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Circle Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

ARC token presale revenue contributed to earnings growth while reserve income declined and stablecoin market share fell.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Circle Internet Group, Inc. (NYSE: CRCL) today announced results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Financial Highlights (Q3’26 vs. Q3’25)

  • Average USDC in circulation of $73.3 billion increased 8% year-over-year; USDC onchain transaction volume in Q3’26 of $13.9 trillion grew 49% year-over-year.
  • Total revenue and reserve income in Q3’26 of $865 million grew 17% year-over-year.
  • Net income from continuing operations in Q3’26 of $226 million increased 5% year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA in Q3’26 of $317 million grew 85% year-over-year.

Business Highlights

Payments Infrastructure Expansion: CPN hit $41.3B in annualized TPV this quarter and Circle signed a definitive agreement to acquire Tazapay, a Singapore-headquartered B2B cross-border payments platform, to further expand our platform. The deal is expected to close in 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

  • Tazapay brings $25B+ in annualized payment volume, 60+ banking and fintech partners, and local payout rails covering 100+ markets. About 60% of Tazapay's transaction volume already includes stablecoins.
  • The acquisition deepens Circle's ability to originate and terminate payments across APAC, LATAM, and emerging markets, where demand for USDC-denominated transactions is growing.

Arc Mainnet Launch: Circle launched Arc public mainnet on September 16, the most significant product launch in Circle's history since USDC, with 100+ institutional and ecosystem builders on day one, native USDC integration, a founding validator cohort drawn from the institutions that run global finance. Mainnet is the start of a roadmap centered on proof of stake, privacy, and scalability.

  • ARC Token: Circle completed the genesis mint of ARC, a full initial supply of 10 billion tokens, making Circle the first publicly traded company to mint a network token for a new layer-one blockchain. ARC is designed to serve as the native coordination mechanism for security, utility, and governance on Arc as the network works toward a transition to Proof of Stake in 2027.
  • Developer Community: Arc's global developer community includes 75,000+ Arc House members and 10,000 Architect ambassadors who built 1,200+ projects on Arc during private mainnet.

Binance announced a $100 million equity investment in Circle Internet Group, Inc. and the expansion and renewal of its strategic partnership to promote USDC across Binance’s global platform, with an emphasis on emerging markets.

Chelsea Football Club (FC) Principal Partnership: Circle became a Principal Partner of Chelsea FC with Circle and USDC brands appearing on the front of Men's, Women's, and Academy shirts starting with the 2026/27 season. The partnership puts USDC in front of hundreds of millions of football fans globally and reinforces the brand's borderless positioning.

Allaria and Circle announced a partnership to expand USDC liquidity and institutional access in Argentina, building on Circle’s growing institutional presence in Argentina and strengthening local liquidity and utility of USDC.

Tereina, a SAP-backed company, and Circle partnered to integrate USDC and EURC into Tereina’s payments infrastructure and enterprise workflows, starting with the SAP Ecosystem behind 84% of Global Commerce.

Samsung Wallet now enables eligible Galaxy users in the U.S. to send money using USDC to qualifying bank accounts in more than 60 countries, with funds delivered in the recipient’s local currency.

Visa moved its Visa Direct stablecoin prefunding from pilots to commercial deployment, with Inyo Global enabling eligible clients to fund cross-border payouts using USDC in near real time across 180+ countries.

Volante Technologies and Circle collaborated to help financial institutions integrate stablecoin payment and settlement capabilities into their existing payment operations.

“In Q3, we saw continued proof that institutions are building and expanding on USDC. Tereina is bringing USDC and EURC into the SAP ecosystem, Visa took stablecoin prefunding into commercial deployment, and Binance renewed and expanded our partnership,” said Jeremy Allaire, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chairman at Circle. “We also launched Arc on public mainnet with more than 100 institutional and ecosystem builders, giving them the infrastructure to build the next generation of financial applications. Together, we’re building the financial and economic infrastructure for the internet, and upgrading the system for a world where people, businesses, and AI agents all transact onchain.”

