UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Trading Symbol |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated filer |
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Smaller reporting company |
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Emerging growth company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of May 3, 2024, the number of shares of the Registrant’s voting common stock outstanding was
2
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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Item 1. |
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3 |
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 |
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Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 |
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 |
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Item 2. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item 1. |
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Item 1A. |
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Item 2. |
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Item 3. |
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Item 4. |
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Item 5. |
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Item 6. |
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46 |
2
PART I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Unaudited)
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As of |
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March 31, 2024 |
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December 31, 2023 |
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(In thousands, except share |
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ASSETS |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
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$ |
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Cash segregated under federal regulations |
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Investments, at fair value |
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Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ |
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Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers |
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Goodwill |
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Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization |
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Furniture, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized software, net of |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Prepaid expenses and other assets |
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Total assets |
$ |
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$ |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
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Liabilities |
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Accrued employee compensation |
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Payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers |
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Income and other tax liabilities |
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Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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Operating lease liabilities |
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Total liabilities |
$ |
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$ |
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(Note 13) |
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Stockholders' equity |
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Preferred stock, $ |
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Series A Preferred Stock, $ |
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Common stock voting, $ |
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Common stock non-voting, $ |
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— |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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Treasury stock – Common stock voting, at cost, |
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Retained earnings |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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( |
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Total stockholders' equity |
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Total liabilities and stockholders' equity |
$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
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3
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
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Revenues |
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Commissions |
$ |
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$ |
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Information services |
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Post-trade services |
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Technology services |
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Total revenues |
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Expenses |
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Employee compensation and benefits |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Technology and communications |
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Professional and consulting fees |
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Occupancy |
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Marketing and advertising |
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Clearing costs |
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General and administrative |
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Total expenses |
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Operating income |
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Other income (expense) |
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Interest income |
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Interest expense |
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Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate |
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Other, net |
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( |
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Total other income (expense) |
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Income before income taxes |
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Provision for income taxes |
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Net income |
$ |
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$ |
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Net income per common share |
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Basic |
$ |
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$ |
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Diluted |
$ |
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$ |
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Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ |
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$ |
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Weighted average shares outstanding |
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Basic |
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Diluted |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
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4
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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(In thousands) |
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Net income |
$ |
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$ |
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Cumulative translation adjustment |
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Net unrealized (loss) on securities available-for-sale, |
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Comprehensive income |
$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
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5
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
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Common |
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Additional |
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Treasury Stock - |
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Retained |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
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Balance at January 1, 2024 |
$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Cumulative translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Unrealized net gain (loss) on |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Stock-based compensation |
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— |
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— |
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Exercise of stock options |
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Withholding tax payments on |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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( |
Reissuance of treasury stock |
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( |
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( |
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— |
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Repurchases of common stock |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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Cash dividend on common stock |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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Balance at March 31, 2024 |
$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
6
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
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Common |
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Additional |
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Treasury Stock - |
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Retained |
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Accumulated |
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Total |
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(In thousands, except per share amounts) |
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Balance at January 1, 2023 |
$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Cumulative translation adjustment |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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Unrealized net gain (loss) on |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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Stock-based compensation |
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— |
