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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________________________________
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018
- OR -
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                to                
Commission file number 001-31553
CME GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
36-4459170
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
20 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois
 
60606
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(312) 930-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.            Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).                                                    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  x
 
  
Accelerated filer     o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer    o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
  
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    
Yes  ¨    No  ý
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of July 11, 2018 was as follows: 340,577,215 shares of Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; 625 shares of Class B-1 common stock, $0.01 par value; 813 shares of Class B-2 common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,287 shares of Class B-3 common stock, $0.01 par value; and 413 shares of Class B-4 common stock, $0.01 par value.

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 CME GROUP INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Certain Terms
Unless otherwise indicated, references to CME Group Inc. (CME Group or the company) products include references to products listed on one of its regulated exchanges: Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME), Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. (CBOT), New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) and Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX). Products listed on these exchanges are subject to the rules and regulations of the particular exchange and the applicable rulebook should be consulted. Unless otherwise indicated, references to NYMEX include its subsidiary, COMEX.
All references to “options” or “options contracts” in the text of this document refer to options on futures contracts.
Further information about CME Group and its products can be found at http://www.cmegroup.com. Information made available on our website does not constitute a part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Information about Contract Volume and Average Rate per Contract
All amounts regarding contract volume and average rate per contract exclude our interest rate swaps and credit default swaps (CDS) contracts. CME exited the CDS clearing business in March 2018.
Trademark Information
CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex and E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT, Chicago Board of Trade, KCBT and Kansas City Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. Dow Jones, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and S&P are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC, Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and S&P/Dow Jones Indices LLC, as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
From time to time, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as in other written reports and verbal statements, we discuss our expectations regarding future performance. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “could,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “expect” and similar expressions, including references to assumptions. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data, current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. We want to caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the factors that might affect our performance are:
increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities, including increased competition from new entrants into our markets and consolidation of existing entities;
our ability to keep pace with rapid technological developments, including our ability to complete the development, implementation and maintenance of the enhanced functionality required by our customers while maintaining reliability and ensuring that such technology is not vulnerable to security risks;
our ability to continue introducing competitive new products and services on a timely, cost-effective basis, including through our electronic trading capabilities, and our ability to maintain the competitiveness of our existing products and services, including our ability to provide effective services to the swaps market;
our ability to adjust our fixed costs and expenses if our revenues decline;
our ability to maintain existing customers, develop strategic relationships and attract new customers;
our ability to retain key employees;
our ability to expand and offer our products outside the United States;
changes in regulations, including the impact of any changes in laws or government policy with respect to our industry, such as any changes to regulations and policies that require increased financial and operational resources from us or our customers;
the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights and our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others;

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decreases in revenue from our market data as a result of decreased demand;
changes in our rate per contract due to shifts in the mix of the products traded, the trading venue and the mix of customers (whether the customer receives member or non-member fees or participates in one of our various incentive programs) and the impact of our tiered pricing structure;
the ability of our financial safeguards package to adequately protect us from the credit risks of clearing members;
the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks, including our ability to prevent errors and misconduct and protect our infrastructure against security breaches and misappropriation of our intellectual property assets;
changes in price levels and volatility in the derivatives markets and in underlying equity, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodities markets;
economic, political and market conditions, including the volatility of the capital and credit markets and the impact of economic conditions on the trading activity of our current and potential customers;
our ability to accommodate increases in contract volume and order transaction traffic and to implement enhancements without failure or degradation of the performance of our trading and clearing systems;
our ability to execute our growth strategy and maintain our growth effectively;
our ability to manage the risks and control the costs associated with our strategy for acquisitions, investments and alliances;
our ability to continue to generate funds and/or manage our indebtedness to allow us to continue to invest in our business;
industry and customer consolidation;
decreases in trading and clearing activity;
the imposition of a transaction tax or user fee on futures and options on futures transactions and/or repeal of the 60/40 tax treatment of such transactions;
failure to maintain our brand's reputation;
the unfavorable resolution of material legal proceedings; and
the uncertainties of the ultimate impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act).
For a detailed discussion of these and other factors that might affect our performance, see Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2018 and Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except par value data; shares in thousands)
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,098.9

 
$
1,903.6

Marketable securities
 
80.9

 
90.1

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3.0 and $2.2
 
433.9

 
359.7

Other current assets (includes $1,635.5 and $0 in restricted cash)
 
1,801.6

 
367.8

Performance bonds and guaranty fund contributions
 
36,885.2

 
44,185.3

Total current assets
 
40,300.5

 
46,906.5

Property, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $726.9 and $676.6
 
380.0

 
399.7

Intangible assets—trading products
 
17,175.3

 
17,175.3

Intangible assets—other, net
 
2,299.0

 
2,346.3

Goodwill
 
7,569.0

 
7,569.0

Other assets (includes $1.4 and $2.4 in restricted cash)
 
1,475.5

 
1,394.4

Total Assets
 
$
69,199.3

 
$
75,791.2

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
27.8

 
$
31.3

Other current liabilities
 
266.6

 
1,456.3

Performance bonds and guaranty fund contributions
 
36,885.2

 
44,185.3

Total current liabilities
 
37,179.6

 
45,672.9

Long-term debt
 
3,419.0

 
2,233.1

Deferred income tax liabilities, net
 
4,863.1

 
4,857.7

Other liabilities
 
614.0

 
615.7

Total Liabilities
 
46,075.7

 
53,379.4

 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; none issued
 

 

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; 339,520 and 339,235 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
 
3.4

 
3.4

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 3 shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
17,928.3

