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Snoop Dogg was the lead act at the first-ever Crypto Inaugural Ball held in Washington on Friday evening

MacKenzie Sigalos

As the crypto industry celebrates the arrival of a new administration in Washington, D.C., nobody is taking quicker advantage of the coming changes than the person leading the charge: President Donald J. Trump.

On Friday night, crypto A-listers rubbed elbows with political elites and members of Trump’s inner circle at the Crypto Ball, held at the opulent Mellon Auditorium, just down the street from the White House.

Meanwhile, Trump’s net worth was about to explode from an asset that, up to that point, didn’t exist. The same night of the party, the incoming president launched $TRUMP, a meme coin built on the Solana platform. Its market cap over the weekend climbed past $14 billion. Like with other meme coins, there’s no underlying product. Trump told his followers in a social media post, “It’s time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING!” 

The website for $TRUMP says 80% of the coins are held by the Trump Organization and affiliates.

Inside the Crypto Ball were some of the leaders of the platforms allowing ordinary investors to buy into Trump’s newest project. They included Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and Kraken co-founder Jesse Powell.

Trump wasn’t done after one token.

On Sunday came the introduction of $MELANIA, named after the first lady. The coin quickly spiked more than 40%, surpassing $2 billion in value. Both the Trump and Melania coins have dropped significantly from their highs.

Then there’s World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance project endorsed by the Trump family, which hiked its token price from 1.5 cents to 5 cents and released an additional 5 billion tokens for sale. The project, initially launched in September, has raised more than $300 million in total sales so far, according to blockchain firm Arkham Intelligence.

The Trump family gets 75% of World Liberty’s crypto coin revenue, according to the project’s founding document. On-chain data shows millions of dollars worth of token transfers to Coinbase’s institutional custody provider.

“We’re making routine movements of our crypto holdings as part of regular treasury management, payment of fees and expenses, and to address working capital requirements,” World Liberty said in a statement.

CNBC reached out to Donald and Melania Trump earlier Monday and didn’t receive a response.

‘Reign of terror’

In the period of 48 hours, the Trump family’s net worth surged by billions of dollars, based on holdings of its just-launched digital assets, underscoring the unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies and the president’s ability to use his fame, power and newfound partnership with the nascent industry to enrich himself, his family and his allies at the flip of a switch.

Broader market enthusiasm has been expressed in the price of bitcoin, which surged to an all-time high hours before the inauguration to nearly $110,000. Crypto industry leaders and investors emerged as some of Trump’s biggest supporters in the campaign in an effort to influence future policies and to ease the restrictive regulations imposed during the Biden administration. In July, Trump delivered the keynote at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Digital asset entrepreneurs, politicians, and members of Trump’s inner circle hit the red carpet at the first-ever Crypto Inaugural Ball in Washington on Friday.

MacKenzie Sigalos

“The reign of terror against crypto is over,” David Sacks, a prominent Silicon Valley investor and the new White House AI and crypto czar, told the packed D.C. ballroom on Friday night. His comments were met with applause that echoed beneath the Mellon Auditorium’s soaring columns.

Sacks, an earlier Trump critic who said the events of Jan. 6, 2021, had “disqualified” him from being a candidate at the national level, threw his weight behind Trump last year. He hosted a high-profile fundraiser at his San Francisco mansion in June and regularly promoted the Republican candidate on the popular “All-In” podcast.

“The beginning of innovation in America for crypto has just begun,” Sacks added on Friday.

On X, formerly Twitter, conversations were lighting up about the new $TRUMP coin. There was plenty of skepticism from those in and around the industry.

“Trump needs to fire his crypto advisors, from top to bottom and replace with people who know what they are doing,” wrote Gabor Gurbacs, founder of digital asset firm Pointsville, in a post on X. “The memecoins cost the US, the presidency and his family a lot of credibility and the consequences haven’t even started.”

Mark Cuban, the billionaire former tech entrepreneur and part owner of the Dallas Mavericks, commented on the apparent lawlessness of it all. Cuban, a longtime independent who became a vocal supporter of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, said the coins are particularly harmful to the crypto industry in its effort to prove its legitimacy.

“Hello every scam targeted at everyone and anyone who has no clue about crypto,” he wrote.

But at the pre-inauguration party, Trump’s new coin wasn’t much of a topic. Rather, the chatter centered on the broader implications of Trump’s policies, which promised to dismantle years of regulatory gridlock in the Biden administration.