Key Financial Results and Operating Indicators

The following table presents our key financial results and operating indicators, as well as the relevant GAAP measures, for the periods indicated:

Key Financial Results

Q3 2026

YoY

Change

($ in millions unless noted otherwise)

 

 

 

Total Revenue and Reserve Income

$865

17%

 

Revenue Less Distribution Costs(1)

$453

55%

 

RLDC Margin(2)

52%

1,291bps

 

Net Income from Continuing Operations

$226

5%

 

Net Income from Continuing Operations Margin(3)

26%

(285bps)

 

Adjusted EBITDA(4)

$317

85%

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin(4)

70%

1,117bps

Key Operating Indicators

Q3 2026

YoY

Change

($ in billions unless noted otherwise)

 

 

 

USDC in Circulation, end of period

$73.9

0%

 

USDC in Circulation, average of period

$73.3

8%

 

Reserve Return Rate

3.5%

(61bps)

 

USDC on Platform, end of period

$13.9

36%

 

USDC on Platform, daily weighted average percentage

18.1%

462bps

(1)

Revenue Less Distribution Costs (RLDC) is calculated as Total Revenue and Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction and Other Costs.

(2)

RLDC Margin is calculated as Total Revenue and Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction and Other Costs as a percentage of Total Revenue and Reserve Income.

(3)

Net Income from Continuing Operations Margin is calculated as Net Income from Continuing Operations / Total Revenue and Reserve Income.

(4)

Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further details and for a reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP measures presented. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA (New Definition) / Total Revenue and Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction & Other Costs.

Third Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights and Operating Results

  • Reserve Income of $658 million decreased 8% year-over-year, primarily from a 61 bps decline in the Reserve Return Rate, partially offset by 8% growth in average USDC in Circulation.
  • Other Revenue of $207 million increased 627% year-over-year from the ARC token presale ($182 million), partially offset by lower subscription and services revenue.
  • Total Distribution, Transaction and Other Costs of $412 million decreased 8% year-over-year, mostly from decreased distribution payments.
  • Operating Expenses of $245 million increased 16% year-over-year, primarily due to higher G&A, D&A, IT infrastructure, and marketing expenses, partially offset by lower stock-based compensation expense.
  • Adjusted Operating Expenses of $139 million increased 13% year-over-year, primarily due to higher G&A, IT infrastructure expenses, and marketing expenses.
  • Net Income of $226 million increased 5% year-over-year, primarily due to higher operating income, partially offset by lower other income.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $317 million increased 85% year-over-year reflecting the ARC token presale revenue and lower distribution costs, partially offset by increased investment in costs related to new products.

Other Platform Metrics

 

Q3 2026

YoY

Change

(USDC related figures in $ billions; meaningful wallets in millions)

 

 

 

USDC Minted

$104

31%

 

USDC Redeemed

$104

54%

 

Stablecoin Market Share, end of period(1)

27%

(183bps)

 

Meaningful Wallets, end of period(2)

7.3

16%

(1)

Stablecoin market share is defined as the amount of USDC in circulation as a percentage of the total U.S. dollar fiat-backed stablecoins with circulation above $100 million, according to CoinMarketCap, and that have established periodic public attestations.

(2)

Onchain digital asset wallets that hold more than $10 USDC.

Guidance

To give investors insight into our business and expectations, management is providing guidance on the Company’s key performance indicators listed below.

Key Indicator

Guidance period

Guidance unchanged

USDC in Circulation

Multi-year through cycle

40% CAGR

Other Revenue

FY 2026

$310-$330M(3)

RLDC Margin(1)

FY 2026

41.7-43.7%(3)

Adjusted Operating Expenses(2)

FY 2026

$570-$585M

(1)

Revenue Less Distribution Costs (RLDC) Margin is Total Revenue & Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction & Other Costs as a percentage of Total Revenue & Reserve Income.

(2)

Adjusted Operating Expenses is a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further details and for a reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP measures presented.