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— |
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Reissuance of treasury stock |
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( |
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Exercise of stock options |
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— |
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— |
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Withholding tax payments on |
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( |
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— |
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— |
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( |
Cash dividend on common stock |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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( |
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— |
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Balance at March 31, 2023 |
$ |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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$ |
( |
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$ |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
7
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
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Three Months Ended March 31, |
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2024 |
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2023 |
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(In thousands) |
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Cash flows from operating activities |
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Net income |
$ |
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$ |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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Deferred taxes |
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Foreign currency transaction losses |
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Other |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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(Increase) in accounts receivable |
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Decrease/(increase) in receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers |
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(Increase)/decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets |
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Decrease/(increase) in trading investments |
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(Increase) in mutual funds held in rabbi trust |
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(Decrease) in accrued employee compensation |
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(Decrease)/increase in payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers |
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(Decrease)/increase in income and other tax liabilities |
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(Decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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(Decrease) in operating lease liabilities |
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Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities |
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Cash flows from investing activities |
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Available-for-sale investments |
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Proceeds from maturities and sales |
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Purchases |
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Purchases of furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements |
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Capitalization of software development costs |
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Net cash (used in) investing activities |
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Cash flows from financing activities |
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Cash dividend on common stock |
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Exercise of stock options |
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Withholding tax payments on full value awards vesting and stock option exercises |
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( |
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Repurchases of common stock |
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Proceeds from short-term borrowings |
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Repayments of short-term borrowings |
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Net cash (used in) financing activities |
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( |
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( |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
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Cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash |
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Net decrease for the period |
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( |
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( |
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Beginning of period |
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End of period |
$ |
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$ |
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Supplemental cash flow information |
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Cash paid for income taxes |
$ |
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$ |
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Cash paid for interest |
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Non-cash investing and financing activity |
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Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities |
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Furniture, equipment, software and leasehold improvement additions |
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Stock-based and accrued incentive compensation relating to capitalized |
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Exercise of stock options - cashless |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. |
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8
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Organization and Principal Business Activity
MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (the “Company” or “MarketAxess”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. These consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2023 has been derived from audited financial statements not included herein. These unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with respect to Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are normal and recurring, and that are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. In accordance with such rules and regulations, certain disclosures that are normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted. Interim period operating results may not be indicative of the operating results for a full year.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company defines cash equivalents as short-term interest-bearing investments with maturities at the time of purchase of three months or less.
Investments
The Company determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase which are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition on the trade date. Securities are classified as available-for-sale or trading. Available-for-sale investments are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and realized gains or losses reported in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Trading investments include U.S. Treasuries and are carried at fair value, with realized and unrealized gains or losses included in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company assesses whether an impairment loss on its available-for-sale debt securities has occurred due to declines in fair value or other market conditions. When the amortized cost basis of an available-for-sale debt security exceeds its fair value, the security is deemed to be impaired. The portion of an impairment related to credit losses is determined by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security and is recorded as a charge in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The remainder of an impairment is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss if the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the security prior to recovery.
9
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Fair Value Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” A three-tiered hierarchy for determining fair value has been established that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used in fair value calculations. The three levels of inputs are defined as Level 1 (unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets), Level 2 (inputs that are observable in the marketplace other than those inputs classified in Level 1) and Level 3 (inputs that are unobservable in the marketplace). The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of its money market funds, trading securities, available-for-sale securities, foreign currency forward contracts and contingent consideration payables associated with acquisitions. All other financial instruments are short-term in nature and the carrying amounts reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition approximate fair value.
Receivables from and Payables to Broker-dealers, Clearing Organizations and Customers
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers include amounts receivable for securities not delivered by the Company to the purchaser by the settlement date (“securities failed-to-deliver”) and cash deposits held at clearing organizations and clearing brokers to facilitate the settlement and clearance of matched principal transactions. Payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers include amounts payable for securities not received by the Company from a seller by the settlement date (“securities failed-to-receive”). Securities failed-to-deliver and securities failed-to-receive for transactions executed on a matched principal basis where the Company serves as a counterparty to both the buyer and the seller are recorded on a settlement date basis. The Company presents its securities failed-to-deliver and securities failed-to-receive balances on a net-by-counterparty basis within receivables from and payables to broker-dealers, clearing organizations and customers. The difference between the Company’s trade-date receivables and payables for unsettled matched principal transactions reflects commissions earned and is recorded within accounts receivable, net on a trade date basis.
