Nymex boasts record fourth quarter

Net income for the New York Mercantile Exchange increased 50% to a record $63.5 million in the fourth quarter. Total operating revenues for rose 38%, to a record high of $172.6 million. Total operating revenues for the exchange were up 35% for 2007 — $673.6 million compared with $497.2 million in 2006. Diluted earnings per share were $2.36 compared to $1.90 in 2006 based on 94.9 million and 81.5 millions shares outstanding respectively. Clearing and transaction fees rose 38%, while market data fees increased by 50%. Average daily trading volume was 1.539 million contracts, a 28% increase from the fourth quarter of 2006. Total operating expenses, excluding direct transaction costs of $23.7 million, were $40.6 million. The board of directors of the exchange approved a regular quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share to the shareholders of record as of March 3, 2008, payable on March 28 of this year. Additionally, the company announced dividends totaling $128.4 million, $1.36 per common share for the year.