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Nasdaq Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results; Fourth Consecutive Quarter of Double-Digit Solutions Revenue Growth

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024.

Third Quarter 2024 Highlights

(US$ millions, except per share) 3Q24 Change %
(YoY)
Organic change % (YoY) Pro forma change % (YoY)
GAAP Solutions Revenue $872 26%    
Non-GAAP Solutions Revenue $906 31% 9% 10%
Market Services Net Revenue $266 13% 13%  
GAAP Net Revenue* $1,146 22%    
Non-GAAP Net Revenue* $1,180 26% 10% 10%
GAAP Operating Income $448 4%    
Non-GAAP Operating Income $637 30% 12% 14%
ARR $2,736 31% 7% 8%
GAAP Diluted EPS $0.53 (11)%    
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS $0.74 5% 20%  

Note: The period over period percentages are calculated based on exact dollars, and therefore may not agree to a recalculation based on rounded numbers shown in the table above. Pro forma results are not calculated in a manner consistent with the pro forma requirements in Article 11 of Regulation S-X. Refer to the footnotes below for further discussion.

*Net revenues includes $8 million of Other Revenues, which reflect revenues associated with the European power trading and clearing business.

Adena Friedman, Chair and CEO said, “Nasdaq delivered its fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit Solutions growth with strong overall quarterly performance.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Adenza acquisition, I am proud of our progress to date and excited about driving even greater value for our clients and shareholders.

The integration continues seamlessly. Through our One Nasdaq strategy we are deepening our partnerships with clients across the financial system and unlocking opportunities for sustained and scalable growth.”

Sarah Youngwood, Executive Vice President and CFO said, “Nasdaq’s performance continues to reflect the quality and diversity of our platforms, driving strong growth across the business with particular strength in Index and Financial Technology.

We are continuing to deliver ahead on deleveraging and synergies and are benefiting from significant operating leverage.

Looking ahead, we remain well positioned to execute on our next phase of sustainable growth.”

FINANCIAL REVIEW

2024 EXPENSE AND TAX GUIDANCE UPDATE6

STRATEGIC AND BUSINESS UPDATES

____________
1 Represents revenue less transaction-based expenses.
2 Refer to our reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP Solutions revenue, net revenue, net income attributable to Nasdaq, diluted earnings per share, operating income, operating expenses and organic impacts included in the attached schedules.
3 Pro forma results are presented assuming AxiomSL and Calypso were included in the prior year quarterly results and revenue for AxiomSL on-premises contracts were recognized ratably for all of 2023 and 2024. Pro forma growth excludes the impacts of foreign currency except for AxiomSL and Calypso, which are not yet calculated on an organic basis. These pro forma results are not calculated, and do not intend to be calculated, in a manner consistent with the pro forma requirements in Article 11 of Regulation S-X. Preparation of this information in accordance with Article 11 would differ from results presented in this release.
4 Constitutes revenue from our Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology segments.
5 Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) for a given period is the current annualized value derived from subscription contracts with a defined contract value. This excludes contracts that are not recurring, are one-time in nature or where the contract value fluctuates based on defined metrics. ARR is currently one of our key performance metrics to assess the health and trajectory of our recurring business. ARR does not have any standardized definition and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. For AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts, the amount included in ARR is consistent with the amount that we invoice the customer during the current period. Additionally, for AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts that include annual values that increase over time, we include in ARR only the annualized value of components of the contract that are considered active as of the date of the ARR calculation. We do not include the future committed increases in the contract value as of the date of the ARR calculation. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
6 U.S. GAAP operating expense and tax rate guidance are not provided due to the inherent difficulty in quantifying certain amounts due to a variety of factors including the unpredictability in the movement in foreign currency rates, as well as future charges or reversals outside of the normal course of business.
7 Gross Retention: ARR in the current period over ARR in the prior year period for existing customers excluding price increases and upsells and excluding new customers.
8 Net Retention: ARR in the current period over ARR in the prior year period for existing customers including price increases and upsells and excluding new customers.

