Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) shares fall after reporting Q2 loss, citing slower USDC growth due to declining rates

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) shares fall after reporting Q2 loss, citing slower USDC growth due to declining rates

NEW YORK, August 1, 2026, 09:10 EDT

  • Coinbase ended Friday at $146.26, falling 10.6%. Its trading volume was 2.4 times higher than its 65-day average.
  • Revenue for the second quarter declined 18.5% to $1.22 billion. The company posted a net loss of $359.5 million.
  • USDC’s average market capitalization climbed 26%. Associated revenue dropped 4%, and USDC rewards expenses grew 16%.

U.S. stock markets did not open on Saturday. Coinbase finished Friday trading at $146.26, falling 10.6%. The stock reached a 52-week low of $139.11.

Stock chart for NASDAQ:COIN

The stock declined 7.6% during the week, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.6%. Trading volume on Friday totaled 20.9 million shares, 2.4 times the 65-day average.

Monetization remains the primary investor concern, rather than product range. USDC’s average market capitalization increased by 26% from a year earlier. In contrast, related revenue declined 4%, and USDC rewards expenses increased by 16%.

Friday’s cross-market scoreboard highlighted the disparity. Equity data reflects closing prices, while for Bitcoin, the daily mark from the data provider is used.

Market referenceFriday closeFriday moveWeekly move
Coinbase Global$146.26-10.59%-7.60%
Robinhood Markets $86.56-0.05%-8.80%
Circle Internet Group $62.61-2.54%+0.40%
Bitcoin$62,875.50-2.92%-1.98%
Nasdaq Composite25,373.85+1.00%+1.60%

Bitcoin’s weekly drop was much less pronounced compared to Coinbase’s. Circle, which issues USDC, recorded a small gain. Robinhood declined more sharply over the week, though its movement on Friday was limited. The company’s crypto transaction revenue for the second quarter fell by 38%.

Coinbase reported a GAAP net loss for the third quarter in a row, as revenue declined 18.5% to $1.22 billion. The figure came in below the preliminary analyst consensus of $1.29 billion released on Thursday.

Q2 metric20262025Change or benchmark
Total revenue$1.220 billion$1.497 billionDown 18.5%; missed $1.29 billion early consensus
Net income or loss-$359.5 million+$1.429 billion$1.788 billion decline
Diluted EPS-$1.36+$5.14Compared to -$0.44 early consensus
Transaction revenue$599.2 million$764.3 millionFell 21.6%
Subscription and services$555.1 million$632.2 millionDown 12.2%
Adjusted EBITDA$207.8 million$512.1 millionDropped 59.4%

The GAAP loss reflected a $209.5 million crypto investment mark. Company-adjusted net loss totaled $104.9 million, up from $45.6 million in the prior quarter.

Analysts gave differing views. Raymond James Financial noted that “crypto trading conditions remain challenging.” Zacks strategist David Bartosiak said the “business mix keeps improving.” Subscription and services contributed 48% of net revenue, up from 45% in the previous year. Reuters

According to company figures and calculated ratios, both patterns are evident. Revenue streams broadened, while earnings coverage saw a decline.

Operating indicatorQ2 2026ComparisonChange
Portion from subscription and services48%45% in Q2 2025+3 percentage points
Net revenue excluding Bitcoin spot88%About 45% in Q2 2020+43 percentage points
USDC average market cap$77 billion$61 billion in Q2 2025+26%
Revenue from stablecoins and corporate balances$320 million$332 million in Q2 2025-4%
USDC-related rewards expense$119.1 million$102.5 million in Q2 2025+16%
Revenue minus USDC rewards$200.9 million$229.5 million in Q2 2025-12.5%
Stock-based compensation as a share of adjusted EBITDA115%38% in Q2 2025+77 percentage points

A straightforward calculation prior to accounting for other stablecoin-related and corporate expenses.

Coinbase reported that stablecoin revenue fell by $55.9 million due to lower average rates. An increase in customer balances only partially offset this decrease. The company also noted a 73-basis-point decline in average earned rates impacting corporate interest income.

USDC rewards spending increased by $16.6 million. Revenue after deducting rewards declined by $28.6 million. Share-based compensation totaled $238.3 million, surpassing adjusted EBITDA by $30.5 million. Coinbase reported that buybacks have neutralized more than 85% of stock-compensation given out since late 2024.

