Block: The AI Layoff Bet Is Paying Off, But Insiders Aren't Buying It

Summary Block, Inc. is rated Buy, reflecting a sharp turnaround driven by aggressive cost cuts, AI-driven productivity, and consecutive beat-and-raise quarters. XYZ’s 40% workforce reduction, AI leverage, and accelerated product velocity have translated into record adjusted operating margins and raised FY2026 guidance. Insider selling—98 sales, zero purchases over six months—tempers enthusiasm, signaling caution on position sizing despite strong operational execution. A $105–$110 12-month price target is based on raised FY2026 guidance alone; the pending Builders Bank federal Bitcoin custody charter is excluded and would add further upside if approved. Sean Gallup/Getty Images News I rate Block, Inc. ( NYSE: XYZ ) a Buy. As of mid-September 2026 , at a price of ~$79.50 per share and a market cap of ~$47.1 billion, Block has carried out one of the most important corporate This article was written by Timur Mekhantev 108 Followers Follow Independent financial analyst and investment researcher with a background in finance, economics, and digital asset markets. Combines top-down macroeconomic analysis with fundamental security evaluation — covering equities, ETFs, stablecoins, and crypto-native public companies.Research philosophy is built on three pillars: macroeconomic cycle analysis, capital structure evaluation, and on-chain data; applied together to identify mispriced assets before they reach consensus. Particular focus on the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure, where institutional capital is moving but most retail frameworks still lag.Contributes equity research and market analysis to Seeking Alpha, translating SEC filings, earnings transcripts, and on-chain data into clear, actionable investment theses for independent investors. Coverage includes digital asset infrastructure, stablecoin economics, and crypto-native public companies at the moment of structural transition, but not after the market has already priced it in. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.