ABOUT NASDAQ

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

NON-GAAP INFORMATION

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Nasdaq also discloses certain non-GAAP results of operations, including, but not limited to, non-GAAP Solutions revenue, non-GAAP net revenue, non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP operating expenses, that include certain adjustments or exclude certain charges and gains that are described in the reconciliation table of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP information provided at the end of this release. Management uses this non-GAAP information internally, along with U.S. GAAP information, in evaluating our performance and in making financial and operational decisions. We believe our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we believe the presentation of these measures is useful to investors for period-to-period comparisons of results as the items described below in the reconciliation tables do not reflect ongoing operating performance.

These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, U.S. GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces their usefulness as a comparative measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure when evaluating our business. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for our operating results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recommend investors review the U.S. GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release. When viewed in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations, we believe these non-GAAP measures provide greater transparency and a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than U.S. GAAP measures alone.

We understand that analysts and investors regularly rely on non-GAAP financial measures, such as those noted above, to assess operating performance. We use these measures because they highlight trends more clearly in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on U.S. GAAP financial measures, since these measures eliminate from our results specific financial items that have less bearing on our ongoing operating performance.

Organic revenue and expense growth, organic change and organic impact are non-GAAP measures that reflect adjustments for: (i) the impact of period-over-period changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and (ii) the revenue, expenses and operating income associated with acquisitions and divestitures for the twelve month period following the date of the acquisition or divestiture. Reconciliations of these measures are described within the body of this release or in the reconciliation tables at the end of this release.

Foreign exchange impact: In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, revenue and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates. Certain discussions in this release isolate the impact of year-over-year foreign currency fluctuations to better measure the comparability of operating results between periods. Operating results excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations are calculated by translating the current period’s results by the prior period’s exchange rates.

Restructuring programs: In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the closing of the Adenza acquisition, our management approved, committed to and initiated a restructuring program, “Adenza Restructuring” to optimize our efficiencies as a combined organization. In connection with this program, we expect to incur pre-tax charges principally related to employee-related costs, contract terminations, real estate impairments and other related costs. We expect to achieve benefits primarily in the form of expense and revenue synergies. In October 2022, following our September announcement to realign our segments and leadership, we initiated a divisional alignment program with a focus on realizing the full potential of this structure. In connection with the program, we expect to incur pre-tax charges principally related to employee-related costs, consulting, asset impairments and contract terminations over a two-year period. We expect to achieve benefits in the form of both increased customer engagement and operating efficiencies. Costs related to the Adenza restructuring and the divisional alignment programs are recorded as “restructuring charges” in our consolidated statements of income. We exclude charges associated with these programs for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, dividend program, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models or implement our new corporate structure, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, environmental, deleveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, geopolitical instability, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition. Further information on these and other factors are detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

WEBSITE DISCLOSURE

Nasdaq intends to use its website, ir.nasdaq.com, as a means for disclosing material non-public information and for complying with SEC Regulation FD and other disclosure obligations.

Media Relations Contact   Investor Relations Contact  
Nick Jannuzzi   Ato Garrett
973.760.1741   212.401.8737
nicholas.jannuzzi.@nasdaq.com   ato.garrett@nasdaq.com

 

NDAQF

 
Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
           
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
  September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
    2024       2023       2024       2023  
                 
Revenues:              
Capital Access Platforms $ 501     $ 456     $ 1,460     $ 1,309  
Financial Technology   371       238       1,183       700  
Market Services   1,022       747       2,700       2,378  
Other Revenues   8       10       27       30  
  Total revenues   1,902       1,451       5,370       4,417  
Transaction-based expenses:              
Transaction rebates   (513 )     (447 )     (1,478 )     (1,377 )
Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees   (243 )     (64 )     (470 )     (262 )
Revenues less transaction-based expenses   1,146       940       3,422       2,778  
               
Operating Expenses:              
Compensation and benefits   332       260       1,000       777  
Professional and contract services   36       31       108       92  
Technology and communication infrastructure   71       58       207       168  
Occupancy   28       28       85       99  
General, administrative and other   26       26       84       62  
Marketing and advertising   11       12       34       30  
Depreciation and amortization   153       64       460       198  
Regulatory   9       9       37       27  
Merger and strategic initiatives   10       4       23       51  
Restructuring charges   22       17       103       49  
  Total operating expenses   698       509       2,141       1,553  
Operating income   448       431       1,281       1,225  
Interest income   8       72       20       86  
Interest expense   (102 )     (101 )     (313 )     (174 )
Other income (loss)   1       1       15       (6 )
Net income (loss) from unconsolidated investees   1       (12 )     7       (8 )
Income before income taxes   356       391       1,010       1,123  
Income tax provision   51       97       250       262  
Net income   305       294       760       861  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests   1             2       1  
Net income attributable to Nasdaq $ 306     $ 294     $ 762     $ 862  
               
