Financial Performance - Nasdaq reported net revenue of $1,300,000,000, a year-over-year increase of 12% [5][27] - Solutions revenues reached $991,000,000, representing a 10% year-over-year growth [5][27] - Annualized recurring revenue (ARR) grew by 9% to $2,900,000,000 [6][28] - Operating income was $721,000,000, with a 24% growth in earnings per share (EPS) [6][27] - Operating expenses increased just under 8% year-over-year, primarily due to the timing of the annual compensation cycle [6][27] Business Line Performance - Capital Access Platforms generated 9% revenue growth and 6% ARR growth [8][29] - Financial Technology delivered 10% revenue growth and 11% ARR growth, with notable segments including 19% growth in Financial Crime Management Technology [8][29] - Market Services achieved a remarkable 21% net revenue growth [9][29] Market Dynamics - The U.S. economy shows solid fundamentals, with resilient labor markets and consumer spending [7] - European GDP growth remains muted, but expectations for recovery in consumer demand are improving [7] - Investment in technology transformation is driving momentum across sectors, particularly in banking and capital markets [7] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - Nasdaq is focused on expanding its product offerings and enhancing client relationships, particularly in the data and listings business [12][90] - The company is committed to innovation, with 33 new products launched during the quarter, over half of which were international [13][75] - Nasdaq's strategic partnership with Invesco remains strong, ensuring continued collaboration on index products [13][14] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Nasdaq's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties and deliver growth through cycles [25][41] - The company anticipates continued momentum in the second half of 2025, supported by a robust sales pipeline [25][41] - Nasdaq is well-positioned to support clients in managing risks and capturing strategic opportunities [25][41] Other Important Information - Nasdaq's gross leverage ratio improved to 3.2x, exceeding milestones set during the Adzenza acquisition [40] - The company generated free cash flow of $467,000,000 in the second quarter, supporting dividends and share repurchases [39][40] - Nasdaq's efficiency program is on track, with approximately $130,000,000 actioned out of a $140,000,000 target [22][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Opportunity set for Adjentic AI - Management elaborated on the integration of AI across product development and business operations, highlighting efficiency gains and automation potential [44][46][48] Question: Sales momentum in FinTech - Management noted a healthy pipeline in FinTech, with significant growth expected from Tier one and Tier two clients in the upcoming quarters [50][54] Question: Trends in customer conversations in FinTech - Conversations normalized in May and June after initial delays due to regulatory uncertainties, leading to improved sales momentum [56][60] Question: Digital assets and market structure - Management discussed the potential for digital assets to enhance capital market efficiency and the importance of regulatory engagement [65][67][71] Question: Dynamics in the Index business - Management emphasized the focus on alpha generation and the successful launch of new products to drive investor interest [73][75] Question: Strength in FinTech and capital markets - Management attributed strong ARR growth to increased demand for connectivity services and successful upselling to existing clients [79][84] Question: Data and Listings business growth - Management highlighted strong demand for data products and an improving outlook for listings, driven by new issuances [86][90]