Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 11% revenue growth to a record $219 million, including a $2 million benefit from foreign currency fluctuations, with a 10% growth excluding FX [21][22] - Diluted earnings per share increased by 11% to $1.91, or $2 per share excluding notable items, representing a 16% increase [21] - Commission revenue increased by 12% to a record $192 million, driven by strong market volumes and increased volatility [22][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Block trading in the client-initiated channel saw a 38% growth in average daily volume (ADV) across U.S. Credit, emerging markets, and Eurobonds [6][12] - Portfolio trading channel generated a 69% increase in total portfolio trading ADV [7] - Dealer-initiated channel experienced a 40% increase in dealer-initiated ADV [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. High grade market share dropped to 10% in July from 12% in June, attributed to large trades moving to phone and chat [9] - The share of lock trades equal to or larger than $5 million increased to 47% in July, up from 42% in June [9] - U.S. High grade portfolio trading market share was over 19%, up 370 basis points year-over-year [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on becoming more protocol agnostic and expanding its addressable market through multiple trading protocols and automation tools [4] - A high-touch strategy was launched in U.S. Credit to target the phone and chat market, which has seen significant block trading activity [10] - The company is preparing to launch a new Midex solution in September for U.S. Credit, aimed at enhancing dealer-to-dealer trading [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the supportive market backdrop and strong growth across new initiatives, despite disappointing U.S. High grade share numbers in July [19][20] - The company anticipates continued growth in U.S. Credit through progress in client-initiated, portfolio trading, and dealer-initiated channels [30][31] - Management highlighted the importance of strategic hires in driving future growth and enhancing product offerings [33][79] Other Important Information - The company generated $360 million in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months, with $145 million remaining on the share repurchase authorization as of July 31, 2025 [28] - Operating expenses increased by 6% year-over-year, driven by higher employee compensation and technology costs [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Progress on new initiatives and July volumes - Management reported significant growth in key areas, with investment grade portfolio trading up 47% year-to-date and block activity up over 20% [37][39] - July market dynamics favored large portfolio trades, impacting market share [42][44] Question: Drivers of fee per million decline - The decline was attributed to new protocols and increased portfolio trading volumes, though July saw a slight recovery due to high-grade duration changes [49][50] Question: Update on block trading initiatives - Block trading volume in Eurobonds was up 54% in July, with expectations for continued growth as dealer content increases [56][62] Question: Performance in the muni business - The muni market saw a 23% increase in overall volume, with tax-exempt business growing by 34% [85][88] Question: Capital return priorities and M&A - The company remains focused on organic growth opportunities while being opportunistic with share repurchases and considering bolt-on acquisitions [92][95]