 
17,896.9

Retained earnings
 
5,173.3

 
4,497.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
18.6

 
14.3

Total shareholders’ equity
 
23,123.6

 
22,411.8

Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
69,199.3

 
$
75,791.2


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(dollars in millions, except per share data; shares in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clearing and transaction fees
 
$
906.1

 
$
792.0

 
$
1,879.7

 
$
1,584.0

Market data and information services
 
113.8

 
96.1

 
208.7

 
192.9

Access and communication fees
 
26.2

 
24.9

 
52.2

 
49.2

Other
 
13.5

 
11.6

 
28.0

 
27.8

Total Revenues
 
1,059.6

 
924.6

 
2,168.6

 
1,853.9

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
150.8

 
139.7

 
303.5

 
282.3

Communications
 
5.9

 
6.0

 
11.8

 
12.3

Technology support services
 
19.3

 
18.2

 
38.9

 
36.9

Professional fees and outside services
 
31.9

 
28.6

 
74.5

 
57.2

Amortization of purchased intangibles
 
23.6

 
24.0

 
47.3

 
48.0

Depreciation and amortization
 
27.5

 
28.8

 
55.6

 
58.2

Occupancy and building operations
 
20.2

 
19.2

 
40.2

 
39.3

Licensing and other fee agreements
 
39.9

 
32.9

 
89.4

 
66.7

Other
 
73.6

 
22.0

 
99.6

 
46.9

Total Expenses
 
392.7

 
319.4

 
760.8

 
647.8

Operating Income
 
666.9

 
605.2

 
1,407.8

 
1,206.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment income
 
241.9

 
112.4

 
398.3

 
251.3

Interest and other borrowing costs
 
(33.1
)
 
(29.0
)
 
(63.2
)
 
(58.8
)
Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries
 
36.4

 
31.8

 
76.5

 
62.6

Other non-operating income (expense)
 
(155.3
)
 
(83.1
)
 
(273.9
)
 
(116.9
)
Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
89.9

 
32.1

 
137.7

 
138.2

Income before Income Taxes
 
756.8

 
637.3

 
1,545.5

 
1,344.3

Income tax provision
 
190.7

 
221.5

 
380.6

 
528.7

Net Income
 
$
566.1

 
$
415.8

 
$
1,164.9

 
$
815.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.67

 
$
1.23

 
$
3.43

 
$
2.41

Diluted
 
1.66

 
1.22

 
3.42

 
2.40

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
339,465

 
338,556

 
339,386

 
338,448

Diluted
 
340,872

 
340,020

 
340,838

 
339,974

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income
 
$
566.1

 
$
415.8

 
$
1,164.9

 
$
815.6

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period
 

 
1.7

 
(0.9
)
 
31.1

Reclassification of net (gains) losses on sales included in investment income
 

 

 

 
(87.1
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 

 
(0.5
)
 
0.2

 
76.1

Investment securities, net
 

 
1.2

 
(0.7
)
 
20.1

Defined benefit plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in defined benefit plans arising during the period
 

 

 
1.7

 
0.4

Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses included in compensation and benefits expense
 
0.6

 
0.7

 
1.3

 
1.4

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.7
)
Defined benefit plans, net
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
2.2

 
1.1

Derivative investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of effective portion of net (gains) losses on cash flow hedges included in interest expense
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.2

Derivative investments, net
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
Foreign currency translation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(1.5
)
 
1.1

 
(0.6
)
 
9.5

Income tax benefit (expense)
 

 

 

 
(2.9
)
Foreign currency translation, net
 
(1.5
)
 
1.1

 
(0.6
)
 
6.6

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
(1.3
)
 
2.5

 
0.5

 
27.4

Comprehensive Income
 
$
564.8

 
$
418.3

 
$
1,165.4

 
$
843.0

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(dollars in millions, except per share data; shares in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
Class A
Common
Stock
(Shares)
 
Class B
Common
Stock
(Shares)
 
Common
Stock and
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
339,235

 
3

 
$
17,900.3

 
$
4,497.2

 
$
14.3

 
$
22,411.8

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,164.9

 
 
 
1,164.9

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.5

 
0.5

Dividends on common stock of $1.40 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(476.3
)
 
 
 
(476.3
)
Impact of adoption of standards update on tax effects related to accumulated other comprehensive income and revenue recognition
 
 
 
 
 


 
(12.5
)
 
3.8

 
(8.7
)
Exercise of stock options
 
116

 
 
 
8.2

 
 
 
 
 
8.2

Vesting of issued restricted Class A common stock
 
145

 
 
 
(14.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
(14.9
)
Shares issued to Board of Directors
 
14

 
 
 
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
2.4

Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
10

 
 
 
1.8

 
 
 
 
 
1.8

Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
33.9

 
 
 
 
 
33.9

Balance at June 30, 2018
 
339,520

 
3

 
$
17,931.7

 
$
5,173.3

 
$
18.6

 
$
23,123.6

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (continued)
(dollars in millions, except per share data; shares in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Class A
Common
Stock
(Shares)
 
Class B
Common
Stock
(Shares)
 
Common
Stock and
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016
338,240

 
3

 
$
17,830.3

 
$
2,524.5

 
$
(14.1
)
 
$
20,340.7

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
815.6

 
 
 
815.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27.4

 
27.4

Dividends on common stock of $1.32 per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
(448.2
)
 
 
 
(448.2
)
Impact of adoption of standards update on employee share-based payments, net of tax
 
 
 
 
1.4

 
(2.2
)
 
 
 
(0.8
)
Exercise of stock options
242

 
 
 
22.9

 
 
 
 
