Plus500 beats expectations on strong revenue growth and customer gains By Investing.com todayheadline

Investing.com — Plus500 (LON:) had a strong year in 2024, with higher revenue and more customers driving results beyond market expectations. 

The fintech company’s revenue for the year reached $768 million, marking a 6% increase year-on-year. 

This figure was ahead of consensus forecasts and sustained the momentum seen in the second and third quarters, despite a typically quieter fourth quarter influenced by low market volatility and seasonal holidays.

A key driver of the revenue surge was Plus500’s expanded marketing efforts, which attracted 36,000 new customers in the fourth quarter alone. 

This intake was 50% above the company’s usual quarterly run-rate, bringing the annual total to about 118,000 new clients—a 29% increase compared to the previous year and the highest level since the pandemic. 

The additional investment to onboard these clients is expected to bolster future trading activity, with a major contribution likely from the U.S. market.

Despite increased spending on marketing, geographic expansion, and customer onboarding, the company reported EBITDA of $342 million, slightly above 2023 levels and 1% ahead of consensus. 

Jefferies notes that without the incremental $20 million in costs incurred during the fourth quarter, Plus500’s EBITDA growth could have reached 6% year-on-year. 

This reflects the efficiency of the company’s investments and its ability to sustain profitability while pursuing growth.

Plus500’s cash position also remained strong, ending the year with $900 million on hand. This was achieved despite returning $360 million to shareholders in 2024, up from $350 million in 2023. 

The company’s cash reserves—well above the $500 million management deems necessary for operations—underline its financial resilience and capacity to continue rewarding investors.

Additionally, the company secured a license from the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority, enabling it to offer a broader range of financial products, including over-the-counter trading, share dealing, and futures and options trading across the UAE. 

This complements its existing license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority and allows for expanded marketing efforts in the region.

Additionally, Plus500’s new status as a clearing member of ICE Clear US positions the company to offer more comprehensive services to institutional clients. 

This reduces third-party costs and allows Plus500 to act as a Futures Commission Merchant on another major international exchange, alongside Eurex and CME. 

Investments in customer acquisition, geographic expansion, and institutional offerings will likely yield benefits in the future, as per Jefferies.