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Canton Strategic Holdings Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial and Operational Results

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Strengthened Capital Position and Accelerating Path to Revenue

NEW YORK, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canton Strategic Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNTN) (“Canton Strategic Holdings” or the “Company”), the first publicly traded company to leverage Canton Coin (CC) to support the Canton Network’s ability to digitize traditional financial markets, today announced its financial and operating results for the first quarter 2026 ended March 31, 2026.

“We are pleased with the significant operational progress in the first quarter 2026 as we advance institutional adoption of the Canton Network while driving shareholder value,” said Mark Wendland, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canton Strategic Holdings. “Importantly, we have laid the groundwork for several revenue drivers, including through the launch of our first commercial token locking solutions in April and our commitment to the network as a Super Validator.”

Strategic Highlights

In Q1 2026, the Company achieved the following milestones:

Secured approval to operate as a Super Validator on the Canton Network, enabling the Company to help secure network transactions while accruing CC rewards that bolster its digital asset treasury.

Closed $55 million underwritten registered offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants, providing additional growth capital for the continued expansion of the Company’s Canton-centric digital asset treasury strategy.

Strengthened leadership team with the appointment of Mark Wendland as Chairman of the Board in addition to his role as the Chief Executive Officer, bringing decades of trading and treasury operations experience at major trading firms to oversee the Company’s digital asset strategy.

Bolstered Board of Directors with the appointments of former CFTC Commissioner Jill Sommers and DRW Chief of Staff William Wiley, bringing deep regulatory and institutional trading expertise to oversight of the Company’s strategy.

Joined the Canton Foundation Board to help shape the Canton Network’s governance framework, tokenomics, and strategic roadmap.

Momentum continued into April, as the Company delivered on its commitment to produce a comprehensive quarterly analysis of onchain activity and network development, publishing a whitepaper and producing a live webinar featuring Canton Network experts. The production and distribution of these reports and webinars results in the continuation of the Company’s ability to earn rewards as a Super Validator on the Canton Network.

Additionally, following the approval of CIP-0105, Canton Strategic Holdings developed commercial locking solutions that provide an important service to Super Validators. CIP-0105 requires Super Validators to lock 70% of the CC they have earned in rewards, dating back to the first rewards earned on the network, resulting in a strengthened incentive structure across participants on the network. The Company launched its first commercial locking solutions in April, enabling Super Validators to actively lock a percentage of their aggregate lifetime earned rewards to earn forward Super Validator weight while generating yield and revenue-sharing opportunities for the Company.

Finally, the Company earned a significantly increased Super Validator weight following the Canton Foundation’s approval of Canton Improvement Proposal (“CIP”)-0114, which rewards digital asset treasury companies that commit to long-term holdings of Canton Coin.

“In the first quarter, we strengthened our balance sheet through several capital markets transactions totaling $90.4 million, including a registered direct offering and execution on our at-the-market offering. These transactions supported our continued acquisition of CC, both directly as well as through an increased Super Validator weight that became effective in April through CIP-0114,” said Mark Toomey, President. “As the Canton ecosystem continues to mature, we expect to identify new opportunities for revenue generation through and beyond our treasury strategy, evidenced by the innovation we are driving in our locking solutions.”

First Quarter 2026 Financial Summary

The following highlights reflect the Company’s financial results for the first quarter 2026 ended March 31, 2026, encompassing both its digital asset strategy and its existing clinical-stage biotech research and development operations.

CC Treasury Holdings: As of March 31, 2026, the Company held 3,677,150,850 CC with a fair value of $541,569,363.Balance Sheet: As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $41.5 million in cashRevenue: The Company has not recognized revenue since inception, reflecting its stage of development as a digital asset treasury company.Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses were $36.9 million compared to $2.5 million in the comparable prior year period, primarily driven by increased SG&A costs related to the Company’s transition to a Canton-focused digital asset treasury strategy.Digital Asset Valuation: The Company recorded an unrealized loss on digital assets of $15.0 million, reflecting the difference between the reference price of CC as of March 31, 2026 and the weighted average cost of accumulated CC holdings.Net Loss: Net Loss was $47.3 million or ($0.23) per diluted share, compared to a loss of $2.5 million or ($0.99) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025. The Company has an accumulated deficit of $120.2 million as of March 31, 2026, and has funded its operations primarily through the sale of equity securities.Adjusted EBITDA: Excluding the impact of stock-based compensation expenses, unrealized loss on digital asset holdings, and income tax provision (benefit), adjusted EBITDA was $4.3 million, as compared to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2025.