“Two years ago, everyone thought crypto was dead,” said one attendee who asked not to be named in order to speak candidly on the topic. “A year ago, we were begging for help, and this weekend, we’re on top of the world.”

Crypto firms made substantial contributions to Trump’s inaugural fund, signaling their enthusiasm. Ripple donated $5 million in digital tokens, while Coinbase, Kraken, and Circle each gave $1 million. Online brokerage Robinhood contributed $2 million.

Inside the first-ever Crypto Ball at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington ahead of the Donald Trump Inauguration.

MacKenzie Sigalos

Coinbase and Kraken have both been battling the SEC in court. Robinhood received a Wells Notice in May related to its U.S. crypto business, which is typically one of the final steps before the SEC issues formal charges. Ripple has been in a years-long legal fight with SEC and outgoing Chairman Gary Gensler.

“The question now is, what do we do with this momentum?” said Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, who attended the Friday night festivities. “How do we take that momentum and move forward to really create the promise that I think this new administration has of making the U.S. the crypto capital of the world?”

Alderoty wants to see a coalition formed to discuss unified policy priorities.

“Ultimately, Congress will own the policy, and we can’t dictate to Congress what the policy should be,” Alderoty said. “It would be great if, ahead of that, in the face of the most crypto-friendly Congress we’ve ever had, there could be some alignment on what the priorities are,” Alderoty said, noting that the industry has splintered in the past when proposals have been introduced.

Inside the Crypto Ball

There was a hefty dose of lawmaker support at the party, all from the Republican side of the aisle. House Speaker Mike Johnson was there, along with Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz and Cynthia Lummis. Former House members French Hill and Patrick McHenry arrived to show their support.

Cleanspark CEO Zach Bradford, who has been meeting with Trump in private roundtables to discuss bitcoin mining, said he spoke with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick to be Secretary of Commerce, at the event.

“We talked about bitcoin mining and how bitcoin, but also bitcoin mining, can be a central point of commerce,” Bradford told CNBC.

Bradford said he emphasized to Lutnick the potential for bitcoin mining to be a significant economic driver.

“It’s a positive revenue generator from a net production perspective,” Bradford said. “But we’re also contributing significant tax revenues for the states where we operate.”

Bradford said Lutnick is “excited about it,” describing him as “somebody that gets bitcoin.”

Scott Bessent, likely to be the next Treasury secretary, made his way through the main floor of the ballroom and took photos with attendees.

Koh Harada, COO of Aleo, a privacy-focused blockchain, said Bessent was “pretty coy about things, but the fact that he was even there was very interesting.”

Aleo, which has raised over $200 million from investors including SoftBank and Andreessen Horowitz, chose to establish in the U.S. while many rivals opted to launch from offshore jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands as a shield from various regulations.

“We didn’t set up shop in the U.S. on a whim,” Harada said. In talking to a mix of legal and compliance experts, the company realized that “America is the best fertilizer for tech — period,” he said.

Aleo, which combines privacy-focused functionality with smart contract capabilities, has become a go-to resource for other startups looking to return to the U.S., Harada added. The company picked Wyoming, a state known for its crypto-friendly policies.

“Wyoming stood out as the most welcoming state for crypto,” Harada said. “They’ve created forward-thinking policies and are even establishing blockchain research centers at the University of Wyoming.”

It was the side conversations in the MAGA Inc. VIP Reception greenroom where the most significant exchanges of the evening unfolded.

MacKenzie Sigalos

Also in attendance on Friday was MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor, wearing his trademark orange bow tie, a nod to bitcoin’s iconic color. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and top execs at Coinbase, including global policy head Faryar Shirzad, mingled with guests.

The Winklevoss twins chatted in a group that included Chris Dixon of Andreessen Horowitz and his colleague, Sriram Krishnan, who recently left his role as a general partner at the firm to join Sacks’ task force. Bo Hines, Trump’s choice to lead the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, was also present. He’ll report directly to Sacks.

While Snoop Dogg performed in the main ballroom, venture capitalist Katie Haun was engrossed in conversation with Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz. Other musical guests Rick Ross and Soulja Boy, who was charged by the SEC in 2023 for illegally promoting a crypto token without disclosing he was paid, kept the larger crowd entertained.

Guests were issued wristbands based on status. Black wristbands signified general admission and gold allowed entry to a VIP balcony. White bands granted the most exclusive perks. General admission cost $2,500, and some sponsors paid $1 million for access to the greenroom on the ground floor tucked behind the stage in the main ballroom.