 
22.9

Vesting of issued restricted Class A common stock
162

 
 
 
(12.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
(12.1
)
Shares issued to Board of Directors
20

 
 
 
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
2.4

Shares issued under Employee Stock Purchase Plan
9

 
 
 
1.2

 
 
 
 
 
1.2

Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
27.7

 
 
 
 
 
27.7

Balance at June 30, 2017
338,673

 
3

 
$
17,873.8

 
$
2,889.7

 
$
13.3

 
$
20,776.8

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited) 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
1,164.9

 
$
815.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation
 
33.9

 
27.7

Amortization of purchased intangibles
 
47.3

 
48.0

Depreciation and amortization
 
55.6

 
58.2

Unrealized losses on derivative contracts
 
36.9

 

Realized and unrealized gains on privately-held equity investments
 
(88.2
)
 

Gain on sale of BM&FBOVESPA shares
 

 
(86.5
)
Income tax expense reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income upon final sale of BM&FBOVESPA shares
 

 
87.8

Undistributed earnings, net of losses, of unconsolidated subsidiaries
 
(4.7
)
 
(12.4
)
Deferred income taxes
 
5.0

 
11.8

Change in:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(75.0
)
 
(50.6
)
Other current assets
 
36.5

 
(2.6
)
Other assets
 
(0.8
)
 
9.0

Accounts payable
 
(3.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Income taxes payable
 
171.0

 
(98.6
)
Other current liabilities
 
(26.4
)
 
(25.5
)
Other liabilities
 
(5.9
)
 
2.6

Other
 
1.2

 
(0.4
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
1,347.8

 
783.4

 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities
 
3.4

 
1.2

Purchases of available-for-sale marketable securities
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.5
)
Purchases of property, net
 
(29.6
)
 
(37.6
)
Investments in privately-held equity investments
 

 
(2.3
)
Proceeds from sales of privately-held equity investments
 
20.4

 

Proceeds from sale of BM&FBOVESPA shares
 

 
244.0

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
 
(7.7
)
 
204.8

 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends
 
(1,662.5
)
 
(1,546.1
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
8.2

 
22.9

Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs
 
1,187.2

 

Premium payment for derivative contract
 
(30.0
)
 

Employee taxes paid on restricted stock vesting
 
(14.9
)
 
(12.1
)
Other
 
1.7

 
1.2

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 
(510.3
)
 
(1,534.1
)










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CME GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(in millions)
(unaudited) 

 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
829.8

 
$
(545.9
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
 
1,906.0

 
1,960.3

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of Period
 
$
2,735.8

 
$
1,414.4

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,098.9

 
$
1,362.3

Short-term restricted cash
 
1,635.5

 
30.0

Long-term restricted cash
 
1.4

 
22.1

Total
 
$
2,735.8

 
$
1,414.4

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
 
$
272.8

 
$
476.2

Interest paid
 
42.4

 
42.4


See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements consist of CME Group Inc. (CME Group) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the company), including Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME), Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. (CBOT), New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) and Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX). CME, CBOT, NYMEX, COMEX and their subsidiaries are referred to collectively as “the exchange” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The clearing house is a division of CME.
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared by CME Group without audit. Certain notes and other information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the financial position of the company at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent period.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in CME Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 28, 2018.
2. Accounting Policies
Newly Adopted Accounting Policies. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that replaces numerous, industry-specific requirements and converges U.S. accounting standards with International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard introduces a framework for recognizing revenue that focuses on the transfer of control rather than risks and rewards. The new standard also requires significant additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments, changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. The company implemented this standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial adoption. Management recognized an $8.7 million reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, which it believes to be an immaterial impact to the consolidated financial statements. The adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings primarily relates to a deferral of a portion of clearing and transaction fees revenue earned and recognized subsequent to the contract trade execution date. The on-going application of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the company's financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued a standards update that changes how entities measure certain equity investments. It does not change the guidance for classifying and measuring investments in debt securities, loans and equity method investments. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure many equity investments at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income, unless the investments qualify for a practicability exception. Entities will no longer be able to recognize unrealized holding gains and losses on equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale in other comprehensive income. For equity investments in privately-held entities that do not have a readily determinable fair value, our accounting policy is to utilize the measurement alternative for valuation of these investments, which permits the company to estimate fair value at cost minus impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. The company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the company recorded an increase to the fair values of some of our privately-held equity investments of $70.0 million, which is presented in investment income on the consolidated statement of income.
In November 2016, the FASB issued a standards update aimed at promoting consistency in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. Previously, there was diversity in practice as to whether the change in restricted cash was included in the reconciliation of beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. The amendments require that statements of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, as well as amounts described as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets. This guidance was adopted on January 1, 2018 using the retrospective approach. The statements of cash flows show an increase in our cash balances of $829.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and a decrease in our cash balances of $545.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
In March 2017, the FASB issued a standards update that changes certain presentation and disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension as well as other postretirement benefit plans. Defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost (net benefit cost) are comprised of several components that reflect different aspects of an employer’s financial arrangements as well as the cost of benefits provided to the employees. Under previous accounting guidance, those components were aggregated for reporting in the financial statements within compensation and benefits on the consolidated statements of income. The amendments in the update require that the service cost component is reported in the same line as

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other compensation costs, whereas the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented on the consolidated statements of income separately from the service cost component. This update was adopted as of January 1, 2018 with retrospective application to the earliest period presented. Total net pension expense remains unchanged upon adoption of the standards update. Following the reclassification, pension expense consists of the following for the periods presented:
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost recognized in compensation and benefits expense
 
