10-KPeriod: FY2018

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2018

Filed February 22, 2019For Securities:CBOE

Summary

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) reported robust financial performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, demonstrating significant growth driven by increased trading volumes across its diverse product offerings and geographies. The acquisition of Bats Global Markets in February 2017 continued to positively impact revenues and operating income, integrating new asset classes like European equities and FX, and expanding the company's global reach. CBOE's strategic focus on innovative products, leading technology, and strong market positions in options, U.S. equities, and European equities has supported its growth trajectory. Despite competitive pressures and evolving regulatory landscapes, CBOE maintained strong market shares in key areas, including being the largest U.S. options exchange and a leading operator in U.S. equities and European equities. The company's diversified revenue streams, including transaction fees, market data fees, and other services, contributed to a healthy financial position. Investors should note the company's ongoing technology investments, particularly in migrating to the Bats trading platform, and the associated risks, as well as the company's active share repurchase program and dividend payments.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.77B
Cost of Revenue$1.55B
Gross Profit$1.22B
Operating Expenses$617.50M
Operating Income$599.40M
Interest Expense$40.50M
Net Income$422.10M
EPS (Basic)$3.78
EPS (Diluted)$3.76
Shares Outstanding (Basic)111.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)112.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 24.2% to $2.77 billion in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily driven by a 27.0% increase in transaction fees due to higher market volumes and the full-year impact of the Bats acquisition.
  • 2The acquisition of Bats Global Markets in February 2017 significantly expanded Cboe's product lines, geographic reach, and diversified its business mix, leading to increased revenue and operating income in 2018.
  • 3Operating income grew by 61.2% to $599.4 million in 2018, reflecting strong revenue growth and a 1.0% decrease in operating expenses.
  • 4Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 1.9% to $3.76 in 2018 from $3.69 in 2017.
  • 5The Options segment remains the largest contributor to revenue less cost of revenues, with a 50.2% share in 2018, and saw an 18.4% increase in this metric.
  • 6Cboe maintains strong market positions, with 38.5% market share in U.S. Options, 18.4% in U.S. Equities, and 22.3% in European Equities for 2018.
  • 7The company's cash from operations and available credit facilities are expected to be sufficient to meet its liquidity needs, supporting operations, capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividends, and share repurchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cboe's primary revenue driver in 2018 was transaction fees, which accounted for approximately 68.6% of net revenues. Other significant revenue sources included market data fees, regulatory fees, access fees, and exchange services and other fees.

The acquisition of Bats Global Markets in February 2017 significantly boosted Cboe's financial performance. For 2018, it contributed to a 24.2% increase in total revenues and provided an additional two months of activity compared to 2017, driving growth across multiple segments including U.S. Equities, European Equities, and Global FX.

Key risks identified include the potential loss of exclusive licenses for certain index options and futures, which generate a substantial portion of transaction fees. Other risks include intense price competition, general economic conditions, regulatory and legal changes, cybersecurity threats, reliance on third-party service providers, and the successful migration of technology systems.