- Technical analysis identifies the $165 level as a high-conviction support zone, where buyers stepped in aggressively following the Q4 earnings dip.
- While transaction fees fell 37%, Coinbase’s stablecoin and subscription revenues grew significantly, providing a much-needed hedge against market volatility.
- CEO Brian Armstrong’s $550 million in pre-planned stock sales were executed via a 10b5-1 plan, often used for personal diversification rather than a lack of confidence.
The ever-volatile world of cryptocurrency, Coinbase Global Inc. ($COIN) has once again captured the spotlight following its Q4 2025 earnings release on February 12, 2026. The leading U.S. crypto exchange reported a surprise net loss of $667 million, or $2.49 per share, snapping an eight-quarter profitability streak.
This marked a stark contrast to analyst expectations of a 55-cent profit per share, with total revenues falling to $1.78 billion—a 5% drop quarter-over-quarter and below the $1.85 billion consensus. The primary culprit? A significant slowdown in trading volumes, with transaction revenue tumbling to $983 million, down 37% year-over-year, as crypto prices cooled amid macroeconomic pressures and reduced market activity.
The Armstrong Exit: Understanding the $550 Million Insider Divestment
Compounding the narrative, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has been steadily divesting shares, offloading more than 1.5 million COIN stocks worth approximately $550 million between April 2025 and January 2026. His largest single sale occurred in June 2025, netting over $119 million, while the most recent in early January 2026 involved 40,000 shares at around $249 each.
While such insider sales are often pre-planned for diversification, they have raised eyebrows amid the stock’s 26% year-to-date decline, mirroring broader crypto sector challenges where Bitcoin and altcoins have faced headwinds from regulatory scrutiny and global liquidity shifts. Despite the gloom, not all signals point downward. Prominent crypto analyst Altcoin Sherpa highlighted on X that $COIN’s current price area—hovering around $165 as of February 13—presents a “decent TA wise” opportunity.
Beyond Trading Fees: The Rise of Stablecoins and Global Expansion
A TradingView chart shared in the post shows the stock testing a multi-month support line after a sharp pullback, with volume bars indicating potential accumulation. Sherpa notes the correlation to the overall crypto environment, suggesting that if bullish sentiment returns—perhaps fueled by anticipated regulatory clarity or renewed institutional interest—$COIN could rebound strongly.
Interestingly, the stock surged 18% on February 13 despite the earnings miss, buoyed by optimism over Coinbase’s revenue diversification efforts, including stablecoins and international expansion. As the crypto market cycles through its inherent ups and downs, this dip might represent a classic “buy the fear” moment for long-term holders. Investors should monitor Bitcoin’s trajectory closely, as $COIN remains a high-beta play on digital assets. With Coinbase emphasizing that “crypto is cyclical,” the stage could be set for recovery if market conditions improve in the coming quarters.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. CoinCryptoNewz is not responsible for any losses incurred. Readers should do their own research before making financial decisions.