$
4.8

 
$
4.7

 
$
9.6

 
$
9.4

Other components of pension expense recognized in other non-operating income (expense)
 
(2.3
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(0.7
)
Total net pension expense
 
$
2.5

 
$
4.3

 
$
5.1

 
$
8.7

In February 2018, the FASB issued guidance that gives entities the option to reclassify to retained earnings the tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) that were previously stranded within AOCI as a result of applying the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017 Tax Act). An entity that elects to reclassify these amounts must reclassify stranded tax effects related to the change in federal tax rate for all items accounted for within AOCI. Entities can also elect to reclassify other stranded tax effects that relate to the 2017 Tax Act but do not directly relate to the change in federal rate. Tax effects that are stranded in AOCI for other reasons may not be reclassified. These amendments should be applied either in the period of adoption as a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the 2017 Tax Act is recognized. This guidance is effective for entities with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The company early adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018, resulting in an adjustment of $3.8 million to reduce beginning retained earnings and increase AOCI. Tax effects from previously stranded items are released from AOCI when the entire portfolio of similar items is liquidated.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a standards update that requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities associated with the rights and obligations created by those leases. The guidance for lessors is largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current U.S. GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the guidance in 2019 will result in the gross-up of the consolidated balance sheets to reflect the present value of the lease payments over the lease term and offsetting lease liability at the lease commencement date. Presentation of lease expense and the pattern of expense recognition on the consolidated statements of income is expected to remain materially consistent with existing lease accounting guidance.
In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes how credit losses are measured for most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments. The standard requires an entity to estimate its lifetime expected credit loss and record an allowance, that when deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset, presents the net amount expected to be collected on the financial asset. This forward-looking expected loss model generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. Severity and duration of the unrealized loss are no longer permissible factors in concluding whether a credit loss exists. Entities will recognize improvements to estimated credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities immediately in earnings rather than as interest income over time. The standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard’s provisions must be applied as a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning in 2019. The company does not believe that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued a standards update that amends the existing hedge accounting model to enable entities to better reflect their risk management activities in the financial statements. The amendments expand an entity’s ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and reduce complexity in fair value hedges of interest rate risk. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The company does not believe that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.


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3. Revenue Recognition
Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The majority of revenue is comprised of clearing and transaction fees. The company accounts for revenue in accordance with “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which was adopted on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. The new standard introduces a framework for recognizing revenue that focuses on the transfer of control rather than risks and rewards. The company recognized a one-time adjustment of $8.7 million within the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 as a result of adopting this standard. This deferral of revenue is primarily related to the outstanding performance obligations for clearing and transaction fees for longer-term cleared swap products.
Clearing and transaction fees. Clearing and transaction fees include electronic trading fees, surcharges for privately-negotiated transactions, and other volume-related charges for exchange-traded and cleared swaps contracts. Clearing and transaction fees are assessed upfront at the time of trade execution. As such, the company recognizes the majority of the fee revenue upon successful execution of the trade. The minimal remaining portion of the fee revenue related to clearing activities performed after the trade execution is recognized over the short-term period that the contract is outstanding, based on management’s estimates of the average contract lifecycle. These estimates are based on various assumptions to approximate the amount of fee revenue to be attributed to services performed through contract settlement, expiration, or termination. These assumptions include the average number of days that a contract remains in open interest, contract turnover, average revenue per day, and revenue remaining in open interest at the end of each period.
The nature of contracts gives rise to several types of variable consideration, including incentive tiers, incentives associated with market maker programs and other fee discounts. The company includes fee discounts and incentives in the estimated transaction price when there is a basis to reasonably estimate the amount of the fee. These estimates are based on historical experience, anticipated performance, and best judgment at the time. Because of the company's certainty in estimating these amounts, they are included in the transaction price of contracts.
Market data and information services. Market data and information services represents revenue from the dissemination of market data to subscribers, distributors, and other third-party licensees of market data. Pricing for market data is primarily based on the number of reportable devices used as well as the number of subscribers enrolled under the arrangement. Fees for these services are generally billed monthly. Market data services are satisfied over time and revenue is recognized on a monthly basis as the customers receive and consume the benefit of the market data services. However, the company also maintains certain annual license arrangements with one-time upfront fees. The fees for annual licenses are initially recorded as a contract liability and recognized as revenue monthly over the term of the annual period.
Access and communication fees. Access and communication fees are charges to members and clearing firms that utilize various telecommunications networks and communications services. Fees for these services are generally billed monthly. These services are satisfied over time and revenue is recognized on a monthly basis as the customers receive and consume the benefit of the services.
Other. Other revenues include fees for collateral management, fees for trade order routing through agreements from various strategic relationships, as well as other services to members and clearing firms. Collateral management fees are charged to clearing firms that have collateral on deposit with CME to meet their minimum performance bond and guaranty fund obligations. These fees are calculated based on daily collateral balances and are billed monthly. This fee revenue is recognized as billed as the customers receive and consume the benefits of the services. Pricing for strategic relationships may be driven by customer levels and activity. There are fee arrangements which provide for monthly as well as quarterly payments in arrears. Revenue is recognized monthly for strategic relationship arrangements as the customers receive and consume the benefits of the services.










