MarketAxess Reports First Quarter 2022 Results
NEW YORK, April 20, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: MKTX) the operator of a leading electronic trading platform for fixed-income securities, and the provider of market data and post-trade services for the global fixed-income markets, today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2022.*1Q22 Financial and operational highlights**
· Revenues of *$186.1* million; second highest level ever of quarterly revenue; record U.S. Treasury, emerging markets and municipal bond revenue.
· Total expenses of *$98.0 *million, up *7%* on continued investment; up *5%*, excluding acquired intangible amortization.
· *$105.8* million in EBITDA and EBITDA margin of *56.8%*.
· Diluted EPS of *$1.71* includes a net *$0.02 *per share negative impact from tax and other, net special items; Company reconfirms full-year 2022 effective tax rate guidance range of 24.0% to 26.0%.
· Declared *$0.70* per share dividend; repurchased 101,514 shares for a total cost of $38.8 million.
· Record total trading average daily volume (“ADV”) of *$37.5 *billion, up* 22%*, driven principally by record U.S. Treasury ADV of* $25.1 *billion; credit ADV of* $12.0 *billion, with record emerging markets ADV of *$3.1* billion and record municipal bond ADV of *$288* million.
· Estimated combined U.S. high-grade and high-yield market share of *19.1%*, in line with the prior year; approximately *92%* of credit volume on the platform was executed by institutional clients.
· Delivered* $201 *million in estimated transaction cost savings for clients through Open Trading, our differentiated liquidity pool, surpassing 1Q21 levels.
· Record *$14 *billion in portfolio trading volume.
*All comparisons versus first quarter 2021 unless otherwise noted.
“Record trading volumes this quarter surpassed pandemic level highs, driven principally by strong sequential improvement in credit and record U.S. Treasury volumes. This strong performance reflects the excellent strides we have made in executing our growth strategy, expanding our geographic diversification and establishing a broader foundation for growth,” said Rick McVey, chairman and CEO of MarketAxess. “We have delivered these results as market conditions continue to improve, with wider spreads and increased spread volatility driving significant cost savings for our clients through Open Trading, our differentiated liquidity pool. We believe we are well positioned to capture the global e-trading opportunity ahead of us due to our expanded global product footprint, improving market conditions and our continued focus on trading automation and all-to-all trading.”
*1Q22 Select financial results*
*1Q22 vs. 4Q21* *1Q22 vs. 1Q21*
$ in millions, except per share data (unaudited) *1Q22* *% CHANGE* *% CHANGE*
Revenues $186 13% (5%)
Operating Income $88 21% (15%) Operating Margin % 47% +340 bps (560) bps
Net Income $65 24% (19%)
Diluted EPS $1.71 25% (19%)
EBITDA $106 22% (7%) EBITDA Margin % 57% +450 bps (140) bps *Quarterly trading volume (ADV)* *CREDIT* *RATES*
$ in millions (unaudited) *Total Volumes* *High-Grade* *High-Yield* *Emerging
Markets* *Eurobonds* *Other
Credit Prod.* *Total Other
Credit* *Total
Credit* *US Govt.
Bonds* *Agcy./Other
Govt. Bonds* *Total
Rates*
*1Q22* $37,504 $5,518 $1,626 $3,060 $1,493 $308 $6,487 $12,005 $25,076 $423 $25,499
*1Q21* $30,693 $5,958 $1,839 $2,912 $1,502 $108 $6,361 $12,319 $18,175 $199 $18,374
*4Q21* $29,158 $4,482 $1,355 $2,590 $1,169 $115 $5,229 $9,711 $19,087 $360 $19,447
*1Q22 vs. 1Q21
% Change* 22% (7%) (12%) 5% (1%) 185% 2% (3%) 38% 113% 39%
*1Q22 vs. 4Q21
% Change* 29% 23% 20% 18% 28% 168% 24% 24% 31% 18% 31%
*Overview of results**Revenues*
· *U.S. high-grade: *U.S. high-grade commission revenue of $75.9 million (includes $23.0 million in fixed-distribution fees) decreased $10.4 million, or 12%, compared to $86.3 million (includes $21.0 million in fixed-distribution fees) in the prior year. The year-over-year decrease was principally due to lower average fee per million (“FPM”) and lower U.S. high-grade market volumes, partially offset by higher fixed-distribution fees. The decline in average FPM for high-grade to $154.57 in the current quarter, compared to $179.83 in the first quarter of 2021, was mainly due to the shorter duration of bonds traded (driven by higher bond yields and shorter years-to-maturity). There have been no changes to the U.S. high-grade fee plan. · Estimated U.S. high-grade market share in the first quarter of 2022 was 20.7%, slightly above the 20.5% recorded in the prior year period.
