Bernstein sees new USDC growth cycle, sets $140 Circle price target
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
Analysts at Bernstein are optimistic about Circle, expecting a new growth cycle for its USDC stablecoin that could benefit the company in the next 12 months. Bernstein noted a recent $2 billion increase in USDC supply over seven days, reversing six months of stagnant growth. The firm kept an Outperform rating on Circle with a $140 price target, suggesting about 60% upside from current levels.
Why it matters
Bernstein highlights potential drivers for stablecoin growth, including renewed crypto market momentum, regulatory clarity in the US, tokenized capital markets, and increased stablecoin payments use. The source suggests these factors could significantly boost Circle's business and stablecoin adoption but does not elaborate on broader market or policy impacts.
Key context
Circle went public in June 2025 at $31 per share, raising around $1.1 billion. Its stock saw strong gains early on but declined back toward the IPO price by November 2025 due to market downturns. In the latest quarter, Circle reported $701 million in revenue and $48 million in net income, both up year-over-year. USDC has overtaken Tether’s USDT in adjusted transaction volume share in 2026.
Key numbers and entities
Bernstein, Circle (ticker: CRCL), USDC stablecoin, Tether (USDT). Circle’s IPO price was $31, raising roughly $1.1 billion. Bernstein’s price target for Circle is $140. Circle’s latest quarter revenue was $701 million, with $48 million net income. USDC increased supply by $2 billion in seven days. USDC’s transaction volume share rose from about 40% in 2025 to over 60% in 2026.
What remains unclear
The source does not specify precise regulatory developments or the magnitude of impact from tokenized capital markets and AI-driven payments on stablecoin growth. Details on how Circle plans to capitalize on these growth drivers or challenges it may face are also absent.