Euronext publishes Q4 and Full Year 2020 Results

EURONEXT PUBLISHES Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2020 RESULTS

STRONG PERFORMANCE IN 2020 DRIVEN BY CONTINUED BENEFITS FROM POST TRADE AND STRENGTHENED MARKET POSITION IN TRADING ACTIVITIES. 2022 GUIDANCE ACHIEVED 2 YEARS IN ADVANCE

Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Oslo and Paris – 10 February 2021 – 17.45 CET – Euronext, the leading pan-European market infrastructure, today announced its results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020.

• 2020 revenue at €884.3 million (+30.2%):
  • Post-trade revenue increased to €177.2 million (+69.1%), driven by (i) the consolidation of VP Securities, the Danish CSD, contributing €27.6 million revenue since its consolidation in August 2020, (ii) the first full year contribution of Euronext VPS, the Norwegian CSD, and (iii) higher clearing revenue. Like-for-like at constant currencies, post-trade revenue increased by +19.3%, reflecting strong organic growth in settlement, clearing, post-trade services and retail activity.
  • Trading revenue increased to €365.1 million (+33.8%) with growth in all asset classes and Nord Pool power trading contributing €27.3 million. Like-for-like at constant currencies, trading revenue increased by +21.3% driven by increased volumes, a strengthened market position and improved revenue capture.
  • Listing revenue increased to €145.5 million (+12.8%) resulting from the strong performance of Corporate Services with €32.4 million revenue (+25.8% like-for-like) and higher equities listing activity. Like-for-like at constant currencies, listing revenue increased by +4.4%, driven primarily by the organic growth of Corporate Services and increased financing needs from companies.
  • Advanced data services revenue increased to €139.0 million (+8.0%) reflecting the consolidation of data activities of acquired businesses and continued organic growth from the indices business, especially in the field of ESG. Like-for-like at constant currencies, advanced data services revenue increased by +2.4%.
  • Group non-volume related revenue¹ accounted for 50% of 2020 total revenue (stable vs. 2019), and covered 121% of operating expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation (vs. 122 % in 2019).
• 2020 EBITDA at €520 million (+30.2%), with stable EBITDA margin at 58.8%; like-for-like, EBITDA margin was 61.3% (+2.3pts). 2020 costs in line with guidance:
  • Group operating costs excluding D&A were up +€84.6 million to €364.3 million, resulting from (i) the consolidation of costs from acquired businesses and of integration costs, (ii) higher clearing expenses, (iii) lower level of capitalisation of IT costs and (iv) costs related to the implementation of the strategic plan, partially offset by continued cost discipline.
  • Significant synergies on recent acquisitions, demonstrating strong integration skills, were delivered in 2020:
    • €8.4 million run-rate cost synergies achieved from Oslo Børs VPS as of 31 December 2020, representing c.70% of targeted synergies, 18 months after completion;
    • €4.3 million run-rate cash cost synergies achieved from VP Securities as of 31 December 2020, representing c.60% of targeted synergies, 5 months after completion.
• 2020 reported net income, share of the Group, at €315.5 million (+42.1%) and adjusted EPS² at €4.99 (+28.1%):
  • Exceptional items amounted to €17.3 million, reflecting primarily acquisitions costs and restructuring costs.
  • Tax rate was at 27.6%, reflecting lower local tax rates across the group, despite an increase of tax expense in Q4.
• Dividend proposal for 2020:
  • In accordance with Euronext dividend policy, a pay-out ratio of 50% of reported net income representing a dividend for 2020 of €157.5 million (€2.25 per share) will be proposed to the AGM³ on 11 May 2021.

• Ahead of the expected closing of the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group⁴ that will transform the Group profile, update on Euronext “Let’s grow together 2022” strategic plan:
  • 2022 guidance achieved 2 years in advance:
    • 2020 revenue at comparable perimeter at €831 million vs. €826 million expected for 2022, driven by improved market position and increased post-trade activity;
    • 2020 EBITDA margin at comparable perimeter at 60.5%, above 60% expected for 2022, driven by continued costs discipline;
  • Confirmed 50% dividend pay-out ratio;
  • Significant diversification into new asset classes and new revenue models since October 2019.
• New 2024 group guidance reflecting the extended perimeter of the company, following the expected acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group, to be announced in Q4 2021.
• Targeted completion of the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group in H1 2021:
  • As a reminder, a binding agreement was signed on 9 October 2020 with London Stock Exchange Group plc (“LSEG”) and London Stock Exchange Group Holdings (Italy) Limited to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of London Stock Exchange Group Holdings Italia SPA, the holding company of the Borsa Italiana Group (“the Transaction”) for a cash consideration of €4,325 million⁵.
  • Several major conditions have already been satisfied:
    • LSEG’s shareholders approved the Transaction on 3 November 2020;
    • Euronext received clearance for the Transaction from the German Federal Cartel Office on 11 November 2020;
    • Euronext’s shareholders approved the Transaction on 20 November 2020;
    • Euronext received foreign direct investment clearance for the Transaction from the Italian Council of Ministers on 11 December 2020;
    • The European Commission conditionally approved LSEG proposed acquisition of Refinitiv, under the EU Merger Regulation, on 13 January 2021;
    • Consequently, LSEG closed its acquisition of Refinitiv on 29 January 2021.
  • The Transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals in several jurisdictions, a declaration of non-objection from Euronext’s College of Regulators, and approval of Euronext as a suitable purchaser by the European Commission.
  • Euronext expects to complete the Transaction in the first half of 2021.
• Cost guidance for 2021:

