19 Aug 2013

Rise in stock exchange operator's revenue

1:44 pm on 19 August 2013

Strong capital markets helped drive NZX's revenues 14% higher in the six months to the end of June, to more than $30 million.

The stock exchange operator says the result was also boosted by revenue from its Market Operations business, which includes the energy and Fonterra markets, jumping by nearly 50%.

However, that was partly offset by the impact of the worst drought in 70 years on NZX Agri's performance.

NZX's net profit doubled to $6.4 million, however profit for the same time last year included a $1.5 million foreign exchange loss on the sale of its Markit Investment business.

New listings such as Mighty River Power and SLI Systems helped power activity on the capital markets to their strongest level in a decade.

The NZX 50 rose more than 9% while average daily trades surged 18% and average daily trade value jumped by more than half.

NZX chief executive Tim Bennett says the markets also benefitted from structural changes resulting from the Capital Market Development Taskforce in 2009 and growth in KiwiSaver.

Mr Bennett says the environment remains favourable for Initial Public Offerings, demonstrated by Monday's listing of Z Energy.

He says the potential listing of Meridian Energy may take place in the fourth quarter of 2013 and other smaller listings are possible.

Meanwhile, NZX Agri's revenues are expected to rebound from the effects of this year's drought.