Tightly guarded by security, Donald Trump Jr. donned custom MAGA buttons on his shirt as he swiftly made his way into the innermost chamber of the VIP section, a room barricaded by a rotating bouncer and only allowing in certain guests. Along with Sacks, and Speaker Johnson, he could be seen conversing with Fred Thiel, CEO of mining company MARA Holdings.

Thiel shared details of a blockchain initiative his company had launched earlier that day with Johnson, an effort designed to symbolize the intersection of crypto and politics.

“We minted a block on the blockchain with a portrait of President Trump, created entirely from transactions,” Thiel said.

Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, with Mara CEO Fred Thiel. Johnson seen texting President Donald Trump a photo of the Trump47 bitcoin block minted by Mara earlier that day.

Fred Thiel

The so-called Trump47 block embedded Trump’s headshot into the Bitcoin blockchain, creating a lasting digital tribute to the president.

“We released it Friday morning, and it went viral,” Thiel said. He added that Johnson “was so impressed” that he texted Trump a picture of it.

Tracy Hoyos-López, a former California prosecutor and one of the people credited with turning Trump pro-bitcoin, was also at the event.

“Don’t mess with crypto,” Hoyos-López, who helped to plan the evening’s celebration, told CNBC while Snoop Dogg was performing his live set. “Our event is a symbol of who we are in the world.”

WATCH: Bitcoin surges past $100,000

Bitcoin surges past $100,000 as Trump reportedly plans to unveil new crypto policies

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Anker SOLIX power stations up to 55% off, EcoFlow WAVE 3 AC and GLACIER coolers from $807, Greenworks, EGO batteries, more

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April 29, 2025

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Anker SOLIX power stations up to 55% off, EcoFlow WAVE 3 AC and GLACIER coolers from 7, Greenworks, EGO batteries, more

Today’s Green Deals is jam-packed with amazing deals, starting with Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale that is taking up to 55% off another massive lineup of power station offers, complete with limited flash sales and some free gear on select purchases – all starting from $70. We’re also looking back in on EcoFlow’s Spring-to-Summer Sale to spotlight the launch deals we’re seeing on the brand’s new WAVE 3 Portable AC/Heater and the multiple sizes of GLACIER Classic Electric Coolers that are getting bonus savings and start from $807. We also spotted three of Greenworks’ cordless electric riding mowers (CrossoverT, CrossoverZ, and MaximusZ) getting up to $1,000 taken off their tags, as well as EGO’s 56V 2.5Ah and 5.0Ah batteries starting from $110. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s latest EcoFlow sale offers, the new low prices on Lectric’s XP 3.0 e-bikes, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Save up to 55% on a massive lineup of power station deals during Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day sale starting from $70

Anker has launched its Mother’s Day sale running through May 11, with up to 55% being taken off its massive lineup of power stations and solar generators, as well as some multi-day flash sale offers and extra savings in the form of free gear on select purchases. A notable inclusion for campers is the brand’s F2000 Portable Solar Generator bundle that comes along with a 400W solar panel for $1,599 shipped, and also matching in price over at Amazon. Coming down off its usual $2,898 price tag, we’ve seen discounts in 2025 mostly dropping costs between $1,899 and $1,599, with today’s deal only beaten out by the discount from Christmas sales that dropped things $100 lower. You’re looking at the best price we’ve otherwise tracked, which saves you $1,299 while also equipping you with a reliable means of backup power for trips and emergencies.

As mentioned before, there are some benefits you can take advantage of during this event, with three different gift offers accompanying select purchases. When you buy a C1000 and EverFrost 2 40L bundle, you’ll get a free Tritan water bottle, while any of the C300 bundles come along with a free car charging cable, and purchases of either the F3800 or F3800 Plus score you a free protective cover.

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A solid mid-tier option for keeping devices and appliances running, Anker’s SOLIX F2000 power station provides a 2,048Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can deliver up to 2,400W of output on average with the ability to surge to 3,600W for larger appliance needs. Its 12 output ports give you a versatile range of coverage, including a TT-30 port to connect to your RV while out on the road and beyond. You can regain 80% of its battery in 1.4 hours by plugging it into a standard wall outlet, with it also boasting a 1,000W max solar input that would yield the same amount in 2.5 hours (and a little over 5 hours for the included 400W panel). There’s also the option to connect it to your car’s auxiliary port, as well as the usual array of smart controls available through its companion app.

