HKEX(HK:00388)2025-04-30 04:02Financial Performance - The company reported a record quarterly performance for Q1 2025, with total revenue and other income reaching HKD 6.857 billion, a 32% increase compared to Q1 2024[9]. - Major business revenue increased by 36% year-on-year to HKD 6.315 billion, driven by higher trading and settlement fees from increased trading volumes in the spot, derivatives, and commodities markets[9]. - The company’s EBITDA for Q1 2025 was HKD 5.254 billion, reflecting a 42% increase from HKD 3.705 billion in Q1 2024, with an EBITDA margin of 78%[9]. - Shareholder profit attributable to the company was HKD 4.077 billion, a 37% increase compared to HKD 2.970 billion in Q1 2024[9]. - The group's revenue and other income hit a new high of HKD 6.9 billion, a 32% increase compared to Q1 2024, driven by increased trading and settlement fees[14]. - The EBITDA margin improved to 91% in Q1 2025, up from 84% in Q1 2024, with EBITDA increasing by 89%[19]. - Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $5.496 billion, a 43% increase from $3.847 billion for the same period in 2024[76]. - Operating profit for the three months ended March 31, 2025, reached $4.896 billion, compared to $3.360 billion for the same period in 2024, reflecting a 46% increase[76]. - Basic earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $3.23, up from $2.35 in the same period of 2024, representing a 37% increase[76]. - The total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $4.238 billion, compared to $2.993 billion for the same period in 2024, indicating a 42% increase[77]. Trading Activity - The average daily trading value for equity securities products reached HKD 225.44 billion, a 153% increase from HKD 89.1 billion in Q1 2024[7]. - The average daily trading value for the Hong Kong Stock Connect was HKD 109.94 billion, up 255% from HKD 31.0 billion in the same period last year[7]. - In Q1 2025, the average daily trading volume in the cash market reached a record high of HKD 242.7 billion, more than double that of Q1 2024 and up 30% from Q4 2024[12]. - The average daily trading volume of derivative contracts reached 1.866 million, a 24% increase from Q1 2024 and a 13% increase from Q4 2024[12]. - Northbound trading fees from the Stock Connect program increased by 41% to HKD 1.57 billion, reflecting a 44% rise in average daily trading volume[17]. - The revenue from the Stock Connect program rose 61% to HKD 942 million, with HKD 757 million coming from trading and settlement activities[21]. - The average daily trading value of ETPs reached a record high of HKD 39.4 billion, up 197% from Q1 2024[26]. - The average daily trading amount for the Southbound trading of the Stock Connect reached HKD 67.34 billion, significantly up from HKD 17.5 billion in Q1 2024[23]. - The average daily trading volume of stock options reached 964,803 contracts, a 50% increase from Q1 2024[42]. - The average daily trading volume for all transactions, including administrative trades, totaled 742,000 lots in Q1 2025, compared to 696,000 lots in Q1 2024[49]. IPO and Listings - The number of new IPO applications in process rose to 120 as of March 31, 2025, compared to 84 applications at the end of December 2024[4]. - The number of new listings in Q1 2025 was 17, raising a total of HKD 18.7 billion through initial public offerings, nearly four times the amount raised in Q1 2024[25]. - The number of IPO applications being processed rose to 120 as of March 31, 2025, compared to 84 on December 31, 2024[12]. - The number of companies listed on the main board as of March 31, 2025, was 2,308, an increase from 2,285 in the previous year[23]. - The number of newly listed derivative warrants reached 2,009 in Q1 2025, up from 1,622 in Q1 2024[40]. Capital Expenditure and Investments - Capital expenditure increased by 73% year-on-year to HKD 481 million, primarily due to upgrades in the spot settlement system and the development of a new trading platform[9]. - The acquisition of multiple floors in the Trading Plaza for a total consideration of 6.3 billion was approved, marking a strategic investment to establish a permanent headquarters[60]. - As of March 31, 2025, margin deposits amounted to 207.6 billion, an increase of 18.7 billion from 188.9 billion on December 31, 2024, due to increased positions in certain futures and options[66]. - The investment income net amount from margin and clearing funds increased by 10 million (1%) in Q1 2025, totaling 817 million compared to 807 million in Q1 2024[64]. - The company plans to expand its data platform offerings, aiming to attract more users and enhance market data services[54]. Operating Expenses and Financial Position - Operating expenses increased by 7% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to a HKD 90 million fine paid to the UK FCA and increased charitable donations[14]. - The company reported a total operating expenses of $1.516 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.411 billion in the same period of 2024[76]. - The company’s financial position showed no significant changes compared to the financial status disclosed in the annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024[73]. - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, amounted to HKD 380.431 billion, a slight decrease from HKD 381.629 billion as of December 31, 2024[78]. - Total liabilities increased to HKD 327.904 billion from HKD 327.222 billion, reflecting a rise of approximately 0.2%[78]. Market Developments and Strategic Initiatives - The Hong Kong stock market saw a significant rebound in equity financing activities, ranking second globally in total financing amount[12]. - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is preparing for the implementation of a paperless securities market, expected to launch in early 2026, pending regulatory approval[22]. - The company continues to promote sustainable finance through its Core Climate platform and the Hong Kong Sustainable and Green Exchange (STAGE)[62]. - LME introduced new warehouse delivery locations in Hong Kong and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, enhancing market accessibility[48]. - LME Clear implemented measures to improve market resilience, including changes to margin calculations effective March 3, 2025[51].