Circle Files for Initial Public Offering, Plans to List on NYSE Under Ticker Symbol “CRCL”

Circle files for an IPO aiming to list on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CRCL” with uncertain share pricing.

Circle reports $1.68 billion in revenue for 2024 driven by interest from USDC reserve assets.

Circle’s IPO marks its first attempt at a traditional public listing after a failed SPAC merger.

Circle, the issuer of the USD Coin (USDC), has officially filed an S-1 application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signaling its intent to go public. The firm submitted its filing on April 1 which reveals its intention to trade Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the market identifier “CRCL.”

The filing did not reveal the number of shares Circle plans to offer or the anticipated pricing range. As a result, the company’s valuation remains uncertain. However, it was disclosed that the shares sold by Circle will contribute proceeds directly to the company, while those sold by existing shareholders will not.

Underwriting duties for the IPO are being led by JPMorgan and Citigroup. The firms hold a 30-day right to buy extra shares for any portion exceeding original subscription levels.

Financial Performance and Revenue Growth

Circle’s financial data for 2024 offers a closer look at its performance. The company reported total revenue and reserve income of $1.68 billion, an increase from $1.45 billion in 2023. The bulk of its revenue came from reserve income tied to interest on assets backing the USDC. Operating expenses for the year amounted to $491.7 million, with compensation costs making up the largest portion at $263.4 million.

The net income from continuing operations at Circle reached $156.9 million last year despite a decrease from $271.5 million the previous year. The financial results showed a notable improvement compared to the previous year when Circle recorded a loss of $761.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA financial results for Circle reached $284.9 million in 2024.

Share Structure and Corporate Governance

Circle intends to adopt a three-tier share structure once it goes public. Class A shares, offered in the IPO, will carry one vote per share. Class B shares, which are held by co-founders Jeremy Allaire and Patrick Sean Neville, carry five votes per share. However, these shares are capped at 30% of total voting power. Class C shares carry no voting rights but are convertible under certain conditions.

This structure ensures Circle does not qualify as a “controlled company” under NYSE governance rules following the IPO.

A New Attempt at Going Public

This filing marks Circle’s first attempt at a traditional IPO after its failed merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in 2021. The company’s shares have no prior public market. The timing of the IPO coincides with growing stablecoin adoption and increasing regulatory interest in digital dollar infrastructure.

Circle’s IPO remains subject to regulatory review and market conditions. More details on the pricing and share volume will be disclosed in an updated filing before the listing date.