As announced in February 2020, Euronext has incurred non-recurring costs over 2020 related to the integration of Oslo Børs VPS and internal digitalisation projects, which will generate savings from 2021 onwards. As a result, with continued cost discipline, Euronext expects its operating costs excluding D&A to decrease by a mid-single digit in 2021, compared to the annualised 2020 fourth quarter operating costs excluding D&A⁶.

Stéphane Boujnah, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Managing Board of Euronext, said:

“Euronext delivered a strong performance in Q4 and throughout 2020 with double digit growth in revenue, EBITDA and Adjusted EPS. This growth results from Euronext ability to capture value in a volatile trading environment, strengthening its market position, and from our successful continued diversification, notably in post-trade activity which now represents the second largest revenue contributor for the Group.

Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Euronext has demonstrated during 2020 that we are a resilient provider of solutions for the financial ecosystem and a value creator for our shareholders. Through product innovation, especially in ESG, and selective M&A, the Group has significantly transformed its business mix.

The Group continued to work on integrating recent acquisitions. A large proportion of the targeted savings for Oslo Børs VPS in Norway and VP Securities in Denmark has already been achieved. Oslo Børs markets were successfully migrated to Euronext proprietary trading platform Optiq® in November. As a result of these achievements and continued cost discipline, Euronext expects Group operating costs (excluding D&A) in 2021 to decrease by a mid-single digit compared to annualised 2020 fourth quarter operating costs excluding D&A.

This year, Euronext also delivered, two years in advance, on its ‘Let’s grow together 2022’ strategic plan financial targets. Moreover, the Group successfully executed on its capital deployment plan, expanding its footprint in the Nordic region and diversifying its businesses. Euronext also delivered on the ESG roadmap, advancing the European sustainability agenda through our unique role in financing the real economy by connecting local economies with global capital markets. Euronext continues to work on the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group, expected to complete during the first half of 2021, which will deliver on the Euronext ambition to build the leading pan-European market infrastructure. New guidance will be announced for the extended group in Q4 2021.”

Euronext financial performance

 

Revenue

Full year 2020

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

In 2020, Euronext consolidated revenue increased to €884.3 million, up +30.2%, resulting primarily from the consolidation of VP Securities (from 4 August 2020), Nord Pool (from 15 January 2020) and from strong organic performance of its trading, post-trade and listing activities. On a like-for-like basis (excluding the consolidation of Nord Pool, Ticker, 3Sens and VP Securities for the year,  OPCVM360 in the first, second and third quarter and Oslo Børs VPS in the first and second quarter) and at constant currencies, Euronext consolidated revenue was up +13.6% in 2020, at €760.2 million.

Non-volume related revenue accounted for 50% of total Group revenue in 2020, stable compared to 2019. This reflects the expanded post-trade activities with the consolidation of VP Securities in 2020 and the first full year of consolidation of Oslo Børs VPS partially offset by higher trading revenue. The operating cost coverage ratio was at 121% in 2020, compared to 122% in 2019.

Fourth quarter of 2020

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, Euronext consolidated revenue increased to €232.0 million, up +24.9%, resulting primarily from the consolidation of VP Securities (from 4 August 2020), Nord Pool (from 16 January 2020) and from strong organic growth in trading, post-trade and listing activities. On a like-for-like basis (excluding the consolidation of Nord Pool, Ticker, 3Sens and VP Securities in Q4 2020) and at constant currencies, Euronext consolidated revenue was up +11.6% in Q4 2020, at €205 million.

Non-volume related revenue accounted for 54% of total Group revenue in Q4 2020, increasing from 52% of total Group revenue in Q4 2019. This reflects the expanded post-trade activities from the consolidation of VP Securities in Q4 2020. The operating cost coverage ratio was at 118% in Q4 2020, compared to 119% in Q4 2019.

EBITDA

Full year 2020

Operational expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation increased to €364.3 million, up +30.2%, i.e. by €84.6 million, primarily as a result of the consolidation of the costs from VP Securities, Nord Pool, OPCVM360, Ticker and 3Sens for €68.6 million. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, operational expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation increased by +7.1% compared to 2019, due to higher clearing expense linked to higher clearing revenue,  lower level of capitalisation of costs and costs in relation to the implementation of the strategic plan and the integration of acquired businesses. Compared to H2 2019 annualised costs base, operational expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation, excluding Nord Pool, VP Securities, Ticker and 3Sens, increased by 4.1%, achieving the 2020 cost guidance.