· *Other credit: *Other credit commission revenue of $84.0 million (includes $8.2 million in fixed-distribution fees) decreased $1.3 million, or 2%, compared to $85.3 million (includes $6.4 million in fixed-distribution fees) in the prior year. The FPM for other credit products was $187.76 in the current quarter, compared to $201.78 in the first quarter of 2021. The decline in other credit FPM was due to a larger percentage of trading volume in local market emerging market bonds which have lower fees per million and dealer migration to fixed-distribution fee plans that command lower transaction fees. · *Record quarterly emerging markets* ADV of $3.1 billion increased 5%, with estimated market volume down 7%, compared to the prior year first quarter.
· *Record quarterly municipal bond* ADV of $288 million increased 205% (up 32% excluding MuniBrokers variable commission related volume) driven by market share gains.
· *Total credit:* Total credit ADV of $12.0 billion, was down 3%, with combined estimated U.S. high-grade and U.S. high-yield TRACE ADV down 9%. The first quarter of 2022 was the second best quarter of total credit trading volume. The FPM for total credit products was $174.54 in the current quarter, compared to $191.20 in the first quarter of 2021.
· *Rates: *Total rates commission revenue of $6.3 million increased $2.0 million, or 49%, compared to the prior year, driven by* record U.S. Treasury *ADV of $25.1 billion, up 38% compared to the prior year. The average FPM for total rates products was $3.92 in the current quarter, compared to $3.70 in the first quarter of 2021.
· Information* & post-trade services: *Information and post-trade services record combined revenue of $19.7 million increased $0.3 million, or 2%, compared to the prior year.*Expenses*
· Total expenses of $98.0 million increased $6.0 million, or 7%, driven principally by higher acquired intangible amortization and investments to enhance the trading system and data products. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $3.4 million due to higher software development depreciation expense and acquired intangible amortization expense. Technology and communication expenses increased $2.2 million due to higher subscription costs, market data expense and platform licensing fees.*Non-operating*
· *Other income: *Other income was $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2022, representing a $4.0 million increase compared to the prior year. The current quarter included a $1.6 million benefit related to the remeasurement of the contingent liability associated with the MuniBrokers acquisition, and a $1.3 million foreign currency transaction gain. The impact of these items was a net benefit of $0.06 per diluted share.
· *Tax rate:* The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2022 was 28.4%, compared to 21.0% for the first quarter of 2021. The higher effective tax rate for the current quarter, compared to the prior year, was driven by a decrease in estimated excess tax benefits related to share based compensation awards and the impact of a tax charge of $3.2 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, related to a settlement with the New York State tax authorities. Excluding the tax charge, the effective tax rate would have been 24.8%. The Company reconfirms its full-year 2022 effective tax rate guidance range of 24.0% to 26.0%.
*Capital *
· The Company has $400.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments; there are no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities.
· A total of 101,514 shares were repurchased in the first quarter of 2022 at a cost of $38.8 million.
· The Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share, payable on May 18, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 4, 2022.*Other*
· The Company had record active total client firms of 1,913 and record international client firms of 975.
· Employee headcount was 689 as of March 31, 2022, compared to 610 as of March 31, 2021, and 676 as of December 31, 2021.
*Other highlights*
· The Company launched the MKTX U.S. Investment Grade 400 Corporate Bond Index (MKTX 400 Index), which leverages MarketAxess’ proprietary Relative Liquidity Score and Composite+ pricing engine to construct an index with improved liquidity, transparency and high availability of the constituent bonds.
· Nash Panchal, previously with Goldman Sachs where he was Global Co-Head of Technology in the Goldman Sachs Asset Management division, was appointed Chief Information Officer on March 1, 2022. Nash will be integral in bringing clients the next generation of technology solutions needed to navigate the rapidly evolving electronic fixed-income markets.
*Non-GAAP financial measures and other items*
To supplement the Company’s unaudited financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company uses certain non-GAAP measures of financial performance, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and free cash flow. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when taken into consideration with the corresponding GAAP financial measures, are important in understanding the Company's operating results. See the attached schedule for a reconciliation of GAAP net income to EBITDA and GAAP cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow.
*Webcast and conference call information*
Rick McVey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chris Concannon, President and Chief Operating Officer and Christopher Gerosa, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results and outlook on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. To access the conference call, please dial 855-425-4206 (U.S.) or 484-756-4249 (international). The Company will also host a live audio Webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investor.marketaxess.com. A replay of the call will be made available by dialing 855-859-2056 (U.S.) or 404-537-3406 (international) and using the conference ID: 5884229 for one week after the announcement. The Webcast will also be archived on http://investor.marketaxess.com for 90 days following the announcement.
