Knight Capital Group Pops after Reporting a Positive Quarter

Shares of Knight Capital Group

are seeing strength during Thursday's trading session after the company announced better than expected earnings this morning. Knight Capital Group Inc

reported a rise in its fourth-quarter earnings. Knight Capital's quarterly earnings surged to $40.2 million, or $0.43 per share, from $9.2 million, or $0.10 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue climbed 32% to $341.3 million. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.25 per share on revenue of $313 million. Commenting on the quarter, CEO Thomas M. Joyce, said, "In the fourth quarter of 2011, Knight produced strong financial results." He continued, "Consolidated revenues and pre-tax earnings rose considerably year over year despite a decline in market conditions as the quarter progressed. Market Making performed exceptionally well and again demonstrated the ability to adapt to the trading environment and deliver results. While the fourth quarter was not without its challenges, the contribution from Electronic Execution Services increased and we worked to improve profitability across products and services." Currently, shares of Knight Capital are trading about 10% higher at $13.06; up about 10% on the year.