Chief Executive Brian Armstrong stated Coinbase was “no longer a bet just on the price of Bitcoin.” The company’s revenue makeup reflects that statement. Earnings are still vulnerable to fluctuations in interest rates, crypto prices and compensation expenses. Coinbase Investor Relations

Third-quarter projections indicated no quick improvement to margins. Subscription and services revenue is estimated between $500 million and $580 million, with the midpoint marking a 2.7% decrease from Q2. Adjusted expenses are expected to stay about the same, and stock compensation is projected to be around $245 million.

This exposes Coinbase to fluctuations in rates on both sides. A drop in rates diminishes the returns on USDC holdings, while persistently elevated rates may dampen crypto appetite. Upcoming labor data next week will thus be doubly significant. The economist median estimates listed below are early projections.

DateU.S. catalystPreliminary median forecast
Monday, August 3ISM manufacturing index54.0
Tuesday, August 4June job openings7.5 million
Wednesday, August 5Private payroll figures; ISM services75,000; 54.4
Friday, August 7July payroll numbers; unemployment rate85,000; 4.3%

Armstrong expressed confidence that the CLARITY Act could be brought to a Senate vote. The Senate resumes session on Monday before starting its state work period on August 10. The bill is still listed on the legislative calendar, though as of Saturday, no floor vote had been scheduled.

Risks: A more pronounced downturn in cryptocurrencies would affect both transaction revenues and investment valuations. Declining interest rates may place additional strain on USDC earnings, while rising rates could weigh on trading activity. Delays in regulatory progress and ongoing stock-based pay could also impact Coinbase’s valuation.

TS2 TECH • EXTENDED COVERAGE

Further analysis

Is the cryptocurrency market establishing a lasting floor?
Bitcoin is quoted around $63,040, about 29% beneath its January 1 close. The cryptocurrency is currently just 9% higher than its 52-week low of $57,718. CoinGecko puts the total market value at $2.26 trillion, reflecting a 41% decline year on year. There is no confirmed sign of a lasting bottom yet. Yahoo Finance
What is the range for the Bitcoin price forecast?
Citi has set a 12-month price target at $82,000, while Standard Chartered projects $100,000 by the end of the year. Citi’s downside scenario puts bitcoin at $53,000. These projections suggest a potential downside of about 16% and an upside of up to 59% from current levels. Market expectations remain widely varied. Reuters
Do institutional flows have sufficient strength to reignite the rally?
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $265.4 million in outflows on July 31. Over the past five sessions, net outflows totaled $61.5 million. During the same period, Ether ETFs saw inflows of $10 million. Total inflows to date stand at $51.4 billion for Bitcoin and $11.2 billion for Ether. Institutional interest remains varied. Farside Investors
What does Coinbase’s quarterly report indicate regarding trading activity?
Coinbase posted a quarterly revenue of $1.22 billion with a loss of $359.5 million. Transaction revenue declined 21% from the previous quarter to $599 million. While overall market spot volume dropped 25%, Coinbase achieved a record market share of 10.3%. The platform increased its share. Earnings remained subdued.
Is Coinbase's current valuation reflective of the downturn?
COIN was last quoted at $146.26, falling 10.6%, giving it a $38.5 billion market capitalisation. The figure represents about 6.1 times revenue from the previous four quarters. Analysts’ average price target is $221 among 33 surveyed, indicating an expected gain of around 51%. Targets span from $95 to $335, illustrating considerable uncertainty over earnings. MarketBeat
What needs to change for cryptocurrency trading to pick up pace again?
The Fed kept rates steady at 3.50%–3.75%, with three members supporting an increase. This provided no immediate liquidity boost for crypto. The SEC stated most crypto assets do not qualify as securities. Congress has yet to pass comprehensive market-structure laws. Macroeconomic policy stays restrictive. Legal clarity is still incomplete. Federal Reserve

Shan Ahmed Khan is a senior markets reporter at TS2.tech, specializing in stocks, technology and macroeconomic trends. A graduate of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), he previously worked in investment research and market analysis. His coverage helps readers understand the key developments influencing global financial markets and emerging industries.

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