Consequently, EBITDA for the year was €520 million, up +30.2%, representing a margin of 58.8%, stable compared to 2019, due to the consolidation of acquired businesses being integrated. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, EBITDA for 2020 increased +18.1%, to €465.8 million, and EBITDA margin was 61.3%, +2.3 points compared to the same perimeter in 2019.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Operational expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation increased to €105.1 million, up +28.8%, i.e. by €23.5 million, primarily as a result of the consolidation of the costs from VP Securities, Nord Pool, OPCVM360, Ticker and 3Sens for €16.7 million. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, operational expenses excluding depreciation & amortisation increased by +9.7% compared to Q4 2019, due primarily to increased staff costs, the implementation of the strategic plan and costs related to the integration of acquired businesses.

Consequently, EBITDA for the quarter was €126.8 million, up +21.8%, representing a margin of 54.7%, down -1.4 points compared to Q4 2019, due to the consolidation of VP Securities, Nord Pool and other recently acquired companies. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, EBITDA for Q4 2020 increased +13.1%, to €116.8 million, and EBITDA margin was 57.0%, +0.8 points compared to the same perimeter in Q4 2019.

 

Net income, share of the Group

Full year 2020

Depreciation and amortisation accounted for €57.8 million in 2020, up +32.3%, resulting mainly from the consolidation of recently acquired businesses and their respective PPA. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, depreciation & amortisation was down -0.8%, to €42.1 million.

Operating profit before exceptional items was €462.3 million, a +29.9% increase compared to 2019. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, operating profit before exceptional items was up, +20.4%, to €423.7 million.

€17.3 million of exceptional costs was booked in 2020, primarily in relation with the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group and restructuring costs.

Net financing expense for 2020 was €12.8 million compared to a net financing expense of €17.4 million in 2019, reflecting interest expenses related to the second bond issued in 2019, the tap issue in June 2020 and financing costs related to the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group. In 2019, financing expenses were impacted by the revaluation of buy options and deferred payments related to Corporate Services entities.

Results from equity investments amounted to €10.6 million in 2020, resulting from the contribution of LCH SA, in which Euronext owns an 11.1% stake. In 2020, €9.1 million in results from equity investments was reported.

Income tax for 2020 was €122.2 million, positively impacted by reduced domestic tax rates and the enlarged Nordic footprint. This translated into an effective tax rate of 27.6% for the year (2019: €100.3 million and 30.2%).

Shares of non-controlling interests mainly relating to iBabs (60% owned), OPCVM360 (60% owned), Nord Pool (66% owned) and VP Securities⁷ amounted to €5.1 million in 2020.

As a result, the reported net profit share of the Group for 2020 increased by +42.1%, to €315.5 million. This represents a reported EPS of €4.53 basic and €4.51 fully diluted in 2020, compared to €3.19 basic and €3.17 fully diluted in 2019. The number of shares used for the basic calculation was 69,671,287 and for the fully diluted calculation 69,909,911.

Adjusted EPS⁸ is up +28.1% in 2020, at €4.99, compared to an adjusted EPS of €3.90 in 2019.

In 2020 Euronext generated a net cash flow from operating activities of €278.0 million, compared to €253.8 million in 2019, impacted by changes in working capital related to Nord Pool.

 

Fourth quarter of 2020

Depreciation and amortisation accounted for €15.9 million in Q4 2020, up +23.6%, resulting mainly from the consolidation of recently acquired businesses and their respective PPA. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, depreciation & amortisation was up, +1.2%, to €12.6 million.

Operating profit before exceptional items was €111.0 million, a +21.6% increase compared to Q4 2019. On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, operating profit before exceptional items was up, +14.8%, to €104.2 million.

€12.3 million of exceptional costs was booked in Q4 2020, primarily in relation to the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group and restructuring costs.

Net financing expense for Q4 2020 was €4.9 million reflecting interest expenses related to the tap issue in June 2020 and financing costs related to the contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group. In Q4 2019, a net financing expense of €14.2 million was booked, resulting primarily from the revaluation of buy-options and deferred payments related to Corporate Services entities.

Results from equity investments amounted to €4.3 million in Q4 2020, resulting from the contribution of LCH SA, in which Euronext owns an 11.1% stake. In Q4 2019, €3.5million in results from equity investments was reported.

Income tax for Q4 2020 was €30.3 million. This translated into an effective tax rate of 30.9% for the quarter (Q4 2019: €22.4 million and 31.0%), up compared to Q3 2020 due to non-deductible expenses and increased local tax rates in Q4.

