Robinhood Markets 10-Q 2022-03-31

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________

FORM 10-Q

______________________

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

OR

For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File Number: 001-40691

______________________

Robinhood Markets, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________

85 Willow Rd

Menlo Park, CA 94025

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(844) 428-5411

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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 ☒ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See 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 o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer ý Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ☒

As of April 29, 2022, the numbers of shares of the issuer’s Class A and Class B common stock outstanding were 743,881,607 and 127,955,246.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Showing the first 8K of 124K characters. Open the full section

This section presents management’s perspective on our financial condition and results of operations, including performance metrics that management uses to assess company performance. The following discussion and analysis is intended to highlight and supplement data and information presented elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”), and should be read in conjunction with our interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the discussion under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in our 2021 Form 10-K. It is also intended to provide you with information that will assist you in understanding our consolidated financial statements, the changes in key items in those consolidated financial statements from year to year, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes. To the extent that this discussion describes prior performance, the descriptions relate only to the periods listed, which might not be indicative of our future financial outcomes. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”

Data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2022 has been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing at the beginning of this Quarterly Report. Results for any interim period should not be construed as an inference of what our results would be for any full fiscal year or future period.

We refer to our “users” and our “customers” interchangeably throughout this Quarterly Report to refer to individuals who hold accounts on our platform. The definition of “customer” under Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3 means any person from whom or on whose behalf a broker or dealer has received or acquired or holds funds or securities for the account of that person. However, because we do not earn consideration from users (other than Robinhood Gold Subscribers and debit card users), users are not “customers” as defined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Accordingly, our users do not meet the definition of “customer” for purposes of the accounting rules. See “—Revenue Recognition” in Note 1 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

Overview

Robinhood was founded on the belief that everyone should be welcome to participate in our financial system. We are creating a modern financial services platform for everyone, regardless of their wealth, income, or background.

Our mission is to democratize finance for all. We use mobile phone technology to provide access to the financial system in a way that is simple and convenient for our customers. We believe investing should be familiar and welcoming, with a simple design and an intuitive interface, so that customers are empowered to achieve their goals. We started with a revolutionary, bold brand and design, and the Robinhood app now makes investing approachable for millions. We pioneered commission-free stock trading with no account minimums, which the rest of the industry emulated, and we have continued to build relationships with our customers by introducing new products that further expand access to the financial system. Through these efforts, we believe we have made investing culturally relevant and understandable, and that our platform is enabling our customers to become long-term investors and take greater control of their finances.

Financial Results and Performance

With respect to the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021:

• we generated total net revenues of $299 million compared to $522 million, for a year-over-year decrease of 43%;

• we incurred a net loss of $392 million, which included $220 million of share-based compensation expense, compared to a net loss of $1.4 billion, which included expense of $1.5 billion associated with the change in fair value of convertible notes and warrants issued in February 2021;

*•*our Adjusted EBITDA was negative $143 million compared to positive $115 million;

• we had Net Cumulative Funded Accounts of 22.8 million compared to 18.0 million, for year-over-year growth of 27% as we added 7.1 million new funded accounts primarily driven by large customer interest in cryptocurrencies during the second quarter of 2021, and 0.7 million resurrected accounts, partially offset by 3.0 million churned accounts;

• we had Monthly Active Users (MAU) of 15.9 million compared to 17.7 million, for a year-over-year decrease of 10%, as we experienced high trading volumes and account sign-ups as well as high market volatility, particularly in certain sectors, during the prior period;

• we had Assets Under Custody (AUC) of $93.1 billion compared to $80.9 billion, for year-over-year growth of 15%, as result of the growth in our user base;

• we had Average Revenues Per User (ARPU) of $53 compared to $137, for a year-over-year decrease of 62%. The decreases were primarily related to lower transaction-based revenue driven by the current market environment, which had a negative impact on the number of traders and notional trading volumes in all asset classes.

