NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. Net revenue1 in 2025 was $5.2 billion, an increase of 13% over 2024, or 12% on an adjusted2 basis. Solutions3 revenue increased 12%, or 11% on an adjusted basis.Fourth quarter 2025 net revenue was $1.4 billion, an increase of 13% on both a reported and organic basis over the fourth quarter of 2024. Solutions revenue grew 13%, or 12% on an organic basis.Annual ...

Summary of Nasdaq Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Nasdaq (NasdaqGS:NDAQ) - **Date**: November 19, 2025 - **Speaker**: Sarah, CFO of Nasdaq Key Industry Insights Generative AI (Gen AI) Impact - Nasdaq has been preparing for Gen AI for over a decade, having invested in cloud and AI technologies since 2014 and 2015 respectively [6][10] - The company emphasizes the importance of contributory data, which is unique and not easily replicable, as a competitive advantage for Gen AI applications [6][7] - Examples of contributory data include: - **Verafin**: Over $10 trillion in total assets from 2,700 banks, developed over 15 years [7] - **eVestment**: Utilized by allocators for around 89,000 strategies [7] - Gen AI applications are expected to enhance efficiency in compliance and fraud detection for banks, potentially reducing the need for human intervention in 80% of sanctions processes [8][9] Financial Performance and Growth - Nasdaq has seen a significant increase in enterprise signings for Verafin, with three times the amount of signings in the current year compared to previous periods [13] - The average contract value (ACV) of signings has doubled, indicating strong demand [13] - The cross-sell pipeline remains steady at approximately 15%, with ongoing efforts to expand into new markets, including Europe [13][14] Capital Market Technology - Nasdaq reported a 13% growth in capital market technology in Q3, driven by advancements in Gen AI across various business segments [15] - The company operates about 20 exchanges across the Nordics and the U.S., benefiting from new entrants in the digital space [19] Regulatory Technology (Reg Tech) - Nasdaq anticipates the implementation of smart regulation, which will provide clarity for clients and enhance the adoption of regulatory solutions [22][23] - The company has a strong international presence with coverage in 55 countries and 110 regulators, making it difficult for competitors to replicate [23] Data Business - Nasdaq's data business is divided into regulated data and proprietary data, with significant growth in both areas [36][37] - The company is expanding its data offerings to include local stocks from the Nordics and alpha-generating datasets for hedge funds [37][38] Tokenized Securities - Nasdaq has proposed a framework for tokenized securities that aims to enhance liquidity while maintaining investor protections [39][40] - The proposal allows for settlement options in both traditional and tokenized forms, potentially improving efficiency in capital markets [40] Cost Synergies and Expense Management - Nasdaq has exceeded its synergy guidance, achieving approximately $150 million in cost efficiencies year-to-date [41] - The company is focused on maintaining a balance between expense growth and revenue growth, with a specific emphasis on leveraging Gen AI for operational efficiencies [42] Capital Allocation Strategy - Nasdaq is prioritizing organic growth and maintaining a progressive dividend policy while considering share repurchases and debt management [45][46] - The company remains open to potential bolt-on acquisitions but emphasizes organic investments as the primary focus [46] Additional Insights - Nasdaq's brand recognition as a top global brand enhances its listings franchise, contributing to its market position [28][29] - The index business has grown significantly, with an increase in assets under management (AUM) from $100 billion in 2017 to $800 billion [30][32] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Nasdaq conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus on technology, growth, and market positioning.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq reported net revenue of $1.3 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase, with operating income rising 16% to $732 million and diluted EPS growing 19% [6][24] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) grew 9% to $3 billion, marking a significant milestone [6][25] - Operating expenses were $583 million, up 5% year-over-year, leading to an operating margin of 56% and EBITDA margin of 58%, both up 2 percentage points from the previous year [24][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital Access Platforms generated revenue of $546 million, up 8%, with ARR growth of 6% [25][31] - Financial Technology delivered revenue of $457 million, up 13%, with ARR growth of 12% [28][29] - Market Services achieved net revenue of $303 million, reflecting a 13% growth driven by elevated market volumes [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq welcomed operating companies that raised $6 billion in proceeds during the quarter, with over $14 billion raised year-to-date [10] - The index franchise recorded $91 billion in net inflows over the last 12 months, including $17 billion in the third quarter [12][26] - Nasdaq-listed