Interactive Brokers (IBKR) posted second-quarter revenue of $1.90 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.69. Both figures beat Wall Street estimates of $1.80 billion and $0.64, and the stock climbed about 4% in after-hours trading.

The automated global brokerage, which offers stocks, options, futures, crypto, and prediction markets, lifted profits on booming customer activity. Its pretax profit margin reached 77%, up from 75% a year earlier.

Trading Boom Powers Interactive Brokers Earnings Beat

Commission revenue rose 30% year-over-year to $673 million. Customer trading volumes in options and stocks increased 17% and 14%, respectively.

Meanwhile, net interest income climbed 23% to $1.06 billion, ahead of the $994 million FactSet consensus. Customer margin loans jumped 67% to $108.5 billion, while customer credits rose 27% to $182.4 billion.

The results cap a strong week for brokerages after Charles Schwab’s record quarter on Monday. Retail engagement has also picked up since the pattern day trader rule ended in June.

Client Growth Keeps the Bar High for IBKR Stock

Customer accounts grew 34% to 5.19 million, and customer equity expanded 40% to $930.3 billion. Daily average revenue trades (DARTs), a measure of customer orders that generate commissions, rose 36% to 4.82 million.

Beyond equities, the firm keeps widening its reach among brokers integrating crypto trading. It also became the first venue for Cboe’s new prediction markets products in June.

The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0875 per share, payable September 14. However, the stock entered the report near the top of its historical valuation range.

Management’s earnings call commentary may decide whether the after-hours gains hold into the second half.

Source: BeInCrypto