Coinbase slid as much as 10% Wednesday after reporting third-quarter revenue that fell short of expectations and weaker trading volumes than in the second quarter. Coinbase’s share decline also reflects strength heading into the earnings report amid a rise in crypto prices. The shares pared their drop to trade at $339 by publication time.
Some Wall Street analysts are taking a longer-term view on the crypto exchange. That’s a stance backed up by Coinbase’s stance that cryptocurrency volatility and rising prices in recent months should feed through to an increase in transacting users and trading volumes in the fourth quarter.
Still, the decline in retail trading revenue divided by retail trading volumes is keeping Mizuho cautious. “Most significantly, 3Q saw a dramatic decline in the retail take rate, likely amongst the most dramatic compression in COIN’s short history as a public company,” analyst Dan Dolev wrote to clients in a note. Dolev maintained a neutral rating and $300 price target.
MoffettNathanson sees a bright spot in revenue from Coinbase’s subscription and services, or non-trading services, which rose 41% from the previous quarter. Analyst Lisa Ellis sees the “expansion of these services as the most notable source of upside to Coinbase’s financial performance over the next 3- 5 years.” Ellis maintained a buy rating and $600 price target.
Needham is also looking ahead to different product launches, such as NFTs. “We continue to be positive on revenue diversification and new product launches (NFTs, futures, additional staking opportunities),” analyst John Todaro told clients in a note. Needham maintained its buy recommendation and $420 price target.
Coinbase should benefit from overall crypto adoption, JPMorgan said. “We see Coinbase continuing to outpace peers and still see the company as a strong investment based on continued growth of the cryptoeconomy,” analyst Kenneth Worthington wrote. He maintained an overweight recommendation while boosting JPMorgan’s Coinbase price target to $447 from $375.