Per share information:              
Basic earnings per share $ 0.53     $ 0.60     $ 1.32     $ 1.76  
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.53     $ 0.60     $ 1.32     $ 1.74  
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.24     $ 0.22     $ 0.70     $ 0.64  
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding              
for earnings per share:              
Basic   575.1       491.3       575.6       490.7  
Diluted   579.0       494.1       579.0       494.2  
                 
Nasdaq, Inc.
Revenue Detail
(in millions)
(unaudited)
                 
        Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
        September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
          2024       2023       2024       2023  
                     
CAPITAL ACCESS PLATFORMS              
  Data and Listing Services revenues $ 190     $ 188     $ 562     $ 559  
  Index revenues   182       144       517       383  
  Workflow and Insights revenues   129       124       381       367  
    Total Capital Access Platforms revenues   501       456       1,460       1,309  
                     
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY              
  Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   69       58       200       163  
  Regulatory Technology revenues   68       35       253       102  
  Capital Markets Technology revenues   234       145       730       435  
    Total Financial Technology revenues   371       238       1,183       700  
                     
MARKET SERVICES              
  Market Services revenues   1,022       747       2,700       2,378  
  Transaction-based expenses:              
      Transaction rebates   (513 )     (447 )     (1,478 )     (1,377 )
      Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees   (243 )     (64 )     (470 )     (262 )
    Total Market Services revenues, net   266       236       752       739  
                     
OTHER REVENUES   8       10       27       30  
                     
REVENUES LESS TRANSACTION-BASED EXPENSES $ 1,146     $ 940     $ 3,422     $ 2,778  
                     
                     
Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions)
           
      September 30,   December 31,
        2024       2023  
Assets   (unaudited)    
Current assets:        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 266     $ 453  
  Restricted cash and cash equivalents     42       20  
  Default funds and margin deposits     5,865       7,275  
  Financial investments     202       188  
  Receivables, net     944       929  
  Other current assets     239       231  
Total current assets     7,558       9,096  
Property and equipment, net     584       576  
Goodwill     14,165       14,112  
Intangible assets, net     7,072       7,443  
Operating lease assets     388       402  
Other non-current assets     793       665  
Total assets   $ 30,560     $ 32,294  
           
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 289     $ 332  
  Section 31 fees payable to SEC     74       84  
  Accrued personnel costs     314       303  
  Deferred revenue     663       594  
  Other current liabilities     229       146  
  Default funds and margin deposits     5,865       7,275  
  Short-term debt     499       291  
Total current liabilities     7,933       9,025  
Long-term debt     9,359       10,163  
Deferred tax liabilities, net     1,566       1,642  
Operating lease liabilities     399       417  
Other non-current liabilities     222       220  
Total liabilities     19,479       21,467  
         
Commitments and contingencies        
Equity        
Nasdaq stockholders’ equity:        
  Common stock     6       6  
  Additional paid-in capital     5,477       5,496  
  Common stock in treasury, at cost     (643 )     (587 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,952 )     (1,924 )
  Retained earnings     8,184       7,825  
Total Nasdaq stockholders’ equity     11,072       10,816  
  Noncontrolling interests     9       11  
Total equity     11,081       10,827  
Total liabilities and equity   $ 30,560     $ 32,294  
           
           
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Nasdaq and Diluted Earnings Per Share
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
                   
