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Tuesday – Raymond James has upgraded the stock rating for Coinbase (NASDAQ:) Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) from Underperform to Market Perform. The firm acknowledged the impact of exchange-traded product (ETP) inflows on cryptocurrency valuations, particularly , which has significantly influenced Coinbase’s share performance.
The decision to upgrade the rating reflects a shift in the near-term investment outlook for Coinbase, despite the firm’s ongoing concerns about the company’s long-term earnings potential. Raymond James cites the commoditized nature of Coinbase’s client offerings, uncertain cryptocurrency valuation prospects, and substantial regulatory risks as factors contributing to their skepticism.
The analyst pointed out that while there are no immediate catalysts for a change in pricing, the possibility increases if the current cryptocurrency rally continues. This could potentially invite competitive pricing strategies from other market participants. However, the firm conceded that it had underestimated the effect of ETP inflows on the overall valuation of cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin, which has, in turn, led to a strong performance of Coinbase’s stock.
The upgrade comes amid a broader crypto rally that has seen increased investor interest and inflows into ETPs related to cryptocurrencies. Raymond James suggests that as long as these inflows continue, Coinbase’s stock momentum may be sustained.
The firm’s upgrade indicates a neutral stance on Coinbase’s stock, moving away from a previously negative rating, and reflects a wait-and-see approach to the company’s performance in the near term.
InvestingPro Insights
Following the Raymond James upgrade of Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) to Market Perform, several metrics and tips from InvestingPro may offer additional insights into the company’s current market dynamics. With a market capitalization of 61.58 billion USD, Coinbase has demonstrated significant price movements recently. The stock has experienced a notable return, with a 6-month price total return of 212.56% and a 1-year price total return of 375.62%, reflecting the strong performance that Raymond James acknowledged.
InvestingPro Tips suggest that Coinbase’s net income is expected to grow this year, aligning with the optimistic sentiment regarding the company’s near-term prospects. Additionally, the stock’s high return over the last month, at 72.54%, further emphasizes the recent rally that has caught the attention of investors and analysts alike.
However, the stock’s current P/E ratio of 654.85, which is adjusted to 720.45 for the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, indicates that it is trading at a high earnings multiple, suggesting that investors are paying a premium for future earnings growth. This aligns with the concerns raised by Raymond James about the company’s long-term earnings potential. Moreover, with a Price / Book ratio of 9.8 as of Q4 2023, the stock is trading at a high valuation relative to its book value.
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