Anker SOLIX Mother’s Day Sale flash offers (ending May 2):

Anker Mother’s Day Sale SOLIX F2000 deals:

Anker Mother’s Day Sale SOLIX C1000 deals:

Anker Mother’s Day Sale SOLIX C800 deals:

Anker Mother’s Day Sale SOLIX C200 & C300 deals:

Standard F3800 power station/solar generator offers:

Standard F3800 home backup bundles:

F3800 Plus power station/solar generator offers:

F3800 Plus home backup bundles:

Anker Mother’s Day Sale SOLIX accessory deals:

You can browse the entire lineup of Anker’s SOLIX Mother’s Day sale on the landing page here.

EcoFlow WAVE 3 AC/Heater

EcoFlow launches WAVE 3 AC/Heater and GLACIER Classic electric coolers at up to 49% off starting from $807

EcoFlow has launched its newest portable AC/heater and electric cooler units, which are joining the lineup of power station deals we’re seeing as part of the brand’s Spring-to-Summer Sale, but will be outlasting the sale through May 25 – plus, there’s even bonus savings and free gear to be had! Things start at the base WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner and Heater for $806.55 shipped, after using the promo code EFWGAFF5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This new unit will carry a $1,299 price tag once the launch savings have ended, with the combined 38% markdown we’re seeing striking $492 off the going rate to set the bar for discounts down the road. Head below to learn more about this new device and check out its many bundle deals that we’ve collected together for you.

As a bonus, you’ll also be getting some free gear along with both the AC and the cooler, with the WAVE 3 coming along with a free 110W solar panel while the GLACIER coolers are getting a free Power Hat. These offers are only slated to continue through May 2, however, with the extra savings code lasting through May 25.

EcoFlow’s WAVE 3 provides similar performance to its previous-generation model, but with some notable upgrades, like the space coverage from the previous 108 square feet to 120 to 180 square feet. Whether you’re looking to utilize it for camping in a tent, car, RV, or other enclosed space, it’s 1,800W cooling output (6,100 BTU power) is claimed by the brand to drop temperatures by 15 degrees in 15 minutes, with the 2,000W heating output (6,800 BTU power) providing a similar speed of warming a space by 17 degrees in 15 minutes. It comes with an expanded list of smart controls through its companion app, with new features like the PetCare mode that automatically starts cooling once temperatures reach 77 degrees to protect your fur-babies from heatstroke, while also sending you notifications. There are also notifications for when its water drain needs attention, as well as offering a dehumidification mode and a sleep mode that drops operating noise to 44dB so you can sleep while it runs.

Like its predecessor, the standalone WAVE 3 can be powered by simply plugging it into an outlet or power station, or you can get up to 8 hours of wireless action with its add-on LiFePO4 battery (bundles below). Of course, once its battery is attached, there are some alternative ways to keep it juiced up and going, like utilizing up to its 400W max solar input to refill the battery in up to 3 hours, which can also be split between solar and an AC outlet to cut that time to 75 minutes. You can also connect it to your car with the brand’s 800W alternator, charging to regain a full battery after a little more than one hour of charging, while connecting it to your car’s auxiliary port takes longer, at 10 hours.

***Note: The 5% promo coupon has not been factored into the prices below; make sure to enter the code EFWGAFF5 at checkout to score the maximum savings where applicable!

EcoFlow’s WAVE 3 AC/Heater bundles:

EcoFlow GLACIER CLASSIC deals:

Be sure to also check out EcoFlow’s full Spring-to-Summer Sale power station lineup, which are getting up to 52% discounts on top of bonus savings in the form of an alternate sitewide 5% off code – with these deals only lasting through May 7.

Greenworks 60V CrossoverZ 42-inch Cordless Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Cover up to 1.5 acres on Greenworks’ 60V CrossoverZ zero turn cordless electric riding mower at $3,800

Amazon is offering the Greenworks CrossoverZ 60V 42-inch Zero Turn Cordless Electric Riding Mower with four 8.0Ah batteries and two dual-port chargers for $3,799.99 shipped, and also matching the price directly from the brand’s website. Normally fetching $4,800 when it’s not on sale, discounts have been more stagnant than we saw last year, with it spending most of the time since October keeping to its full price and occasionally dropping down to $3,800 at best. Today’s deal is no different as the 21% markdown here cuts $1,000 off the tag and returns costs to the best price we’ve tracked since fall Prime Day. Head below to learn more and check out the other riding mowers seeing discounts.

