Group 1 - Nasdaq's Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share on outstanding common stock [1] - The dividend is payable on September 26, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 12, 2025 [1] - Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to Board approval [1] Group 2 - Nasdaq is a leading global technology company serving various financial market participants [2] - The company aims to deliver platforms that enhance liquidity, transparency, and integrity in the global economy [2] - Nasdaq offers a diverse range of data, analytics, software, and client-centric services to help clients execute their business vision [2]

Core Insights - Nasdaq, Inc. reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with net revenue reaching $1,306 million, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year [7][8]. - The company demonstrated resilience and broad-based growth across its business segments, particularly in Market Services and Financial Technology [5][6]. Financial Performance - Solutions revenue was $991 million, up 10% year-over-year [11]. - Market Services net revenue increased by 22% to $306 million [11]. - Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) reached $2,931 million, a 10% increase compared to the same quarter last year [8]. - GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew by 103% to $0.78, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased by 24% to $0.85 [8][11]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on enhancing value for clients and shareholders through innovation and deepening client relationships via its One Nasdaq approach [6]. - Nasdaq executed well on its capital allocation priorities, repaying $400 million of senior unsecured notes and returning $155 million to shareholders through dividends and $100 million through stock repurchases [7][8]. Market Trends and Client Demand - Financial Technology segment achieved solid revenue growth, driven by robust client demand, with 57 new clients and 130 upsells in the second quarter [12]. - Index revenue grew by 17%, with $20 billion in net inflows during the quarter, bringing total assets under management to a record $745 billion [15]. Operational Efficiency - The company maintained its operating expenses at $738 million, reflecting a strategic focus on efficiency despite increased investments in technology and personnel [11]. - Nasdaq is on track to achieve its $140 million expanded net expense efficiency program by year-end, having actioned approximately $130 million as of the end of the second quarter [15].

Company Participants - The company has a diverse leadership team including the Chairman & CEO, President & CFO, and heads of various divisions such as Equities, FX, Commodities, and Fixed Income [1]. Conference Call Participants - A range of research analysts from major financial institutions participated in the conference call, indicating strong interest from the investment community [1]. Earnings Call Overview - The company held its Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, where extensive details regarding the quarter's performance were discussed [2][3]. - The executive commentary released prior to the call provided insights into the company's financial results and strategic direction for the quarter [3].

Core Insights - CME Group reported record-setting results for Q2 2025, with revenue of $1.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $2.96, both exceeding analyst expectations [1][2] - The company experienced strong growth in operating income and net income compared to the previous year, driven by product diversity and international expansion [1][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q2 2025 was $2.96, up 15.6% from $2.56 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue reached $1.7 billion, a 10.4% increase from $1.53 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Operating income rose to $1.1 billion, reflecting a 12.9% year-over-year growth [2] - Net income increased to $1.0 billion, a 16.1% rise from $883 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Clearing and transaction fees revenue was $1.4 billion, up 11.1% from $1.25 billion a year ago [2] Business Overview - CME Group operates the largest derivatives marketplace globally, offering a wide range of financial products including futures and options contracts [3] - The company provides clearing, settlement, and market data services to a diverse customer base [3] Key Success Drivers - The company's success is attributed to product diversification, technological improvements, global expansion, and effective navigation of regulatory challenges [4] - Initiatives such as new micro contracts and investments in electronic trading have been crucial for growth [4] Trading Activity - Average daily volume (ADV) reached 30.2 million contracts, a 16% increase from the prior year [5] - Growth was observed across various asset classes, with interest rate products up 20%, energy contracts up 26%, and equity index contracts up 13% [5] Retail Trader Impact - New retail user registrations surged by 57% year-over-year, significantly boosting micro product activity [6] - Average daily trading volume in micro contracts hit 4.1 million, driven by partnerships with retail platforms [6] Revenue Sources - Clearing and transaction fees, the core revenue source, grew 11% year-over-year, although the average rate per contract decreased by 2.5% to $0.690 [7] - Revenue from market data increased by 13%, supported by price hikes and subscriber growth [7] Expense Management - Total expenses rose by 5.7%, with technology spending increasing by 11% due to cloud migration efforts [8] - The company maintained capital discipline while investing in its trading platform and product initiatives [8] Global Expansion - Approximately 30% of trading volume now comes from non-U.S. customers, with international volume reaching a record 8.9 million contracts [9] - Double-digit volume growth was noted in Europe-Middle East-Africa and Asia Pacific regions, particularly in energy and agriculture futures [9] Capital Management - Dividends exceeded $3.0 billion in the first half of fiscal 2025, contributing to a total of $29.1 billion distributed since 2012 [11] - The anticipated sale of the AASTRA joint venture is expected to generate around $1.5 billion in early 2026 [11] Future Outlook - Management did not provide formal guidance but noted a 20% increase in year-to-date trading volumes compared to 2024 [12] - Areas to monitor include average rate per contract trends, technology investment returns, and the ability to attract new traders [13]

