Those transactions were only an experiment to show the liquidity and value of bitcoin as an alternative reserve asset, Tesla's CFO Zach Kirkhorn said at the time, adding that Tesla's bitcoin investment was long-term. However, Tesla said last week that it made $936 million by selling 75% of its bitcoin during the second quarter of this year. As per the company's SEC filing,
"We may raise or decrease our holdings of digital assets at any moment based on the needs of the business and our perception of the market and environmental circumstances, consistent with how we handle fiat-based cash and cash-equivalent accounts."
According to accounting standards, digital assets are referred to as "indefinite-lived intangible assets." Tesla is, therefore, required to value its bitcoin at its lowest point during a quarter and report a loss if it falls below its purchase price. Similarly, Tesla may benefit from its digital assets if it makes a profit.
The manufacturer of electric vehicles reported a $64 million profit on specific BTC to fiat currency exchanges for the six months ended June 30, when the asset was worth about $19,000. Tesla reportedly sold 29,060 BTC at an average price of $32,209, leaving the business with around 9,700 BTC ($205.1 million) on its balance sheet, according to Arcane Research analyst Vetle Lunde.