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    MRX
    Earnings call· Dec 2025(Q4 FY25)

    Marex Group Q4 FY25 earnings call MRX

    Mar 3, 2026 Source

    Executive summary

    Marex Q4 FY25 — Record Profitability Driven by Broad-Based Strength and Strategic Acquisitions

    Marex delivered record Q4 and full-year FY25 profitability, driven by broad-based strength across segments and successful execution of its M&A strategy. The firm's diversified platform and disciplined capital allocation continue to drive growth, with a focus on larger, more sophisticated clients and strategic organic initiatives like digital assets. Management remains confident in sustained growth despite a volatile market environment.

    Highlights

    5
    • Revenue grew 38% to $572 million in Q4 FY25, marking a record quarter.

    • Adjusted profit before tax increased 41% to $115 million in Q4 FY25.

    • EPS grew 50% to $1.14 per share in Q4 FY25.

    • Full-year adjusted profit before tax increased 30% to $418 million.

    • Reported return on equity improved to 27.6% for the full year FY25.

    Concerns

    4
    • Full-year net interest income (NII) decreased from $227 million in FY24 to $153 million in FY25, primarily due to a 100 basis points decline in rates.

    • Q4 NII was $26 million, down $13 million quarter-over-quarter, reflecting a further 40 basis points decline in the average Fed funds rate.

    • Maintaining excess liquidity creates a modest drag on group net interest income.

    • High market volatility, with commodity contract moves described as 1-in-35-year events, puts pressure on clients and can lead to reduced positions.

    Guidance & targets

    4
    CategoryTargetConfidence
    Digital assets: CFTC pilot program for stablecoin/crypto collateral
    Go live
    medium materiality
    High
    Digital assets: License for crypto-fiat conversion
    Come through
    low materiality
    Medium
    M&A: Addition of Clearing and Agency and Execution businesses
    Businesses being added
    medium materiality
    High
    Winterflood custody business sale
    Complete
    medium materiality
    High

    Segment performance

    4
    SegmentRevenueYoYQoQMargin
    Clearing
    Q4 revenue increased 10% YoY, driven by growth across all revenue lines, higher volumes, and continued momentum in client onboarding, particularly large institutional client wins. Average customer balances increased to $14 billion, reflecting contributions from Aarna and new client wins. Net interest income remained stable as growth in client balances offset rate pressures. Full-year revenue increased 13% to $528 million, with adjusted PBT of $262 million (50% margin).
    Average customer balances: $14 billion (Q4 FY25, up from $11.9 billion in Q4 FY24)Net commission income: +6% (Q4 YoY)Net interest income: stable at $59 million (Q4)
    $137 million10%$67 million (49% margin)
    Agency and Execution
    Q4 revenue increased 51% YoY, driven primarily by strong growth in securities, reflecting the continued strategic expansion of Prime, alongside more modest growth in energy. Prime was a standout performer, with revenue increasing to $87 million. FX also performed strongly, benefiting from the integration of Hamilton Court. Adjusted PBT increased to $89 million with margins expanding to 31%, reflecting growth in higher-margin activities. Full-year revenue increased to $1.05 billion, with adjusted PBT of $281 million (27% margin).
    Securities revenue: $209 million (Q4)Prime revenue: $87 million (Q4)Energy revenue: $76 million (Q4)
    $290 million51%$89 million (31% margin)
    Market Making
    Q4 revenue grew 83% YoY, driven by a particularly strong performance in Metals and Securities, partly offset by softer conditions in agriculture and energy. Metals delivered its second-best quarter on record. Securities revenue reflected the inclusion of Winterflood. Adjusted PBT increased to $27 million with margins expanding to 33%. Full-year revenue increased to $236 million, with adjusted PBT of $69 million (29% margin).
    Metals revenue: $50 million (Q4)Securities revenue: $20 million (Q4)
    $81 million83%$27 million (33% margin)
    Solutions
    Q4 was the strongest quarter on record, with revenue increasing 57% YoY, reflecting growth across both Financial Products and Hedging Solutions. Performance was supported by improved market conditions, expanded exchange access, regional expansion (particularly in Asia), and the rollout of a new technology platform. Adjusted PBT increased to $14 million with margins improving to 23%. Full-year revenue increased to $197 million, with adjusted PBT of $44 million (22% margin).
    Hedging Solutions revenue: $23 million (Q4)Financial Products revenue: $40 million (Q4)
    $63 million57%$14 million (23% margin)

    Operational metrics

    43
    Adjusted Profit Before Tax
    $115 million+41% YoY
    Q4 FY25

    Adjusted profit before tax increased 41% to $115 million.