(3)

Includes recognized ARC token presale revenue.

Conference Call and Livestream Information

Financial results and business highlights will be discussed during a livestream webcast event at 8 a.m. ET, hosted through Circle’s official channels on YouTube and X. An audio only version of the livestream and all related materials will be hosted on Circle’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.circle.com where a replay of the call and transcript will also be available shortly following earnings.

In addition to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Circle uses its Investor Relations website (https://investor.circle.com), its blog (https://www.circle.com/blog), press releases (https://www.circle.com/pressroom), public conference calls and webcasts, its X feed (https://x.com/circle), its YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@BuildOnCircle), and its LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/circle-internet-financial) as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information, announcing upcoming investor conferences and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor these sites in addition to following Circle’s SEC filings.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future operating results and financial position; our plans with respect to the anticipated future expenses and investments; expectations relating to certain of our key financial and operating metrics; our business strategy and plans; expectations relating to legal and regulatory proceedings; expectations relating to our industry, the regulatory environment, market conditions, trends and growth; expectations relating to customer behaviors and preferences; our market position; potential market opportunities; and our objectives for future operations. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, assumptions, and projections based on information available at the time the statements were made. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but not limited to: intense and increasing competition from new and existing issuers offering competing products, combined with the rise of yield-bearing digital assets, including TMMFs, that are attractive to digital asset trading participants, may reduce market demand and circulation of Circle stablecoins; stablecoins may face periods of uncertainty, loss of trust, or systemic shocks resulting in the potential for rapid redemption requests (or runs), and extreme scenarios, such as market shocks that affect the value of USDC’s reserves or simultaneous requests to redeem all or substantially all USDC in circulation, or concerns related to Circle stablecoin reserves, may lead to redemption delays and USDC reserves being insufficient to meet all redemption requests; as a relatively new innovation, stablecoins are particularly susceptible to operational challenges and risks, including due to surges in demand; any negative publicity regarding stablecoins or the broader digital asset industry may have an outsized negative effect on consumer confidence; the acceptance of Circle stablecoins could be negatively impacted by disruptions in secondary marketplaces that facilitate the purchase and sale of Circle stablecoins; the GENIUS Act will change the payment stablecoin ecosystem and may affect our business in ways that cannot yet be known; the GENIUS Act amends the U.S. federal securities laws to explicitly exclude from the definition of “security” payment stablecoins issued by PPSIs, which will include USDC, however, until those amendments are effective, we will continue to rely on our conclusion that USDC is not a security under the U.S. federal securities laws; we hold a substantial amount of USDC reserves in the Circle Reserve Fund and thus are subject to risks associated with the issuer, the manager, and the custodian of the Circle Reserve Fund; any significant disruption in our or our third-party service providers’ or partners’ technology could result in a loss of customers or funds and adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects; our customers’ funds and digital assets may fail to be adequately safeguarded by us or the third-party service providers upon whom we rely; our inability to maintain existing relationships with financial institutions and similar firms or to enter into new such relationships could impact our ability to offer services to customers; we are subject to credit risks in respect of counterparties, including banks and other financial institutions; if we are unable to maintain existing distribution arrangements or enter into additional distribution arrangements on less favorable financial terms, USDC and EURC in circulation and Circle’s financial results may be adversely affected; Arc and the ARC token involve execution, market, and operational risk, including risks relating to launch timing, ecosystem adoption in a competitive blockchain market, technology and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, validator and governance dynamics, token price volatility, and the operational complexity of running the network and related treasury infrastructure; Arc and the ARC token present legal, regulatory, and structural risk, including uncertainty under securities and other financial regulatory regimes, risks arising from token presale and distribution arrangements, potential liability tied to third-party ecosystem participants, conflicts and governance issues during any transition to decentralization, and possible repayment obligations if key launch milestones are not achieved; our products and services may be exploited by our customers, employees, service providers, and other third parties to facilitate illegal activity such as fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, gambling, tax evasion, and scams; our compliance and risk management methods might not be effective; fluctuations in interest rates could impact our results of operations; we are subject to an extensive and highly evolving regulatory landscape; the regulatory environment to which we are subject gives rise to various licensing requirements, significant compliance costs and other restrictions, and noncompliance could result in a range of penalties, including fines, compliance costs, operational restrictions, reputational damage, and loss of licenses; we are subject to laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding economic and trade sanctions, anti-bribery, AML, and counter-terrorism financing that could impair our ability to compete in international markets or subject us to criminal or civil liability if we violate them; insiders will continue to have substantial control over Circle and limit shareholders’ ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including a change of control; and our development and use of artificial intelligence in our business could result in reputational harm, competitive harm, and legal liability. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of the risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the SEC on March 9, 2026 as well as in other filings we may make with the SEC from time to time. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this communication constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities or an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity.