2026 Strategy

As the Company continues to execute on its digital asset strategy, it intends to strengthen its capital base and drive value through a diversified approach:

Canton Network Ecosystem Development: The Company is committed to expanding partnership opportunities, both through direct investment in ecosystem builders as well as ongoing engagement with institutions as they adopt blockchain technology.Value Accretion through Mobilization of CC Holdings: We believe new opportunities to drive increased value from the Company’s CC holdings will emerge, including in the lending, options, and vault markets.Disciplined Expense Management: The Company intends to implement a streamlined cost structure, prioritizing the most value accretive initiatives and reducing expenses.

CANTON STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

March 31, 2026

December 31, 2025

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 41,532,140

$ 17,032,748

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,553,110

353,318

Deferred offering costs

-0-

-0-

Total current assets

43,085,250

17,386,066

Digital assets

541,569,363

501,760,369

Total assets

$ 584,654,613

$ 519,146,435

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$ 402,311

$ 1,090,274

Accrued expenses

739,033

2,196,090

Total current liabilities

1,141,344

3,286,364

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liability

113,713,951

117,934,191

Total liabilities

114,855,295

121,220,555

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 8)

Stockholders’ equity

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares

issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024

-0-

-0-

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares and 250,000,000 shares authorized, 37,112,466 shares

and 1,973,999 shares issued and 37,112,220 shares and 1,973,753 shares outstanding

as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively

5,665

3,711

Additional paid-in capital

590,024,159

470,809,478

Accumulated deficit

(120,160,541)

(72,817,344)

Treasury stock, at cost, 246 shares held in treasury

as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024

(69,965)

(69,965)

Total stockholders’ equity

469,799,318

397,925,880

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 584,654,613

$ 519,146,435

 

CANTON STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2026

2025

Operating expenses

Research and development

$ 267,823

$ 594,070

General and administrative

36,600,488

1,952,599

Total operating expenses

36,868,311

2,546,669

Loss from operations

(36,868,311)

(2,546,669)

Other income (expense)

Interest expense

(8,471)

Interest income

318,178

13,436

Unrealized loss from digital assets holdings

(15,013,304)

Total other income (expense), net

(14,695,126)

4,965

Total loss before income taxes

(51,563,437)

(2,541,704)

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

(4,220,240)

Net loss

$ (47,343,197)

$ (2,541,704)

Net loss per share:

Basic and diluted

$ (0.23)

$ (0.99)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

Basic and diluted

207,705,905

2,572,715

 

CANTON STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2026

2025

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss

(47,343,197)

$ (2,541,704)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash

used in operating activities:

Unrealized loss from digital assets holdings

15,013,304

-0-

Deferred tax expense/(benefit)

(4,220,240)

-0-

Stock based compensation

32,259,757

219,179

Increase in operating assets:

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(1,199,792)

(423,103)

Increase in operating liabilities:

Accounts payable

(687,963)

63,003

Accrued expenses

(1,457,057)

(6,376)

Net cash used in operating activities

(7,635,188)

(2,689,001)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchase of digital assets

(54,822,298)

-0-

Net cash used in investing activities

(54,822,298)

-0-

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon

registered direct public offerings

54,894,300

-0-

Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon

at-the-market offerings

35,526,308

-0-

Proceeds from exercise of common stock warrants

94,711

-0-

Payment of deferred offering costs and other issuance costs

(3,558,441)

