10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2014

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2014

Filed November 4, 2014For Securities:CBOE

Summary

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) reported strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Total operating revenues increased by 4.8% to $450.7 million, driven primarily by a 5.6% rise in transaction fees and a significant 26.9% increase in market data fees. This revenue growth, coupled with effectively managed operating expenses, led to a 6.4% increase in operating income to $226.8 million and a 8.6% rise in net income allocated to common stockholders to $139.3 million, translating to a diluted EPS of $1.62 compared to $1.47 in the prior year period. The company experienced a robust increase in trading volumes, up 10.2% for the nine-month period, across most product categories, particularly futures and equity options. This volume growth, however, was partially offset by a 4.2% decrease in average revenue per contract, largely due to a shift in product mix towards lower-margin equities and increased volume-based incentives. Despite these pressures, CBOE's strategic focus on higher-margin products like index options and futures, along with increased market data revenue, contributed positively to overall financial results.

Financial Highlights

44 data points
Beta

Revenue

$148.91M

Net Income

$48.37M

32.5% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.57

Total Assets

$367.09M

Cash & Equivalents

$126.52M

Free Cash Flow

$62.83M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$148.91M
Operating Expenses$73.83M
Operating Income$75.08M
Net Income$48.37M
EPS (Basic)$0.57
EPS (Diluted)$0.57
Shares Outstanding (Basic)85.05M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)85.05M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenues rose 4.8% to $450.7 million for the first nine months of 2014, compared to $430.2 million in the prior year.
  • 2Net income allocated to common stockholders increased by 8.6% to $139.3 million, with diluted EPS reaching $1.62, up from $1.47.
  • 3Transaction fees, the largest revenue driver, grew 5.6% to $315.0 million, supported by a 10.2% increase in total trading volume.
  • 4Market data fees saw a substantial increase of 26.9%, reaching $22.7 million, driven by higher subscriber numbers and fees for certain services, as well as an increased share of OPRA income.
  • 5Operating expenses increased by 3.2% to $223.9 million, with notable increases in depreciation/amortization and royalty fees, while outside services decreased.
  • 6The company repurchased $139.6 million of its common stock during the first nine months of 2014 under its share repurchase program.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $126.5 million from $221.3 million at year-end 2013, primarily due to share repurchases and a special dividend payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in transaction fees, which benefited from higher trading volumes, and a significant increase in market data fees. The company also saw growth in exchange services and other fees.

Total operating expenses increased by 3.2%, with key drivers being higher employee costs, depreciation and amortization, and royalty fees. However, the company also managed to reduce outside services expenses.

CBOE generated strong operating cash flows, but cash and cash equivalents decreased due to significant financing activities. This included $139.6 million in share repurchases under its announced program and a special dividend payment of $43.8 million. The company indicated its expectation to continue paying dividends, subject to board discretion and financial conditions.

Yes, for the nine-month period, there was a shift in the product mix from higher-margin index options to lower-margin equities. This, along with increased volume-based incentives, led to a 4.2% decrease in the average revenue per contract, despite overall volume growth.