*About MarketAxess*
MarketAxess (Nasdaq: MKTX) operates a leading electronic trading platform that delivers greater trading efficiency, a diversified pool of liquidity and significant cost savings to institutional investors and broker-dealers across the global fixed-income markets. Over 1,900 firms leverage MarketAxess’ patented technology to efficiently trade fixed-income securities. MarketAxess’ award-winning Open Trading^® marketplace is widely regarded as the preferred all-to-all trading solution in the global credit markets. Founded in 2000, MarketAxess connects a robust network of market participants through the full trading lifecycle, including automated trading solutions, intelligent data products and a range of post-trade services. Learn more at www.marketaxess.com and on Twitter @MarketAxess.
*Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements*
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements about the outlook and prospects for Company and industry growth, as well as statements about the Company’s future financial and operating performance. These and other statements that relate to future results and events are based on MarketAxess’ current expectations. The Company’s actual results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected or desired because of a number of risks and uncertainties, including: global economic, political and market factors; risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the possible effects of the economic conditions worldwide resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; adverse effects as a result of climate change or other ESG risks that could affect our reputation; the level of trading volume transacted on the MarketAxess platform; the rapidly evolving nature of the electronic financial services industry; the level and intensity of competition in the fixed-income electronic trading industry and the pricing pressures that may result; reputational or credibility risks related to our data products and index business; the variability of our growth rate; our ability to introduce new fee plans and our clients’ response; our ability to attract clients or adapt our technology and marketing strategy to new markets; risks related to our growing international operations; our dependence on our broker-dealer clients; the loss of any of our significant institutional investor clients; our exposure to risks resulting from non-performance by counterparties to transactions executed between our clients in which we act as an intermediary in matched principal trades; risks related to self-clearing; the effect of rapid market or technological changes on us and the users of our technology; our dependence on third-party suppliers for key products and services; our ability to successfully maintain the integrity of our trading platform and our response to system failures, capacity constraints and business interruptions; the occurrence of design defects, errors, failures or delays with our platforms; our vulnerability to cyber security risks; our actual or perceived failure to comply with privacy and data protection laws; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights or technology and defend against intellectual property infringement or other claims; our ability to enter into strategic alliances and to acquire other businesses and successfully integrate them with our business; our dependence on our management team and our ability to attract and retain talent; limitations on our flexibility because we operate in a highly regulated industry; the increasing government regulation of us and our clients; risks related to the U.K.’s exit from the European Union; our exposure to costs and penalties related to our extensive regulation; our risks of litigation and securities laws liability; our future capital needs and our ability to obtain capital when needed; limitations on our operating flexibility contained in our credit agreement; and other factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More information about these and other factors affecting MarketAxess’ business and prospects is contained in MarketAxess’ periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be accessed at www.marketaxess.com.
*Contacts*
*INVESTOR RELATIONS* *MEDIA RELATIONS*
*Stephen Davidson*
MarketAxess Holdings Inc.
+1 212 813 6313
sdavidson2@marketaxess.com *Marisha Mistry*
MarketAxess Holdings Inc.
+1 917 267 1232
mmistry@marketaxess.com *
*
*William McBride*
RF | Binder
+1 917 239 6726*MarketAxess Holdings Inc.*
*Consolidated Statements of Operations* *Three Months Ended* *March 31,* *2022* *2021* *(In thousands, except per share data)* *(unaudited)*
*Revenues*
Commissions $ 166,113 $ 175,838
Information services 9,809 9,162
Post-trade services 9,912 10,261
Other 223 203
*Total revenues* 186,057 195,464
*Expenses*
Employee compensation and benefits 47,756 48,088
Depreciation and amortization 15,174 11,779
Technology and communications 12,192 10,036
Professional and consulting fees 9,621 9,640
Occupancy 3,387 3,317
Marketing and advertising 1,789 1,204
Clearing costs 4,575 4,694
General and administrative 3,459 3,232
*Total expenses* 97,953 91,990
*Operating income* 88,104 103,474
*Other income (expense)*
Investment income 59 107
Interest expense (173 ) (191 )
Other, net 2,429 (1,589 )
*Total other income (expense)* 2,315 (1,673 )
*Income before income taxes* 90,419 101,801
Provision for income taxes 25,650 21,344
*Net income* *$* *64,769* *$* *80,457*
*Per Share Data:*
Net income per common share
Basic $ 1.73 $ 2.15
Diluted $ 1.71 $ 2.11
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.70 $ 0.66
Weighted-average common shares:
Basic 37,384 37,470
Diluted 37,824 38,155
*MarketAxess Holdings Inc.*
*Commission Revenue Details* *Three Months Ended* *March 31,* *2022* *2021* *Total Commissions Revenue* *(In thousands)* *(unaudited)*
Transaction Fees
U.S. high-grade $ 52,878 $ 65,356
Other credit ^1 75,804 78,899
Total credit 128,682 144,255
Rates ^2 6,191 4,143
Total transaction fees 134,873 148,398
Distribution Fees
U.S. high-grade 23,026 20,970
Other credit^1 8,152 6,404
Total credit 31,178 27,374
Rates^2 62 66
Total distribution fees 31,240 27,440
*Total commissions* *$* *166,113* *$* *175,838* *Average Variable Transaction Fee Per Million* *(unaudited)*
U.S. high-grade - fixed-rate $ 158.16 $ 185.07
U.S. high-grade - floating-rate 51.74 45.11
Total U.S. high-grade 154.57 179.83
Other credit ^1 187.76 201.78
Total credit 172.54 191.20
Rates^2 3.92 3.70
^1 Other credit includes high-yield, emerging markets, Eurobonds and municipal bonds.