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The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest rate
 
$
288.9

 
$
254.1

 
$
627.3

 
$
533.7

Equity
 
157.3

 
124.6

 
352.3

 
247.7

Foreign exchange
 
49.1

 
44.7

 
100.2

 
90.3

Agricultural commodity
 
141.4

 
122.1

 
262.5

 
226.5

Energy
 
192.0

 
181.7

 
383.6

 
356.3

Metal
 
60.5

 
48.4

 
119.9

 
95.8

Interest rate swap and credit default swap
 
16.9

 
16.4

 
33.9

 
33.7

Total clearing and transaction fees
 
906.1

 
792.0

 
1,879.7

 
1,584.0

Market data and information services
 
113.8

 
96.1

 
208.7

 
192.9

Access and communication fees
 
26.2

 
24.9

 
52.2

 
49.2

Other
 
13.5

 
11.6

 
28.0

 
27.8

Total revenues
 
$
1,059.6

 
$
924.6

 
$
2,168.6

 
$
1,853.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timing of Revenue Recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Services transferred at a point in time
 
890.6

 
775.2

 
1,848.4

 
1,552.3

Services transferred over time
 
166.7

 
146.6

 
315.5

 
295.2

One-time charges and miscellaneous revenues
 
2.3

 
2.8

 
4.7

 
6.4

Total revenues
 
$
1,059.6

 
$
924.6

 
$
2,168.6

 
$
1,853.9

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed accounts receivable, and customer advances and deposits (contract liabilities) on the consolidated balance sheets. Certain fees for transactions, annual licenses, and other revenue arrangements are billed upfront before revenue is recognized, which results in the recognition of contract liabilities. These liabilities are reported on the consolidated balance sheets on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. For annual licenses and upfront fee arrangements, the company generally bills customers upon contract execution. These payments are recognized as revenue over time as the obligations under the contracts are satisfied. Changes in the contract liability balances during the six months ended June 30, 2018 were not materially impacted by any other factors. The balance of contract liabilities was $25.0 million and $3.9 million as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 respectively.    
4. Performance Bonds and Guaranty Fund Contributions
Performance Bonds and Guaranty Fund Contributions. CME has been designated as a systemically important financial market utility by the Financial Stability Oversight Council and is authorized to establish and maintain a cash account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. At June 30, 2018, CME maintained $27.3 billion within the cash account at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Clearing House Contract Settlement. The clearing house marks-to-market open positions for all futures and options contracts twice a day (once a day for CME's cleared-only interest rate swap contracts). Based on values derived from the mark-to-market process, the clearing house requires payments from clearing firms whose positions have lost value and makes payments to clearing firms whose positions have gained value. Under the extremely unlikely scenario of simultaneous default by every clearing firm who has open positions with unrealized losses, the maximum exposure related to positions other than cleared-only interest rate swap contracts would be one half day of changes in fair value of all open positions, before considering the clearing house's ability to access defaulting clearing firms' collateral deposits.
For CME's cleared-only interest rate swap contracts, the maximum exposure related to CME's guarantee would be one full day of changes in fair value of all open positions, before considering CME's ability to access defaulting clearing firms' collateral. CME exited the CDS clearing business in March 2018.
During the first six months of 2018, the clearing house transferred an average of approximately $3.5 billion a day through its clearing systems for settlement from clearing firms whose positions had lost value to clearing firms whose positions had gained value. The clearing house reduces its guarantee exposure through initial and maintenance performance bond requirements and

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mandatory guaranty fund contributions. The company believes that its guarantee liability is immaterial and therefore has not recorded any liability at June 30, 2018.
5. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consisted of the following at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
 
Assigned Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Book
Value
 
Assigned Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Book
Value
Amortizable Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clearing firm, market data and other customer relationships
 
$
2,838.8

 
$
(991.0
)
 
$
1,847.8

 
$
2,838.8

 
$
(943.7
)
 
$
1,895.1

Technology-related intellectual property
 
29.4

 
(29.4
)
 

 
29.4

 
(29.4
)
 

Other
 
2.4

 
(1.2
)
 
1.2

 
2.4

 
(1.2
)
 
1.2

Total amortizable intangible assets
 
$
2,870.6

 
$
(1,021.6
)
 
1,849.0

 
$
2,870.6

 
$
(974.3
)
 
1,896.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade names
 
 
 
 
 
450.0

 
 
 
 
 
450.0

Total intangible assets – other, net
 
 
 
 
 
$
2,299.0

 
 
 
 
 
$
2,346.3

Trading products (1)
 
 
 
 
 
$
17,175.3

 
 
 
 
 
$
17,175.3

(1)
Trading products represent futures and options products acquired in our business combinations with CBOT Holdings, Inc., NYMEX Holdings, Inc. and The Board of Trade of Kansas City, Missouri, Inc. Clearing and transaction fees are generated through the trading of these products. These trading products, most of which have traded for decades, require authorization from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Product authorizations from the CFTC have no term limits.
Total amortization expense for intangible assets was $23.6 million and $24.0 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Total amortization expense for intangible assets was $47.3 million and $48.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, the future estimated amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets is expected to be as follows:
(in millions)
 Amortization Expense
Remainder of 2018
$
47.3

2019
94.7

2020
94.7

2021
94.7

2022
94.7

2023
94.7

Thereafter
1,328.2


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6. Debt
In June 2018, the company completed offerings of $500.0 million of 3.75% fixed rate notes due June 2028 and $700.0 million of 4.15% fixed rate notes due June 2048. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with cash on hand, to finance the cash consideration for the proposed acquisition of NEX Group plc (NEX).
Long-term debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 
(in millions)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
$750.0 million fixed rate notes due September 2022, stated rate of 3.00% (1)
 
$
746.5

 
$
746.0

$750.0 million fixed rate notes due March 2025, stated rate of 3.00% (2)
 