Shares of non-controlling interests mainly relating to iBabs (60% owned), OPCVM360 (60% owned) and Nord Pool (66% owned) amounted to €0.7 million in Q4 2020.

As a result, the reported net profit share of the Group for Q4 2020 increased by +37.0%, to €67.1 million. This represents a reported EPS of €0.96 basic and €0.96 fully diluted in Q4 2020, compared to €0.70 basic and €0.70 fully diluted in Q4 2019. The number of shares used for the basic calculation was 69,671,287 and for the fully diluted calculation 69,909,911.

Adjusted EPS⁹ is up +7.5% in Q4 2020, at €1.19, compared to an adjusted EPS of €1.11 in Q4 2019.

In Q4 2020 Euronext generated a net cash flow from operating activities of €74.7 million, compared to €78.8 million in Q4 2019, impacted by a VAT payment.

 

 

Business highlights

 

¨Listing

Full year 2020

Listing revenue was €145.5 million in 2020, an increase of +12.8% compared to 2019, driven primarily by the strong performance of Corporate Services and the first full year of consolidation of Oslo Børs listing activities.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, listing revenue increased by +4.4%.

2020 saw a record activity in primary listings, notably supported by record activity at Oslo Børs. In 2020, Euronext recorded 90 new listing, the bulk of which took place during the second semester. Euronext notably welcomed the largest IPO in Europe, with the listing of JDE Peet’s, and demonstrated the attractiveness of its offering with listings from both large capitalisation and SME tech companies. In 2020, €6.7 billion was raised on Euronext primary markets, compared to €5.1 billion in 2019.

Secondary markets saw fluctuating activity during the year. While the first and fourth quarters saw large M&A-related issuances, the second and third quarters were more moderate, and driven by convertible bonds issuance and support funding deals. In 2020, €54.2 billion was raised in secondary equity issues, compared to €33.2 billion in 2019.

Debt-related fixed revenue offset the decrease in new debt listings due to the unfavourable macroeconomic environment in 2020. New debt listings also saw growing momentum in ESG-related bond listings during 2020. In 2020, €1,155 billion in debt was raised on Euronext’s markets, compared to €1,230 billion in 2019.

In total, €1,216 billion in equity and debt was raised on Euronext’s markets in 2020, compared to €1,268 billion in 2019.

Corporate Services reported a strong performance, generating €32.4 million in revenue in 2020, up +32.4%, including €1.6 million in contribution from recent acquisitions¹⁰, compared to €24.4 million in 2019. This performance reflects continued commercial development and an enhanced digital offering meeting an increased demand for digital solutions.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Listing revenue was €38.2 million in Q4 2020, an increase of +4.7% compared to Q4 2019, driven primarily by the strong performance of Corporate Services.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, listing revenue increased by +4.3%.

Q4 2020 saw a record quarter in primary listing activity reaching 49 new listings. Primary equity listings were supported by several large tech company listings, such as Meltwater and Link Mobility and a record activity on the Norwegian market. In addition, Euronext demonstrated the attractiveness of its offering for innovative and ESG companies with Cleantech companies accounting for 11 listings during the quarter. In Q4 2020, €2.6 billion was raised on Euronext primary markets, compared to €3.3 billion last year.

Secondary markets were supported primarily by M&A activities and balance reinforcements transactions. In Q4 2020, €18.4 billion was raised in secondary equity issues, compared to €8.2 billion in Q4 2019.

New debt listings were impacted by the unfavourable macroenvironment. Despite uncertainties linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, Euronext’s ESG bond listing franchise saw growing momentum continue over the quarter. In Q4 2020, €257.3 billion in debt was raised on Euronext’s markets, compared to €313.2 billion in Q4 2019.

In total, €278.2 billion in equity and debt was raised on Euronext’s markets in Q4 2020, compared to €324.8 billion in Q4 2019.

Corporate Services reported a strong performance, generating €9.8 million in revenue in Q4 2020, up +29.8%, including €0.5 million in contribution from recent acquisitions¹¹, compared to €7.6 million in Q4 2019. This performance reflects continued commercial development and an enhanced digital offering meeting increased demand for digital solutions.

¨Trading¹²

Full year 2020

Cash trading

Cash trading revenue increased by +27.6% in 2020, to a total of €262.2 million. This reflects improved revenue capture and market position in a more volatile and changing trading environment. Average daily volume for cash trading increased to €9.8 billion in 2020, up +19.3% compared to 2019. The average yield over the year was stable compared to 2019 at 0.52 bps. Average market share on cash trading reached 70.4% in 2020, compared to 68.5% in 2019¹³.

The average daily transaction value of ETFs on the electronic order book was €298 million over 2020, up +34.8% compared to 2019, driven by higher volatility levels over the year.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from cash trading was up +24.6%.