About Circle Internet Group, Inc.

Circle (NYSE: CRCL) is a global financial technology firm that enables businesses of all sizes to harness the power of digital currencies and public blockchains for payments, commerce and financial applications worldwide. Circle is building the world’s largest, most-widely used, stablecoin network, and issues, through its regulated affiliates, USDC and EURC stablecoins. Circle provides a comprehensive suite of financial and technology services that empower enterprises and developers to integrate stablecoins and blockchains into their products, services and business operations.

CIRCLE INTERNET GROUP, INC. – CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in $ thousands, except share information)

 

September 30,

2026

 

December 31,

2025

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$ 1,699,951

 

$ 1,526,046

Cash and cash equivalents segregated for corporate-held stablecoins

 

1,016,461

 

822,963

Cash and cash equivalents segregated for the benefit of stablecoin holders

 

73,574,857

 

75,067,932

Accounts receivable, net

 

67,972

 

62,866

Stablecoins receivable, net

 

5,540

 

—

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

334,448

 

321,660

Total current assets

 

76,699,229

 

77,801,467

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

Restricted cash

 

2,814

 

2,792

Investments

 

124,356

 

84,265

Fixed assets, net

 

21,150

 

22,791

Digital assets

 

130,014

 

86,515

Goodwill

 

265,742

 

265,742

Intangible assets, net

 

446,352

 

411,146

Deferred tax assets, net

 

9,079

 

11,110

Other non-current assets

 

27,203

 

27,379

Total assets

 

$ 77,725,939

 

$ 78,713,207

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Deposits from stablecoin holders

 

$ 73,451,092

 

$ 74,912,567

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

290,764

 

360,609

Convertible debt, net of debt discount

 

—

 

36,821

Other current liabilities

 

73,479

 

18,398

Total current liabilities

 

73,815,335

 

75,328,395

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities, net

 

27,228

 

28,702

Other non-current liabilities

 

19,488

 

25,337

Total liabilities

 

$ 73,862,051

 

$ 75,382,434

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock ($0.0001 par value; 2.5 billion authorized as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025; 237.1 million and 223.6 million issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively)

 

25

 

24

Class B common stock ($0.0001 par value; 500.0 million authorized as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025; 19.1 million and 18.7 million issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively)

 

2

 

2

Class C common stock ($0.0001 par value; 500.0 million authorized as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025; nil issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025)

 

—

 

—

Treasury stock at cost (4.5 million and 4.7 million shares held as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively)

 

(2,607)

 

(2,721)

Additional paid-in capital

 

4,823,113

 

4,610,216

Accumulated deficit

 

(963,211)

 

(1,292,709)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

5,138

 

14,515

Total stockholders’ equity attributable to common stockholders

 

3,862,460

 

3,329,327

Noncontrolling interests

 

1,428

 

1,446

Total stockholders’ equity

 

3,863,888

 

3,330,773

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$ 77,725,939

 

$ 78,713,207

CIRCLE INTERNET GROUP, INC. – CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(in $ thousands, except per share information)

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September

30, 2026

 

