Coinbase (COIN) reported impressive fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that surpassed analysts’ estimates, driven by the surge in cryptocurrency prices. The U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange announced earnings of $1.04 per share, significantly higher than the average analyst estimate of $0.02 per share, according to FactSet data. Additionally, Coinbase’s revenue of $953.8 million exceeded the analyst forecast of $826.1 million.
Anil Gupta, the vice president of investor relations at Coinbase, expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance, attributing it to the operational rigor implemented earlier in the year. Gupta stated, “We’re really pleased with the results. Operational rigor that we set forth early in the year really paid off over the course of 2023.”
The surge in cryptocurrency prices throughout 2023, particularly in the fourth quarter, fueled increased trading volume on Coinbase. The company reported a 100% increase in trading volume during the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, with a total volume of $154 billion, surpassing the estimated $142.7 billion.
The approval of bitcoin ETFs in the previous month contributed to the heightened interest in digital assets, benefiting Coinbase as a key player in the industry. Gupta highlighted the positive impact of ETFs on the platform, stating, “The ETFs are really a win-win for Coinbase. I think we’re already starting to see that play out on the platform.”
In addition to strong earnings and revenue, Coinbase also posted adjusted Ebitda of $964 million for 2023, exceeding previous forecasts. The company anticipates generating $410 million to $480 million in subscription and service revenue in the first quarter of 2024, after already earning $320 million through mid-February.
Following the earnings report, shares of Coinbase surged by about 13% in post-market trading, building on a 3% increase during the regular session. Despite a 4% decline in COIN shares earlier in the year, the price of bitcoin rose by 23%.
Gupta addressed the fluctuating stock performance, stating, “Our stock performance has sometimes been better, sometimes lower, sometimes in line, I think the markets will figure that out.” The positive earnings report and outlook for future revenue generation have positioned Coinbase favorably in the cryptocurrency market.
In conclusion, Coinbase’s strong fourth-quarter performance, driven by soaring cryptocurrency prices and increased trading volume, has positioned the company as a key player in the digital asset industry. With promising revenue forecasts and positive market reception, Coinbase continues to demonstrate its resilience and growth potential in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.