^2 Rates includes U.S. Government bonds, agencies and other government bonds.
*MarketAxess Holdings Inc.*
*Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet Data* *As of* *March 31, 2022* *December 31, 2021* *(In thousands)* *(unaudited)*
*Assets*
Cash and cash equivalents $ 364,567 $ 506,735
Cash segregated under federal regulations 50,187 50,159
Investments, at fair value 35,875 36,078
Accounts receivable, net 75,520 63,881
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers 721,127 408,346
Goodwill 154,789 154,789
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 111,620 116,377
Furniture, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized
software, net 95,302 96,061
Operating lease right-of-use assets 69,189 70,960
Prepaid expenses and other assets 29,309 27,066
*Total assets* *$* *1,707,485* *$* *1,530,452*
*Liabilities and stockholders' equity*
* Liabilities*
Accrued employee compensation $ 26,166 $ 59,719
Payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers 458,476 229,325
Income and other tax liabilities 42,614 40,456
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities 70,297 71,218
Operating lease liabilities 86,391 88,425
*Total liabilities* 683,944 489,143
*Stockholders' equity*
Common stock 123 123
Additional paid-in capital 318,119 330,262
Treasury stock (271,512 ) (232,712 )
Retained earnings 995,192 956,966
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (18,381 ) (13,330 )
*Total stockholders' equity* 1,023,541 1,041,309
*Total liabilities and stockholders' equity* *$* *1,707,485* *$* *1,530,452*
*MarketAxess Holdings Inc.*
*Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures* *Three Months Ended* *March 31,* *2022* *2021* *Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization* *(In thousands)* *(unaudited)*
*Net income* $ 64,769 $ 80,457
Add back:
Interest expense 173 191
Provision for income taxes 25,650 21,344
Depreciation and amortization 15,174 11,779
*Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and*
* amortization* *$* *105,766* *$* *113,771* *Free Cash Flow* *(In thousands)* *(unaudited)*
*Cash flows from operating activities* $ (23,730 ) $ (23,159 )
Exclude: Net change in trading investments — (5,495 )
Exclude: Net change in fail-to-deliver/receive
from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers 68,542 93,370
Less: Purchases of furniture, equipment and
leasehold improvements (1,396 ) (4,257 )
Less: Capitalization of software development costs (9,425 ) (8,075 )
*Free cash flow* *$* *33,991* *$* *52,384*
*MarketAxess Holdings Inc.*
*Volume Statistics** *Three Months Ended*
*March 31,* *2022* *2021* *Total Trading Volume* *(In millions)* *(unaudited)*
U.S. high-grade - fixed-rate $ 330,558 $ 349,815
U.S. high-grade - floating-rate 11,535 13,626
Total U.S. high-grade 342,093 363,441
Other credit 403,718 391,020
Total credit 745,811 754,461
Rates 1,581,234 1,120,868 *Average Daily Volume* *(In millions)* *(unaudited)*
U.S. high-grade $ 5,518 $ 5,958
Other credit 6,487 6,361
Total credit 12,005 12,319
Rates 25,499 18,374
Number of U.S. Trading Days^ 1 62 61
Number of U.K. Trading Days^ 2 63 63
^1 The number of U.S. trading days is based on the SIFMA holiday recommendation calendar.
^2 The number of U.K. trading days is based on the U.K. Bank holiday schedule.
*Consistent with FINRA TRACE reporting standards, both sides of trades are included in the Company's reported volumes when the Company executes trades on a matched principal basis between two counterparties. Consistent with industry standards, U.S. Government Bond trades are single-counted.
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