    Adjusted Profit Before Tax
    $418 million+30% YoY
    FY25

    Full year revenue grew 27% from $1.6 billion to just over $2 billion, and adjusted PBT increased 30% to $418 million.

    Adjusted PBT Margin
    20.1%+50 bps YoY
    Q4 FY25

    Adjusted profit before tax increased 41% to $115 million as margins increased 50 basis points to 20.1%.

    Adjusted PBT Margin
    20.7%+60 bps YoY
    FY25

    Adjusted PBT margin expanded by 60 basis points to 20.7%.

    Return on Equity
    27.6%
    FY25

    Reported return on equity improved to 27.6%.

    Adjusted Return on Equity
    30.8%
    Q4 FY25

    Our adjusted return on equity remained very strong at 30.8%.

    Effective Tax Rate
    25%down from 26% FY24
    FY25

    The effective tax rate for the full year decreased from 26% to 25%, reflecting mainly the geographical mix of our earnings.

    Total Expenses Growth
    36%broadly in line with revenues
    Q4 FY25

    total expenses grew 36%, broadly in line with revenues driven by higher compensation costs and ongoing investments to support growth.

    Total Expenses Growth
    24%
    FY25

    Total expenses increased by 24%, reflecting the higher revenues as well as ongoing investment to support growth and acquisitions during the year.

    Variable Expenses as % of Total Expenses
    55%
    Q4 FY25

    our cost base is highly flexible, with around 55% of total expenses in Q4 variable in nature

    Increase in Variable Compensation
    $54 million
    Q4 FY25

    $54 million of the increase in total expenses was driven by higher variable compensation, which included variable compensation for recently completed acquisitions

    Fixed Costs from Acquisitions
    $18 million
    Q4 FY25

    a further $18 million related to the fixed costs associated with the recently completed acquisitions.

    Investment in Organic Growth and Support
    $50 million
    Q4 FY25

    an additional $50 million to support the future organic growth of the organization and investment in control and support, notably technology.

    Regulatory Capital
    $927 million
    FY25

    regulatory capital was $927 million against the requirement of $403 million

    Regulatory Capital Requirement
    $403 million
    FY25

    regulatory capital was $927 million against the requirement of $403 million

    Capital Ratio
    230%
    FY25

    representing a capital ratio of 230%.

    Total Corporate Funding
    $6.2 billionup from $3.8 billion FY24
    FY25

    Total corporate funding increased to $6.2 billion, up from $3.8 billion at year-end 2024

    Liquidity Headroom
    $1 billion
    FY25

    We maintained approximately $1 billion of liquidity headroom at year-end.

    Average Daily VAR
    $3.8 million
    FY25

    Average daily VAR was $3.8 million for the full year

    Realized Credit Loss
    $800,000<0.1% of revenues
    FY25

    we had a realized credit loss of $800,000, representing less than 0.1% of revenues.

    Dividend per share
    $0.15
    Q4 FY25

    we announced again a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share for the fourth quarter of 2025

    Revenue Growth
    27%from $1.6 billion to $2 billion
    FY25

    Full year revenue grew 27% from $1.6 billion to just over $2 billion

    Revenue Growth
    38%from $416 million to $572 million
    Q4 FY25

    Revenues grew 38% from $416 million to $572 million

    EPS Growth
    39%
    FY25

    Full year EPS grew 39% to $4.12.

    EPS Growth
    50%
    Q4 FY25

    We grew EPS by 50% to $1.14 per share.

