CMC Markets : released H1 2020 half year results

Strong net operating income, up 45%; Profit before tax £30 million
Technology partnerships further diversifying revenue streams

For the half year ended £ million (unless otherwise stated)	30 September 2019	30 September 2018	Change
Net operating income (£ million)	102.3	70.6	45%
Profit before tax (£ million)	30.1	7.2	318%
Basic earnings per share (pence)	9.5	2.7	252%
Dividend per share (pence)	2.85	1.35	111%
CFD net client income (£ million)	96.0	97.6	(2%)
CFD net revenue (£ million)	85.1	63.1	35%
CFD active clients (numbers)	41,603	44,697	(7%)
CFD revenue per active client (£)	2,047	1,413	45%
Stockbroking net revenue (£ million)	14.5	5.5	164%

Financial and operating highlights

• Strong performance with net operating income up £31.7 million (45%) to £102.3 million (H1 2019: £70.6 million) driven by higher CFD revenue per active client, up 45% to £2,047, as a result of improving retention of CFD client income, and a £9.0 million (164%) increase in stockbroking net revenue
• Alongside its three strategic initiatives, the Group continues to invest in its proprietary technology platforms to diversify its offering and generate high value through institutional relationships. This has been demonstrated by the success of the ANZ Bank white label partnership which has generated £10.0 million net revenue in H1 2020
• Operating expenses up 13% to £71.2 million (H1 2019: £62.7 million), due to investment in the stockbroking business (up £4.3 million) and higher variable remuneration (up £4.5 million)
• Operating expenses excluding variable remuneration up 7% to £64.8 million (H1 2019: £60.8 million)
• Profit before tax up 318% to £30.1 million (H1 2019: £7.2 million)
• Decline in active clients, down 7% against H1 2019, which included four months of pre-ESMA regulations, however up 3% against H2 2019
• Regulatory total capital ratio of 18.0% and own funds of £182.8 million
• Interim dividend of 2.85 pence (H1 2019: 1.35 pence) with a total dividend for the year expected to be in line with policy at 50% of profit after tax

Good strategic progress delivered

• Institutional offering: continuing focus on the development of existing and new relationships along with development of the product and technology offering
• Client journey optimisation: simplification of the client onboarding journey has improved lead conversion and a focus on user experience is improving retention of existing clients
• Established markets: the Group's core markets continue to generate a significant proportion of net operating income and we continue to focus on developing products to satisfy client requirements

Peter Cruddas, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

'I am pleased with the strong first half performance. This time last year we had the uncertainty of regulatory change overhanging the sector with the client response to the changes in minimum margin levels unclear. A year on, we are seeing clients adapt, maintaining their interest in the products and the trading platforms we offer.

It is clear that we are becoming more than a CFD business with income also being derived from technology partnerships, such as the ANZ deal. This is an exciting area of the business which will continue to grow through further planned partnerships and ongoing investment to improve the offering.

From a regulatory perspective, we welcome the consultation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ('ASIC') in Australia. The Group is supportive of regulatory change, which ensures that all providers operate to the highest standards, safeguarding fair client outcomes and we believe that a stronger and better industry will emerge from these changes. The exact timing of the ASIC changes is not known, however, the proposed changes are similar to those introduced by the European Securities and Markets Authority ('ESMA') in 2018. Once any changes are implemented in Australia, regulatory uncertainty will finally be lifted from all of our material regions.

I remain positive on the outlook for the remainder of the financial year and am excited about the future opportunities that will open up as we continue to focus on the development of our technology and platform offerings.'

Analyst and investor presentation

A presentation will be held for equity analysts and investors today, 21 November 2019, at 10:30 a.m. (GMT).

A live webcast of the presentation will be available via the following link:

https://webcasts.cmcmarkets.com/results/2020halfyear

Alternatively, you can dial into the presentation:

United Kingdom: 020 3059 5869
All other locations: + 44 20 3059 5869
Please quote 'CMC Markets plc H1 2020 Results conference' when prompted.

Forthcoming announcement dates

23 January 2020	Q3 2020 trading update
3 April 2020	FY 2020 pre-close update

Forward looking statements

This trading update may include statements that are forward looking in nature. Forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Group to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Except as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, the Group undertakes no obligation to update, revise or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events or developments occurring after the date such statements are published.

Equiries

CMC Markets Plc [e-mail]
Euan Marshall, Chief Financial Officer

Camarco
Geoffrey Pelham-Lane/Ed Gascoigne-Pees/Jennifer Renwick Tel: [phone]