securities represented 53% of total industry volume, up from 49% a year ago, indicating strong market presence [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nasdaq is focused on integrating technology and AI into its solutions, enhancing client engagement and operational efficiency [9][20] - The company aims to leverage its existing trading infrastructure to enable tokenized securities trading, reflecting a commitment to innovation in the digital asset space [20][40] - Nasdaq's strategic priorities include integrating, innovating, and accelerating growth across its diversified business segments [19][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The U.S. economy remains resilient, with mixed economic signals, but overall consumer spending has picked up [8] - Nasdaq anticipates a meaningful pickup in IPO activity in the coming quarters, supported by a robust IPO pipeline [10][11] - Management expressed confidence in achieving strategic objectives and delivering sustainable growth despite a dynamic operating environment [36] Other Important Information - Nasdaq's gross leverage ratio improved to 3.1 times, with a commitment to deleveraging and maintaining strong cash flow [34][36] - The company has surpassed its net expense efficiency target, achieving over $150 million in cost reductions [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Digital assets and growth opportunities - Management highlighted Nasdaq's involvement in the digital assets ecosystem, emphasizing the relevance of financial technology solutions as institutional interest in digital assets grows [39][40] Question: Tokenization initiative details - The tokenization proposal aims to allow investors to settle shares in a tokenized form, with ongoing collaboration with DTCC to develop settlement paths [43][45] Question: Operating expenses and future spending - Management indicated that ongoing investments are embedded in the guidance for the year, with a consistent trajectory expected [52][53] Question: Financial crime management business performance - Management acknowledged variability in ARR growth due to implementation phases for new enterprise clients but expressed confidence in future growth [58][59] Question: Capital markets technology momentum - Strong demand for connectivity services and robust client engagement were noted as key drivers of growth in capital markets technology [64] Question: AI's impact on revenue and expenses - Management sees AI as an opportunity to drive efficiency and enhance client experiences, with a focus on product development and automation [66][70] Question: BioCatch partnership and Verafin's platform potential - Management views Verafin as a platform with the ability to integrate modern APIs, enhancing its capabilities in the anti-financial crime space [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq reported net revenue of $1.3 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase, with operating income rising 16% to $732 million and diluted EPS growing by 19% [6][24][36] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) grew 9% to $3 billion, marking a significant milestone [6][25] - Operating expenses were $583 million, up 5% year-over-year, leading to an operating margin of 56% and EBITDA margin of 58%, both up 2 percentage points from the previous year [24][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital Access Platforms generated revenue of $546 million, up 8%, with ARR growth of 6% [25][31] - Financial Technology delivered revenue of $457 million, up 13%, with ARR growth of 12% [28][29] - Market Services achieved net revenue of $303 million, reflecting a 13% growth driven by elevated market volumes [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq welcomed operating companies that raised $6 billion in proceeds during the quarter, with over $14 billion raised year-to-date [10] - The index franchise recorded $91 billion in net inflows over the last 12 months, with $17 billion in the third quarter [12][26] - Nasdaq-listed securities represented 53% of total industry volume, up from 49% a year ago, indicating strong market presence [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nasdaq is focused on integrating technology and AI into its solutions, enhancing its competitive position and providing value to clients [9][20] - The company aims to leverage its existing trading infrastructure to enable tokenized securities trading, reflecting a commitment to innovation in the digital asset space [20][40] - Nasdaq's strategic priorities include Integrate, Innovate, and Accelerate, with a focus on cross-selling and enhancing client engagement [19][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The U.S. economy remains resilient, with mixed economic signals, but overall consumer spending has picked up [8] - Nasdaq anticipates a meaningful pickup in IPO activity in the coming quarters, supported by a robust IPO pipeline [10][11] - Management expressed confidence in achieving strategic objectives and delivering sustainable growth despite a dynamic operating environment [36] Other Important Information - Nasdaq's gross leverage ratio improved to 3.1x, with a commitment to deleveraging and maintaining strong cash flow [34][36] - The company completed