Derivatives trading

Derivatives trading revenue increased +11.0% in 2020, to €49.2 million, compared to €44.3 million in 2019. Derivatives trading volumes in 2020 increased +14.6% compared to 2019. Average daily volume on individual equity derivatives was up +27.6% at 376,732 contracts, resulting from increased individual equity futures volumes, while the average daily volume on equity index derivatives was down -2.3% to 235,080 contracts.

Commodity products recorded an increase in average daily volumes in 2020, up +26.0% to 67,037 contracts compared to 2019, reflecting client diversification and geographic expansion.

Yield on derivatives averaged €0.28 in 2020, down -6.2% compared to 2019, as increased volumes in high-yield commodity products were offset by the dilutive impact of significant volumes in recently launched lower-yield equity futures.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from derivatives trading was up +8.7%.

Spot FX trading

Spot FX trading activity on the Euronext FX spot foreign exchange market recorded average daily volumes of $21.4 billion in 2020, up, +17.2%, compared to $18.3 billion in 2019, reflecting a more volatile environment and geographic expansion. As a result, spot FX trading generated €26.4 million of revenue in 2020, up +15.0% compared to €22.9 million in 2019.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from spot FX trading was up +16.8%.

Power trading

Power trading, encompassing the trading activities of Nord Pool, of which Euronext acquired 66% in January 2020, reported €27.3 million of revenue in 2020 reflecting a strong performance in the Central and Western Europe market offsetting the impact of a warmer winter at the beginning of the year. Over 2020, average daily day-ahead power traded was 2.52 TWh, and average daily intraday power traded was 0.07 TWh.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Cash trading

Cash trading revenue increased by +18.9% in Q4 2020, to a total of €63.2 million, reflecting higher trading volumes and improved revenue capture in changing markets. Average daily volume for cash trading increased to €9.2 billion in Q4 2020, up +9.8% compared to Q4 2019. The average yield over the fourth quarter increased to 0.53 bps, compared to 0.49 bps in Q4 2019. Average market share on cash trading reached 70.4% over the quarter, compared to 70.9% in Q4 2019¹⁴.

The average daily transaction value of ETFs on the electronic order book was €273 million over Q4 2020, up +31.8% compared to Q4 2019, in a more volatile trading environment.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from cash trading was up +19.3%.

Derivatives trading

Derivatives trading revenue decreased -1.5% in Q4 2020, to €11.7 million, compared to €11.9 million in Q4 2019. Derivatives trading volumes in Q4 2020 increased +3.9% compared to Q4 2019. Average daily volume on individual equity derivatives was up +16.0% at 332,610 contracts, resulting from increased individual equity futures volumes, while the average daily volume on equity index derivatives was down -14.5% to 203,372 contracts.

Commodity products recorded an increase in average daily volumes in Q4 2020, up +40.7% to 76,233 contracts compared to Q4 2019 reflecting client diversification and geographic expansion.

Yield on derivatives averaged €0.29 in Q4 2020, down -6.3% compared to Q4 2019, reflecting an unfavorable product mix of Index Futures and Equity Options offsetting increased high-yield commodity products volumes.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from derivatives trading was down -1.2%.

Spot FX trading

Spot FX trading activity on the Euronext FX spot foreign exchange market recorded average daily volumes of $20.0 billion in Q4 2020, up +20.8%, compared to $16.5 billion in Q4 2019, resulting from a more volatile trading environment. As a result, spot FX trading generated €5.9 million of revenue in Q4 2020, up +2.7% compared to €5.8 million in Q4 2019.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from spot FX trading was up +10.6%.

Power trading

Power trading, encompassing the trading activities of Nord Pool, of which Euronext acquired 66% in January 2020, reported €7.2 million of revenue reflecting the usual seasonal higher activity of the winter months. Over Q4 2020, average daily day-ahead power traded was 2.74 TWh, and average daily intraday power traded was 0.07 TWh.

¨Investor Services

Full year 2020

Investor Services, encompassing the activities of Commcise and Investor Services activities from Oslo Børs VPS, reported revenue up +32.3% to €7.6 million of revenue in 2020 reflecting continued commercial development.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from Investor Services was up +26.0%.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Investor Services, encompassing the activities of Commcise and Investor Services activities from Oslo Børs VPS, reported revenue up +25.4% to €2.0 million of revenue in Q4 2020 reflecting continued commercial development.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from Investor Services was up +32.2%.

¨Advanced Data Services

Full year 2020

Advanced Data Services reported revenue up +8.0% to €139.0 million in 2020, as a result of the consolidation of data activities of acquired businesses and of the good performance of ESG products and indices.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, Advanced Data Services revenue was up +2.4% compared to 2019.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Advanced Data Services reported revenue up +0.8% to €33.8 million in Q4 2020, reflecting consolidation of Nord Pool data activities and the performance of the indices business.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, Advanced Data Services revenue was up +0.5% compared to Q4 2019.

¨Post-Trade

Full year 2020

Clearing

Clearing revenue was up in 2020, at €67.1 million, +21.4% compared to 2019, reflecting higher treasury income and higher derivatives trading volumes.

Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade

Revenue from Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade activities, encompassing Interbolsa, Euronext VPS and VP Securities activities, increased by +122.1% to €110.2 million in 2020. This performance resulted primarily from the consolidation of VP Securities, the first full year of consolidation of Euronext VPS, higher settlement activities and an evolving market structure with increased retail participation in the Danish and Norwegian CSDs.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade activities was up +16.9%.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Clearing

Clearing revenue was up in Q4 2020, at €17.4 million, +20.0% compared to Q4 2019, reflecting higher treasury income and higher derivatives trading volumes with higher commodity derivatives volumes traded.

Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade

Revenue from Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade activities, encompassing Interbolsa, Euronext VPS and VP Securities activities, increased by +111.6% to €39.9 million in Q4 2020. This performance resulted primarily from the consolidation of VP Securities and from higher settlement activities as well as increased retail participation in the Danish and Norwegian CSDs.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue from Custody, Settlement and other Post-Trade activities was up +23.5%.

¨Euronext Technology Solutions & Other revenue

Full year 2020

Euronext Technology Solutions & Other revenue increased by +31.5% in 2020, to €49.7 million, reflecting the consolidation of Nord Pool, and good performance of the core business.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue was up +10.0% compared to last year.

Fourth quarter of 2020

Euronext Technology Solutions & Other revenue increased by +26.9% in Q4 2020, to €12.6 million, reflecting the consolidation of Nord Pool, and good performance of the core business.

On a like-for-like basis at constant currencies, revenue was up +13.9% compared to last year.

 

Corporate highlights of Q4 2020, since publication of Q3 2020 results on November 2020

¨Euronext to acquire the Borsa Italiana Group and create the leading pan-European market infrastructure

On 11 September 2020, Euronext announced that it was in discussions with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Equity (“CDP Equity”) to submit an offer to London Stock Exchange Group plc (“LSEG”) for the acquisition of the business and key operational assets of Borsa Italiana, with the ambition to create a leading player in continental European capital markets.

On 14 September 2020, Euronext confirmed the submission of a non-binding offer to LSEG to acquire Borsa Italiana partnering with CDP Equity and Intesa Sanpaolo.

On 18 September 2020, Euronext confirmed that it had entered into exclusive talks with LSEG.

On 9 October 2020, Euronext announced that it had entered into a binding agreement with LSEG and London Stock Exchange Group Holdings (Italy) Limited to acquire 100% of the entire issued share capital of London Stock Exchange Group Holdings Italia SPA, the holding company of the Borsa Italiana Group for a cash consideration of €4,325 million¹⁵ (“The Transaction”).

On 3 November 2020, LSEG’s shareholders approved the Transaction.

On 11 November 2020, Euronext received clearance for the Transaction from the German Federal Cartel Office.

On 20 November 2020, Euronext’s shareholders approved the Transaction.

On 11 December 2020, Euronext received foreign direct investment clearance for the Transaction from the Italian Council of Ministers.

On 13 January 2021, the European Commission conditionally approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, LSEG’s proposed acquisition of Refinitiv.

On 29 January 2021, LSEG closed the acquisition of Refinitiv, satisfying one of the major conditions for the completion of the Transaction.

The Proposed Combination¹⁶ will create a leading European market infrastructure in the European Union, whose central role to connect local economies to global markets is strengthened through the creation of the number one venue for listing and secondary markets for both debt and equity financing in Europe. This transaction significantly enhances the scale of Euronext, diversifies its business mix into new asset classes and strengthen its post-trade activities. With this transaction, Euronext delivers on its ambition to build the leading pan-European market infrastructure.

The Transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals in several jurisdictions, a declaration of non-objection from Euronext’s College of Regulators, and approval of Euronext as a suitable purchaser by the European Commission.

Euronext expects to complete the Transaction in the first half of 2021.

The related press releases and documentation are available at:

https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations/financial-calendar/acquisition-borsa-italiana-group

                   

¨Oslo Børs migrates Norwegian equities and derivatives markets to Euronext's proprietary trading platform Optiq®

On 2 December 2020, Euronext announced the successful migration of the 276 companies with equities currently listed in Oslo to the Euronext single order book powered by the proprietary trading platform, Optiq®. This milestone was reached 17 months after Oslo Børs joined Euronext and 21 months after Euronext Dublin’s successful migration to Optiq®.

Issuers and investors on Oslo Børs have gained access to the largest liquidity pool of international capital in Europe, powered by a single order book. 1,500 issuers are now listed on Euronext’s exchanges, in Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Oslo and Paris, for an aggregated market capitalisation of over €4.4 trillion as of end November 2020.