-0-

Proceeds from insurance premium financing liability

-0-

308,924

Repayment of insurance premium financing liability

-0-

(60,325)

Repayments of note payable

-0-

(43,031)

Net cash provided by financing activities

86,956,878

205,568

Net increase (decrease) in cash

24,499,392

(2,483,433)

Cash, beginning of period

17,032,748

3,559,361

Cash, end of period

41,532,140

$ 1,075,928

Cash paid for interest expense

8,471

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:

Issuance of note payable for settlement of previously incurred professional fees

314,485

Issuance of options to settle liability

200,212

Non -GAAP Measures of Financial Performance

In addition to financial measures presented under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), the Company evaluates performance using non-GAAP financial measures such as “Adjusted total loss before income taxes.”

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss), excluding income tax provision (benefit), stock-based compensation expense, unrealized gains or losses on digital asset holdings, and other non-recurring items. Management believes this financial measure provides a performance measurement that reflects our recurring core business operations. Adjusted EBITDA is provided in addition to, and should not be considered a substitute for, GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a financial measure, should be considered as supplemental in nature, and is not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For example, we expect that share-based compensation expense, which is excluded from certain of the non-GAAP financial measures below, will continue to be a significant recurring expense over the coming years and is an important part of the compensation provided to certain employees, officers, and directors.

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, its most directly comparable GAAP measure, (in thousands) for the periods indicated.

CANTON STRATEGIC HOLDINGS, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP NET LOSS TO NON-GAAP ADJUSTED EBITDA

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2026

2025

Net loss

$ (47,343,197)

$ (2,541,704)

Stock based compensation (1)

32,259,757

219,179

Unrealized loss from digital assets holdings

15,013,304

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

(4,220,240)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ (4,290,376)

$ (2,322,525)

(1) For the three months ended March 31, 2026, Stock based compensation included $32,228,509 of expense related to Strategic Advisor warrants and Advisor RSUs which were issued in connection with the November 2025 PIPE transaction and were recognized by the company in Q1 upon approval of shareholders at the special meeting of January 30, 2026.

About Canton Strategic Holdings, Inc.

Canton Strategic Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNTN), is the first publicly traded company to leverage Canton Coin and support the Canton Network to advance institutional blockchain adoption and the digitization of financial markets. In addition to driving value through activities on the Canton Network, the Company also operates clinical-stage biotech research and development. For more information, visit www.cantonstrategic.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains statements about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited to, goals and expectations regarding the Company’s strategy and potential partnerships, future financial and operating performance, projections or statements of plans and objectives, and other statements accompanied by the words “intends,” “may,” “will,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “estimates,” “aims,” “believes,” “hopes,” “potential” or similar words, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors—many of which are beyond the Company’s control—that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Important factors that may affect actual results include, among others, the Company’s ability to execute its growth strategy; its ability to raise and deploy capital effectively; ability to raise capital through on the Company’s at-the-market offering; developments in technology and the competitive landscape; the market performance of Canton Coin; government regulation of cryptocurrencies; and other risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings with the SEC. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACT

Media:
Gasthalter & Co.
(212) 257-4170
canton@gasthalter.com

Investors:
ir@cantonstrategic.com
X: @CantonStrategic
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/CantonStrategicHoldings
Website: www.cantonstrategic.com

 

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SOURCE Canton Strategic Holdings, Inc.

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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center collaborate on cancer research and personalized prevention

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ABU DHABI, UAE, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, together with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC), today announced the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch), one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and home to three Nobel laureates.

By pairing Abu Dhabi’s unified clinical and genomic data infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities and governed data environments with Fred Hutch’s globally renowned research engine, the ensuing collaborations will pave the way to shortening the distance between scientific discovery and patient benefit, for Abu Dhabi’s community and beyond.

