Plus500 H1 Results Show Falling Profits for Q2 and Remainder of the Year

Thursday, 27/08/2015 | 07:00 GMT by Ron Finberg
  • Plus500 has reported net profit of $40.6 M on revenues of $127 M. Despite revenues growing, net profit was lower by 25% compared to 2014.
Plus500 H1 Results Show Falling Profits for Q2 and Remainder of the Year

Issuing their H1 2015 results, Plus500 has reported net profit of $40.6 million on revenues of $127 million. The top line figures were similar to those expected when the Forex and CFD broker announced its trading update in July. Overall, despite revenues growing 20% from the same period in 2014, net profit was lower by 25%.

The decline was due to a poor Q2, that included the revelation of compliance issues which caused them to suspend trading of a portion of its UK regulated accounts until they satisfied updated identification and document submission. The compliance problems triggered a dramatic slide in Plus500’s high-flying stock, ultimately leading the broker to accept a 400p bid to be acquired by Playtech.

Commenting on the declining profits, Plus500's CEP Gal Haber did note that the firm had achieved profitability in each month of the quarter, as he stated, "Despite the disappointing regulatory setback in the second quarter, the Group was profitable in every month in the first half and our business model continued to be cash generative.” Haber added, “Whilst the Group has been the subject of a high level of regulatory scrutiny, we have made significant progress in enhancing our compliance and onboarding processes in line with the recommendations of our regulatory advisors.”

plus500 h1 2015 revenues

Looking ahead to the rest of 2015, Plus500 stated that Q3 has “started strongly” and that they expect overall revenues for the year to be ahead of 2014. Despite the revenue improvement, the firm believes that net profits will be below 2014’s figure of $102.5 million. In addition, the firm continues to believe its Acquisition by Playtech will be completed by September.

Issuing their H1 2015 results, Plus500 has reported net profit of $40.6 million on revenues of $127 million. The top line figures were similar to those expected when the Forex and CFD broker announced its trading update in July. Overall, despite revenues growing 20% from the same period in 2014, net profit was lower by 25%.

The decline was due to a poor Q2, that included the revelation of compliance issues which caused them to suspend trading of a portion of its UK regulated accounts until they satisfied updated identification and document submission. The compliance problems triggered a dramatic slide in Plus500’s high-flying stock, ultimately leading the broker to accept a 400p bid to be acquired by Playtech.

Commenting on the declining profits, Plus500's CEP Gal Haber did note that the firm had achieved profitability in each month of the quarter, as he stated, "Despite the disappointing regulatory setback in the second quarter, the Group was profitable in every month in the first half and our business model continued to be cash generative.” Haber added, “Whilst the Group has been the subject of a high level of regulatory scrutiny, we have made significant progress in enhancing our compliance and onboarding processes in line with the recommendations of our regulatory advisors.”

plus500 h1 2015 revenues

Looking ahead to the rest of 2015, Plus500 stated that Q3 has “started strongly” and that they expect overall revenues for the year to be ahead of 2014. Despite the revenue improvement, the firm believes that net profits will be below 2014’s figure of $102.5 million. In addition, the firm continues to believe its Acquisition by Playtech will be completed by September.

About the Author: Ron Finberg
Ron Finberg
  • 1983 Articles
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About the Author: Ron Finberg
Ron Finberg, a specialist in regulatory issues, brings clarity and depth to finance news
  • 1983 Articles
  • 8 Followers

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