745.2

 
744.9

$500.0 million fixed rate notes due June 2028, stated rate of 3.75%
 
495.7

 

$750.0 million fixed rate notes due September 2043, stated rate of 5.30% (3)
 
742.3

 
742.2

$700.0 million fixed rate notes due June 2048, stated rate of 4.15%
 
689.3

 

Total long-term debt
 
$
3,419.0

 
$
2,233.1

(1)
In August 2012, the company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement that modified the interest obligation associated with these notes so that the interest payable on the notes effectively became fixed at a rate of 3.32%.
(2)
In December 2014, the company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement that modified the interest obligation associated with these notes so that the interest payable on the notes effectively became fixed at a rate of 3.11%.
(3)
In August 2012, the company entered into a forward-starting interest rate swap agreement that modified the interest obligation associated with these notes so that the interest payable on the notes effectively became fixed at a rate of 4.73%.
Long-term debt maturities, at par value, were as follows at June 30, 2018:  
(in millions)
Par Value
2019
$

2020

2021

2022
750.0

2023

Thereafter
2,700.0

7. Contingencies
Legal and Regulatory Matters. In 2013, the CFTC filed suit against NYMEX and two former employees alleging disclosure of confidential customer information in violation of the Commodity Exchange Act. NYMEX’s motion to dismiss was denied in 2014. Based on its investigation to date and advice from legal counsel, the company believes that it has strong factual and legal defenses to the claim.
In 2003, the U.S. Futures Exchange, L.L.C. (Eurex U.S.) and U.S. Exchange Holdings, Inc. filed suit in federal court alleging that CBOT and CME violated the antitrust laws and tortuously interfered with the business relationship and contract between Eurex U.S. and The Clearing Corporation. On April 27, 2018, the Court informed the parties that it reached a preliminary decision to grant CBOT's and CME's motion for summary judgment on the antitrust claims. The Court is expected to issue a written decision finalizing that decision and dismissing the entire case. In the meantime, the previously set trial date has been vacated.
In the normal course of business, the company discusses matters with its regulators raised during regulatory examinations or otherwise subject to their inquiry and oversight. These matters could result in censures, fines, penalties or other sanctions. Management believes the outcome of any resulting actions will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, the company is unable to predict the outcome or the timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters, or the potential fines, penalties or injunctive or other equitable relief, if any, that may result from these matters.
In addition, the company is a defendant in, and has potential for, various other legal proceedings arising from its regular business activities. While the ultimate results of such proceedings against the company cannot be predicted with certainty, the

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company believes that the resolution of any of these matters on an individual or aggregate basis will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
No accrual was required for legal and regulatory matters as none were probable and estimable as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Intellectual Property Indemnifications. Certain agreements with customers and other third parties related to accessing the CME platforms, utilizing market data services and licensing CME SPAN software may contain indemnifications from intellectual property claims that may be made against them as a result of their use of the applicable products and/or services. The potential future claims relating to these indemnifications cannot be estimated and therefore no liability has been recorded.
8. Guarantees
Mutual Offset Agreement. CME and Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) have a mutual offset agreement with a current term through October 2018. This agreement enables market participants to open a futures position on one exchange and liquidate it on the other. The term of the agreement will automatically renew for a one-year period unless either party provides advance notice of their intent to terminate. CME can maintain collateral in the form of U.S. Treasury securities or irrevocable, standby letters of credit. At June 30, 2018, CME was contingently liable to SGX on letters of credit totaling $285.0 million. Regardless of the collateral, CME guarantees all cleared transactions submitted through SGX and would initiate procedures designed to satisfy these financial obligations in the event of a default, such as the use of performance bonds and guaranty fund contributions of the defaulting clearing firm. The company believes that its guarantee liability is immaterial and therefore has not recorded any liability at June 30, 2018.
Family Farmer and Rancher Protection Fund. In 2012, the company established the Family Farmer and Rancher Protection Fund (the Fund). The Fund is designed to provide payments, up to certain maximum levels, to family farmers, ranchers and other agricultural industry participants who use the company's agricultural commodity products and who suffer losses to their segregated account balances due to their CME clearing member becoming insolvent. Under the terms of the Fund, farmers and ranchers are eligible for up to $25,000 per participant. Farming and ranching cooperatives are eligible for up to $100,000 per cooperative. The Fund was established with a maximum of $100.0 million available for distribution to participants. Since its establishment, the Fund has made payments of approximately $2.0 million, which leaves $98.0 million available for future claims. If, at any time, payments due to participants were to exceed the amount remaining in the fund, payments would be pro-rated. Clearing members and customers must register with the company in advance and provide certain documentation in order to substantiate their eligibility. The company believes that its guarantee liability is immaterial and therefore has not recorded any liability at June 30, 2018.

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9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present changes in the accumulated balances for each component of other comprehensive income (loss), including current period other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
(in millions)
Investment Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Derivative Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
0.6

 
$
(36.1
)
 
$
58.0

 
$
(8.2
)
 
$
14.3

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and income tax benefit (expense)
(0.9
)
 
1.7

 

 
(0.6
)
 
0.2

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 
1.3

 
(0.6
)
 

 
0.7

Income tax benefit (expense)
0.2

 
(0.8
)
 
0.2

 

 
(0.4
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
(0.7
)
 
2.2

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
 
0.5

Impact of adoption of standards update on tax effects related to accumulated other comprehensive income
0.1

 
(8.2
)
 
11.9

 

 
3.8

Balance at June 30, 2018
$

 
$
(42.1
)
 
$
69.5

 
$
(8.8
)
 
$
18.6

(in millions)
Investment Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plans
 
