FUTU(FUTU) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
FUTUFUTU(US:FUTU)2025-11-18 13:32

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company concluded Q3 2025 with 3.13 million funded accounts, a 43% year-over-year and 9% quarter-over-quarter increase [3] - Total client assets reached HKD 1.24 trillion, up 79% year-over-year and 27% quarter-over-quarter, driven by robust net asset inflow and appreciation in client stock holdings [10] - Total revenue was HKD 6.4 billion, an 86% increase from HKD 3.4 billion in Q3 2024 [21] - Net income increased by 143% year-over-year and 25% quarter-over-quarter to HKD 3.2 billion, with a net income margin of 50.1% [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brokerage commission and handling charge income was HKD 2.9 billion, up 91% year-over-year and 13% quarter-over-quarter, primarily driven by higher trading volume [21] - Interest income was HKD 3 billion, up 79% year-over-year and 33% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher interest from securities borrowing and margin financing [22] - Crypto trading volume surged 161% sequentially, with Ethereum trading volume quadrupling during the quarter [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong remained the largest contributor to new funded accounts for four consecutive quarters, with the highest quarterly net client acquisition since Q1 2021 [5] - In Singapore, new funded accounts showed steady sequential growth, leading peers in daily active users [7] - The U.S. business experienced high double-digit sequential growth in new funded accounts, with increased derivatives trading activity [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its brand recognition and product experience across all markets, focusing on sophisticated active traders in the U.S. [52] - The integration of Airstar Bank is expected to improve client stickiness and enhance the one-stop financial services platform [60] - Continued investment in Crypto and AI capabilities is planned to optimize client experience and operational efficiency [47] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding client acquisition costs and trends, indicating robust momentum in net asset inflows despite market fluctuations [31] - The company anticipates continued growth in Crypto trading, driven by broadening token offerings and potential new business lines like derivatives [40] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory approvals for future product launches in the Crypto space [64] Other Important Information - The company hosted its annual flagship offline investor event, Moof Fest, attracting over 28,000 investors [7] - The average customer acquisition cost in Q3 was around HKD 2,300, slightly up from Q2 but still within the full-year target range [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Breakdown of client assets performance and acquisition cost trends - Management indicated that one-third of client asset growth came from net inflows, while two-thirds were due to market fluctuations, with robust inflow momentum continuing into Q4 [31] Question: Interest income drivers and Crypto business contribution - Interest income was driven by client idle cash, margin financing, and securities lending, with strong contributions from hard-to-borrow stocks [36] - Crypto trading volume and AUM saw triple-digit growth across markets, with new functions and token offerings contributing to this expansion [38] Question: R&D and G&A cost increases - R&D and G&A expenses increased due to investments in Crypto and AI capabilities, as well as preparations for new market entries [47] Question: Client profile and regional mix of AUM - Hong Kong and Malaysia contributed around 50% of new funded accounts, with a notable increase in high net worth clients [51] Question: Airstar Bank's strategic role - Airstar Bank's integration is expected to enhance customer experience and product offerings, with plans for continued investment in the bank [60]