10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2008

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2008

Filed November 10, 2008For Securities:IBKR

Summary

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) reported its third-quarter 2008 results, showcasing a 23% increase in diluted earnings per share to $0.65 compared to the prior year's $0.55. This growth was driven by strong performance in both its market-making and electronic brokerage segments, benefiting from increased trading volumes and market volatility. The company's net revenues rose by 12% year-over-year to $497.0 million, with trading gains up 25% and commissions and execution fees increasing by 41%. The firm highlighted its robust risk management systems and automated trading platforms as key enablers of profitability, especially in the turbulent market environment characterized by credit market tightening and financial institution failures. IBKR emphasized that it does not hold mortgage-backed securities or credit default swaps, insulating it from the primary drivers of losses seen elsewhere in the financial sector. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, IBKR demonstrated resilience and continued growth, reflecting the strength of its business model and operational efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Diluted EPS increased 23% year-over-year to $0.65.
  • 2Net revenues grew 12% to $497.0 million, driven by a 25% increase in trading gains and a 41% rise in commissions and execution fees.
  • 3Market making segment income before taxes increased 16% year-over-year, benefiting from high market volatility and volumes.
  • 4Electronic brokerage segment income before taxes increased 13% year-over-year, with total customer Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) up 40%.
  • 5The company reported strong regulatory capital with aggregate excess regulatory capital of $2.29 billion across its operating subsidiaries.
  • 6IBKR maintained a strong liquidity position with 98.3% of its total assets ($29.35 billion) considered liquid.
  • 7The company highlighted its lack of exposure to mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps, insulating it from significant industry-wide risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

IBKR's revenue growth was driven by increases in both trading gains and commissions and execution fees. Trading gains were up 25% year-over-year, benefiting from market maker activities during a period of high volatility. Commissions and execution fees rose 41%, reflecting robust growth in customer trading volumes and an expanding customer base, as evidenced by a 40% increase in total customer DARTs.

Despite broader market turbulence and credit tightening, IBKR navigated the environment successfully due to its strong risk management, automated trading systems, and a business model that avoids exposure to subprime-related assets like mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps. The high volatility actually benefited its market-making segment, while its electronic brokerage segment saw continued customer growth and increased trading activity.

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. reported strong regulatory capital compliance. At September 30, 2008, the aggregate excess regulatory capital for all of its operating subsidiaries was $2.29 billion. Key subsidiaries like Timber Hill LLC and Interactive Brokers LLC significantly exceeded their required net capital levels.

IBG, Inc. is a Delaware holding company whose primary asset is its ownership stake in IBG LLC. IBG LLC is the entity that owns all the operating subsidiaries. Since the IPO in May 2007, IBG, Inc. consolidates IBG LLC's financial results. The financial statements include IBG, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and for periods prior to May 4, 2007, they represent the financial statements of IBG LLC.