               
       Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq   $ 306     $ 294     $ 762     $ 862  
Non-GAAP adjustments:                
  Adenza purchase accounting adjustment (1)     34             34        
  Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (2)     122       37       366       112  
  Merger and strategic initiatives expense (3)     10       4       23       51  
  Restructuring charges (4)     22       17       103       49  
  Lease asset impairments (5)                       24  
  Net (income) loss from unconsolidated investees (6)     (1 )     12       (7 )     8  
  Legal and regulatory matters (7)                 16       (10 )
  Pension settlement charge (8)                 23        
  Other (income) loss (9)     1       9       (8 )     17  
  Total non-GAAP adjustments     188       79       550       251  
  Non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision (10)     (65 )     (24 )     (151 )     (76 )
  Tax on intra-group transfer of intellectual property assets (11)                 33        
  Total non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax     123       55       432       175  
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq   $ 429     $ 349     $ 1,194     $ 1,037  
                   
U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share   $ 0.53     $ 0.60     $ 1.32     $ 1.74  
  Total adjustments from non-GAAP net income above     0.21       0.11       0.74       0.36  
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share   $ 0.74     $ 0.71     $ 2.06     $ 2.10  
                   
Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding for earnings per share:     579.0       494.1       579.0       494.2  
                   
                   
(1) During the third quarter of 2024, as part of finalizing the purchase accounting of the Adenza acquisition, we implemented a change to the accounting treatment of the revenues associated with AxiomSL on-premises subscription contracts, which are included in the Regulatory Technology business within the Financial Technology segment. Starting in the third quarter of 2024, we began recognizing AxiomSL’s subscription-based revenues on a ratable basis over the contract term. As a result of this change, we recognized a one-time revenue reduction of $32 million in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the net impact of the accounting change since the date of the Adenza acquisition. The adjustment of $34 million reflects the prior year impact of this change.
       
(2) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
       
(3) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs. The frequency and amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, these costs primarily relate to the Adenza acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by a termination payment recognized in the second quarter of 2024 relating to the proposed divestiture of our Nordic power trading and clearing business.
                   
(4) In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the closing of the Adenza acquisition, our management approved, committed to and initiated a restructuring program, “Adenza Restructuring” to optimize our efficiencies as a combined organization. In connection with this program, we expect to incur pre-tax charges principally related to employee-related costs, contract terminations, real estate impairments and other related costs. We expect to achieve benefits primarily in the form of expense and revenue synergies. In October 2022, following our September 2022 announcement to realign our segments and leadership, we initiated a divisional alignment program with a focus on realizing the full potential of this structure. In September 2024, we completed our divisional alignment program and recognized total pre-tax charges of $139 million over a two-year period.
                   
(5) During the first quarter of 2023, we initiated a review of our real estate and facility capacity requirements due to our new and evolving work models. As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded impairment charges related to our operating lease assets and leasehold improvements associated with vacating certain leased office space, which are recorded in occupancy expense and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(6) We exclude our share of the earnings and losses of our equity method investments. This provides a more meaningful analysis of Nasdaq’s ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods.
                   
(7) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, or SFSA, fine and accruals related to certain legal matters. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, these items primarily included insurance recoveries related to legal matters. The fine is recorded in regulatory expense and the accruals and insurance recoveries are recorded in professional and contract services and general, administrative and other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(8) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax loss as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The pre-tax loss is recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(9) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, other items primarily include net gains from strategic investments entered into through our corporate venture program, which are included in other income (loss) in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(10) The non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision primarily includes the tax impact of each non-GAAP adjustment.
                   
(11) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the completion of an intra-group transfer of intellectual property assets to U.S. headquarters resulted in a net tax expense of $33 million.
                   
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Revenues Less Transaction-Based Expenses
(in millions)
(unaudited)
               
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
  September 30, 2024   September 30, 2024
  U.S. GAAP Revenues Less Transaction-Based Expenses Adenza purchase accounting adjustment (1) Non-GAAP Revenues Less Transaction-Based Expenses   U.S. GAAP Revenues Less Transaction-Based Expenses Adenza purchase accounting adjustment (1) Non-GAAP Revenues Less Transaction-Based Expenses
CAPITAL ACCESS PLATFORMS $ 501 $ $ 501   $ 1,460 $ 1,460
               
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY              
Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   69     69     200   200
Regulatory Technology revenues (1)   68   34   102     253   34 287
Capital Markets Technology revenues   234     234     730   730
Total Financial Technology revenues   371   34   405     1,183   34 1,217
SOLUTIONS REVENUES   872   34   906     2,643   34 2,677
               