the sale of Nasdaq Solovis, which was deemed not a strategic fit, allowing for a more focused portfolio [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Digital assets and growth opportunities - Management highlighted Nasdaq's long-standing involvement in the digital assets ecosystem and the relevance of its financial technology solutions as institutional interest in digital assets grows [39][40] Question: Tokenization proposal details - The tokenization initiative aims to allow investors to settle orders in a tokenized form, with collaboration with DTCC for settlement paths [44][46] Question: Operating expenses and 2026 outlook - Management indicated a consistent trajectory in operating expenses, aligned with strong revenue growth and ongoing investments in technology [52][53] Question: Financial crime management business performance - Management acknowledged variability in ARR growth due to implementation phases for new enterprise clients but expressed confidence in future growth [58][60] Question: Capital markets technology momentum - Strong demand for connectivity services and data center growth were noted as key drivers for the Capital Markets Technology business [62][64] Question: AI's impact on revenue synergy targets - Management confirmed that AI solutions are expected to accelerate cross-sell efforts and enhance client workflows, supporting revenue synergy targets [75][76] Question: BioCatch partnership implications - The partnership with BioCatch is seen as a strategic move to enhance Verafin's platform capabilities and expand its market reach [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq reported net revenue of $1.3 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase, with solutions revenue exceeding $1 billion for the first time, reflecting a 10% growth [6][31] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) grew 9% to $3 billion, with operating income increasing by 16% to $732 million and diluted EPS growing by 19% [7][32] - Operating expenses were $583 million, up 5% year-over-year, leading to an operating margin of 56% and EBITDA margin of 58%, both up two percentage points from the prior year [32][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital Access Platforms generated 8% revenue growth and 6% ARR growth, with Data and Listings revenue up 6% and Index revenue up 13% [10][33] - Financial Technology delivered 13% revenue growth and 12% ARR growth, with Financial Crime Management Technology revenue growing 22% and Regulatory Technology revenue up 9% [17][36] - Market Services achieved 13% net revenue growth, driven by elevated volumes in U.S. Options and U.S. Equities [21][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq's listed securities represented 53% of total industry volume, up from 49% a year ago, indicating strong market position [24] - The U.S. economy remains resilient, with solid consumer spending and corporate investment in technology and AI contributing to growth [8][9] - European growth remains subdued, but expectations for recovery and renewed investments are improving the outlook [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nasdaq is focused on integrating, innovating, and accelerating its technology platform, with a strong emphasis on AI and digital assets [25][29] - The company aims to enhance its competitive position through AI-enabled solutions and partnerships, particularly in financial crime management and regulatory technology [27][90] - Nasdaq's strategy includes expanding its digital asset offerings and exploring tokenization of securities to enhance market efficiency [50][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Nasdaq's ability to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value, despite mixed economic signals [8][30] - The company anticipates a meaningful pickup in IPO activity, supported by a robust IPO pipeline and favorable market conditions [12][30] - Management highlighted the importance of understanding the regulatory landscape for digital assets and the potential for growth in this area [52] Other Important Information - Nasdaq completed the sale of Nasdaq Solovus to Insight Partners, indicating a strategic focus on core business areas [17] - The company achieved a gross leverage ratio of 3.1 times at quarter end, with an upgrade in its senior unsecured debt rating from BBB to BBB+ [24][44] - Nasdaq generated free cash flow of $516 million in the third quarter, supporting dividends, deleveraging, and share repurchases [43][44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Digital assets and growth opportunities - Management discussed Nasdaq's involvement in the digital assets ecosystem and the relevance of its FinTech solutions as institutional interest in digital assets grows [48][50] Question: Tokenization proposal details - Management provided a high-level overview of the tokenization filing, explaining how investors could flag orders for tokenized settlements [54][56] Question: 2026 outlook and OpEx growth - Management indicated that ongoing investments are embedded in the guidance for the year, with a consistent trajectory expected [62][68] Question: Financial Crime Management Technology performance - Management noted robust sales in the SMB space and highlighted the potential for growth through partnerships and new AI capabilities [70][72] Question: Capital Markets Technology momentum - Management reported strong demand for connectivity services and data center growth, indicating a healthy environment for the business [78][80] Question: AI's impact on revenue synergy targets - Management confirmed that AI solutions are expected to accelerate revenue synergy targets, with a strong pipeline of cross-sell opportunities [92][94]

