Coinbase Global (COIN) stock is spiraling Monday, hit by a sharp selloff in cryptocurrencies, including drops of more than 14% for bitcoin and 18% for ethereum at last check.
Coinbase's stock tends to sell off when cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum lose value, because, as a marketplace, its revenue is closely tied to the trading volumes of these digital assets.
"Crypto asset price risk could adversely affect our operating results," stated Coinbase in its latest quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). "In particular, our future profitability may depend upon the market price of bitcoin and ethereum, as well as other crypto assets."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
When there is a sharp drop in cryptocurrencies, trading volume typically declines, which means Coinbase sees a decline in transaction fees during these periods. Transaction fees are Coinbase's largest source of revenue, equating to approximately 54% of its total revenue in the first half of 2024.
Coinbase also holds crypto assets, so lower values of these assets directly impacts the value of its holdings. As of June 30, the company's crypto assets consisted of $1.2 billion held for investment, $223.1 million that were borrowed, $84.2 million held for operations, and $21.1 million held as collateral.
Is Coinbase stock a buy, sell or hold?
Heading into today's trading, the financial stock had more than doubled on a year-over-year basis. Even with the recent slump, Wall Street remains bullish on the crypto exchange.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for COIN stock is $252.52, representing implied upside of more than 30% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Financial services firm Oppenheimer is one of the most bullish outfits on COIN stock with an Outperform rating (equivalent to a Buy) and $282 price target.
"We view COIN as an enabler of crypto innovation, which solves some pain points in the existing financial system, and one of a few remaining exchanges in this space," wrote Oppenheimer analyst Owen Lau in an August 1 note. Lau's bullish outlook on the stock is based on several things, including blockchain adoption, a strong balance sheet, and a "platform for product innovation, which produces a virtuous cycle for monetization."
The analyst adds that "as a leader in the cryptoeconomy, COIN is well positioned to benefit from the mass adoption of digital assets."
Oppenheimer's $282 price target sits roughly 50% above Coinbase Global's current price.
Related Content
-
Stock Market Today: Trump Retreats, Markets RejoiceStocks rally, yields soften, the dollar rises, and even beaten-down names enjoy the wages of potential trade peace.
-
In Trump’s Economy Should 401(k) Savers 'Set It and Forget It?'It’s hard to bury your head in the sand when the markets are volatile. Here’s when it makes sense and when it doesn’t.
-
Stock Market Today: Trump Retreats, Markets Rejoice
Stocks rally, yields soften, the dollar rises, and even beaten-down names enjoy the wages of potential trade peace.
-
Tesla Stock Pops as Elon Musk Promises DOGE Draw BackTesla reported a sharp drop in first-quarter earnings and sales, as the EV maker suffered a backlash to its CEO's political ambitions.
-
Bouncing Back: New Tunes for Millennials Trying to Make ItAdele's mournful melodies kick off this generation's financial playlist, but with the right plan, Millennials can finish strong.
-
Early-Stage Startup Deals: How Do Convertible Notes Work?Some angel investors support early startups by providing a loan in exchange for a convertible note, which includes annual interest and a maturity date.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Soar on China Trade Talk HopesTreasury Secretary Bessent said current U.S.-China trade relations are unsustainable and signaled hopes for negotiations.
-
How Can Investors Profit From AI's Energy Use?Global energy demand is expected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next several years as AI usage accelerates. Here's how to get a piece of the pie.
-
Can Trump Fire Powell? A Supreme Court Case Could DecidePresidential posts threaten to overwhelm decades of precedent and tradition, whatever the nine justices decide.
-
What Are AI Agents and What Can They Do for You?AI agents promise to be the next big thing in artificial intelligence, but what exactly do they do?