Being listed on Euronext’ integrated markets allows companies listed in Oslo to benefit fully from Euronext’s proprietary issuer services, which include the online Connect portal of companies’ trading data. Euronext also offers corporate services such as webinars and webcasts, an investor relationship management and targeting platform for corporate investor relations teams, strategic analyses of shareholding structure, tailor-made IR and ESG advice, a board portal and an insider list management tool.

As part of this migration on 30 November 2020, Oslo Børs has changed the name of three marketplaces to align with the rest of the Euronext group. ‘Oslo Axess’ has been renamed ‘Euronext Expand’, ‘Merkur Market’ is now ‘Euronext Growth’, and ‘NOTC’ is ‘Euronext NOTC’. There have been no substantive rule changes or functionality changes to these markets.

¨Volumes for Q4 2020

For the fourth quarter of 2020, the average daily transaction value on the Euronext cash order book stood at €9,212 million, up +9.8% compared to the same period last year.

The average daily transaction value of ETFs on the electronic order book was €273 million over Q4 2020, up +31.8% compared to Q4 2019. The total number of ETFs listed on Euronext was 1,289 at end of December 2020.

The overall average daily volume on Euronext derivatives stood at 612,215 contracts (+3.9% compared to Q4 2019) and the open interest was 15,157,102 contracts at the end of December 2020 (-0.6% compared to the end of December 2019).

The average daily volume on Euronext FX’s spot foreign exchange market stood at $19,881 million in Q4 2020, up +20.8% compared to the same period last year.

Over Q4 2020, the average daily power volumes traded on Nord Pool, of which Euronext acquired 66% in January 2020, were 2.74 TWh for day-ahead power, and 0.07 TWh for intraday power.

¨Half year statement on the liquidity contract of Euronext N.V.

On 6 January 2021, Euronext announced that the transactions carried out under the liquidity contract entered between Euronext NV and Rothschild Martin Maurel for the period ending 31 December 2020 resulted in the following assets appearing in the liquidity account:

• 0 Euronext N.V. shares
• €7,669,989
• Number of Buy transaction over the period: 6,793
• Number of Sell transaction over the period: 6,230
• Volume traded relating to Buy transactions over the period: 389,419 shares for 37,244,825 euros
• Volume traded relating to Sell transactions over the period: 389,419 shares for 37,238,310 euros

As a reminder, on 30 June 2020, the following resources were allocated to the liquidity account:

• 0 Euronext N.V. shares
• €7,680,454

 

 

Corporate highlights since 31 December 2020

 

• Contemplated acquisition of the Borsa Italiana Group (see above)
• January 2021 Volumes

In January 2021, the average daily transaction value on the Euronext cash order book stood at €9,809.5 million, up +12.8% compared to the same period last year.

The average daily transaction value of ETFs on the electronic order book was €303 million in January 2021, up +37.4% compared to January 2020. The total number of ETFs listed on Euronext was 1,401 at end of January 2021.

The overall average daily volume on Euronext derivatives stood at 717,664 contracts (-2.2% compared to January 2020) and the open interest was 17,903,683 contracts at the end of January 2020 (-11.3% compared to the end of January 2020).

The average daily volume on Euronext FX’s spot foreign exchange market stood at $21,297 million in January 2021, up +24.2% compared to the same period last year.

¨New appointments at Euronext

On 18 January 2021, Euronext announced that Delphine d’Amarzit has been appointed by the Supervisory Board of Euronext N.V. as CEO of Euronext Paris and member of the Managing Board of Euronext N.V., subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, starting from 15 March 2021.

Euronext also announced on 18 January 2021 that Anthony Attia has been appointed as Global Head of Primary Markets and Post Trade. In order to fully focus on his expanded Group-level strategic and business responsibilities, Anthony Attia will be handing over his position as CEO of Euronext Paris and member of the Managing Board of Euronext N.V. Anthony Attia will remain a member of the Operating Committee and the Extended Managing Board of Euronext N.V.

 

 

Agenda

 

A conference call and a webcast will be held tomorrow 11 February 2021, at 9.00am CEST (Paris time) / 8.00am BST (London time):

Website : www.euronext.com/investors

To connect to the conference call, please dial:

• UK Number:                +44 330 551 0200
• FR Number:                +33 1 70 37 71 66
• NL Number:                +31 20 708 5073           
• US Number:                +1 212 999 6659
• BE Number:                +32 2 789 8603
• PT Number:                +351 3 0880 2081 
• IR Number:                 +353 1 436 0959      
• NO Number:               +47 2 156 3318
• IT Number:                 +39 06 83360400

Password:                                   Euronext

Live Webcast:
A live audio webcast and replay after the call will be available via this link and on Euronext’s Investor Relations website.

