Third Quarter 2018 Results Compared to Third Quarter 2017
Total revenues for the third quarter of 2018 were $210.6 million compared to $183.3 million for the same period in the prior year, increasing by $27.2 million, or 14.9%. The improvement in total revenues was primarily driven by the increase in real estate brokerage commissions, which grew by 13.4% to $192.0 million. This increase in brokerage commissions was primarily due to a rise in overall sales volume generated by the increase in the number of investment sales transactions and average transaction size. Average commission rates declined due to a higher proportion of transactions from the Larger Transaction and Middle Market segments, which generate lower commission rates.
Total operating expenses for the third quarter of 2018 increased by 15.5% to $183.2 million, compared to $158.7 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily driven by a 15.8% increase in cost of services and a 14.5% increase in selling, general and administrative expense. Cost of services as a percent of total revenues increased by 50 basis points to 63.1% compared to the same period in the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2018 increased by 14.5% to $48.7 million, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to increased costs associated with (i) compensation related costs, including salaries and related benefits; (ii) stock-based compensation expense; (iii) other expense categories primarily driven by an increase in professional fees; (iv) sales and promotional marketing expenses; and (v) expansion of existing offices.
Net income for the third quarter of 2018 was $20.9 million, or $0.53 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to net income of $15.5 million, or $0.40 per common share (basic) and $0.39 per common share (diluted) for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2018 increased by 12.8% to $32.2 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $28.5 million for the same period in the prior year.
Nine Months 2018 Results Compared to Nine Months 2017
Total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $584.5 million, compared to $516.9 million for the same period in the prior year, an increase of $67.6 million, or 13.1%. Total operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 12.6% to $504.7 million compared to $448.2 million for the same period in the prior year. Cost of services as a percent of total revenues decreased to 60.6%, down 30 basis points compared to the first nine months of 2017. The Company reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $61.0 million, or $1.56 per common share (basic) and $1.55 per common share (diluted), compared with net income of $43.0 million, or $1.10 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 17.2% to $93.3 million, from $79.6 million for the same period in the prior year. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had 1,870 investment sales and financing professionals, a net gain of 113 over the prior year.
Business Outlook
We believe that the Company is positioned to gain overall market share by leveraging a number of factors, including our leading national brand predominantly within our Private Client Market segment, as well as growth opportunities in larger transactions and our financing division, Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation. The firm also benefits from its experienced management team, infrastructure investments and proprietary technology. The size and fragmentation of the Private Client Market segment continues to offer long-term growth opportunities. This market segment consistently accounts for over 80% of commercial property sales transactions and over 60% of the commission pool. The Company’s growth plan also includes further expansion into office, industrial and various specialty property types such as hospitality, self-storage and seniors housing.
Key factors likely to influence the Company’s business during the balance of 2018 include:
| • | | Volatility in market sales and investor sentiment driven by: |
| o | Slowdown in market sales in the short- tomid-term in view of a maturing cycle, rising interest rates,bid-ask spread gap between buyers and sellers and economic trends |
| o | Possible boost to investor sentiment and sales activity based on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, regulatory easing and economic initiatives which are expected to increase real estate investor demand |
| o | Possible regional legislation that promotes affordable housing may initially decrease real estate investor demand |
| • | | Experienced agents’ larger share of revenue production in a more challenging market environment, resulting in a higher average commission payout |
| • | | Volatility in the Company’s Middle and Larger Transaction Market segments |
| • | | The potential for acquisition activity and subsequent integration |
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