For definitions of “Net Cumulative Funded Accounts”, “MAU”, “AUC” and “ARPU” please see “—Key Performance Metrics.” Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information about Adjusted EBITDA, including the definition and limitations of such measure, and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, please see “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Table of Contents

Recent Developments

Pending Acquisition of Ziglu

On April 16, 2022, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding equity of Ziglu, a U.K.-based electronic money institution and crypto-asset firm that allows customers to buy and sell eligible cryptocurrencies, earn yield via its ‘Boost’ products, pay using a debit card, and move and spend money without fees for approximately $170 million. See Note 14 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report for further information.

Workforce Reduction

Through 2020 and first half of 2021, we went through a period of hyper growth accelerated by several factors including pandemic lockdowns, low interest rates, and fiscal stimulus. From the beginning of 2020 to the end of 2021, we grew net funded accounts from 5.1 million to 22.7 million and revenue from $278 million in 2019 to $1.8 billion in 2021. To meet customer and market demands, we grew our headcount from 700 at the end of 2019 to nearly 3,900 as of March 31, 2022. This rapid headcount growth led to some duplicate roles and job functions and more layers and complexity than are optimal. As part of our efforts to improve efficiency and operating costs, increase our velocity, and ensure that we are responsive to the changing needs of our customers, we announced a reduction in force on April 26, 2022 (see Note 14 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report for further information). We also scaled back hiring plans for the remainder of 2022 and we expect headcount at year-end 2022 to be roughly flat compared with the end of 2021, as we continue to grow our workforce at a reduced rate. We will continue to accelerate our product momentum through 2022 and will retain and continue to hire excep

Showing the first 8K of 64K characters. Open the full section

Market risk generally represents the risk of loss that may result from the potential change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates and market prices. Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about these market risks is described below.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates to interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents, cash and securities segregated under federal and other regulations, deposits with clearing organizations, restricted cash, investments in debt securities and margin loans. We use a net interest

Table of Contents

sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effect that changes in interest rates might have on total net revenues. The results of the analysis based on our financial position as of March 31, 2022, indicate that a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have had a positively correlated impact of approximately 13% on total net revenues.

We also have exposure to change in interest rates related to our variable-rate credit facilities. See Note 8 to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report for further information. However, as there were no outstanding borrowings under our credit facilities as of March 31, 2022, we had limited financial exposure associated with changes in interest rates as of such date.

Our measurement of interest rate risk involves assumptions that are inherently uncertain and, as a result, our analysis might not precisely estimate the actual impact of changes in interest rates on net interest revenues. Actual results may differ from simulated results due to balance growth or decline and the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies, including changes in asset and liability mix.

Market-Related Credit Risk

We are indirectly exposed to equity securities risk in connection with securities collateralizing margin receivables, as well as risk related to our securities lending activities. We manage risk on margin and securities-based lending by requiring customers to maintain collateral in compliance with internal and, as applicable, regulatory guidelines. We monitor required margin levels daily and require our customers to deposit additional collateral, or to reduce positions, when necessary. We continuously monitor customer accounts to detect excessive concentration, large orders or positions, and other activities that indicate increased risk to us. We manage risks associated with our securities lending activities by requiring credit approvals for counterparties, by monitoring the market value of securities loaned and collateral values for securities borrowed on a daily basis, by requiring additional cash as collateral for securities loaned or return of collateral for securities borrowed when necessary, and by participating in a risk-sharing program offered through the OCC.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Table of Contents

PART II

See Item 1 of Part I, “Unaudited Financial Statements— Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies—Contingencies.”

Table of Contents

A description of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business is set forth below. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as the other information included in this Quarterly Report, including our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks or uncertainties. In that case, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of or that we currently see as immaterial might also adversely affect our business. Some statements in this Quarterly Report, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Summary of Risk Factors

Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including those described at length in the Risk Factors section below. We consider the following to be our most material risks:

• We have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and increases the risks associated with an investment in our Class A common stock.

• We have grown rapidly in recent years and we have limited operating experience at our current scale. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, including our April 2022 workforce reduction, our financial performance might suffer and our brand and company culture could be harmed.

• We might not continue to grow in line with historical rates.

• Our results of operations and other operating metrics fluctuate from quarter to quarter, which makes these metrics difficult to predict.

• We have incurred operating losses in the past and might not be profitable in the future.

