KBW Rates Bullish Market Perform, Sets $55 Price Target

  • KBW initiated coverage of Bullish (BLSH) with a "market perform" rating and set a $55 price target, highlighting it as a publicly traded, regulated, institution-focused crypto exchange.
  • Bullish's short-term U.S. expansion is viewed as a growth catalyst due to its advanced tech stack, competitive fees, and deep liquidity.
  • The company holds licenses in Germany, Hong Kong, and Gibraltar, enabling global market access and attracting institutional traders.
  • Collaborations with Gibraltar regulators on a fully crypto-enabled clearinghouse enhance Bullish's credibility as a market infrastructure provider.
  • Diversification through acquisitions, including CoinDesk and CCData, contributes to recurring revenue streams from data, indices, and liquidity services, expected to comprise over 40% of revenue by FY27.
  • Bullish benefits from lower take rates (1.6bps) compared to competitors like [Coinbase](https://holder.io/coins/cb/) (~3bps), aiding U.S. market share growth.
  • Approval for a New York BitLicense is crucial, but a national rollout is anticipated regardless.
  • The stock was trading at approximately $51.81 when reported.