Coinbase is one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchange platforms worldwide. It has roots in crypto as well as the stock market and is now ready to debut on the S&P 500. What makes this move notable is that Coinbase is the first ever crypto firm to join major 500 firms in the index. 

What is S&P 500?

The S&P 500, or Standard and Poor’s 500, is a share market index that tracks the performance of the top 500 companies listed on US market stock exchanges.

Set to join the index on May 19, Coinbase (COIN) is replacing the legacy financial service firm Discover Financial Services (DFS). Some Wall Street experts believe that this move could significantly impact Coinbase’s standing in both the cryptocurrency and stock markets. It could generate approximately $16 billion in buying pressure for the company, which includes $9 billion from passive funds in the index and $7 billion from active allocation.

Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 indicates that crypto is now gaining more mainstream attention. Large institutions and governments have recently shown a higher adoption rate of crypto than retail investors. As per recent data by the River, 157K BTC, worth about $16 billion, were acquired by corporations in 2025; on the other hand, governments acquired merely 19K Bitcoin. 

The S&P 500 inclusion news boosted the COIN stock price by approximately 24% in the past few days, while it is up 42% in one month. This surge has influenced experts to have positive expectations for Coinbase (COIN) stock, with some analysts believing it could surpass $500 in 2025. 

As Coinbase is poised to make a significant move and achieve a historic milestone, this brief will cover its performance, price analysis, and fundamentals that may assist in identifying the company’s potential growth in 2025. 

Understanding Coinbase’s Business Model

Coinbase Global is one of the most popular US-based cryptocurrency exchanges, established in 2012 by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam. It primarily serves crypto users in the US and has a presence in over 100 countries. 

The company provides a broad variety of products and services that are oriented to satisfy the needs of both retail and institutional clients in the crypto sphere. The firm offers a user-friendly platform to buy, sell, and manage digital assets. It also offers exclusive services such as Coinbase One, a premium subscription plan; Coinbase Advanced, a professional trading interface; Coinbase Wallet, a self-custody crypto wallet; and Coinbase Card, a crypto debit card that allows users to spend cryptocurrency directly.

Coinbase also provides services to a wide range of institutional clients such as asset managers, hedge funds, banks, and corporations. The firm provides secure market access, digital asset custody solutions, and improved trading infrastructure for clients. 

Key Reasons to Consider Coinbase (COIN)

• Improved Q1 2025 Revenue: In the first quarter of 2025, Coinbase had garnered total revenue of $2.03 billion, a 24% increase YoY basis. Coinbase’s transaction revenue increased from the same period in 2024 on the back of a $366.5 million increase in consumer transaction revenue, which was due to a 39% increase in consumer trading volume. 
• Enhanced Product Revenue: On the other hand, the subscription and services revenue of the company also improved due to a $105.1 million increase in average USD Coin (USDC) balances held in Coinbase products and a $67.9 million increase in off-platform USD Coin balances.
• Market Leadership: Coinbase is the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange and one of the biggest and most widely recognized in the world, with more than 108 million users in over 100 countries.
• Variety in Product Offering: The recent strategic acquisitions, like the $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, provide Coinbase with a footing in the rapidly expanding crypto derivatives market, allowing the company to provide options and futures trading to institutional investors.
• Robust Liquidity: Coinbase has good liquidity, and it is confident that its current cash, cash equivalents, and USD Coin (USDC) reserves will be adequate to cover both short-term and long-term needs. This involves working capital, capital expenditures, and business initiatives. 

The company is bullish on its liquidity position because of various reasons, including sustained market adoption of crypto assets and blockchain technology, user growth, customer retention, demand for its products and services, successful launch of new subscription offerings, and overall macroeconomic conditions. 

In the short run, Coinbase is likely to rely on its existing cash and cash flows from operations, but for the long run, any additional funding requirements could be fulfilled through equity or debt financing in the future.

Coinbase Price Analysis: Will COIN Break Above the $500 Mark?

On the technical charts, Coinbase’s stock price has recently made a comeback after a prolonged downtrend. The stock price touched a low of $141.67 in early April and then bounced back from there. From the April low COIN stock price recovered more than 80% and is heading in an upward direction by making a higher high structure.

At the time of writing, the Coinbase price was trading at $262.62 with a 2.23% surge and holds a market cap of 66.85 billion. Looking at the TradingView technical summary, out of 26 indicators, only one is on the sell side, 9 are on the neutral side, and 16 are on the buying side, indicating strong bullishness.

Moreover, looking at the analyst forecast, 25 analysts suggested that the COIN price could reach $400 in one year if bullish support continued. If bears took control of the trend, then the Coinbase price could fall up to $170, 35% down from the current price. Moreover, some analysts projected it could also reach the $500 level.

Risks to Consider 

• Regulatory Uncertainty: Cryptocurrency exchanges continue to be under increased regulatory scrutiny, especially in the U.S. Unfavorable regulations may affect the operations of Coinbase and its expansion to new markets.
• Market Volatility: Coinbase’s revenue is highly related to the volatility of the crypto market. Large fluctuations in the prices of such assets as Bitcoin and Ethereum can cause varying trading volumes and therefore, revenue.
• Competition: The crypto exchange industry is cut-throat with players such as Binance, Kraken, and others fighting for market share. Coinbase will have to keep innovating and stay ahead of the competition in order to retain users and win over institutional clients.
• Valuation: Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) is currently trading at around $207.22 as of May 13, 2025, which is a massive discount from its 52-week high of $349.75 and a massive premium from its 52-week low of $146.1. 

The stock is currently being traded at a level below its 52-week high. it is still about 40.7% off its 52-week high. The discounted share price is primarily observed because of the following reasons: recent market volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and changes in investor sentiment.

For investors who are considering it, the current share price of Coinbase stock is trading at a discount, which could be an opportunity to buy shares at a discount price compared to its 52-week high and relative to its peers, depending on individual investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Final Thoughts

As Coinbase makes history with its S&P 500 debut, investors face a pivotal moment. With strong Q1 performance, market leadership, and promising technical indicators pointing toward $500, COIN presents an enticing opportunity despite regulatory challenges. 

Whether you are a crypto enthusiast or a traditional investor, Coinbase is a fascinating investment option for you. The company’s growth is remarkable, and several other significant developments are on the horizon. However, you should conduct your research before making an investment decision.

Also Read: “India now leads world in grassroots crypto adoption,” CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta