1 billion in Q1, while digital asset exposure fell to $908 million—a deliberate shift toward liquidity and infrastructure-heavy assets.

Why BRPHF is a Leveraged Play on AI Adoption

At current valuations, Galaxy’s equity is undervalued relative to its infrastructure potential. The stock trades at a discount to peers like Equinix, despite Helios’s 90% margins and long-term leases. Here’s why investors should act now:

  1. Near-Term Catalysts: Phase I deliveries begin in 2026, with revenue recognition kicking in. The $700 million+ first-year run rate (post-Phase II completion) will validate the model.
  2. Execution Risk Management: Galaxy has already secured 800 MW of approved power capacity at Helios, with 1.7 GW under review. This scalability reduces dependency on one partner.
  3. Valuation Upside: A $13.5 billion revenue stream over 15 years implies a conservative terminal value of $5 billion+ for the data center segment alone—far above current equity valuation.

Risks and Considerations

No investment is without risks. Delays in Phase II construction, regulatory hurdles, or a sudden slowdown in AI demand could dent revenue. However, CoreWeave’s contractual commitments and the 15-year lease structure mitigate these concerns. The partnership’s alignment with hyperscalers like Microsoft and OpenAI further underscores its durability.

Conclusion: Buy the Dip Before the AI Surge

Galaxy Digital’s pivot to AI infrastructure is not just a defensive move—it’s a high-margin growth story in a $500+ billion AI data center market. With BRPHF trading at a valuation that ignores its $4.5B+ revenue pipeline, now is the time to position for the AI era. The near-term pain in its crypto businesses is temporary; the long-term gain from Helios is structural.

Investors should act swiftly: buy BRPHF now. The stock is a leveraged play on the AI adoption wave, and the next 12–18 months will see Galaxy transition from a crypto relic to a data center leader—rewarding early investors handsomely.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Always conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor.