Block Inc. Plans Up to 10% Workforce Reduction for Overhaul
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
0mins
Should l Buy XYZ?
Source: seekingalpha
- Layoff Plan: Block Inc. is planning to cut up to 10% of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort, which could affect hundreds of employees and reflects the company's pressure to control costs amid a bleak economic backdrop.
- Annual Performance Review: During the annual performance review period, the company has informed hundreds of employees that they may be let go, which could lead to decreased employee morale and negatively impact the company culture.
- Earnings Release: Block is set to release its quarterly financial results after market close on February 26, and investors will closely monitor its financial performance to assess the impact of layoffs on the company's future profitability.
- Market Response: Despite the restructuring challenges, the company has exceeded $200 billion in global lending, indicating a strong foundation in the financial services sector that may support future growth.
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Analyst Views on XYZ
Wall Street analysts forecast XYZ stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for XYZ is 86.51 USD with a low forecast of 55.00 USD and a high forecast of 108.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
30 Analyst Rating
25 Buy
3 Hold
2 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 53.380
Low
55.00
Averages
86.51
High
108.00
Current: 53.380
Low
55.00
Averages
86.51
High
108.00
About XYZ
Block, Inc. builds technology to increase access to the global economy. The Company operates through two segments: Square and Cash App. The Square includes managed payment services, software solutions, hardware, and financial services offered to sellers, excluding those that involve Cash App. The Cash App segment includes the financial tools available to individuals within the mobile Cash App, including peer-to-peer payments, bitcoin and stock investments. The Cash App also includes Cash App Card, which is linked to customer stored balances that customers can use to pay for purchases or withdraw funds from an ATM. Cash App also includes the BNPL platform. Its Afterpay business is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. Its TIDAL business is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Its Bitkey business is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto business is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Block Inc. Plans Up to 10% Workforce Reduction for Overhaul
- Layoff Plan: Block Inc. is planning to cut up to 10% of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort, which could affect hundreds of employees and reflects the company's pressure to control costs amid a bleak economic backdrop.
- Annual Performance Review: During the annual performance review period, the company has informed hundreds of employees that they may be let go, which could lead to decreased employee morale and negatively impact the company culture.
- Earnings Release: Block is set to release its quarterly financial results after market close on February 26, and investors will closely monitor its financial performance to assess the impact of layoffs on the company's future profitability.
- Market Response: Despite the restructuring challenges, the company has exceeded $200 billion in global lending, indicating a strong foundation in the financial services sector that may support future growth.
See More
Market Rebound Signals Emerge as PayPal and Others Become Oversold
- PayPal Oversold Status: PayPal's RSI is below 11, with shares plummeting over 24% this week, marking its worst weekly performance ever, primarily due to a weak 2026 profit outlook and CEO replacement, indicating market concerns about its future profitability.
- Coinbase Market Performance: Coinbase has an RSI of about 14, with shares down 25% this week linked to a plunge in Bitcoin prices; however, it regained some ground on Friday, and analysts remain optimistic, expecting the stock to double over the next year, reflecting confidence in digital assets.
- KKR Oversold Risk: KKR's RSI is below 20, with shares tracking down more than 13% this week amid fears that AI could disrupt the application software industry, yet most analysts maintain a buy rating, projecting a 53% increase in stock price over the coming year, showcasing investor confidence in its long-term potential.
- Market Sentiment Volatility: Following significant market swings, many stocks have RSIs below 20, indicating widespread overselling, as investors may be looking for buying opportunities at lower prices, reflecting expectations for a future rebound.
See More
Analyzing the Competitive Outlook of PayPal and Block
- PayPal's New Initiatives: PayPal plans to launch PayPal World in 2025, allowing users to pay global merchants in local currencies, which is expected to enhance user experience and strengthen market competitiveness.
- AI and Stablecoin Integration: By leveraging AI agents and the stablecoin PYUSD (offering a 4% annual yield), PayPal aims to attract more users and increase transaction volumes, potentially aiding in revenue recovery.
- Block's Growth Potential: Block's Cash App reported $1.62 billion in gross profit in Q3 2025, a 24% year-over-year increase, indicating strong growth potential as it transforms into a comprehensive financial platform.
- Cryptocurrency Strategy: Block launched Square Bitcoin, which automatically converts credit card sales into Bitcoin, and holds approximately 8,800 BTC worth nearly $770 million, further solidifying its position in the cryptocurrency market.
See More
Square Launches Second Generation Register with Enhanced Performance
- Performance Boost: The second-generation Square Register features a more powerful processor that enhances device speed by 40%, enabling sellers to manage orders more efficiently during peak times and improving customer experience.
- Market Demand Response: Last year, 62% of food and beverage sellers in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $500k utilized Square Register, demonstrating its widespread adoption in the upscale market and further solidifying Square's position in the industry.
- Durability Design: The new device boasts an IP54 rating for protection against spills and dust, ensuring reliability in busy environments and meeting the demands of modern commerce.
- Global Availability: The new Square Register is now available online across North American and European markets, starting at $899, with full international availability expected in the coming weeks, further expanding market reach.
See More
Square Launches Second-Generation Register with 40% Performance Boost
- Performance Upgrade: Square's second-generation Register features a more powerful processor and expanded memory, resulting in a 40% speed increase that enhances checkout experiences during peak hours, thereby improving customer satisfaction for sellers.
- Durability Design: The new Register boasts an IP54 rating and a redesigned card dip slot that withstands everyday spills and dust, ensuring reliability in busy environments, which reduces maintenance costs and extends the device's lifespan.
- Market Adaptability: The new device is compatible with various Square accessories and integrates seamlessly into the existing ecosystem, enabling sellers to flexibly respond to diverse business scales and complexities, thus enhancing operational efficiency and meeting customer demands.
- International Launch: The new Register is now available online across North American and European markets, starting at $899, with full global availability expected in the coming weeks, further solidifying Square's competitive position in the global market.
See More
Block Introduces Bitcoin Payment Feature, Driving Industry Innovation
- Payment Function Innovation: Block's Square introduced Bitcoin payment functionality in November, enabling over 4 million merchants to accept Bitcoin transactions, significantly lowering the barrier for merchants to adopt cryptocurrency, thus enhancing Bitcoin's acceptance as a medium of exchange.
- Market Potential: This new feature is expected to allow millions of U.S. merchants to easily convert daily sales into Bitcoin, further strengthening Block's competitive position in the payments industry and potentially attracting more merchants to this innovative payment method.
- Bitcoin Value Growth: Over the past decade, Bitcoin's price has surged by 22,770%, and despite facing criticism, its status as a financial speculation tool remains strong; Block's payment functionality could promote broader acceptance of Bitcoin, potentially driving its price higher.
- Industry-Wide Impact: Should Block's Bitcoin payment feature see strong adoption, it may encourage other financial service companies to follow suit, further driving demand and price for Bitcoin, marking a significant elevation of cryptocurrency's status within the mainstream financial system.
See More
Block Inc. Plans Up to 10% Workforce Reduction for Overhaul
- Layoff Plan: Block Inc. is planning to cut up to 10% of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort, which could affect hundreds of employees and reflects the company's pressure to control costs amid a bleak economic backdrop.
- Annual Performance Review: During the annual performance review period, the company has informed hundreds of employees that they may be let go, which could lead to decreased employee morale and negatively impact the company culture.
- Earnings Release: Block is set to release its quarterly financial results after market close on February 26, and investors will closely monitor its financial performance to assess the impact of layoffs on the company's future profitability.
- Market Response: Despite the restructuring challenges, the company has exceeded $200 billion in global lending, indicating a strong foundation in the financial services sector that may support future growth.
See More
Market Rebound Signals Emerge as PayPal and Others Become Oversold
- PayPal Oversold Status: PayPal's RSI is below 11, with shares plummeting over 24% this week, marking its worst weekly performance ever, primarily due to a weak 2026 profit outlook and CEO replacement, indicating market concerns about its future profitability.
- Coinbase Market Performance: Coinbase has an RSI of about 14, with shares down 25% this week linked to a plunge in Bitcoin prices; however, it regained some ground on Friday, and analysts remain optimistic, expecting the stock to double over the next year, reflecting confidence in digital assets.
