Coinbase's Weak Q2 Is a Blip, Not a Breakdown, Says Benchmark

Coinbase’s (COIN) softer-than-expected second quarter results triggered a sharp Friday sell-off, but Wall Street broker Benchmark says the drop is a buying opportunity, not a red flag. Analyst Mark Palmer reiterated his buy rating and $421 price target. He argued that the exchange's long-term investment case remains intact as the company continues to build foundational crypto infrastructure. The shares are 1.8% higher in early trading Monday, after having closed 16.7% lower on Friday. Benchmark highlights five catalysts supporting its thesis. First, Coinbase's revenue-sharing agreement with Circle on USDC reserves positions it to benefit from stablecoin adoption, especially after the U.S. passed the GENIUS Act. Second, its institutional offerings, including prime brokerage, crypto-as-a-service and derivatives, are well-timed because the CLARITY Act may spur further adoption. Third, the firm is developing a crypto “super app” integrating trading, payments, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized finance (DeFi) and developer tools, a unique product in the U.S. market. Fourth, the integration of decentralized exchanges expands token access beyond centralized listings. Finally, Coinbase’s estimated $360 million in July transaction revenue, a 44% jump from its monthly average during the second quarter, signals a potential recovery in crypto activity. Benchmark concludes the quarter's miss is short-term noise. Coinbase’s evolving platform, underpinned by regulation tailwinds and increasing institutional demand, points to long-term growth. Read more: Coinbase Slides Nearly 20% in Worst Weekly Performance Since September 2024