CIRCLE'S Q2 COUNTERS BEARISH CONCERNS OVER COMPETITION, RESERVE INCOME
Bernstein reiterated its Outperform rating and $140 price target on Circle after Q2 revenue hit $701 million, up 7% year over year but roughly 2% below consensus. Adjusted EBITDA of $143 million and EPS of $0.19 beat expectations, with reserve income making up 95% of revenue. Analysts cited Circle's OCC trust bank approval, growing Circle Payments Network, and the September 16 Arc mainnet launch as revenue streams not yet reflected in estimates. USDC circulation stood at $73.3 billion, down 5% quarter over quarter but up 19% year over year.