Which Crypto-Focused Fintech Is a Better Buy: Coinbase COIN or Block Inc. XYZ?

Crypto-focused fintechs have gained momentum in the backdrop of easing regulatory control to accelerate crypto adoption (including institutional) as well as integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of fintech, several companies are making waves with their innovative approaches to integrating crypto, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology. Among these, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) and Block (NYSE:XYZ) have emerged as key players in shaping the digital financial system.

As major banks, including Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), are exploring their own stablecoin initiatives, and cyber threats continue to pose a challenge, the question arises: Which of these two fintech giants—Coinbase or Block—presents a more attractive investment opportunity?

To make an informed decision, let's delve into the fundamentals of both stocks closely.

Coinbase: A Deep Dive

America's largest registered cryptocurrency exchange is well-positioned to capitalize on heightened crypto market volatility and rising asset prices. Coinbase is also poised to benefit from President Trump's pro-crypto outlook and emphasis on regulatory clarity. With 83% of its total revenues generated in the United States—a market increasingly viewed as a future crypto hub—the company is strategically aligned for domestic expansion.

In 2024, Coinbase's total revenues more than doubled, marking its second straight year of positive adjusted EBITDA. Transaction revenues—primarily driven by trading volume—also more than doubled year over year, reflecting both overall market growth and an increase in Coinbase's U.S. market share.

To expand crypto's practical use, Coinbase is investing in key infrastructure, including Base—a low-cost Layer 2 scaling solution. These initiatives, along with its focus on stablecoins, underscore the company's efforts to advance real-world utility for digital assets.

Management envisions Coinbase to be the platform for companies that are trying to integrate cryptocurrency.

From a financial standpoint, Coinbase remains fundamentally sound. The company ended 2024 with $9.3 billion in USD resources—consisting of cash, cash equivalents, and USDC—up $3.8 billion from the prior year. Its debt burden has decreased in recent quarters, and improvements in both its debt-to-capital ratio and times interest earned suggest a strong ability to manage and service debt.

Nonetheless, rising costs—including higher transaction and operating expenses—continue to pressure margins. Moreover, the company is vulnerable to fluctuations in crypto asset prices. A significant drop in the value of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies could affect earnings, reduce the carrying value of its crypto holdings, and limit future cash flows. Such developments could impair liquidity and the company's ability to meet ongoing obligations.

Coinbase stock has lost 16% since the beginning of the year.

Coinbase stock chart by InvestingPro

Factors to Consider for Block

Block, formerly known as Square, differentiates itself by offering a comprehensive commerce ecosystem enabling sellers to combine software, hardware, and payments services from several vendors. Block's entry into the bitcoin market with the CashApp product bodes well for the company.

Block continues to hit major milestones—receiving FDIC approval to use Square Financial Services in March of this year and the launch of Cash App Afterpay in late February of this year. It also expects to invest in high return on equity growth initiatives across Cash App and Square.

The company continues to leverage its diverse revenue sources—Cash App, Square, and Afterpay—which also position it for global expansion. It remains committed to driving accelerated growth in both Cash App and Square, and with a supportive macroeconomic environment, anticipates steady increases in gross profit each quarter.

Block is actively investing in expanding its partner network and scaling its distribution channels. Its ability to integrate Bitcoin into consumer financial services stands out as a strategic advantage.

Despite these strengths, Block stock faces pressure due to rising competition within the fintech industry. Economic uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump's tariffs on major trading partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico poses a potential drag on performance in the near term. Meanwhile, rivals like PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) and Shopify (NYSE:SHOP) continue to challenge Block's market share.

Furthermore, declining consumer spending in the food, beverage, and discretionary retail segments presents additional headwinds for the company.

Estimates for COIN and XYZ

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COIN's 2025 revenues implies a 4.5% year-over-year increase but the same for EPS implies a 68.3% decline. EPS estimates have moved southward over the past 30 days.

On the contrary, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for XYZ's 2025 revenues implies a year-over-year increase of 3.5% while the same for EPS implies a year-over-year decrease of 19.3%. EPS estimates have moved southward over the past 30 days.

Are COIN and XYZ Shares Expensive?

Coinbase is trading at a forward earnings multiple of 48.12, below its median of 59.94 in a year. XYZ's forward earnings multiple