10-KPeriod: FY2017

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2017

Filed February 22, 2018For Securities:CBOE

Summary

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) reported a transformative year in 2017, largely driven by the significant acquisition of Bats Global Markets, which closed on February 28, 2017. This acquisition substantially expanded Cboe's product offerings across multiple asset classes and geographies, bolstered its market position, and diversified its revenue streams. Total revenues more than tripled from $703.1 million in 2016 to $2,229.1 million in 2017, primarily due to the inclusion of Bats' operations for ten months of the year. While the company saw increased transaction fees, market data fees, and regulatory fees following the Bats acquisition, it also experienced a significant rise in costs of revenues and operating expenses, particularly depreciation and amortization, and acquisition-related costs. Despite these increased expenses, operating income grew by 24.7% to $371.9 million, and net income more than doubled to $400.6 million. The company also successfully integrated Bats' technology, planning to migrate existing Cboe platforms onto Bats' proprietary technology, which is expected to enhance reliability, speed, and scalability.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.23B
Cost of Revenue$1.23B
Gross Profit$995.60M
Operating Expenses$623.70M
Operating Income$371.90M
Interest Expense$42.60M
Net Income$396.70M
EPS (Basic)$3.70
EPS (Diluted)$3.69
Shares Outstanding (Basic)107.20M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)107.50M

Key Highlights

  • 1The acquisition of Bats Global Markets in February 2017 was the primary driver of financial growth, significantly increasing total revenues to $2.23 billion in 2017 from $703.1 million in 2016.
  • 2Net income more than doubled from $185.7 million in 2016 to $400.6 million in 2017, reflecting the combined entity's performance.
  • 3Cboe's market position was strengthened, becoming the largest U.S. options exchange and the second-largest U.S. stock exchange operator by volume.
  • 4The company reported strong growth in its Futures segment, with Average Daily Volume (ADV) increasing by 50%.
  • 5Significant investments were made in integrating Bats' technology, with plans to migrate Cboe's trading platforms onto Bats' proprietary technology to improve efficiency and scalability.
  • 6The company experienced a substantial increase in operating expenses, including acquisition-related costs, depreciation, and amortization, driven by the Bats integration.
  • 7Cboe has a diversified revenue base across Options, U.S. Equities, Futures, European Equities, and Global FX segments following the acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most significant event was the acquisition of Bats Global Markets, which closed on February 28, 2017. This acquisition substantially expanded Cboe's operations, product offerings, and market reach, leading to a significant increase in revenues and net income.

The Bats acquisition more than tripled Cboe's total revenues in 2017 compared to 2016. While operating expenses also increased significantly due to integration costs, net income more than doubled, indicating successful absorption of Bats' operations and contribution to overall profitability.

Following the Bats acquisition, Cboe now reports five business segments: Options, U.S. Equities, Futures, European Equities, and Global FX. The U.S. Equities, European Equities, and Global FX segments were primarily established or significantly enhanced through the acquisition of Bats, diversifying Cboe's business beyond its traditional Options and Futures focus.

Cboe plans to leverage Bats' leading proprietary trading technology by migrating its existing trading platforms (Cboe Options, C2, and CFE) onto the Bats platform. This strategy is aimed at enhancing reliability, speed, efficiency, scalability, and providing a uniform customer experience across all markets.