September

30, 2025

 

September

30, 2026

 

September

30, 2025

Revenue and reserve income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve income

 

$ 657,624

 

$ 711,241

 

$ 1,977,865

 

$ 1,903,426

Other revenue

 

207,264

 

28,518

 

282,471

 

72,984

Total revenue and reserve income

 

864,888

 

739,759

 

2,260,336

 

1,976,410

Distribution, transaction and other costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution and transaction costs

 

409,169

 

447,199

 

1,224,985

 

1,200,983

Other costs

 

2,465

 

413

 

5,900

 

1,218

Total distribution, transaction and other costs

 

411,634

 

447,612

 

1,230,885

 

1,202,201

Operating expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation expenses

 

124,130

 

129,295

 

396,256

 

708,307

General and administrative expenses

 

59,542

 

45,477

 

183,076

 

119,301

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

34,169

 

23,002

 

90,832

 

51,091

IT infrastructure costs

 

17,919

 

9,401

 

47,000

 

25,833

Marketing expenses

 

11,318

 

5,623

 

26,592

 

17,393

Digital assets losses (gains)

 

(2,158)

 

(1,671)

 

(2,000)

 

3,906

Total operating expenses

 

244,920

 

211,127

 

741,756

 

925,831

Operating income (loss) from continuing operations

 

208,334

 

81,020

 

287,695

 

(151,622)

Other income (expense), net

 

19,915

 

72,071

 

49,545

 

(91,453)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

228,249

 

153,091

 

337,240

 

(243,075)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

2,237

 

(61,294)

 

7,768

 

(40,151)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

 

226,012

 

214,385

 

329,472

 

(202,924)

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

(12)

 

—

 

(26)

 

—

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

 

$ 226,024

 

$ 214,385

 

$ 329,498

 

$ (202,924)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$ 0.89

 

$ 0.93

 

$ 1.33

 

$ (1.53)

Diluted

 

$ 0.84

 

$ 0.64

 

$ 1.23

 

$ (1.53)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares used in computing earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

253,070

 

229,895

 

248,463

 

132,422

Diluted

 

267,776

 

266,682

 

268,155

 

132,422

Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table summarizes certain key financial performance measures derived from our unaudited quarterly consolidated statements of operations data for each of the three months ended September 30, 2025, December 31, 2025, March 31, 2026, June 30, 2026, and September 30, 2026. The information for each of these periods has been prepared on the same basis as our audited annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are necessary for the fair statement of the results of operations for these periods.

 

Three Months Ended

(in $ millions, except RLDC Margin and Net Reserve Margin)‎

September 30,

2026

 

June 30,

2026

 

March 31,

2026

 

December 31,

2025

 

September 30,

2025

‎Reserve Income

$ 658

 

$ 668

 

$ 653

 

$ 733

 

$ 711

Other Revenue

207

 

34

 

42

 

37

 

29

Total Revenue and ‎Reserve Income

$ 865

 

$ 701

 

$ 694

 

$ 770

 

$ 740

Distribution and Transaction Costs

$ 409

 

$ 410

 

$ 405

 

$ 461

 

$ 447

Other Costs

2

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

0

Total Distribution, ‎Transaction and Other ‎Costs

$ 412

 

$ 412

 

$ 407

 

$ 461

 

$ 448

Total Revenue and Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction ‎and Other Costs

$ 453

 

$ 289

 

$ 287

 

$ 309

 

$ 292

RLDC Margin(1)

52%

 

41%

 

41%

 

40%

 

39%

Net Reserve Margin(2)

38%

 

39%

 

38%

 

37%

 

37%

Note: Figures presented may not sum precisely due to rounding.

(1)

RLDC Margin is calculated as Total Revenue and Reserve Income less Total Distribution, Transaction and Other Costs as a percentage of Total Revenue and Reserve Income.

(2)

Net Reserve Margin is Reserve Income less Distribution and Transaction Costs as a percentage of Reserve Income.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). However, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Operating Expenses are non-GAAP financial measures regarding our operational performance.