One of Greenworks’ most highly-rated lawn care solutions, you’ll get a fully comprehensive mowing experience aboard the CrossoverZ, with this 60V package able to tackle up to 1.5 acres on a single charge of the included batteries. It’s been given a TRUBRUSHLESS motor housed within a 42-inch reinforced 12-gauge steel cutting deck, providing the equivalent output of a 24-horsepower gas motor that can easily handle inclines up to 15 degrees. The whole thing comes with an IPX4 waterproof design, ensuring it can handle sudden weather shifts when you’re in the middle of a job.

You’ll sit comfortably with the high-back padded seat that supports your back, all while the mower gets your lawn to desired heights ranging from 1-1/2 inches to 4-1/2 inches. This deal includes two dual-port turbo chargers which can have batteries refilled and ready to go in just 90 minutes. A quick tip from the brand – you can use two batteries to run the mower while charging the other two simultaneously, and switching them out when needed for more continuous mowing. If you have any additional 60V batteries from the brand, you’ll also have to option to throw them into the mix for extended performance too.

Other Greenworks riding mower discounts:

  • CrossoverT Pro 80V 42-inch Electric Lawn Tractor: $3,999 (Reg. $4,500)
    • Comes with four 5.0Ah batteries and plug-in charger
  • CrossoverZ 80V 42-inch Zero Turn Mower: $3,999 (Reg. $5,000)
    • Comes with four 5.0Ah batteries and plug-in charger
  • MaximusZ 80V 60-inch Zero Turn Mower: $7,500 (Reg. $8,500)
    • Comes with two 16.0Ah batteries, four 8.0Ah batteries, and wall charger
EGO 56V 2.5Ah ARC battery

Stock up on EGO 2.5Ah and 5.0Ah batteries for your lawn care arsenal while they’re up to $80 off starting from $110

EGO Power+ fans are getting a great opportunity to build up their battery collection as Amazon is now offering significant discounts on two varying sizes of batteries, starting with the brand’s 56V 2.5Ah ARC Battery at $109.99 shipped. Normally carrying a $180 price tag, it’s been more recently seen with discounts that keep it bouncing between $160 and $130. This is the second time we’re seeing it drop this low in 2025, with the $70 markdown here only beaten out by its $99 low that we haven’t seen for some time.

EGO is one of the most popular electric tool brands on the market, especially for lawn care needs. Its 56V ARC batteries are well known as interchangeable models between its ecosystem of equipment, which allows you to power most of its tools all with the same batteries. While the 2.5Ah batteries are the smallest of them, it still provides plenty of power to tackle many jobs around homes, with it even sporting a fuel gauge indicator light to keep you aware of its remaining battery level as you work. Right now, you can also find its larger 5.0Ah counterpart coming with a charger discounted at Amazon for $249.31 shipped, down from $329.

Best Spring EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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BYD just broke a record for premium EV deliveries in this booming market

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April 29, 2025

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BYD just broke a record for premium EV deliveries in this booming market

BYD-record-premium-EV-deliveries

BYD secured a new record for the most premium EV deliveries in a single day in India. After launching its new midsize electric SUV, the Sealion 7, BYD has officially entered the India Book of Records.

BYD sets new record for premium EV deliveries in India

Less than a month after opening orders for the new Sealion 7 in January, BYD India announced the new electric SUV had secured over 1,000 bookings.

Now, it’s officially in the India Book of Records. EVM Southcoast BYD delivered the highest number of premium EVs in a single day after handing over 51 Sealion 7 models.

The Sealion 7 is available in two versions: Premium and Performance, with all-wheel drive (AWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) options. The entry-level Premium model starts at ₹48.9 lakh ($57,500), while the Performance variant costs ₹54.9 lakh ($64,500).

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Powered by an 82.56 kWh BYD Blade battery, the Performance variant offers up to 542 km (337 miles) driving range while the Premium model can travel up to 567 km (352 miles) on a single charge (NEDC).

BYD-record-premium-EV-deliveries
BYD Sealion 7 delivery event in India (Source: BYD)

The Sealion 7 is 4,830 mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,930 mm, which is about the same size as the new Tesla Model Y, at 4,790 mm in length.

Designed by Wolfgang Egger, a former Lamborghini and Audi designer, the electric SUV features sleek character lines and an aerodynamic profile.

Inside, the Sealion 7 features a 15.6″ rotating touchscreen at the center of a minimalistic setup. Other interior highlights include a heads-up display, panoramic sunroof, premium Nappa leather seats, and an immersive audio system.