Core Insights - Nasdaq, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, with net revenue reaching $1.3 billion, a 15% increase year-over-year, and 11% organic growth [2][8][11] - Solutions revenue surpassed $1 billion for the first time, contributing to an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $3 billion, reflecting a 10% increase year-over-year [5][8] - The company achieved significant milestones in operational efficiency and shareholder returns, including $155 million returned through dividends and $115 million in stock repurchases [6][8] Financial Performance - Total net revenue for Q3 2025 was $1,315 million, up 15% from Q3 2024, with organic growth of 11% [2][11] - Solutions revenue was $1,003 million, a 15% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 10% [2][11] - Market Services net revenue reached $303 million, reflecting a 14% increase year-over-year, or 13% on an organic basis [2][11] - GAAP diluted EPS grew by 38% to $0.73, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased by 19% to $0.88 [2][11] Strategic Developments - Nasdaq extended its leadership in listings, welcoming the largest European IPO since 2022, and raised over $14 billion year-to-date in the U.S. listings franchise [15] - The company launched 30 new Index products in Q3, including 18 international products, contributing to record levels of assets under management (AUM) exceeding $800 billion [13][15] - Nasdaq's strategic priorities focus on integrating, innovating, and accelerating growth, with over $150 million in cost reductions achieved [15] Business Segments - Financial Technology revenue increased by 23% to $457 million, with a 12% increase in annualized SaaS revenue, representing 38% of ARR [8][12] - Capital Access Platforms revenue was $546 million, up 9% year-over-year, driven by strong demand in data and listing services [11][29] - Market Services revenues were $946 million, with transaction-based expenses impacting net revenue [29] Expense Management - GAAP operating expenses for Q3 2025 were $729 million, a 4% increase year-over-year, primarily due to higher compensation and technology investments [11][12] - Non-GAAP operating expenses were $583 million, reflecting a 5% organic increase driven by investments in technology and personnel [11][12] - The company updated its 2025 non-GAAP operating expense guidance to a range of $2,305 million to $2,335 million [9]

Core Insights - Gemini's shares opened at $41, reflecting a 45% increase from the IPO price of $28, which valued the company at approximately $3.3 billion [1] - The company raised $425 million by selling 15.2 million shares, despite reporting a net loss of $283 million in the first half of the year [1] - Gemini secured a $50 million strategic investment from Nasdaq to enhance its crypto custody services for institutional clients [2] Financial Performance - Gemini reported a net loss of $283 million in H1 2024, following a total loss of $159 million for the entire year of 2024 [1] - The IPO was priced above initial expectations, indicating strong market interest despite the company's financial losses [2] Market Context - The IPO of Gemini is part of a trend where other crypto-native platforms like Circle, Bullish, eToro, and Figure Technologies have also gone public this year [3] - The capital market for crypto firms appears to be thriving, supported by favorable U.S. regulatory actions [3]

Financial Performance - Nasdaq's net revenue for 2Q25 was $1306 million, a 13% increase year-over-year[17] - Solutions revenue reached $991 million, up 10% year-over-year[17] - Non-GAAP operating income was $721 million, a 16% increase year-over-year[17] - Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased by 24% year-over-year to $085[17] - Annualized SaaS revenues grew by 13% year-over-year to $1098 million[17] - Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased by 10% year-over-year to $2931 million[17] Segment Highlights - Index ETP AUM reached a record level of $745 billion at quarter-end, bolstered by $88 billion in net inflows over the trailing twelve months[13] - Capital Access Platforms revenue grew organically by 9% year-over-year[38] - Financial Technology revenue grew organically by 10% year-over-year[38] - Market Services net revenue increased by 21% year-over-year to $306 million[70]