- KKR Oversold Risk: KKR's RSI is below 20, with shares tracking down more than 13% this week amid fears that AI could disrupt the application software industry, yet most analysts maintain a buy rating, projecting a 53% increase in stock price over the coming year, showcasing investor confidence in its long-term potential.
- Market Sentiment Volatility: Following significant market swings, many stocks have RSIs below 20, indicating widespread overselling, as investors may be looking for buying opportunities at lower prices, reflecting expectations for a future rebound.
See More
Analyzing the Competitive Outlook of PayPal and Block
- PayPal's New Initiatives: PayPal plans to launch PayPal World in 2025, allowing users to pay global merchants in local currencies, which is expected to enhance user experience and strengthen market competitiveness.
- AI and Stablecoin Integration: By leveraging AI agents and the stablecoin PYUSD (offering a 4% annual yield), PayPal aims to attract more users and increase transaction volumes, potentially aiding in revenue recovery.
- Block's Growth Potential: Block's Cash App reported $1.62 billion in gross profit in Q3 2025, a 24% year-over-year increase, indicating strong growth potential as it transforms into a comprehensive financial platform.
- Cryptocurrency Strategy: Block launched Square Bitcoin, which automatically converts credit card sales into Bitcoin, and holds approximately 8,800 BTC worth nearly $770 million, further solidifying its position in the cryptocurrency market.
See More
Square Launches Second Generation Register with Enhanced Performance
- Performance Boost: The second-generation Square Register features a more powerful processor that enhances device speed by 40%, enabling sellers to manage orders more efficiently during peak times and improving customer experience.
- Market Demand Response: Last year, 62% of food and beverage sellers in the U.S. with annual sales exceeding $500k utilized Square Register, demonstrating its widespread adoption in the upscale market and further solidifying Square's position in the industry.
- Durability Design: The new device boasts an IP54 rating for protection against spills and dust, ensuring reliability in busy environments and meeting the demands of modern commerce.
- Global Availability: The new Square Register is now available online across North American and European markets, starting at $899, with full international availability expected in the coming weeks, further expanding market reach.
See More
Square Launches Second-Generation Register with 40% Performance Boost
- Performance Upgrade: Square's second-generation Register features a more powerful processor and expanded memory, resulting in a 40% speed increase that enhances checkout experiences during peak hours, thereby improving customer satisfaction for sellers.
- Durability Design: The new Register boasts an IP54 rating and a redesigned card dip slot that withstands everyday spills and dust, ensuring reliability in busy environments, which reduces maintenance costs and extends the device's lifespan.
- Market Adaptability: The new device is compatible with various Square accessories and integrates seamlessly into the existing ecosystem, enabling sellers to flexibly respond to diverse business scales and complexities, thus enhancing operational efficiency and meeting customer demands.
- International Launch: The new Register is now available online across North American and European markets, starting at $899, with full global availability expected in the coming weeks, further solidifying Square's competitive position in the global market.
See More
Block Introduces Bitcoin Payment Feature, Driving Industry Innovation
- Payment Function Innovation: Block's Square introduced Bitcoin payment functionality in November, enabling over 4 million merchants to accept Bitcoin transactions, significantly lowering the barrier for merchants to adopt cryptocurrency, thus enhancing Bitcoin's acceptance as a medium of exchange.
- Market Potential: This new feature is expected to allow millions of U.S. merchants to easily convert daily sales into Bitcoin, further strengthening Block's competitive position in the payments industry and potentially attracting more merchants to this innovative payment method.
- Bitcoin Value Growth: Over the past decade, Bitcoin's price has surged by 22,770%, and despite facing criticism, its status as a financial speculation tool remains strong; Block's payment functionality could promote broader acceptance of Bitcoin, potentially driving its price higher.
- Industry-Wide Impact: Should Block's Bitcoin payment feature see strong adoption, it may encourage other financial service companies to follow suit, further driving demand and price for Bitcoin, marking a significant elevation of cryptocurrency's status within the mainstream financial system.
See More
