IG Group Holdings Revenues Up 18%

LONDON -- Shares in IG Group shot up 8% in early trade this morning to reach 565.50 pence, following the announcement of the firm's positive third-quarter figures.

Revenue was ahead in all regions, as total revenue increased 18% to 88.6 million pounds in Q3 FY2013 compared to 75.1 million pounds in the same period last year. Highlights include the U.K. seeing a rise of 15%, while the faster-growing regions of Europe and Rest of World both performed admirably at +22% and +51% respectively.

The second key performance metric, revenue per client, saw boosts across the board as well, totaling a 14% increase. The U.K. saw a 16% boost, while Rest of World soared to a 24% uplift.

This was enhanced by a relatively weak comparative quarter in Q3 FY2012, while management also pointed toward increased activity across the business as client sentiment improved in what was a very strong year overall. The financial derivatives trading company saw stronger equity markets particularly around the U.K.'s credit rating downgrade as well as the fiscal cliff negotiations in the U.S.

Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, IG Group is "mindful of the strength of the final quarter of the last year and the fact that a degree of uncertainty exists around consumer sentiment more broadly," despite its market leadership positions, cost discipline and strong balance sheet leaving it very well positioned for continuing growth.

The shares have been somewhat on a run recently, soaring from 497 pence at the beginning of March to put on 68 pence in less than two weeks. IG Group appears to thrive in uncertain economies, having seen recent boosts in particular from intra-day volatility in the major indices -- add in the current yield of 4.3%, and it could be a decent prospect as an income share.

Here at The Motley Fool, our top analysts have compiled an exclusive in-depth report about another high-income opportunity in the FTSE 100. The blue chip in question offers a 5.7% income, might be worth 850 pence versus around 740 pence now -- and has just been declared the "Motley Fool's Top Income Stock For 2013!" Just click here to download the report -- it's absolutely free.

The article IG Group Holdings Revenues Up 18% originally appeared on Fool.com.

Sam does not own shares in IG Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.