Management and our board of directors use non-GAAP financial measures to (i) monitor and evaluate the growth and performance of our business operations, (ii) evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance as well as our performance relative to our competitors, (iii) review and assess the performance of our management team and other employees, and (iv) prepare budgets and evaluate strategic investments. Accordingly, we believe that non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors. Non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Operating Expenses, have limitations as financial measures and should not be relied upon as substitutes for, or considered in isolation from, measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income from continuing operations excluding: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests; depreciation and amortization expenses; interest expense, net of amortization of discounts and premiums; interest income; income tax expense (benefit); stock-based compensation expense and payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation; certain legal expenses; realized and unrealized (gains) losses, net, on digital assets held for investment, other related investments and strategic investments; realized (gains) losses on available-for-sale debt securities; impairment losses on strategic investments; restructuring expenses; acquisition-related costs; change in fair value of convertible debt, warrant liability, embedded derivatives and U.S. Treasury securities; charitable contributions to Circle Foundation; losses on sale of long-lived assets; and foreign currency exchange (gains) losses.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, we have amended the above definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation, because these taxes are directly related to stock-based compensation expense which is already excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. These expenses represent employer payroll taxes related to the vesting and settlement of certain equity awards, and are variable with our stock price and other factors outside of our control.

We believe it is useful to exclude non-cash charges, such as depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, and change in fair value of various financial instruments as well as certain cash charges such as payroll tax related to stock-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations. We believe it is useful to exclude income tax expense (benefit), interest income, interest expense, and non-routine items as these items are not components of our core business operations.

Adjusted Operating Expenses

Adjusted Operating Expenses excludes depreciation and amortization, charitable contributions to Circle Foundation, digital assets losses (gains), stock-based compensation, and restructuring expenses. Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, we have amended the definition of Adjusted Operating Expenses to exclude (a) payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation, because these taxes are directly related to stock-based compensation expense which is already excluded from Adjusted Operating Expenses and these taxes are variable with our stock price and other factors outside of our control (which will also be reflected in Adjusted EBITDA as discussed above), as well as (b) certain one-time legal expenses, acquisition-related costs, and where relevant, restructuring expenses, as they reflect the same adjustments as in Adjusted EBITDA.

We believe it is useful to exclude certain non-cash charges from Adjusted Operating Expenses because the amount of such expenses in any specific period may not directly correlate to the underlying performance of our business operations.

We have provided a reconciliation below of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income from Continuing Operations and of Adjusted Operating Expenses to Operating Expenses, in each case, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

CIRCLE INTERNET GROUP, INC. – RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

(in $ thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

September 30,

2026

 

June 30,

2026

 

March 31,

2026

 

December 31,

2025

 

September 30,

2025

Net income from continuing operations

$ 226,012

 

$ 48,214

 

$ 55,246

 

$ 133,406

 

$ 214,385

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(12)

 

(7)

 

(7)

 

(10)

 

—

Net income attributable to common stockholders

$ 226,024

 

$ 48,221

 

$ 55,253

 

$ 133,416

 

$ 214,385

Adjusted for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expenses

34,169

 

29,896

 

26,767

 

25,536

 

23,002

Interest expense, net of amortization of discounts and premiums

24

 

64

 

38

 

193

 

354

Interest income(1)

(14,102)

 

(14,517)

 

(13,709)

 

(16,302)

 

(13,453)

Income tax expense (benefit)

2,237

 

4,092

 

1,439

 

6,776

 

(61,294)

Stock-based compensation expense(2)

43,092

 

53,599

 

51,836

 

59,414

 

59,081

Legal expenses(3)

6,741

 

10,341

 

7,019

 

2,875

 

3,014

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses, net, on digital assets held for investment, other related investments and strategic investments

(18,545)

 

(3,702)

 

3,325

 

(25,074)

 

(2,267)

Restructuring expenses(4)