Among the projected collaborations, the two organizations will consider leveraging Abu Dhabi’s intelligent health system, and layering Fred Hutch’s world-class science onto the secure, high-quality, real-world data foundation Abu Dhabi has built. That foundation includes the emirate’s pioneering liquid biopsy programme launched last year, one of the first national-scale efforts of its kind anywhere in the world. Alongside Abu Dhabi’s AI multi-cancer early detection work, and the world’s largest clinically integrated population-scale genomics programme – with nearly one million genomes sequence.

During his visit to the center, HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH commented: “Cancer is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and progress depends on combining world-class science with population-scale data, advanced AI, and research. In Abu Dhabi, we have built an AI-enabled health system that ‘cares before it cures, delivering prevention at population scale. We are already achieving some of the highest early cancer detection rates in the world, and through our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center we are committed to bringing breakthroughs to people in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

“This MOU between Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health underscores the power of working together to prevent and treat cancer,” said Thomas Lynch Jr., MD, president and director of Fred Hutch and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Our organizations share a deep commitment to research and to provide the highest levels of cancer prevention, diagnosis and care to our communities, and we are excited to bring our expertise, tools and datasets together to identify unique approaches to cancer care and research in pursuit of our boldest goals.”

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SOURCE The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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L’Mychele & Associates Founder LaKessia Hill Completes North Texas FWC Hospitality Program (FIFA World Cup) and Appears on The Jeff Crilley Show

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DALLAS, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — L’Mychele & Associates LLC is proud to announce two significant milestones for the growing strategic meetings and events firm: Founder & CEO LaKessia Hill has successfully completed the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Hospitality Program and was recently featured on The Jeff Crilley Show.

These accomplishments reflect the company’s continued momentum within the hospitality, tourism, and events industries as L’Mychele & Associates expands its presence through strategic partnerships, leadership engagement, and elevated client experiences.

The completion of the North Texas FWC Hospitality Program further strengthens the company’s commitment to delivering intentional, guest-centered experiences rooted in strategy, hospitality, and meaningful connection — values that are central to the L’Mychele & Associates brand.

In addition, Hill recently joined veteran journalist and media personality Jeff Crilley on The Jeff Crilley Show to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind L’Mychele & Associates, and the company’s approach to creating experiences as bold as its clients’ goals.

“Both opportunities represent growth, visibility, and the continued evolution of our brand,” said Hill. “Hospitality is more than service — it’s about creating intentional moments that leave lasting impressions. Being recognized through the hospitality program and having the opportunity to share our story on The Jeff Crilley Show were both incredibly meaningful experiences.”

Known for its consultative and strategy-first approach, L’Mychele & Associates specializes in executive summits, conferences, nonprofit galas, incentive experiences, corporate meetings, and curated social gatherings. The firm partners with organizations, brands, and leaders to transform ideas into impactful experiences through strategic planning, management, and execution.

Guided by the company’s signature philosophy — “The Art of Listening. The Science of Execution.” — L’Mychele & Associates continues to position itself as a strategic partner within the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.

The episode of The Jeff Crilley Show featuring LaKessia Hill is now available across multiple platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Transistor.

About L’Mychele & Associates LLC

L’Mychele & Associates LLC is a Dallas-based strategic meetings and events firm specializing in executive summits, corporate meetings, conferences, nonprofit events, incentive experiences, and curated social gatherings. The company is known for blending strategy, hospitality, and execution to create experiences that drive connection and lasting impact.

Media Contact

LaKessia Hill
Founder & CEO, L’Mychele & Associates LLC
469-402-7825

LaKessia@LMychele.com
www.LMychele.com  

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SOURCE L’Mychele & Associates LLC

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HBX GROUP ANNOUNCES HALF YEAR 2026 FINANCIAL RESULTS

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LONDON, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HBX Group International plc (HBX Group, the Company, the Group, HBX.SM) announces its Half Year 2026 results for the six months ended 31 March 2026.  

