Circle Stock Jumps Double Digits as It Reports 72% Rise in USDC Circulation
Decrypt
by Stacy ElliottFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Circle’s USDC stablecoin circulation surged 72% year-on-year to $75.3 billion in Q4, driven by a massive increase in transaction volume to $11.9 trillion—a 247% jump. This growth fueled a significant rise in Circle’s stock (CRCL), which climbed as much as 20% following the earnings report, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s momentum despite a challenging crypto market environment.
Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in future economic activity during an earnings call. He highlighted that Circle is building systems to support agentic payments, enabling AI-driven transactions with minimal costs. The company recently released its Circle Gateway, allowing for autonomous cross-chain USDC transactions at a cost as low as $0.00001 per transaction. This innovation underscores Circle’s commitment to advancing Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure.
Circle reported strong financial performance in Q4, with revenue and reserve income reaching $770 million—a 77% year-on-year increase. However, the company faced a net loss of $70 million in 2025 due to significant stock-based compensation tied to its IPO. Despite these challenges, Circle’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange last June was met with high demand, causing trading halts as investors scrambled to buy shares.
The growth of USDC circulation and transaction volume highlights its importance as a foundational tool in both traditional finance and DeFi ecosystems. While stablecoins like USDC have faced headwinds due to macroeconomic factors, Circle’s ability to innovate and adapt positions it as a key player in the future of digital payments and AI-driven economic systems. Investors are likely to view this report as a positive sign for Circle’s long-term growth trajectory
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Originally published on Decrypt on 2/25/2026