9,145

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

Acquisition-related costs(5)

7,746

 

1,920

 

1,870

 

—

 

—

Impairment losses on strategic investments

—

 

115

 

251

 

—

 

500

Change in fair value of convertible debt, warrant liability, embedded derivatives, and U.S. Treasury securities

13,916

 

1,876

 

4,108

 

(42,472)

 

(56,212)

Charitable contributions to Circle Foundation(6)

4,629

 

5,411

 

7,737

 

23,149

 

—

Losses on sale of long-lived assets

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

6

Foreign currency exchange gains

(1,153)

 

(1,475)

 

(5,121)

 

(29)

 

(655)

Adjusted EBITDA (Prior Definition)

$ 313,923

 

$ 135,841

 

$ 140,813

 

$ 167,482

 

$ 166,461

Stock-based compensation related payroll expense(7)

2,739

 

7,637

 

10,588

 

8,428

 

5,015

Adjusted EBITDA (New Definition)

$ 316,662

 

$ 143,478

 

$ 151,401

 

$ 175,910

 

$ 171,476

(1)

Reflects interest income from corporate cash and cash and cash equivalents balances. For the avoidance of doubt, this amount does not include the impact of reserve income.

(2)

Includes -$5.7 million of stock-based compensation expense in connection with the restructuring as discussed in (4) below due to related RSU forfeitures for the three months ended September 30, 2026.

(3)

Reflects litigation expenses related to the FT Partners litigation, legal and settlement expenses related to legacy businesses, and legal fees and other costs related to one-time regulatory matters.

(4)

Reflects the charges related to a workforce reduction of approximately 5% designed to better align our organizational structure with our operating model and strategic priorities. Restructuring expenses primarily consisted of cash expenditures for notice period and severance payments, employee benefits and related costs.

(5)

Reflects one-time legal and professional services costs related to the pending Tazapay acquisition for the three months ended September 30, 2026, and special one-time compensation related to an asset acquisition that closed in January 2026 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026.

(6)

Reflects the charge related to the charitable contribution of shares of our Class A common stock for the benefit of Circle Foundation, a donor-advised fund.

(7)

Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, we have amended the definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude payroll tax expense related to stock-based compensation.

CIRCLE INTERNET GROUP, INC. – RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING EXPENSES TO OPERATING EXPENSES

(in $ thousands)

Three Months Ended

 

September 30,

2026

 

June 30,

2026

 

March 31,

2026

 

December 31,

2025

 

September 30,

2025

Operating expenses

$ 244,920

 

$ 254,486

 

$ 242,350

 

$ 253,595

 

$ 211,127

Adjusted for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes(1)

(45,831)

 

(61,236)

 

(62,424)

 

(67,842)

 

(64,096)

Depreciation and amortization expenses(2)

(34,169)

 

(29,896)

 

(26,767)

 

(25,536)

 

(23,002)

Digital assets losses (gains)(3)

2,158

 

698

 

(856)

 

(1,387)

 

1,671

Charitable contributions to Circle Foundation(4)

(4,629)

 

(5,411)

 

(7,737)

 

(23,149)

 

—

Legal expenses(5)

(6,741)

 

(10,341)

 

(7,019)

 

(2,875)

 

(3,014)

Acquisition-related costs(6)

(7,746)

 

(1,920)

 

(1,870)

 

—

 

—

Restructuring expenses(7)

(9,145)

 

—

 

—

 

—

 

—

Adjusted Operating Expenses

$ 138,817

 

$ 146,380

 

$ 135,677

 

$ 132,806

 

$ 122,686

(1)

Represents equity compensation and associated payroll taxes. In addition, the stock-based compensation expense in connection with the restructuring as discussed in (7) below was -$5.7M due to related RSU forfeitures for the three months ended September 30, 2026.

(2)

Includes depreciation of fixed assets, and amortization of internally developed software and intangible assets.

(3)

Represents the fair value losses/gains of digital assets, a non-cash expense.

