Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN)vs Intel Corp. (INTC)

Quick verdict

Coinbase Global (COIN) and Intel Corp. (INTC) sit in very different corners of the market. COIN trades on a trailing P/E of 51.13 and forward P/E of 36.74, reflecting its position in crypto infrastructure, while INTC shows a trailing P/E of -166.11 (loss-making on a GAAP basis) but a forward P/E of 40.53, implying an expected return to profitability. COIN carries a beta of 3.351 versus INTC's 2.187, both indicating high volatility relative to the market. COIN holds an overall score of A for valuation and quality, while INTC is tagged 'income, mature' against COIN's 'high-volatility' style. Both carry an overallScore of 3. INTC offers a 3.66% dividend yield with a 35.65% payout ratio; COIN pays no dividend. Balance sheet grades are A for both companies based on the supplied metrics.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

Coinbase Global operates cryptoeconomy infrastructure, providing trading, custody, and technology services across the US and international markets, placing it in the Financial - Data & Stock Exchanges industry. Intel Corp. designs, manufactures, and sells computing products and services through its CCG, DCAI, and Intel Foundry segments, operating within the Semiconductors industry. COIN's model is tied closely to digital asset transaction volumes and crypto market activity, evidenced by its high beta of 3.351. INTC's model spans chip design and manufacturing, including foundry services, positioning it within a capital-intensive, cyclical hardware sector. Both companies operate internationally, but their revenue drivers differ substantially: COIN depends on crypto market cycles while INTC depends on semiconductor demand and manufacturing execution.

Valuation

COIN trades at a trailing P/E of 51.13 and forward P/E of 36.74, alongside a price-to-sales ratio of 7.58 and price-to-book of 3.28. Its EV/EBITDA stands at 33.03 and free cash flow yield at 1.96%. INTC's trailing P/E of -166.11 reflects a net loss, though its forward P/E of 40.53 suggests anticipated earnings improvement; its price-to-sales ratio is 9.63, price-to-book 4.7, and EV/EBITDA 47.83, higher than COIN's on that measure. INTC's free cash flow yield of 3.54% exceeds COIN's 1.96%. COIN's PEG ratio of -1.16 and INTC's PEG of -0.02 are both negative, reflecting negative or distorted earnings growth inputs, limiting their standalone usefulness. The valuation verdict of A applies to COIN's profile within this comparison.

Growth profile

COIN shows a 3-year revenue CAGR of 9.4% and a stronger 5-year revenue CAGR of 20.07%, though its 3-year EPS CAGR is -53.45%, contrasted with a 5-year EPS CAGR of 38.73%, indicating volatility in earnings trends. INTC's 3-year revenue CAGR is -0.47%, essentially flat to declining, while its 5-year revenue CAGR is 14.27%. INTC's 3-year EPS CAGR of 98.66% appears elevated, likely reflecting a low or negative base, with a 5-year EPS CAGR of 9.28%. The growth verdict of B applies to INTC in this comparison. Overall, COIN demonstrates stronger longer-term revenue growth momentum, while INTC's recent revenue trend has been roughly flat according to the supplied 3-year figure.

Profitability and quality

COIN reports a gross margin of 75.94%, operating margin of 0.43%, and net margin of 13.78%, with return on equity of 5.68% and return on invested capital of 0.1%. INTC's gross margin is considerably lower at 35.43%, with a negative operating margin of -9.45% and negative net margin of -5.9%, alongside negative ROE of -2.95% and ROIC of -2.81%. These figures indicate COIN is currently generating positive net profitability while INTC is operating at a net loss on the metrics supplied. The quality verdict of A is assigned to COIN, reflecting its higher margins and positive returns on capital relative to INTC's negative profitability metrics across operating margin, net margin, ROE, and ROIC.

Balance-sheet risk

COIN holds cash of approximately $70.19 billion against total debt of $117.39 billion, with a net debt/EBITDA ratio of -0.28, a current ratio of 2.14, and interest coverage of 28.4x. INTC holds cash of approximately $52.43 billion versus total debt of $21.77 billion, with net debt/EBITDA of 2.98, a current ratio of 2.31, and interest coverage of 14.63x. Both companies carry a balance sheet verdict of A. COIN's negative net debt/EBITDA and higher interest coverage suggest a stronger net cash position relative to earnings, while INTC's positive net debt/EBITDA of 2.98 indicates a comparatively higher leverage load against EBITDA, though its current ratio of 2.31 is marginally higher than COIN's 2.14.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the year to date, COIN returned -26.37% and INTC returned -25.9%, showing similar declines. Over one year, INTC returned 103.11% compared to COIN's 6.34%. Over three years annualised, COIN returned 28.41% versus INTC's 12.79%, while over five years annualised, COIN returned -4.64% against INTC's 27.8%. Maximum drawdown over five years was -50.24% for COIN and -45.25% for INTC, both indicating substantial historical declines. COIN's 52-week range spans $164.01 to $530.42, and its current price of $167.21 sits near the lower end. INTC's 52-week range is $139.5 to $286.65, with its current price of $102.99 sitting below that range as supplied in the data.

Which stock fits which investor

Based on the supplied verdicts, COIN is tagged as best suited to value-focused and quality-focused approaches, carrying an A grade in both valuation and quality categories, alongside a 'high-volatility' style tag. INTC is identified as best suited to growth-focused and income-focused approaches, supported by its B grade in growth and income categories and its 'income, mature' style tag, reinforced by its 3.66% dividend yield and 35.65% payout ratio. Investors prioritising current profitability metrics and balance sheet strength per the data may note COIN's positive net margin of 13.78% and ROE of 5.68%, while those seeking income and exposure to potential earnings recovery may consider INTC's dividend yield and forward P/E of 40.53.

• Value: COIN
• Growth: INTC
• Income: INTC
• Quality: COIN

Frequently asked questions

Which stock has a lower valuation, COIN or INTC?

On a forward P/E basis, COIN trades at 36.74 versus INTC's 40.53, indicating COIN is lower on this specific metric. On price-to-sales, COIN's 7.58 is lower than INTC's 9.63. However, INTC's trailing P/E of -166.11 reflects a net loss, making the trailing comparison less meaningful.

Does either COIN or INTC pay a dividend?

INTC pays a dividend yield of 3.66% with a payout ratio of 35.65%. COIN pays no dividend, with a dividend yield of 0%, according to the supplied data.

Which company is more profitable according to the data?

COIN shows positive profitability metrics, including a net margin of 13.78%, operating margin of 0.43%, and ROE of 5.68%. INTC shows negative figures across these same metrics, with a net margin of -5.9%, operating margin of -9.45%, and ROE of -2.95%.

How volatile are COIN and INTC compared to the market?

Both stocks carry high beta values, with COIN at 3.351 and INTC at 2.187, indicating both have historically moved with greater magnitude than the broader market. COIN also carries a 'high-volatility' style tag in the supplied verdicts.

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