Bernstein sets $140 price target for Circle as USDC supply grows
USDC supply rises by $2 billion in one week
Research firm Bernstein has set a $140 price target for Circle, the company behind the USDC stablecoin. The firm cited a recent increase in USDC supply as a sign of growth. Over seven days, the total amount of USDC in circulation grew by about $2 billion.
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to keep a steady value, usually pegged to a traditional currency like the U.S. dollar. USDC is the second-largest stablecoin by market size, after Tether’s USDT.
Key factors behind the growth
- USDC supply increased by $2 billion in one week.
- Bernstein maintains an “Outperform” rating on Circle shares, with a $140 target.
- USDC’s share of stablecoin transaction volume rose from 40% in 2025 to over 60% in 2026.
- Circle reported $701 million in revenue and $48 million in net income in its most recent quarter.
Why Bernstein expects further growth
Bernstein analysts believe several factors could drive more growth for USDC. These include renewed interest in crypto markets, clearer U.S. regulations, the rise of tokenized capital markets, and increased use of stablecoins for payments. The firm also noted early signs of stablecoins being used by artificial intelligence agents for transactions.
Circle’s stock performance since going public
Circle went public in June 2025, pricing its shares at $31 and raising about $1.1 billion. The stock rose after its debut but later fell back near its initial price by November 2025 due to a broader crypto market downturn. Over the past month, Circle shares have risen roughly 40%.
What is confirmed
- USDC supply increased by approximately $2 billion in seven days.
- Bernstein set a $140 price target for Circle, implying about 60% upside from current levels.
- Circle’s revenue for the most recent quarter was $701 million, with $48 million in net income.
- USDC’s share of stablecoin transaction volume grew from 40% in 2025 to over 60% in 2026.
What is still unclear
- The sources do not confirm whether the $140 price target will be reached or if the growth trends will continue.
- No official statement from Circle about the Bernstein report or its future plans was provided in the sources.
Why this matters for stablecoin users
The growth in USDC supply and transaction activity suggests increasing use of stablecoins for trading, payments, and other financial activities. If the trends continue, USDC could become more widely adopted, potentially affecting how people and businesses use digital dollars.
