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
-
I’m 53, make $500,000 a year and live paycheck to paycheck. I want to retire at 65 but we only have $200,000 saved. Am I nuts?We asked an expert wealth planner for advice.
-
So You Want to Age in Place: What Most People OverlookIf you want to age in place in your current home, near the beach or in the mountains, one risk could upend your plans. Here's what you need to know.
-
The 100 Minus Your Age Rule May Be the Easiest Asset Allocation Strategy, but Is It the Best?The 100 Minus Your Age rule is a quick, back-of-the-envelope calculation that can help determine your appropriate allocation to stocks and bonds.
-
I'm a Wealth Adviser: If You're a DIY Investor, Don't Make These Five MistakesEven though you may feel confident because of easy access to investing information, you may be making mistakes that could compromise your long-term performance. Here's what you should know.
-
Building a Business That Lasts: The Critical Steps to Avoid Blunders'Another Way' author David Whorton offers advice on how to build an 'evergreen' business that endures by avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to failure.
-
Stocks Struggle to Start Nvidia Week: Stock Market TodayAnother important week for the stock market starts on a risk-off note.
-
I'm a Financial Pro: Why You Shouldn't Put All Your Eggs in the Company Stock BasketLimit exposure to your employer's stock, sell it periodically and maintain portfolio diversification to protect your wealth from unexpected events.
-
How Will the One Big Beautiful Bill Shape Your Legacy?The One Big Beautiful Bill Act removes uncertainty over tax brackets and estate tax. Families should take time to review estate plans to take full advantage.
-
Nvidia Earnings: Live Updates and Commentary August 2025Nvidia's earnings event is just days away, and market participants are zeroed in on the AI bellwether's quarterly results.
-
Should You Claim Social Security Early or Late? A Financial Adviser Weighs InThere isn't a wrong age to start claiming Social Security, but there are factors that everyone should consider to avoid leaving money on the table.
