10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2017

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2017

Filed November 7, 2017For Securities:CBOE

Summary

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.'s Q3 2017 10-Q filing reflects a transformative period, largely driven by the significant acquisition of Bats Global Markets, Inc. completed in February 2017. This acquisition has dramatically reshaped the company's financial statements, leading to a substantial increase in total assets, revenues, and operating expenses. While the integration of Bats presents complexities and initial costs, the combined entity is positioned as a larger, more diversified player in the global exchange market, with expanded offerings in U.S. and European equities, futures, and FX. Investors should note the significant growth in revenues, primarily due to the inclusion of Bats' operations, and the corresponding rise in costs, particularly in liquidity payments, depreciation, amortization, and acquisition-related expenses. Despite these increased costs and the substantial debt taken on to finance the acquisition, the company demonstrated continued operational strength in its core options business, while integrating new segments. The company's focus on innovation and expanding its global reach through strategic acquisitions will be key for future growth.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$611.40M
Cost of Revenue$341.70M
Gross Profit$269.70M
Operating Expenses$150.40M
Operating Income$119.30M
Interest Expense$11.00M
Net Income$59.70M
EPS (Basic)$0.53
EPS (Diluted)$0.53
Shares Outstanding (Basic)112.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)112.60M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total Assets surged from $476.7 million at year-end 2016 to $5,228.1 million as of September 30, 2017, largely due to the Bats acquisition.
  • 2Total Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, more than doubled to $1,608.4 million, up from $512.3 million in the prior year period, driven significantly by the Bats acquisition.
  • 3Operating Income increased to $263.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $223.3 million in the prior year period, indicating resilience in core operations despite integration costs.
  • 4Long-term debt significantly increased to $1,312.4 million from $0 as of December 31, 2016, primarily to finance the Bats acquisition.
  • 5The company has realigned its reporting structure to five business segments: Options, U.S. Equities, Futures, European Equities, and Global FX, reflecting the expanded operations post-Bats acquisition.
  • 6Depreciation and amortization expenses saw a substantial increase, rising from $34.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, to $136.3 million for the same period in 2017, largely due to the amortization of intangible assets acquired in the Bats merger.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver was the acquisition of Bats Global Markets, Inc., which closed on February 28, 2017. This acquisition significantly expanded Cboe's asset base, revenue streams, and operational footprint across various asset classes and geographies.

The acquisition was financed partly through debt. As a result, Cboe's long-term debt increased from $0 at December 31, 2016, to $1,312.4 million as of September 30, 2017. This includes a term loan and senior notes issued to fund the transaction.

The acquisition led to a substantial increase in operating expenses. This includes higher compensation and benefits due to additional employees, increased depreciation and amortization from acquired intangible assets, and significant acquisition-related costs such as professional fees and severance. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, total operating expenses rose to $466.8 million from $200.1 million in the prior year period.

Following the Bats acquisition, Cboe reorganized its reporting structure to reflect its expanded operations. It now reports under five segments: Options, U.S. Equities, Futures, European Equities, and Global FX, which is how management reviews and operates the business.