Circle看空报告来了！摩根大通：盈利模式“剪刀差”吞噬利润，再给10%“情绪溢价”也只值80美元

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has issued a report on Circle, warning that its valuation is excessively high and has set a "reduce" rating with a target price of $80, a significant 56% reduction from the current stock price of $180 [1][3]. Valuation Concerns - Since its IPO at $31 on June 4, Circle's stock has surged 482%, reaching a market capitalization of $40 billion [2]. - The target price of $80 is based on a 45 times price-to-earnings ratio for an adjusted earnings per share of $1.56 in 2027, plus a $10 "investor enthusiasm premium" [6]. Business Model Challenges - Circle's revenue model heavily relies on reserve investment income, with 97% of its income derived from this source, making it highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations [1][14]. - Distribution costs are rising, with projections indicating a drop in gross margin from 39% to 34% as the company increases partnerships to promote USDC [9][12]. Competitive Landscape - Circle faces intense competition, particularly from new entrants offering higher yields to capture market share, which could significantly impact its economic viability [1][17]. - Coinbase is Circle's largest distribution partner, expected to receive $908 million in revenue share in 2024, which constitutes 55% of Circle's reserve income [12]. Market Dynamics - The stablecoin market is projected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2036, with USDC's market share expected to increase to 40%, but these assumptions are considered overly optimistic [7]. - A decline in interest rates could stimulate demand for stablecoins, potentially increasing USDC usage [14]. Regulatory Environment - Circle is positioned to benefit from upcoming regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and Europe, as it is considered the most compliant stablecoin issuer [16][18]. - The company is also exploring international markets, particularly in high-inflation countries, which could provide significant growth opportunities [18]. Strategic Initiatives - The launch of the Circle Payments Network (CPN) in May 2025 is seen as a critical strategic move, aiming to integrate stablecoin functionalities into existing banking channels [19]. - CPN targets the B2B cross-border payment and consumer remittance sectors, with a potential market size of $37 trillion in B2B cross-border payments [20]. Future Outlook - Success in establishing CPN could position Circle as the "stablecoin version of Swift," while failure may result in it becoming a low-margin player in the multi-currency stablecoin market [22].