Wiener Börse AG repeats record results of the previous two years again in 2022

• Earnings 2022: Revenues EUR 80.0 mn, profit before tax EUR 47.30 mn
• Strategic initiatives ensure sustainable corporate growth
• Capital market benefits from independent exchange with international network
• New: FirstPlace subscription tool for private investors and investment in European exchange data hub
• Outlook: IPO pipeline filled, equity financing becoming more attractive

Thanks to strategic projects and strong trading activity, Wiener Börse AG achieved high profits for the third year in a row in a turbulent 2022 environment. Wiener Börse is placing its data business on a broader footing with its stake in a European joint venture (working title Euro CTP). The planned subscription service "FirstPlace" will enable private investors and customers of participating banks to directly participate in securities issues in the future. The pipeline for IPOs this year is well filled; with rising interest rates, equity financing is becoming more attractive.

"The economic success in the past year confirms our course as the most efficient stock exchange of our size. Even in the dynamic environment of 2022, we have consistently pursued our strategy. Our diversification creates a broad offering for our customers and a strong foundation for our continued success," says Christoph Boschan, CEO of Wiener Börse AG.

"With its infrastructure and network, Wiener Börse makes a decisive contribution to the Austrian capital market. Our national economy would benefit greatly from any further political development of the regulatory framework. Austrians have recognised the opportunities of the stock market and are focusing more on private investments: Every fourth person holds securities. Tax incentives for private pension provision mobilise capital for innovation. Austria could transform more successfully through broad participation and maintain and expand our prosperity with sustainable growth," affirms Heimo Scheuch, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Wiener Börse AG and CEO of Wienerberger AG.

Results & review 2022: Record earnings of the last two years repeated

The 2022 financial year was characterised by cyclical factors. The Group's equity turnover increased by 2.4% to EUR 87 billion (Vienna: EUR 72 billion, Prague: EUR 15 billion), compared to a turnover of EUR 85 billion in 2021. High equity turnover as well as listing revenues and the flourishing central securities depository in the Czech Republic were the strongest revenue drivers. The exchange group's consolidated revenue increased by 0.9% to EUR 80.0 million in 2022 (2021: EUR 79.3 million). 90% of revenues were generated abroad. At EUR 47.30 million, the profit before tax achieved in 2022 remained at the strong level of the previous year (2021: EUR 47.58 million). As of 31 December 2022, the company had equity of EUR 170.05 million on its books, and net profit for 2022 amounted to EUR 36.5 million. As at the end of December 2022, the Exchange Group employed 166 people (full-time equivalents).

Outlook: Strategic focus & new services

Consistent market modelling and alignment with international standards, for example through the harmonisation of trading calendars, the refinement of the market maker model and the integration of international trading participants, are paying off in terms of market quality and market leadership in equity trading. The sales focus in the bond segment multiplied the number of new listings. With more than 13,000 bonds from 38 countries, the Vienna MTF is today one of the most active bond listing hubs in Europe. The technical infrastructure was modernised, most recently with the go-live of the data feed, and is now well positioned for the future.

With the subscription tool "FirstPlace", Wiener Börse plans to simplify the subscription of securities for private investors. In the future, they will be able to participate in new issues directly using their online banking access via participating banks. There are prospects for new listings. In addition to the successful new entry of AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, another listing in the top segment has been announced for 2023 with the spin-off of Telekom Austria. Increasing interest is also evident in the IPO workshops. Preparation is essential for stock market candidates in view of the rapidly opening and closing time windows.

"Equity financing is becoming more attractive again compared to debt financing. The upcoming transformation in the context of the energy transition could spur innovation financing in the future. In view of the challenges our society and economy are facing, the capital market can be a powerful lever. To be able to use it, political development is needed. The government needs to act," Christoph Boschan and Heimo Scheuch conclude in unison with an appeal to politicians.

Julia Resch, Wiener Börse AG