MARKET SERVICES REVENUES, NET   266     266     752   752
OTHER REVENUES   8     8     27   27
REVENUES LESS TRANSACTION-BASED EXPENSES $ 1,146 $ 34 $ 1,180   $ 3,422 $ 34 3,456
               
(1) During the third quarter of 2024, as part of finalizing the purchase accounting of the Adenza acquisition, we implemented a change to the accounting treatment of the revenues associated with AxiomSL on-premises subscription contracts, which are included in the Regulatory Technology business within the Financial Technology segment. Starting in the third quarter of 2024, we began recognizing AxiomSL’s subscription-based revenues on a ratable basis over the contract term. As a result of this change, we recognized a one-time revenue reduction of $32 million in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the net impact of the accounting change since the date of the Adenza acquisition. The adjustment of $34 million reflects the prior year impact of this change.
               
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Income and Operating Margin
(in millions)
(unaudited)
               
       Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
U.S. GAAP operating income   $ 448     $ 431     $ 1,281     $ 1,225  
Non-GAAP adjustments:                
  Adenza purchase accounting adjustment (1)     34             34        
  Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (2)     122       37       366       112  
  Merger and strategic initiatives expense (3)     10       4       23       51  
  Restructuring charges (4)     22       17       103       49  
  Lease asset impairments (5)                       24  
  Legal and regulatory matters (6)                 16       (10 )
  Pension settlement charge (7)                 23        
  Other loss     1       2       4       2  
  Total non-GAAP adjustments     189       60       569       228  
Non-GAAP operating income   $ 637     $ 491     $ 1,850     $ 1,453  
                 
Revenues less transaction-based expenses   $ 1,146     $ 940     $ 3,422     $ 2,778  
                   
U.S. GAAP operating margin (8)     39 %     46 %     37 %     44 %
                   
Non-GAAP operating margin (9)     54 %     52 %     54 %     52 %
                   
                   
(1) During the third quarter of 2024, as part of finalizing the purchase accounting of the Adenza acquisition, we implemented a change to the accounting treatment of the revenues associated with AxiomSL on-premises subscription contracts, which are included in the Regulatory Technology business within the Financial Technology segment. Starting in the third quarter of 2024, we began recognizing AxiomSL’s subscription-based revenues on a ratable basis over the contract term. As a result of this change, we recognized a one-time revenue reduction of $32 million in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the net impact of the accounting change since the date of the Adenza acquisition. The adjustment of $34 million reflects the prior year impact of this change.
       
(2) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
                   
(3) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs. The frequency and amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, these costs primarily relate to the Adenza acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by a termination payment recognized in the second quarter of 2024 relating to the proposed divestiture of our Nordic power trading and clearing business.
                   
(4) In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the closing of the Adenza acquisition, our management approved, committed to and initiated a restructuring program, “Adenza Restructuring” to optimize our efficiencies as a combined organization. In connection with this program, we expect to incur pre-tax charges principally related to employee-related costs, contract terminations, real estate impairments and other related costs. We expect to achieve benefits primarily in the form of expense and revenue synergies. In October 2022, following our September announcement to realign our segments and leadership, we initiated a divisional alignment program with a focus on realizing the full potential of this structure. In September 2024, we completed our divisional alignment program and recognized total pre-tax charges of $139 million over a two-year period.
                   
(5) During the first quarter of 2023, we initiated a review of our real estate and facility capacity requirements due to our new and evolving work models. As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded impairment charges related to our operating lease assets and leasehold improvements associated with vacating certain leased office space, which are recorded in occupancy expense and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(6) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a SFSA fine and accruals related to certain legal matters. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, these items primarily included insurance recoveries related to legal matters. The fine is recorded in regulatory expense and the accruals and insurance recoveries are recorded in professional and contract services and general, administrative and other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(7) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax loss as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The pre-tax loss is recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(8) U.S. GAAP operating margin equals U.S. GAAP operating income divided by revenues less transaction-based expenses.
                   
(9) Non-GAAP operating margin equals non-GAAP operating income divided by non-GAAP revenues less transaction-based expenses.
                   