Derivative Investments
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
(19.5
)
 
$
(37.8
)
 
$
58.9

 
$
(15.7
)
 
$
(14.1
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and income tax benefit (expense)
31.1

 
0.4

 

 
9.5

 
41.0

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(87.1
)
 
1.4

 
(0.6
)
 

 
(86.3
)
Income tax benefit (expense)
76.1

 
(0.7
)
 
0.2

 
(2.9
)
 
72.7

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
20.1

 
1.1

 
(0.4
)
 
6.6

 
27.4

Balance at June 30, 2017
$
0.6

 
$
(36.7
)
 
$
58.5

 
$
(9.1
)
 
$
13.3

10. Fair Value Measurements
The company uses a three-level classification hierarchy of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.
Level 1 inputs, which are considered the most reliable evidence of fair value, consist of quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 inputs consist of observable market data, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable.
Level 3 inputs consist of unobservable inputs which are derived and cannot be corroborated by market data or other entity-specific inputs.
Level 1 assets generally include investments in publicly traded mutual funds, equity securities and corporate debt securities with quoted market prices. In general, the company uses quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine the fair value of marketable securities. If quoted prices are not available to determine fair value, the company uses other inputs that are directly observable.
Level 2 assets and liabilities generally consist of asset-backed securities, equity investments and long-term debt notes. Asset-backed securities were measured at fair value based on matrix pricing using prices of similar securities with similar inputs such as maturity dates, interest rates and credit ratings. The fair values of the equity investments and long-term debt notes were based on quoted market prices.
Level 3 liabilities include a foreign exchange forward contract. The company is using the foreign exchange forward contract to mitigate certain exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuation related to the anticipated acquisition of NEX. The forward

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contract was measured at fair value based on assumptions made by management regarding expectations on the settlement date as well as directly observable market inputs, including GBP forward rates, spot rates, and discount factors. Significant changes in these observable inputs may have a material impact on the fair value of the forward contract as these amounts affect the timing and extent of cash flows under the contract. Changes to the settlement date assumption do not have a material impact on the fair value of the forward contract. Changes in fair value of this contract are recognized within other non-operating income (expense) on the consolidated statements of income.
Financial assets and liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018 were classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that was significant to each asset and liability's fair value measurement. The following table presents financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
June 30, 2018
(in millions)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets at Fair Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
$
18.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
18.5

Mutual funds
 
62.0

 

 

 
62.0

Equity securities
 
0.1

 

 

 
0.1

Asset-backed securities
 

 
0.3

 

 
0.3

Total Marketable Securities
 
80.6

 
0.3

 

 
80.9

Total Assets at Fair Value
 
$
80.6

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$
80.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities at Fair Value:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange forward contract
 
$

 
$

 
$
6.9

 
$
6.9

Total Liabilities at Fair Value
 
$

 
$

 
$
6.9

 
$
6.9

The following is a reconciliation of the level 3 liability valued at fair value on a recurring basis during the first six months of 2018:
(in millions)
Forward Contract
Fair value of liability at December 31, 2017
$

Unrealized losses included in other non-operating (income) expense
6.9

Fair Value of Liability at June 30, 2018
$
6.9

There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between level 1, level 2 and level 3 during the first six months of 2018. There were no other level 3 assets or liabilities valued at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis during the first six months of 2018. During the second quarter of 2018, the company recognized mark-to-market increases in fair value of $70.0 million related to certain privately-held equity investments based on observable market price changes for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The fair values of these investments totaled $75.4 million and were considered level 2 and nonrecurring.
The following presents the estimated fair values of long-term debt notes, which are carried at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair values, which are classified as level 2 under the fair value hierarchy, were estimated using quoted market prices. At June 30, 2018, the fair values were as follows:
(in millions)
Fair Value
$750.0 million fixed rate notes due September 2022, stated rate of 3.00% 
$
742.5

$750.0 million fixed rate notes due March 2025, stated rate of 3.00%
725.8

$500.0 million fixed rate notes due June 2028, stated rate of 3.75%
504.4

$750.0 million fixed rate notes due September 2043, stated rate of 5.30%
883.2

$700.0 million fixed rate notes due June 2048, stated rate of 4.15%
708.1


20

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11. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of all classes of CME Group common stock outstanding for each reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in shares using the treasury stock method to reflect the impact of an equivalent number of shares of common stock if stock options were exercised and restricted stock awards were converted into common stock. Anti-dilutive restricted stock and performance share awards were as follows for the periods presented:
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
(in thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Restricted stock and performance shares
7

 
70

 
9

 
71

Total
7

 
70

 
9

 
71

The following table presents the earnings per share calculation for the periods presented:
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net Income (in millions)
 
$
566.1

 
$
415.8

 
$
1,164.9

 
$
815.6

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
339,465

 
338,556

 
339,386

 
338,448

Effect of stock options, restricted stock and performance shares
 
1,407

 
1,464

 
1,452

 
1,526

Diluted
 
340,872


340,020

 
340,838

 
339,974

Earnings per Common Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.67

 
$
1.23

 
$
3.43

 
$
2.41

Diluted
 
1.66

 
1.22

 
3.42

 
2.40

12. Subsequent Events
The company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. The company has determined that there were no subsequent events.