 

Contacts

 

Investor Relations:
Aurélie Cohen – Chief Communications and IR Officer
Clément Kubiak – IR Officer                                                                               +33 1 70 48 24 27; ir@euronext.com  

Media:
Aurélie Cohen - Chief Communications and IR Officer                 +33 1 70 48 24 45; mediateam@euronext.com   
                                                                                                                                                                             

 

About Euronext

 

Euronext is the leading pan-European market infrastructure, connecting local economies to global capital markets, to accelerate innovation and sustainable growth. It operates regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway and Portugal. With close to 1,500 listed issuers worth €4.5 trillion in market capitalisation as of end December 2020, it has an unmatched blue chip franchise and a strong diverse domestic and international client base. Euronext operates regulated and transparent equity and derivatives markets and is the largest centre for debt and funds listings in the world. Its total product offering includes Equities, FX, Exchange Traded Funds, Warrants & Certificates, Bonds, Derivatives, Commodities and Indices. Euronext also leverages its expertise in running markets by providing technology and managed services to third parties. In addition to its main regulated market, it also operates Euronext Growth® and Euronext Access®, simplifying access to listing for SMEs. Euronext provides custody and settlement services through central securities depositories in Denmark, Norway and Portugal.
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Disclaimer

 

This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at:
www.euronext.com/terms-use.
© 2021, Euronext N.V. - All rights reserved.
The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the "Purpose"). With regard to the processing of these personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under the Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR as provided in its privacy statement available at: https://www.euronext.com/privacy-policy.
In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights as regard to the processing of your personal data:

• for more information on your rights, please refer to: https://www.euronext.com/en/privacy-statement/data-subject-rights-reque…,
• for any request regarding the processing of your data or if you want to unsubscribe from this press release, please use our data subject request form at https://connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

APPENDIX

 

Non-IFRS financial measures

 

For comparative purposes, the company provides unaudited non-IFRS measures including:

• Operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation
• EBITDA, EBITDA margin.

Non-IFRS measures are defined as follows:

• Operational expenses excluding depreciation and amortisation as the total of salary and employee benefits, and other operational expenses
• EBITDA as the operating profit before exceptional items and depreciation and amortisation
• EBITDA margin as the operating profit before exceptional items and depreciation and amortisation, divided by revenue.

Non-IFRS financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable IFRS measures and should be read only in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.

 

Other Alternative Performance Measures used in this release

 

• Volume related revenue accounts for trading and clearing activities and IPOs revenue, all other revenue are considered as non-volume related.
• Operating cost coverage is equal to non-volume related revenue divided by operating expenses excluding D&A.
• ‘Organic’ and ‘Like-for-like’ refers to Euronext Group perimeter, at constant currencies for the comparative period in the previous year, excluding any acquired companies thereafter as well as any project costs supported by Euronext for the integration of these companies.

 

Adjusted EPS definition

 

 

Consolidated income statement

 

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

 

 

Consolidated income statement

 

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

 

Consolidated comprehensive income statement

 

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

 

Consolidated balance sheet

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor.

 

Volumes for the fourth quarter of 2020

 

Cash markets activity

* includes New Listings including over-allotment, follow-ons on Equities, corporate bonds on Euronext Listed Issuers.
Following the completion of the acquisition of the Oslo Børs VPS, Euronext 2019 trading data have been restated to include historic data for Oslo Børs VPS.

Derivatives markets activity

 

Following the completion of the acquisition of the Oslo Børs VPS, Euronext 2019 trading data have been restated to include historic data for Oslo Børs VPS.

Following the completion of the acquisition of the Oslo Børs VPS, Euronext 2019 trading data have been restated to include historic data for Oslo Børs VPS.

Spot FX Trading

Power Trading

*END*

---

 

¹ Volume-related businesses include Cash, Derivatives, FX trading, Power trading, Clearing, and IPOs

 

² Definition in Appendix

 

³ Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
The figures in this document have not been audited or reviewed by our external auditor

 

⁴ London Stock Exchange Group Holdings Italia S.p.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries

 

⁵ Plus an additional amount reflecting the cash generated to completion. Excluding cash and liquid assets (after deduction of regulatory requirements) and borrowings, representing a total net liability of €42m as of 30 June 2020

 

⁶ Annualised 2020 fourth quarter operating costs excluding D&A amounted to €420.4 million

 

⁷ VP Securities first settlement on 4 August 2020 for 85.20% of the shares, second settlement on 14 September 2020 for 99.39% of the shares (adjusted from treasury shares)

 

⁸ Definition in Appendix

 

⁹ Definition in Appendix

 

¹⁰ Ticker and 3Sens

 

¹¹ Ticker and 3Sens

 

¹² 2019 data were restated to include Oslo Børs VPS as of 1 January 2019

 

¹³ Including Oslo Børs

 

¹⁴ Including Oslo Børs

 

¹⁵   Plus an additional amount reflecting the cash generated to completion. Excluding cash and liquid assets (after deduction of regulatory requirements) and borrowings, representing a total net liability of €42m as of 30 June 2020

 

¹⁶The proposed acquisition by Euronext of the holding company of the Borsa Italiana Group

 

 

Attachment

• 20210210_ENX_Q4 Results_Final