Nasdaq (NDAQ) 2025 Conference Summary Industry Overview - Nasdaq is a global exchange operator that has been transforming its business model to become a technology and platform provider for corporates, investment managers, and financial institutions [2][3] Key Points and Arguments Market Dynamics - The first half of 2025 has seen significant market volatility, with record volumes in equity options in April, followed by normalization in May [5][6] - Nasdaq reported record-breaking statistics on trading volumes, including 100 million options contracts and 31 billion shares in equities on Liberation Day [8] - The exchange managed over 550 billion messages in a single day, showcasing its operational resilience [10] - The Nasdaq index has shown a recovery, up 2.5% year-to-date after being down 20% earlier [12] - European markets, which Nasdaq operates in, are outperforming U.S. markets, indicating strong performance across its international operations [13] Retail Participation - Retail participation in the markets remains strong, particularly in equities and options, with foreign retail ownership of U.S. equities doubling over the past five years [14][15] - Retail investors are described as more sophisticated, utilizing better tools and information compared to previous years [16] 24/5 Trading Initiative - Nasdaq plans to launch 24/5 trading by the second half of 2026, driven by demand from retail investors, particularly from North Asia [17][18] - The initiative aims to harmonize trading hours across exchanges while ensuring market integrity and transparency [19][20] - Operational challenges include staffing, managing corporate actions, and ensuring liquidity during extended trading hours [27][28] Strategic Pivot Towards Information Services - Nasdaq has been pivoting towards information services since 2017, focusing on financial technology and risk management solutions [29][30] - The company has made several acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including regulatory technology and financial crime management solutions [34] - Nasdaq aims to be a trusted partner for clients, helping them navigate increasing complexity in the financial landscape [33] Demand for Regulatory and Risk Management Solutions - Acxiom, a regulatory technology solution, is positioned to capitalize on global modernization efforts in banking systems [41][42] - Surveillance solutions are benefiting from increased trading activity in crypto and heightened regulatory scrutiny across asset classes [44][45] AI Integration - Nasdaq is embedding AI capabilities into its products, such as the XVA accelerator in Calypso, which significantly reduces computation time for complex derivatives [61][65] - AI is expected to enhance both product offerings and operational efficiencies, improving client satisfaction [62] Digital Assets Strategy - Nasdaq is actively involved in the digital asset space, offering trading and surveillance technology, and listing ETFs related to crypto [70] - The company sees opportunities in collateral management for digital assets, aiming to integrate traditional finance with digital rails [72][74] Other Important Insights - Nasdaq's operational resilience has been tested during periods of high volatility, and the company has successfully managed record trading volumes [10][11] - The strategic focus on technology and information services positions Nasdaq well for future growth in a rapidly evolving financial landscape [34][35] - The integration of AI and digital asset strategies reflects Nasdaq's commitment to innovation and adapting to market demands [61][70]

Core Insights - Nasdaq, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, highlighting resilience and growth across all divisions despite a rapidly changing environment [2][3][5] Financial Performance - Net revenue for Q1 2025 was $1,237 million, an increase of 11% year-over-year, with adjusted net revenue growth of 12.5% [5][6] - Solutions revenue reached $947 million, up 9% year-over-year, and 11% on an adjusted basis, driven by strong growth in Index and Financial Technology [5][6] - Market Services net revenue was $281 million, reflecting a 19% increase compared to the previous year [10] - Non-GAAP operating income was $682 million, a 15% increase year-over-year, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 55% [40] - GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew 69% to $0.68, while non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 24% to $0.79 [5][29] Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) - ARR for Q1 2025 was $2,831 million, an 8% increase year-over-year, with organic growth of 9% [5][6] - Financial Technology ARR grew 12% on an organic basis, indicating strong client engagement and product adoption [11] Strategic Initiatives - Nasdaq is focused on capital allocation strategies, including investing in organic growth, reducing debt, and share repurchases, returning $138 million to shareholders through dividends and $115 million through stock repurchases in Q1 2025 [3][10] - The company aims to enhance its market access with plans for 24/5 trading by 2026, pending regulatory approval [14] - Nasdaq's partnership with Amazon Web Services aims to provide new cloud-based solutions, enhancing its Financial Technology and Market Services divisions [14] Market Position and Client Engagement - Nasdaq maintained its leadership in listings, welcoming 45 operating company listings that raised nearly $5 billion in proceeds during the quarter [14] - The company achieved record cash equities and derivatives volumes in the U.S., with significant market share growth [14] - Nasdaq Verafin's Co-Pilot tool usage grew by 20% sequentially, demonstrating the value of its innovative solutions [14]