    Active Clients Growth
    19%
    FY25

    active clients, which we now define as those generating over $25,000 in annual revenue, grew 19% year-on-year

    Revenue from Active Clients Growth
    32%
    FY25

    revenues grew 32%

    Average Revenue per Active Client Growth
    11%
    FY25

    average revenue per client increased 11%.

    $5M+ Client Cohort Growth
    36%
    FY25

    Our $5 million-plus client cohort increased by 36%

    Revenue from $5M+ Client Cohort Growth
    80%
    FY25

    revenue from that segment grew by over 80%

    Average Revenue per $5M+ Client Growth
    35%
    FY25

    average revenue per client up 35%.

    Revenue from $5M+ Client Cohort
    $300 million
    FY25

    those top circa 50 clients generate on average $14 million annually versus $10 million last year and drove over $300 million of our revenue growth in 2025.

    Organic Growth Contribution to Total Growth
    75%
    FY25

    this year, Paolo, the growth was sort of like 75% organic and 25% inorganic.

    Inorganic Growth Contribution to Total Growth
    25%
    FY25

    this year, Paolo, the growth was sort of like 75% organic and 25% inorganic.

    Total Assets
    $35 billion
    FY25

    Total assets increased to $35 billion at the end of December

    Average Monthly PBT Sharpe Ratio
    6.2%
    FY25

    driving an extremely high Sharpe ratio of 6.2% for the full year 2025.

    Daily Profitability Shift
    $400,000from $1.3 million to $1.7 million
    FY25

    the distribution has shifted to the right by around $400,000 year-over-year from around $1.3 million to $1.7 million.

    Negative Days
    6
    FY25

    The left tail remains very small, with only 6 negative days during the year.

    Prime Revenue
    $250 million
    FY25

    In 2025, it generated over $250 million of revenue and now accounts for around 1/4 of the group's profitability.

    Prime Profitability Contribution
    25%
    FY25

    now accounts for around 1/4 of the group's profitability.

    Number of Active Clients
    3,400+
    FY25

    we remain diversified across, more than 3,400 active clients

    New Prime Clients Annualized Growth
    30%
    FY25

    we are adding about 30%. We have a growth rate of about 30% a year on a gross basis.

    Prime Client Attrition
    5%
    FY25

    then we lose about 5% of our sort of clients because they sort of cease to be active or they move into sort of different structures.

    Product announcements

    3
    ProductTypeDetails
    Digital Asset Perpetual Futureslaunch
    CFTC Pilot Program for Stablecoin/Crypto Collateralmilestone
    License for Crypto-Fiat Conversionroadmap

    Deals & partnerships

    5
    AarnaEstablished clearing presence in the Middle East.

    Synergies identified were realized as expected.

    Hamilton CourtProvides access to UK and EU corporates, expands client base, and creates cross-sell opportunities.

    Integration completed in July.

    WinterfloodEnhances UK equity market-making franchise and creates cross-sell opportunities with leading UK participants.

    Completed in December and has started strongly. The sale of Winterflood's custody business is expected to complete in Q2.

    Web TradersOption market-making group.

    Most recently announced acquisition.

    AgriinvestAgricultural-focused business in Latin America.

    Acquired last year and is performing well.

    Risks & headwinds

    3
    High market volatilityJanuary, March [2026]

    Commodity contract moves were 1-in-35-year events in January; natural gas price moves similar to Ukraine invasion.

    Mitigation: Leads to increased margin requirements and clients reducing positions to manage risk and liquidity. Marex maintains substantial liquidity headroom.

    Declining interest rates impacting Net Interest Income (NII)FY25, Q4 FY25

    Full-year NII down from $227 million (FY24) to $153 million (FY25) due to 100 bps rate decline. Q4 NII down $13 million QoQ due to 40 bps Fed funds rate decline.

    Mitigation: Growth in Clearing client balances has largely offset the impact of lower rates, demonstrating business resilience. Maintaining excess liquidity is a deliberate choice for balance sheet strength.

    Geopolitical turmoil in the Middle EastOngoing

    Discussed, not quantified.

    Mitigation: Marex has a broad-based business in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with increasing volumes and product offerings, but acknowledges potential short-term disruption.

