SWX Announces Record Profit

by Carla Johnson, Investors Offshore.com

17 May 2007

The Swiss Stock Exchange (SWX) has announced record profit and turnover for the year 2006, thanks to solid market performance and an optimisation programme carried out the year before.

The SWX Group’s net profit increased by 84% to CHF163.9 million (US$134.8 million) against the previous year, beating its previous record, established in 2005.

Proceeds increased by 12% to CHF423.6m against the previous year. At the same time, operating costs dropped from CHF253.1m to CHF207.2m. Earnings before interest and tax increased by 78% to CHF197.1m against the previous year, and liquid assets and securities increased by 41% to CHF585.5m.

Due to the trading-fee waiver of Q4 2006, proceeds from the spot market barely changed from the year before.

Proceeds from data vending rose by 20% to CHF 37.9m, proceeds from the Admission Division rose by 25% to CHF 24.6m, and proceeds from the Eurex trade rose by 24% to CHF 182.4m. As of 31 December 2006, 424 full-time jobs were occupied compared to 465 full-time jobs the year before.

Commenting on the results, Jürg Spillmann, Head of the SWX Group Executive Committee, stated: “The new record figures are due to the fact that the markets are in excellent shape. They show that the SWX Group is very well positioned. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the market participants for their commitment and outstanding cooperation.”

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