Core Insights - CME Group reported second-quarter 2025 operating income of $2.96 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.6% [1][9] - The quarterly results were bolstered by rising revenues, primarily from higher clearing and transaction fees, as well as market data and information services fees, with increased volatility driving trading volumes [1][2] Revenue Performance - CME Group's revenues reached $1.7 billion, marking a 10.4% increase year over year, driven by an 11% rise in clearing and transaction fees and a 13.2% increase in market data and information services [2] - The revenue figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [2] Expense and Operating Income - Total expenses rose by 5.8% year over year to $562.7 million, primarily due to increased compensation and benefits, technology costs, professional fees, and licensing agreements, exceeding the estimate of $513.7 million [3] - Operating income increased by 12.9% from the prior-year quarter to $1.1 billion, aligning with the estimate [3] Trading Volume - Average daily volume (ADV) reached a record 30.2 million contracts, up 16% year over year, with increases across all product lines [4][9] - The total average rate per contract was 69 cents [4] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, CME Group had $1.5 billion in cash and marketable securities, down 30.1% from the end of 2024 [5] - Long-term debt stood at $3.4 billion, reflecting a 27.7% increase from the end of 2024 [5] - Shareholders' equity was valued at $27.7 billion, up 4.7% from the end of 2024 [5] Capital Deployment - CME Group declared dividends totaling $3 billion in the first half of 2025, having returned over $29.1 billion to shareholders since the introduction of its variable dividend policy in early 2012 [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CME Group generated revenue of $1,700,000,000, up 10% from Q2 2024 [10] - Average rate per contract for the quarter was $0.69, resulting in the highest quarterly clearing and transaction fees of $1,400,000,000, up 11% year over year [10] - Adjusted operating income reached a record $1,200,000,000, up 14% year over year, with an adjusted operating margin of 71%, up from 69.1% in the same period last year [11] - Adjusted net income was $1,100,000,000, and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $2.96, both up 16% from the previous year [11] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were approximately $19,000,000, and cash at the end of the quarter was $2,200,000,000 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily volume (ADV) for the quarter was 30,200,000 contracts, a 16% increase year over year, with records in interest rates, agricultural commodities, and metals [4][5] - Financial products volume grew by 17%, while commodity sector volume grew by 15% [5] - International business had an ADV of 9,200,000 contracts per day, up 18% from the prior year, with EMEA up 15% and APAC up 30% [6] - Over 90,000 new retail traders participated in CME markets for the first time, a 56% increase compared to the same period last year [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Open interest increased by 7% from the end of Q2 2024 and 10% from year-end 2024 [5] - Nasdaq 100 futures and options trading volume climbed to more than 2,500,000 contracts per day, up 22% versus last year [7] - Record activity in gold and crypto markets, with gold up over 37% among retail and micro Bitcoin up 94% [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CME Group focuses on expanding its retail trader base and enhancing market access through partnerships with new futures brokers [6][39] - The company is optimistic about the growth of its crypto franchise and plans to continue participating in that market [33] - CME Group announced a ten-year extension of its exclusive license to offer futures and options on NASDAQ indexes, ensuring continued access to these products [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the resilience of markets amid global uncertainties, including record levels of debt and geopolitical tensions [18][20] - The company anticipates continued demand for risk management products due to macroeconomic factors [20] - Management expressed optimism about the retail segment's growth and the increasing sophistication of new traders [29][30] Other Important Information - CME Group's adjusted effective tax rate was 23.3% [11] - The company paid dividends of $455,000,000 in Q2 and approximately $3,000,000,000 over the first half of the year [11] - CME Group's total adjusted operating expenses for the year are expected to be approximately $1,635,000,000, which is $15,000,000 below prior guidance [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key drivers that can sustain strong hedging activities going into the second half? - Management noted the difficulty in predicting volumes but emphasized the need for risk management due to global uncertainties, including high debt levels and geopolitical unrest [17][20] Question: Can you discuss the recent take-up of retail traders and their trading behavior? - Management reported a significant increase in new retail traders and expressed confidence in their continued participation across various asset classes [27][29] Question: How is the company thinking about capital deployment given the cash balances? - Management stated that capital deployment strategies remain opportunistic, balancing buybacks and dividends based on market conditions [51][53] Question: Can you discuss the impact of tariffs on the physical commodities business? - Management indicated that tariffs are leading to market dislocations, creating opportunities for increased trading activity across various client segments [58][60] Question: What is the status of the trial with former floor traders? - Management refrained from commenting on pending litigation but confirmed no accruals have been made for potential damages [90] Question: What are the hurdles for bringing 24/7 trading to the marketplace? - Management acknowledged the costs associated with staffing for 24/7 trading and indicated that demand will dictate the feasibility of such an initiative [96][100] Question: How has the FX Spot Plus product performed since its launch? - Management reported strong initial performance with significant trading volume and participation from new entities, enhancing market quality [107][109]