21

Table of Contents

ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
References in this discussion and analysis to “we,” “us” and “our” are to CME Group Inc. (CME Group) and its consolidated subsidiaries, collectively. References to “exchange” are to Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. (CME), Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. (CBOT), New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (NYMEX) and Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX), collectively, unless otherwise noted.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Financial Highlights
The following summarizes significant changes in our financial performance for the periods presented.
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Total revenues
 
$
1,059.6

 
$
924.6

 
15
%
 
$
2,168.6

 
$
1,853.9

 
17
%
Total expenses
 
392.7

 
319.4

 
23

 
760.8

 
647.8

 
17

Operating margin
 
62.9
%
 
65.5
%
 
 
 
64.9
%
 
65.1
%
 
 
Non-operating income (expense)
 
$
89.9

 
$
32.1

 
181

 
$
137.7

 
$
138.2

 

Effective tax rate
 
25.2
%
 
34.7
%
 
 
 
24.6
%
 
39.3
%
 
 
Net income
 
$
566.1

 
$
415.8

 
36

 
$
1,164.9

 
$
815.6

 
43

Diluted earnings per common share
 
1.66

 
1.22

 
36

 
3.42

 
2.40

 
43

Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,347.8

 
783.4

 
72

Revenues
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(dollars in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Clearing and transaction fees
 
$
906.1

 
$
792.0

 
14
%
 
$
1,879.7

 
$
1,584.0

 
19
%
Market data and information services
 
113.8

 
96.1

 
18

 
208.7

 
192.9

 
8

Access and communication fees
 
26.2

 
24.9

 
5

 
52.2

 
49.2

 
6

Other
 
13.5

 
11.6

 
17

 
28.0

 
27.8

 
1

Total Revenues
 
$
1,059.6

 
$
924.6

 
15

 
$
2,168.6

 
$
1,853.9

 
17

Clearing and Transaction Fees
Futures and Options Contracts
The following table summarizes our total contract volume, revenue and average rate per contract for futures and options. Total contract volume includes contracts that are traded on our exchange and cleared through our clearing house and certain cleared-only contracts. Volume is measured in round turns, which is considered a completed transaction that involves a purchase and an offsetting sale of a contract. Average rate per contract is determined by dividing total clearing and transaction fees by total contract volume. Contract volume and average rate per contract disclosures exclude interest rate swaps and credit default swaps.
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Total contract volume (in millions)
 
1,175.0

 
1,036.5

 
13
%
 
2,529.4

 
2,096.6

 
21
 %
Clearing and transaction fees (in millions)
 
$
889.1

 
$
776.1

 
15

 
$
1,845.6

 
$
1,550.8

 
19

Average rate per contract
 
$
0.757

 
$
0.749

 
1

 
$
0.730

 
$
0.740

 
(1
)

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Table of Contents

We estimate the following net increases in clearing and transaction fees based on changes in total contract volumes and changes in average rate per contract for futures and options during the second quarter and first six months of 2018 when compared with the same periods in 2017. 
(in millions)
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
Increases due to changes in total contract volume
 
$
104.8

 
$
315.8

Increase (decrease) due to changes in average rate per contract
 
8.2

 
(21.0
)
Net increases in clearing and transaction fees
 
$
113.0

 
$
294.8

Average rate per contract is impacted by our rate structure, including volume-based incentives; product mix; trading venue, and the percentage of volume executed by customers who are members compared with non-member customers. Due to the relationship between average rate per contract and contract volume, the change in clearing and transaction fees attributable to changes in each is only an approximation.
Contract Volume
The following table summarizes average daily contract volume. Contract volume can be influenced by many factors, including political and economic conditions, the regulatory environment and market competition. 
 
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(amounts in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Average Daily Volume by Product Line:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
 
9,200

 
8,210

 
12
 %
 
10,541

 
8,686

 
21
 %
Equity
 
3,086

 
2,707

 
14

 
3,579

 
2,736

 
31

Foreign exchange
 
1,035

 
879

 
18

 
1,066

 
887

 
20

Agricultural commodity
 
1,734

 
1,492

 
16

 
1,665

 
1,377

 
21

Energy
 
2,630

 
2,632

 

 
2,691

 
2,565

 
5

Metal
 
674

 
533

 
27

 
693

 
522

 
33

Aggregate average daily volume
 
18,359

 
16,453

 
12

 
20,235

 
16,773

 
21

Average Daily Volume by Venue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electronic
 
16,644

 
14,582

 
14

 
18,182

 
14,763

 
23

Open outcry
 
1,066

 
1,115

 
(4
)
 
1,305

 
1,238

 
5

Privately negotiated
 
649

 
756

 
(14
)
 
748

 
772

 
(3
)
Aggregate average daily volume
 
18,359


16,453

 
12

 
20,235


16,773

 
21

Electronic Volume as a Percentage of Total Volume
 
91
%
 
89
%
 
 
 
90
%
 
88
%
 
 
Overall market volatility was higher in the first half of 2018 compared with the same period in 2017. We believe the markets continued to experience uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy in 2018. In June, the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) raised the federal funds rate for the second time in 2018, which led to volatility across multiple asset classes. During the first half of 2018, uncertainties regarding United States' trade policies and the potential for changes in tariff rates as well as the anticipation of increased United States' government spending and the potential for future inflation also contributed to ongoing market uncertainty. We believe these factors led to the overall increases in contract volumes.

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Table of Contents

Interest Rate Products
The following table summarizes average daily contract volume for our key interest rate products. Eurodollar Front 8 futures include contracts expiring in two years or less. Eurodollar Back 32 futures include contracts with expirations after two years through ten years.
  
 
Quarter Ended
June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
(amounts in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
 
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Eurodollar futures and options:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Front 8 futures
 
1,919

 
1,761

 
9
 %
 
2,350

 
1,946

 
21
%
       Back 32 futures
 
775

 
738

 
5

 
968

 
837