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]

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq, Inc. is expected to report first-quarter 2025 earnings on April 24, with a consensus estimate of 77 cents per share, reflecting a 22.2% year-over-year increase, driven by various factors including organic revenue growth and acquisitions [1][7]. Factors to Consider - Continued organic revenue growth, new sales, and increased revenues from Financial Crime Management Technology and the Adenza acquisition are anticipated to positively impact Nasdaq's fourth-quarter performance [2]. - Non-trading revenues are expected to benefit from improved results in Capital Access Platforms, Financial Technology, and Market Services businesses [2]. Financial Crime Management Technology - Higher value contracts, new sales, price increases for existing clients, and new customer acquisitions, especially from small and medium-sized businesses, are likely to support the Financial Crime Management Technology business [3]. Capital Markets Technology - The inclusion of revenues from Calypso due to the Adenza acquisition, along with higher trade management services revenues and market technology license and support revenues, is expected to boost the Capital Markets Technology business, with revenues projected to increase by 9% to $259.4 million [4]. Capital Access Platforms - Factors such as increased data usage, price hikes on regulated data, higher initial listing fees, new data sales, and growth in trading volume on futures contracts linked to the Nasdaq-100 Index are expected to enhance performance in the Capital Access Platforms division. The revenue estimate for this division is $1.23 billion, indicating a 10.2% increase year-over-year [5]. Expenses - Total expenses for the upcoming quarter are expected to rise due to increased compensation and benefits, professional services, technology infrastructure, and other operational costs, with non-GAAP operating expenses projected to increase by 9.2% year-over-year [6]. Volumes - Nasdaq reported a 21% year-over-year increase in U.S. equity options volume to 935 million contracts, while European options and futures volume rose by 4.6% to 15.9 million contracts. U.S. matched equity volume reached 137.5 billion shares, up 17.8% from the previous year [8][9]. Revenue Estimates - Data and listing services revenues are expected to increase by 5.8% to $196.8 million in the upcoming quarter [10]. Earnings Prediction - Nasdaq has a positive Earnings ESP of +1.32%, indicating a potential earnings beat, supported by a Zacks Rank of 3 [11][12].