Allowance for Credit Losses
All accounts receivable have contractual maturities of less than
The allowance for credit losses was $
Depreciation and Amortization
Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation over to
Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development of internal use software, including, among other items, employee compensation and related benefits and third-party consulting costs at the point at which the conceptual formulation, design and testing of possible software project alternatives have been completed. Once the product is ready for its intended use, such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over to
10
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Cloud Computing Costs
The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with cloud computing arrangements, including, among other items, vendor software development costs billed to us that are part of the application development stage. These costs are recorded as a prepaid asset on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are amortized over the period of the hosting service contract, which ranges from to
Foreign Currency Translation and Forward Contracts
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using exchange rates at the end of the period; revenues and expenses are translated at average monthly rates. Gains and losses on foreign currency translation are a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge its foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on these forward contracts are included in other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company records the fair value of the forward contract asset in prepaid expenses and other assets or the fair value of the forward contract liability in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s classification of revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations represents revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by type of revenue. The Company has
Commission Revenue – The Company charges its broker-dealer clients variable transaction fees for trades executed on its platforms and, under certain plans, distribution fees or monthly minimum fees to use the platforms for a particular product area. Variable transaction fees are recognized on a trade date basis, are generally calculated as a percentage of the notional dollar volume of bonds traded on the platforms and vary based on the type, size, yield and maturity of the bond traded, as well as individual client incentives. Bonds that are more actively traded or that have shorter maturities generally generate lower commissions, while bonds that are less actively traded or that have longer maturities generally command higher commissions. Under the Company’s disclosed trading transaction fee plans, variable transaction fees, distribution fees and unused monthly fee commitments are invoiced and recorded on a monthly basis.
For Open Trading trades that the Company executes between and among institutional investor and broker-dealer clients on a matched principal basis by serving as counterparty to both the buyer and the seller, the Company earns its commission through the difference in price between the two trades. The commission is collected upon settlement of the trade, which typically occurs within one to two trading days after the trade date. For the majority of the Company’s U.S. Treasury matched principal trades, commissions are invoiced and recorded on a monthly basis.
As a result of its acquisition of Pragma LLC and Pragma Financial Systems LLC (collectively, “Pragma”) in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company also earns other commissions on equities and foreign exchange products for algorithmic trading services. These fees incorporate variable transaction fees, which are calculated as a percentage of the notional dollar volume traded and are billed on a monthly basis.
The following table presents commission revenue by fee type:
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
||
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||
Commission revenue by fee type |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Variable transaction fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Disclosed trading |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
Open Trading – matched principal trading |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
U.S. government bonds - matched principal trading |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total variable transaction fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Distribution fees and unused minimum fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total commissions |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Information services – Information services includes data licensed to the Company’s broker-dealer clients, institutional investor clients and data-only subscribers; professional and consulting services; technology software licenses; and maintenance and support services. The nature and timing of each performance obligation may vary as these contracts are either subscription-based services transferred over time, and may be net of volume-based discounts, or one-time services that are transferred at a point in time. Revenues for services transferred over time are recognized ratably over the contract period as the Company’s performance obligation is met, whereas revenues for services transferred at a point in time are recognized in the period the services are provided. Customers are generally billed monthly, quarterly, or annually; revenues billed in advance are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract period.
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||
Information services revenue by timing of recognition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Services transferred over time |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
Services transferred at a point in time |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total information services revenues |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post-trade services – Post-trade services revenue is generated from regulatory transaction reporting, trade publication and post-trade matching services. Customers are generally billed monthly in arrears, and revenue is recognized in the period transactions are processed. Revenues billed in advance are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract period. The Company also generates one-time implementation fees for onboarding clients, which are invoiced and recognized in the period the implementation is completed.
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||
Post-trade services revenue by timing of recognition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Services transferred over time |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
Services transferred at a point in time |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total post-trade services revenues |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology services – Technology services revenue primarily includes technology services revenue generated by Pragma and revenue from telecommunications line charges to broker-dealer clients. Customers may be billed monthly or quarterly in arrears or in advance, and revenue is recognized in the period transactions are processed. Revenues billed in advance are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract period.
The following table presents technology services revenue by timing of recognition:
|
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|
|||||||
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||||
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||
Technology services revenue by timing of recognition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Services transferred over time |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
Services transferred at a point in time |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total technology services revenues |
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenues that the Company records when cash payments are received or due in advance of services to be performed. Deferred revenues are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
|
|
December 31, 2023 |
|
|
Payments received in advance of services to be performed |
|
|
Revenue recognized for services performed during the period |
|
|
Foreign Currency Translation |
|
|
March 31, 2024 |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Information services |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|||
Post-trade services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
|
|||
Technology services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
( |
) |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Total deferred revenue |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
( |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The majority of the Company’s information services and post-trade services contracts are short-term in nature with durations of less than one year. For contracts with original durations extending beyond one year, the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards based on their estimated fair values measured as of the grant date. These costs are recognized as an expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period, with an offsetting increase to additional paid-in capital. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recognized against deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized in future years. Tax benefits for uncertain tax positions are recognized when it is more likely than not that the positions will be sustained upon examination based on their technical merits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. All tax effects related to share-based payments are recorded in the provision for income taxes in the periods during which the awards are exercised or vest.
