tags today:@token_works@Rhynotic@fireplacegg (one of many cool third party social apps for PMs) and likely(dot)so (no twitter handle atm) - an analytics platform for PMs ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq reported net revenues of $1.2 billion, representing a 12.5% increase from the prior year period [9][42] - Operating income rose 17% and EPS grew 24%, benefiting from strong revenue performance and expense management [10][42] - Free cash flow for the first quarter was $674 million, supporting deleveraging and share repurchases [12][66] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital Access Platforms generated 5% ARR growth and 11% revenue growth, driven by strength in net inflows and new product innovation [10][45] - Financial Technology delivered 10% revenue growth, with ARR growth of 12%, including 21% growth for Financial Crime Management Technology [11][52] - Market Services achieved 19% net revenue growth, driven by record U.S. Cash equities and derivatives revenue [11][58] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nasdaq welcomed 45 operating companies, raising approximately $5 billion in total proceeds, with an 82% win rate for eligible operating companies [15][16] - The Index business achieved 26% revenue growth, with record average ETP AUM of $662 billion [17][47] - U.S. Cash equities markets experienced five of the six highest trading days in industry history [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Nasdaq is focused on delivering for clients despite market volatility, enhancing competitive position through diversification [8][10] - The company aims to surpass $100 million in run rate revenue from cross-sells by the end of 2027 [12] - Nasdaq is expanding its efficiency program target to $140 million, with over $100 million actioned as of the end of the first quarter [12][65] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The current operating environment is marked by market uncertainty due to changing trade policies and geopolitical tensions [7][37] - Nasdaq remains confident in its ability to deliver sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value despite macroeconomic challenges [72] - The company expects continued strong demand for its FinTech solutions, with a healthy pipeline for 2025 [57][128] Other Important Information - Nasdaq announced an enhanced partnership with AWS to modernize the global financial ecosystem [22][131] - The company repurchased $279 million in notional value of debt and $115 million in common stock during the first quarter [66][68] - Nasdaq's gross leverage ratio improved to 3.4 times at the end of the quarter, down from 3.6 times at the end of 2024 [67] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strength in the index business and structural drivers compared to 2022 - Management highlighted that the index business grew 6% during a market downturn in 2022 and has since expanded its product offerings and clientele, leading to continued growth despite market volatility [78][81] Question: Opening a regional headquarters in Texas - The decision to open a regional headquarters in Texas is driven by the need to serve a growing client base in the area, providing local presence while accessing global capital flows [88][90] Question: Acquisition priorities and M&A outlook - Management stated that the focus remains on organic growth rather than pursuing M&A opportunities, emphasizing the importance of deleveraging and shareholder returns [95][96] Question: Impact of macro headwinds on sales cycles and revenue guidance - Management acknowledged delays in client decision-making but expressed confidence in achieving revenue guidance due to strong demand across various segments [100][128] Question: Growth from SMB sales and European opportunities - The company is seeing strong demand in the SMB space and is engaging with European clients, although sales cycles are expected to be long before significant contributions are realized [114][120]