• Because a majority of our revenue is transaction-based (including PFOF), factors that affect transaction-based revenue — such as reduced spreads in securities pricing, reduced levels of trading activity generally, changes in our business relationships with market makers, and any new regulation of, or any bans on, PFOF and similar practices — might result in reduced profitability, increased compliance costs, and negative publicity.

• As registered broker-dealers, we are subject to “best execution” requirements under SEC guidelines and FINRA rules. We could be penalized if we fail to comply with these requirements and these requirements might be modified in the future in a way that could harm our business.

• We might need additional capital to provide liquidity and support business growth and objectives, and this capital might not be available to us on reasonable terms, if at all, might result in stockholder dilution, or might be delayed or prohibited by applicable regulations.

• Unfavorable media coverage and other events that harm our brand and reputation could adversely affect our revenue and the size, engagement, and loyalty of our customer base.

• Our business may be harmed by changes in business, economic, or political conditions that impact global financial markets, or by a systemic market event.

Table of Contents

• Our future success depends on the continuing efforts of our key employees and our ability to attract and retain senior management and other highly skilled personnel.

• Our business is subject to extensive, complex and changing laws and regulations, and related regulatory proceedings and investigations. Changes in these laws and regulations, or our failure to comply with these laws and regulations, could harm our business.

• We have been subject to regulatory investigations, actions, and settlements and we expect to continue to be subject to such proceedings in the future, which could cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a materially adverse manner.

• We are involved in numerous litigation matters that are expensive and time consuming, and, if resolved adversely, could expose us to significant liability and reputational harm.

• We operate in highly competitive markets, and many of our competitors have greater resources than we do and may have products and services that are more appealing than ours to our current or potential customers.

• If we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers, or if our customers decrease their use of our products and services, our revenue will decline.

• If we fail to provide and monetize new and innovative products and services that are adopted by customers, our business may become less competitive and our revenue might decline.

• Our products and services rely on software and systems that are highly technical and have been, and may in the future be, subject to interruption and instability due to software errors, design defects, and other operational and technological failures, whether internal or external.

• We rely on third parties to perform some key functions, and their failure to perform those functions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

• Our business could be materially and adversely affected by a cybersecurity breach or other attack involving our computer systems or data or those of our customers or third-party service providers.

• If we do not maintain the net capital levels required by regulators, our broker-dealer business may be restricted and we may be fined or subject to other disciplinary or corrective actions.

• Our compliance and risk management policies and procedures as a regulated financial services company might not be fully effective in identifying or mitigating compliance and risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk.

• The prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile. Fluctuations in the price of various cryptocurrencies may cause uncertainty in the market and could negatively impact trading volumes of cryptocurrencies, which would adversely affect the success of our business, financial condition and results of operations.

• Our support for Crypto Wallet transfers, spending accounts, and debit card services increases the risk that our platform could be exploited to facilitate illegal payments, potentially resulting in enforcement actions, fines, and civil liability.

• Substantial future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market could result in significant dilution to our stockholders and cause the trading price of our Class A common stock to fall.

• The multi-class structure of our common stock has the effect of concentrating voting power with our founders, which limits your ability to influence the outcome of matters submitted to our

Table of Contents

stockholders for approval. In addition, the Founder Voting Agreement and any future issuances of our Class C common stock could prolong the duration of our founders’ voting control.

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and increases the risks associated with an investment in our Class A common stock.

We began operations in 2013, publicly launched our first product in 2015, and have since continued to introduce new products and services to our platform. As a result, our business model has not been fully proven and we have limited financial data that can be used to evaluate our current business and future prospects, which subjects us to a number of uncertainties, including our ability to plan for, mod

Showing the first 8K of 221K characters. Open the full section

Not applicable.

Table of Contents

The documents listed below are filed (or furnished, as noted) as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:

Table of Contents

• File number is 001-40691 except that the S-1 (and S-1/A) file number is 333-257602.

+ Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

‡ The certifications attached as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 that accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are deemed furnished and not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Robinhood Markets, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly signed this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Menlo Park, California, on May 6, 2022.