CME Group Sees A YoY Decrease of 24% in Operating Income in Q1 2021

US derivatives giant CME Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CME) yesterday published its financial figures for the first quarter of 2021, revealing a decline in many trading metrics compared to the same period of 2020.

More specifically, the revenue came in at $1.3 billion, showing a decrease of almost 18 percent from Q1 2020. Operating income reached $725 million, down by 24 percent compared to a year ago. Net income was $574 million, dropped by 25 percent quarter-over-quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $1.60. On an adjusted basis, net income was $641 million and diluted earnings per share were $1.79.  

In addition, ADV of this quarter was 21.8 million contracts, including non-U.S. ADV of 6.1 million contracts. Clearing and transaction fees revenue for first-quarter 2021 totaled $1.0 billion. Market data revenue totaled $144 million for first-quarter 2021.

Commenting on these results, Terry Duffy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at CME Group, stated that, "Since the start of 2021, we have experienced strong demand for our products as clients looked to manage risks associated with the potential for a post-pandemic economic recovery. Trading volumes in Q1 have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with ADV in the first quarter representing our third-highest quarterly ADV ever, and open interest climbing above 100 million contracts.  Additionally, we continue to deliver against our growth objectives, introducing several innovative, new products, completing migration of BrokerTec to CME Globex and agreeing to form a joint venture for post-trade services in OTC markets."