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Expenses
(in millions)
(unaudited)
               
       Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
                   
U.S. GAAP operating expenses   $ 698     $ 509     $ 2,141     $ 1,553  
Non-GAAP adjustments:                
  Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)     (122 )     (37 )     (366 )     (112 )
  Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)     (10 )     (4 )     (23 )     (51 )
  Restructuring charges (3)     (22 )     (17 )     (103 )     (49 )
  Lease asset impairments (4)                       (24 )
  Legal and regulatory matters (5)                 (16 )     10  
  Pension settlement charge (6)                 (23 )      
  Other (loss)     (1 )     (2 )     (4 )     (2 )
  Total non-GAAP adjustments     (155 )     (60 )     (535 )     (228 )
Non-GAAP operating expenses   $ 543     $ 449     $ 1,606     $ 1,325  
                   
                   
(1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
       
(2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs. The frequency and amount of such expenses vary significantly based on the size, timing and complexity of the transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, these costs primarily relate to the Adenza acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these costs were partially offset by a termination payment recognized in the second quarter of 2024 relating to the proposed divestiture of our Nordic power trading and clearing business.
                   
(3) In the fourth quarter of 2023, following the closing of the Adenza acquisition, our management approved, committed to and initiated a restructuring program, “Adenza Restructuring” to optimize our efficiencies as a combined organization. In connection with this program, we expect to incur pre-tax charges principally related to employee-related costs, contract terminations, real estate impairments and other related costs. We expect to achieve benefits primarily in the form of expense and revenue synergies. In October 2022, following our September announcement to realign our segments and leadership, we initiated a divisional alignment program with a focus on realizing the full potential of this structure. In September 2024, we completed our divisional alignment program and recognized total pre-tax charges of $139 million over a two-year period.
                   
(4) During the first quarter of 2023, we initiated a review of our real estate and facility capacity requirements due to our new and evolving work models. As a result, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded impairment charges related to our operating lease assets and leasehold improvements associated with vacating certain leased office space, which are recorded in occupancy expense and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(5) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, these items primarily included the settlement of a SFSA fine and accruals related to certain legal matters. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, these items primarily included insurance recoveries related to legal matters. The fine is recorded in regulatory expense and the accruals and insurance recoveries are recorded in professional and contract services and general, administrative and other expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
(6) For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we recorded a pre-tax loss as a result of settling our U.S. pension plan. The plan was terminated and partially settled in 2023, with final settlement occurring during the first quarter of 2024. The pre-tax loss is recorded in compensation and benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
                   
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of Pro Forma Impacts for U.S. Non-GAAP Revenues less transaction-based expenses, Non-GAAP Operating Expenses,
Non-GAAP Operating Income, and Non-GAAP Operating Margin
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
  Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended                  
  September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023   Total Variance   FX (3)   Pro Forma Impacts
  Non-GAAP Adenza Adjustment (1)   Pro Forma   Non-GAAP   Adenza (2)   Pro Forma   $   %   $   $ %
Capital Access Platforms revenues $ 501   $     $ 501     $ 456     $   $ 456     $ 45     10 %   $ 1   $ 44   9 %
                                       
Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   69           69       58           58       11     20 %         11   20 %
Regulatory Technology revenues   102     (2 )     100       35       56     91       9     10 %     1     8   8 %
Capital Markets Technology revenues   234           234       145       71     216       18     8 %         18   8 %
Financial Technology revenues   405     (2 )     403       238       127     365       38     10 %     1     37   10 %
Solutions revenues (4)   906     (2 )     904       694       127     821       83     10 %     2     81   10 %
                                       
Market Services, net revenues   266           266       236           236       30     13 %         30   13 %
Other revenues   8           8       10           10       (2 )   (13 )%         (2 ) (14 )%
Revenues less transaction-based expenses   1,180     (2 )     1,178       940       127     1,067       111     10 %     2     109   10 %
                                       
Non-GAAP operating expenses   543           543       449       65     514       29     6 %     1     28   5 %
Non-GAAP operating income $ 637   $ (2 )   $ 635     $ 491     $ 62   $ 553     $ 82     15 %   $ 1   $ 81   14 %
Non-GAAP operating margin   54 %       54 %     52 %         52 %                  
                                       