    What to watch in Q1 FY26

    5

    Winterflood custody business sale completion

    Q2 FY26
    CurrentExpected to complete in Q2
    TargetCompletion of sale

    Why it matters

    Will result in acquiring Winterflood at a meaningful discount to tangible book value, impacting long-term value creation.

    Following the subsequent sale of Winterflood's custody business, which we expect to complete in Q2, we will have acquired Winterflood at a meaningful discount to tangible book value, a transaction that we believe will generate substantial long-term value for our shareholders.

    Q&A highlights

    6

    How are clients behaving given recent volatility, and what are the changes in the environment year-to-date?

    Ian Lowitt noted increased exchange volumes and higher volatility, particularly in commodities. He described current volatility as 'not Goldilocks' due to its extreme nature, leading to increased margin requirements and clients reducing positions. Despite this, Marex is confident in delivering full-year growth.

    I think the volatility that we've seen in January, and we're seeing, again, in March, it doesn't fall into sort of the Goldilocks category. It's pretty high, and it makes a big difference and puts a lot of pressure on clients.

    asked by Dan Fannon · answered by Ian Lowitt

    2 min read7 chapters

    Detailed Narrative

    01

    Strategic Growth Pillars

    Marex's strategy combines organic growth with targeted M&A, broadening product offerings, expanding geographically, and deepening client relationships. This approach has led to a sevenfold increase in profitability from $61 million in 2020 to $418 million in 2025, with a repeatable model for identifying, acquiring, integrating, and enhancing businesses. The firm's platform and organization are difficult to replicate, reinforcing high barriers to entry.

    02

    Impact of Acquisitions

    Recent acquisitions like Aarna (Middle East clearing), Hamilton Court (UK/EU corporates), and Winterflood (UK equity market-making) are performing in line with or ahead of expectations. The sale of Winterflood's custody business, expected in Q2, will result in Marex acquiring Winterflood at a meaningful discount to tangible book value, which is anticipated to generate substantial long-term value for shareholders.

    03

    Prime Services as a Growth Driver

    Prime Services, acquired in December 2023 for approximately $25 million, generated over $250 million in revenue in 2025 and now accounts for around 25% of the group's profitability. This segment has been a meaningful contributor to the firm's diversification, broadening revenue drivers beyond traditional exchange volume-linked activity and showcasing Marex's ability to scale integrated businesses.

    04

    Client Expansion and Diversification

    The firm is increasingly successful with larger, more sophisticated clients. Active clients generating over $25,000 in annual revenue grew 19% year-on-year, while revenue from this cohort grew 32%. The $5 million-plus client cohort increased by 36%, driving over $300 million of revenue growth in 2025, with average revenue per client up 35% to $14 million. Despite this concentration, Marex remains diversified across more than 3,400 active clients, with no single counterparty representing undue exposure.

    05

    Digital Assets and AI Initiatives

    Marex is expanding its digital assets offering, including 24/7 trading capability, clearing crypto futures for clients primarily on CME, and active involvement in the CFTC's pilot program for stablecoin and crypto as collateral for futures, expected to go live by end of March. The firm also sees AI as an accelerant to its competitive advantages, deploying it internally to enhance productivity, improve risk management, and deepen client engagement, reinforcing its competitive moats.

    06

    Operating Environment and Volatility

    While the operating environment was generally supportive in FY25, with increased exchange volumes and volatility, management noted that current high volatility levels (e.g., 1-in-35-year commodity moves) are 'not Goldilocks.' Such extreme volatility leads to increased margin requirements for clients and prompts them to reduce positions to manage risk and liquidity, impacting hedging activity and market behavior.

    07

    Capital and Liquidity Management

    Marex maintains substantial headroom above regulatory requirements, with regulatory capital at $927 million against a $403 million requirement (230% ratio) at year-end 2025. Total corporate funding increased to $6.2 billion, and the firm holds approximately $1 billion of liquidity headroom. This conservative approach, while creating a modest drag on net interest income, strengthens the balance sheet and positions Marex to support clients and navigate market volatility🌐.

    AI-generated summary of the company’s earnings call. Not investment advice.