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Determining the fair value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates, revenue growth rates, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, obsolescence and asset lives. Intangible assets are valued using various methodologies, including the relief-from-royalty method and multi-period excess earnings method.
The Company operates as a single reporting unit. Following an acquisition, goodwill no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition, but instead becomes identifiable with the entire reporting unit. As a result, all of the fair value of the Company is available to support the value of goodwill. An impairment review of goodwill is performed on an annual basis, at year-end, or more frequently if circumstances change. Intangible assets with definite lives, including purchased technologies, customer relationships and other intangible assets, are amortized over their estimated useful lives which range from to
13
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Equity Investments and Consolidation
The Company evaluates equity investments for potential consolidation under the voting-interest or variable-interest models. The Company consolidates investees over which the Company determines it has control under the voting interest model, generally greater than 50% ownership, or for which the Company is the primary beneficiary under the variable-interest model. The Company uses the equity method of accounting when it exercises significant influence over the investee, but does not have operating control, generally between 20% and 50% ownership. Under the equity method of accounting, original investments are recorded at cost in prepaid expenses and other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and adjusted by the Company’s proportionate share of the investees’ undistributed earnings or losses. Equity investments are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net income attributable to common stock by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted-average shares outstanding of common stock reflects the dilutive effect that could occur if convertible securities or other contracts to issue common stock were converted into or exercised for common stock.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The guidance may be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The ASU expands public entities’ segment disclosures by requiring disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items and interim disclosures of a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets. The ASU also requires the disclosure of the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. All disclosure requirements under ASU 2023-07 and existing segment disclosures in ASC 280, Segment Reporting are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. The ASU is effective for the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent interim periods, with early adoption permitted. The ASU must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
14
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
3. Regulatory Capital Requirements
Certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries are registered as broker-dealers and therefore are subject to the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). These rules contain minimum net capital requirements, as defined in the applicable regulations. Certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) or other foreign regulators and must maintain financial resources, as defined in the applicable regulations, in excess of the applicable financial resources requirement. As of March 31, 2024, each of the Company’s subsidiaries that are subject to these regulations had net capital or financial resources in excess of their minimum requirements. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s subsidiaries maintained aggregate net capital and financial resources that were $
One of the Company’s U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries is required to segregate funds in a special reserve bank account for the benefit of customers pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As of March 31, 2024, this U.S. broker-dealer subsidiary had a balance of $
Each of the Company’s U.S. and foreign regulated subsidiaries are subject to local regulations which generally limit, or require the prior notification to or approval from such regulated entity’s principal regulator before, the repayment of borrowings from the Company or affiliates, paying cash dividends, making loans to the Company or affiliates or otherwise entering into transactions that result in a significant reduction in regulatory net capital or financial resources.
4. Fair Value Measurements
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value as categorized based on the hierarchy described in Note 2:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Level 1 |
|
|
Level 2 |
|
|
Level 3 |
|
|
Total |
|
||||
|
(In thousands) |
|
|||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Money market funds |
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Securities available-for-sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Corporate debt |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Trading securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. Treasuries |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Mutual funds held in rabbi trust |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Foreign currency forward position |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Total liabilities |
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
As of December 31, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Money market funds |
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
||
Securities available-for-sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Corporate debt |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Trading securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
U.S. Treasuries |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Mutual funds held in rabbi trust |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Foreign currency forward position |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
— |
|
|
$ |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
MARKETAXESS HOLDINGS INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
Money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Securities available-for-sale and trading securities are included in investments, at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Securities classified within Level 2 were valued using a market approach utilizing prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving comparable assets. The foreign currency forward contracts are included in either other assets or accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and are classified within Level 2 as the valuation inputs are based on quoted market prices. The mutual funds held in a rabbi trust represent investments associated with the Company’s deferred cash incentive plan.