(4)

Reflects the charge related to the charitable contribution of shares of our Class A common stock for the benefit of Circle Foundation, a donor-advised fund.

(5)

Reflects litigation expenses related to the FT Partners litigation, legal and settlement expenses related to legacy businesses, and legal fees and other costs related to one-time regulatory matters.

(6)

Reflects one-time legal and professional services costs related to the pending Tazapay acquisition for the three months ended September 30, 2026, and special one-time compensation related to an asset acquisition that closed in January 2026 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026.

(7)

Reflects the charges related to a workforce reduction of approximately 5% designed to better align our organizational structure with our operating model and strategic priorities. Restructuring expenses primarily consisted of cash expenditures for notice period and severance payments, employee benefits and related costs.

CIRCLE INTERNET GROUP, INC. – FORWARD OUTLOOK RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED OPERATING EXPENSES TO OPERATING EXPENSES

(in $ millions)

FY26

 

Low

 

High

Operating expenses

$ 973

 

$ 1,056

Adjusted for:

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense and related payroll taxes(1)

(219)

 

(249)

Depreciation and amortization expenses(2)

(116)

 

(141)

Digital assets losses (gains)(3)

2

 

2

Charitable contributions to Circle Foundation(4)

(23)

 

(23)

Legal expenses(5)

(24)

 

(37)

Acquisition-related costs(6)

(14)

 

(14)

Restructuring expenses(7)

(9)

 

(9)

Adjusted Operating Expenses

$ 570

 

$ 585

(1)

Represents equity compensation and associated payroll taxes. The range of guidance depends on incremental headcount through the rest of the year and stock price. In addition, the stock-based compensation expense in connection with the restructuring as discussed in (7) below was -$5.7M due to related RSU forfeitures.

(2)

Includes depreciation of fixed assets, and amortization of internally developed software and intangible assets. The range of the guidance depends on capitalization rates, total SBC and cash compensation throughout the rest of the year.

(3)

Represents the year to date fair value losses/gains of digital assets, a non-cash expense, and we are not forecasting the amounts in 2026.

(4)

Reflects the transfer of 268,239 shares of Class A common stock for the benefit of the Circle Foundation, a donor-advised fund.

(5)

Represents estimated fees associated with specific nonrecurring costs, including the one-time implementation of new governance structures to meet U.S. regulatory requirements.

(6)

Reflects one-time legal and professional services costs related to the pending Tazapay acquisition, and special one-time compensation related to an asset acquisition that closed in January 2026.

(7)

Reflects the charges related to a workforce reduction of approximately 5% designed to better align our organizational structure with our operating model and strategic priorities. Restructuring expenses primarily consisted of cash expenditures for notice period and severance payments, employee benefits and related costs.

 

Investor Relations
investors@circle.com

Media Relations
press@circle.com

Source: Circle Internet Group, Inc.

Key Terms

adjusted ebitda financial
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
mainnet technical
The mainnet is the live, operational blockchain where real tokens, transactions, and smart contracts run and have actual economic value. Think of it as the public road where vehicles carry customers and goods rather than a private test track; for investors, a project launching or migrating to mainnet signals higher maturity, real usage, and exposure to operational risks, token supply changes, and network security that can affect value.
proof of stake technical
Proof of stake is a method a blockchain uses to decide who can add new blocks and secure the network by giving that right to holders who lock up (or “stake”) their tokens, with chances proportional to how much they commit. It matters to investors because it affects token economics, potential rewards and risks (like concentration of control or lock-up periods), and often reduces energy use compared with alternatives—factors that can influence a token’s supply, demand and price.
convertible debt financial
A convertible debt is a loan a company takes that gives the lender the option to swap the owed money for a set number of the company’s shares instead of getting cash back. It matters to investors because it can change who owns the company and how much their shares are worth: if lenders convert, existing shareholders can be diluted, but conversion can also signal confidence and reduce a company’s cash pressure — like getting a coupon that can be redeemed for store ownership rather than a refund.

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