Note: Pro forma results are presented assuming AxiomSL and Calypso were included in the prior year quarterly results and revenue for AxiomSL on-premises contracts were recognized ratably for all of 2023 and 2024. Pro forma growth excludes the impacts of foreign currency except for AxiomSL and Calypso, which are not yet calculated on an organic basis. These pro forma results are not calculated, and do not intend to be calculated, in a manner consistent with the pro forma requirements in Article 11 of Regulation S-X. Preparation of this information in accordance with Article 11 would differ from results presented in this release. The current period percentages are calculated based on exact dollars, and therefore may not recalculate exactly using rounded numbers as presented in US$ millions.
                                       
(1) Adjustment to remove the cumulative impact of changing to ratable revenue recognition for AxiomSL on-premises subscription contracts, which related to the first six months of 2024.
 
(2) The Adenza results above are presented on a non-GAAP basis and have been adjusted for certain items. We believe presenting these measures excluding these items provides investors with greater transparency as they do not represent ongoing operations. These adjustments include intangible amortization of $39 million and other transaction and restructuring related costs of $3 million for the third quarter of 2023.
 
(3) Reflects the impacts from changes in FX rates.
 
(4) Represents Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology Segments.
                                       
Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of Organic Impacts for U.S. Non-GAAP Revenues less transaction-based expenses, Non-GAAP Operating Expenses,
Non-GAAP Operating Income, and Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share
(in millions)
(unaudited)
                               
  Three Months Ended                        
  September 30,   September 30,   Total Variance   Organic Impact   Other Impacts (1)
  2024   2023   $   %   $   %   $   %
CAPITAL ACCESS PLATFORMS                              
Data and Listing Services revenues $ 190   $ 188   $ 2     1 %   $ 1     1 %   $ 1     %
Index revenues   182     144     38     26 %     38     26 %         %
Workflow and Insights revenues   129     124     5     4 %     5     3 %         %
Total Capital Access Platforms revenues   501     456     45     10 %     44     9 %     1     %
                               
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY                              
Financial Crime Management Technology revenues   69     58     11     20 %     11     20 %         %
Regulatory Technology revenues   102     35     67     190 %     2     6 %     65     185 %
Capital Markets Technology revenues   234     145     89     62 %     7     5 %     82     57 %
Total Financial Technology revenues   405     238     167     71 %     20     9 %     147     62 %
                               
SOLUTIONS REVENUES (2)   906     694     212     31 %     64     9 %     148     21 %
                               
MARKET SERVICES REVENUES, NET   266     236     30     13 %     30     13 %         %
                               
OTHER REVENUES   8     10     (2 )   (13 )%     (2 )   (14 )%         1 %
                               
REVENUES LESS TRANSACTION-BASED EXPENSES $ 1,180   $ 940   $ 240     26 %   $ 92     10 %   $ 148     16 %
                               
Non-GAAP Operating Expenses $ 543   $ 449   $ 94     21 %   $ 32     7 %   $ 62     14 %
                               
Non-GAAP Operating Income $ 637   $ 491   $ 146     30 %   $ 60     12 %   $ 86     18 %
                               
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share $ 0.74   $ 0.71   $ 0.03     5 %   $ 0.14     20 %   $ (0.11 )   (16 )%
                               
Note: The period over period percentages are calculated based on exact dollars, and therefore may not agree to a recalculation based on rounded numbers shown in the tables above. The sum of the percentage changes may not tie to the percentage change in total variance due to rounding.
                               
(1) Primarily includes the impacts of the Adenza acquisition and changes in FX rates.
 
(2) Represents Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology Segments.
                               
Nasdaq, Inc.
Quarterly Key Drivers Detail
(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,   September 30,   September 30,
      2024       2023       2024       2023  
Capital Access Platforms              
  Annualized recurring revenues (in millions) (1) $ 1,254     $ 1,222     $ 1,254     $ 1,222  
  Initial public offerings              
  The Nasdaq Stock Market (2)   48       39       114       102  
  Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic   1             7       3  
  Total new listings              
  The Nasdaq Stock Market (2)   138       87       301       230  
  Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (3)   6       3       18       16  
  Number of listed companies              
  The Nasdaq Stock Market (4)   4,039       4,086       4,039       4,086  
  Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (5)   1,186       1,236       1,186       1,236  
  Index              
  Number of licensed exchange traded products (6)   388       366       388       366  
  Period end ETP assets under management (AUM) tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 600     $ 411     $ 600     $ 411  
  Quarterly average ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 575     $ 423          
  TTM (7) net inflows ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 62     $ 24     $ 62     $ 24  
  TTM (7) net appreciation ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions) $ 143     $ 78     $ 143     $ 78  
                 