TTV up +17% to €3.8bn, and Revenue of €309m, up +1% YoY at constant currency, reflecting targeted commercial and strategic actions to prioritise growth and capture market share, partly offset by disruption from the Middle East conflictAdjusted EBITDA up +9% at constant currency to €163m, with margin of 53% expanding +4ppts in constant currency. Profit after tax was €28m (H1 25: €(227)m).Strong cash generation with 103% cash conversion and leverage at 1.7x Adjusted Net Debt / Adjusted EBITDA. S €100m share buyback programme and a 7.5 cents per share (c.€18m) interim dividend.Executing the strategic building blocks, including the acquisition of Bridgify announced today.FY26E guidance revised to reflect the impact of Middle East conflict and macroeconomic uncertainty. New FY26 guidance is for constant currency TTV growth +11% to +15%, Revenue growth -4% to +1% and Adjusted EBITDA growth -5% to -2%, and Operating Free Cash Flow conversion between 90% and 100%. Medium-term guidance is unchanged.

First half 2026 Financial Performance Summary1

6 months
ended 31
March 2026

6 months
ended 31
March 2025

Change
constant
currency2

Change 

Total Transaction Value (TTV) (€m)

3,770

3,370

+17 %

+12 %

Revenue (€m)

309

319

+1 %

-3 %

Adjusted EBITDA (€m)

163

159

+9 %

+3 %

Delivering profitable growth

Group TTV increased to €3.8bn in the first half, up +17% at constant currency. TTV contribution increased from shorter lead-time bookings, Third Party Supply and Online Travel Agents.

Revenue of €309m, increased +1% in constant currency. Take rate was 8.2%, down 1.3ppts year‑on‑year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 9%, with margin +4ppts.

Net finance costs were €35m, 77% lower than the prior year. The tax charge was €16m. Adjusted Earnings were €83m, up +44% at constant currency.

Delivering commercial milestones in line with strategy

Commercial progress in H1 2026 reflected HBX Group’s strategy to expand its global travel ecosystem and drive profitability through AI-driven operational efficiency and commercial performance. Key developments included new distribution partnerships in Asia-Pacific, acquisitions such as Bridgify and PerfectStay to strengthen experiences and dynamic capabilities, and new platform and fintech initiatives.

HBX group also continued embedding AI across products and operations, including AI-powered solutions for Bedsonline and HotelTech, while scaling internal AI agents already delivering measurable savings and supporting more than 120 identified use cases, reinforcing the Group’s connected B2B travel ecosystem strategy.

Regional performance and trading dynamics

TTV grew in double-digits in all three regions, up +18% in the Americas and +16% in both MEAPAC and Europe, at constant currency.

In Europe, TTV growth was supported by strong intra‑regional and domestic travel. Asia Pacific up +18%, partly offset by slower growth in the Middle East and disruption on some Europe-Asia corridors. In the Americas, TTV was predominantly driven by domestic demand.

Middle East impact and near‑term outlook

Since late February, the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has impacted travel demand across affected destinations and selected international corridors, resulting in increased volatility, shorter booking windows and reduced near‑term visibility. The impact of this on H1 Group TTV growth was approximately 1ppt.

HBX Group implemented dynamic pricing, inventory reallocation and active partner support. Demand outside affected corridors has been more resilient.

Cost discipline, cash generation and capital allocation

Underlying operating costs fell by 5%. Performance was supported by productivity initiatives, automation and AI.

On a last 12-month basis, Operating Free Cash Flow was €447m, with cash conversion of 103% over the last 12 months. Adjusted Net Debt at 31 March 2026 stood at €741m.

Outlook

The Group started FY26 with strong performance. Since late February, trading conditions have been adversely impacted by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

The Group has revised its FY26 guidance. Updated outlook reflects a -4ppt effect of the Middle East conflict on TTV growth. Assumes four months of disruption with gradual stabilisation.

For the complete press release and disclaimer applicable to this information, please visit www.investors.hbxgroup.com

1 See financial statements for definitions of specific financial terms and KPIs, including any Alternative Performance Measures (APMs)
2 Constant currency changes exclude the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations by translating current year results at the exchange rates used in the prior year.

Contact: 
Clara Truyols
clatruyols@hbxgroup.com 

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SOURCE HBX Group

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