Variant Driving Range
(NEDC)		 Starting Price
BYD Sealion 7 Premium 542 km (337 miles) ₹48.9 lakh ($57,500)
BYD Sealion 7 Performance 567 km (352 miles) ₹54.9 lakh ($64,500)
BYD Sealion 7 driving range and price by trim in India (Source: BYD)

BYD said the accomplishment “isn’t just a delivery milestone” but a “bold step toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable India.”

Electrek’s Take

The Sealion 7 joins a growing number of vehicles BYD sells in India, including the Seal sedan, Atto 3 SUV, and eMAX 7.

Nearly 100,000 electric vehicles were sold in India last year, up 20% from the 82,688 sold in 2023. However, with new models arriving from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, BYD, and others, analysts expect significant growth in 2025.

According to S&P Global Mobility, EV production in India is expected to surge 140% to around 301,400 units. That’s about 6% of the roughly 5.16 million vehicles expected to be made in India this year.

And India is just one market BYD is rapidly expanding in. After overseas vehicle sales doubled in the first three months of 2025, BYD’s growth is poised to accelerate this year. BYD’s sales in Europe are expected to double in 2025, while other regions, such as Southeast Asia and Central and South America, are likely to see higher sales with the introduction of new models and the start of local production.

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Shift4 shares surge 11% on earnings beat as fintech stocks climb on results and upgrades

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April 29, 2025

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Shift4 shares surge 11% on earnings beat as fintech stocks climb on results and upgrades

Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments, at the New York Stock Exchange on June 3, 2021.

Source: NYSE

Fintech stocks were in focus Tuesday as fresh earnings reports and analyst notes drove sharp reactions across the sector.

Shift4 Payments and Upstart Holdings surged following upbeat news, while PayPal shares were slightly higher despite delivering a strong earnings beat.

Shift4 shares rose more than 10% after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance.

Shift4 reported adjusted earnings of $1.07 per share, above the LSEG expectation of 71 cents per share. Sales in the first quarter of $848 million were below the consensus estimate of $868 million.

The payments firm, which has been pushing into new verticals such as stadiums, gaming and travel, projected adjusted EBITDA of $853 million for 2025, up from $843 million. End-to-end payment volume hit $45 billion for the quarter, topping StreetAccount’s consensus estimate of $43 billion.

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Shift4 Payments one day stock chart

Upstart Holdings rallied after Bank of America upgraded the stock to neutral from underperform, setting a $53 price target. The firm cited a more balanced risk-reward outlook, supported by improving business fundamentals and a more reasonable valuation, following a 45% decline in Upstart shares since mid-February.

Analysts pointed to encouraging signs of recovery, particularly Upstart’s increasingly diversified loan portfolio, which is expected to provide more stable volumes. Over the past 18 months, Upstart has added prime loans, HELOCs, small-dollar loans, and has enhanced its auto loan product, expanding its addressable market beyond subprime borrowers and reducing its reliance on riskier credit segments.

Shares of Upstart have traded sharply higher after each of the last three earnings reports, as improvements in funding and loan volumes have boosted investor confidence. Still, nearly 28% of Upstart’s shares are currently shorted, according to Bloomberg.

Upstart reports first-quarter earnings on May 6 with an artificial intelligence-focused Investor Day scheduled for May 14.

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PayPal, meanwhile, delivered a mixed headline quarter. Shares were 1.5% higher after reporting an earnings beat and revenue that fell slightly short of the Street’s estimate.

One bright spot was Venmo, as revenue rose 20% year over year, reflecting early progress in the company’s effort to better monetize the platform.

While it has long been a popular consumer service for sending money to friends, Venmo’s ability to drive meaningful revenue has been a major question mark for investors, especially as competition from rivals such as Zelle and Square Cash has intensified.

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PayPal shares move higher after reporting earnings

Venmo’s total payment volume rose 10% from a year earlier, but revenue grew twice as fast, reflecting the business opportunity. Venmo only gets revenue from specific products such as Pay with Venmo at online checkout, Venmo debit cards and instant transfers, but not from peer-to-peer payments.

Analysts at Mizuho said on Tuesday that while the stock reaction was initially negative, they expect it to rebound. They noted that branded total payment volume rose 6% year over year excluding leap day effects — a better result than expected — and that PayPal reiterated its full-year total payment volume growth target despite macroeconomic uncertainty, signaling underlying strength.

However, Mizuho flagged that keeping full-year earnings per share guidance unchanged despite a lower tax rate could remain a drag on sentiment.

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PayPal CEO Alex Chriss: Huge opportunity to deliver to consumers and help small business

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