Yeliz Akmaca 
Benchmark Raises COIN Price Target to $301
In a report dated May 16, Benchmark Equity Research raised its price target for Coinbase stock from $252 to $301 — a 19% increase. COIN shares closed at $266.32 on Friday, up 7%.
Analyst Mark Palmer stated that Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 was a major catalyst. Being added to the index has attracted passive fund investments, increasing buying pressure on the stock.
“Passive funds will be required to buy COIN shares for index alignment, which puts upward pressure on the stock,” Palmer said. Coinbase is the first crypto company to enter the S&P 500, enhancing its market credibility.
Coinbase Stock Remains Strong Despite Setbacks
Last week, Coinbase faced two major challenges. The company revealed a cyberattack in which hackers stole user data and demanded $20 million in Bitcoin. CEO Brian Armstrong publicly rejected the demand via social media. Additionally, the company confirmed it is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While these events could have concerned investors, the stock held strong.
The resilience is driven by Coinbase’s growth initiatives. The company recently acquired crypto derivatives exchange Deribit, expanding its product offerings and global presence. In Q1, revenue increased by 24%. Moreover, its inclusion in the S&P 500 has attracted long-term institutional investors. Giant funds are now adding COIN shares to their portfolios. Its stablecoin partnership with Circle is also positively impacting revenues.
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