Core Insights - CME Group Inc. is anticipated to show improvements in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of 2025, with revenue expected to reach $1.68 billion, reflecting a 9.4% year-over-year growth [1] - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is $2.90, indicating a 13.2% increase from the previous year, although this estimate has seen a downward adjustment of 5.7% to 1.3% in the last 30 days [2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter revenues is $1.68 billion, which is a 9.4% increase from the prior year [1] - The earnings estimate is $2.90 per share, with a year-over-year increase of 13.2% [2] - CME Group has an Earnings ESP of +0.93%, with the Most Accurate Estimate at $2.93, suggesting a potential earnings beat [3] Factors Influencing Performance - The second-quarter performance is expected to benefit from a diverse product portfolio, increased market volatility, and a strong market position [4] - Higher trading volumes across asset classes are likely to drive clearing and transaction fees, projected at $1.3 billion, a 7.7% increase from the previous year [5] - CME reported a record average daily volume of 30.2 million contracts, up 16% year-over-year, with international ADV reaching 9.2 million contracts, an 18% increase [6][10] Revenue Breakdown - Market data and information services revenues are expected to be $196.7 million, reflecting a 12.4% increase from the prior year, driven by price increases and higher device counts [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for market data and information services revenues is $195 million, indicating an 11.4% increase from the previous year [7] Expense Projections - Anticipated expenses for the quarter are $513.9 million, representing an 8.4% increase from the year-ago figure, primarily due to higher compensation, benefits, and technology expenses [8]

Core Insights - CME Group is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.90 per share, reflecting a 13.3% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $1.68 billion, a 9.4% increase from the previous year [1] Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Revenues- Other' to be $105.21 million, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 2.2% [4] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees' are expected to reach $1.37 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 9.5% [4] - 'Revenues- Market data and information services' are projected at $195.23 million, representing an 11.6% increase from the prior year [4] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Interest rates' are forecasted at $451.83 million, a 15% increase year-over-year [5] - 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Foreign exchange' is expected to be $51.33 million, reflecting a 0.5% increase from the previous year [5] Volume Estimates - The consensus for 'Average daily volume (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is 29.65 million, up from 25.94 million year-over-year [6] - 'Average daily volume - Metals (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is projected at 901.03 thousand, compared to 868.00 thousand in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Average daily volume - Interest rates (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is expected to reach 15.15 million, up from 12.89 million year-over-year [7] - 'Average daily volume - Equity indexes (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is estimated at 7.62 million, compared to 6.78 million in the previous year [7] - 'Average daily volume - Foreign exchange (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is projected to remain at 1.08 million, unchanged from the previous year [8] - 'Average daily volume - Energy (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is expected to be 2.95 million, up from 2.45 million year-over-year [8] - 'Average daily volume - Agricultural commodities (including NYMEX and COMEX)' is forecasted at 1.95 million, compared to 1.88 million in the same quarter last year [9] Stock Performance - Over the past month, CME shares have returned +2.1%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has seen a +5.4% change, indicating that CME is likely to perform in line with the overall market [10]

Hong Kong proposed to half the time it takes to settle stock trades to one day to align better with international and mainland Chinese standards. https://t.co/DX6Yiw8j10 ...

Market Dynamics - The UK's Labour government will establish a taskforce [1] to attract new listings to the London Stock Exchange [1]