Financial Technology              
  Annualized recurring revenues (in millions) (1)              
  Financial Crime Management Technology $ 268     $ 216     $ 268     $ 216  
  Regulatory Technology   350       132       350       132  
  Capital Markets Technology   864       511       864       511  
  Total Financial Technology $ 1,482     $ 859     $ 1,482     $ 859  
                 
Market Services              
  Equity Derivative Trading and Clearing              
  U.S. equity options              
  Total industry average daily volume (in millions)   44.5       39.6       43.3       40.4  
  Nasdaq PHLX matched market share   9.4 %     11.0 %     9.9 %     11.2 %
  The Nasdaq Options Market matched market share   5.8 %     5.6 %     5.5 %     6.4 %
  Nasdaq BX Options matched market share   2.3 %     4.4 %     2.3 %     3.6 %
  Nasdaq ISE Options matched market share   6.8 %     5.7 %     6.7 %     5.8 %
  Nasdaq GEMX Options matched market share   2.7 %     3.0 %     2.6 %     2.3 %
  Nasdaq MRX Options matched market share   3.2 %     2.0 %     2.6 %     1.7 %
  Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   30.2 %     31.7 %     29.6 %     31.0 %
  Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic options and futures              
  Total average daily volume of options and futures contracts (8)   213,911       245,986       235,137       298,785  
                 
  Cash Equity Trading              
  Total U.S.-listed securities              
  Total industry average daily share volume (in billions)   11.5       10.4       11.7       11.0  
  Matched share volume (in billions)   117.4       106.7       354.3       342.2  
  The Nasdaq Stock Market matched market share   15.6 %     15.5 %     15.6 %     15.9 %
  Nasdaq BX matched market share   0.3 %     0.4 %     0.4 %     0.4 %
  Nasdaq PSX matched market share   0.2 %     0.3 %     0.2 %     0.4 %
  Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   16.1 %     16.2 %     16.2 %     16.7 %
  Market share reported to the FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility   44.7 %     40.2 %     43.0 %     35.2 %
  Total market share (9)   60.8 %     56.4 %     59.2 %     51.9 %
  Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic securities              
  Average daily number of equity trades executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   609,167       556,257       645,622       676,132  
  Total average daily value of shares traded (in billions) $ 4.1     $ 3.6     $ 4.5     $ 4.5  
  Total market share executed on Nasdaq’s exchanges   71.6 %     71.6 %     72.2 %     70.6 %
                 
  Fixed Income and Commodities Trading and Clearing              
  Fixed Income              
  Total average daily volume of Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic fixed income contracts   89,037       88,383       94,493       96,461  
                 
  (1) Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) for a given period is the current annualized value derived from subscription contracts with a defined contract value. This excludes contracts that are not recurring, are one-time in nature, or where the contract value fluctuates based on defined metrics. ARR is currently one of our key performance metrics to assess the health and trajectory of our recurring business. ARR does not have any standardized definition and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. ARR should be viewed independently of revenue and deferred revenue and is not intended to be combined with or to replace either of those items. For AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts, the amount included in ARR is consistent with the amount that we invoice the customer during the current period. Additionally, for AxiomSL and Calypso recurring revenue contracts that include annual values that increase over time, we include in ARR only the annualized value of components of the contract that are considered active as of the date of the ARR calculation. We do not include the future committed increases in the contract value as of the date of the ARR calculation. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts at the end of a reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
   
  (2) New listings include IPOs, issuers that switched from other listing venues, closed-end funds and separately listed ETPs. For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, IPOs included 15 and 4 SPACs, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, IPOs included 28 and 19 SPACs, respectively.
   
  (3) New listings include IPOs and represent companies listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
   
  (4) Number of total listings on The Nasdaq Stock Market for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023 included 712 and 570 ETPs, respectively.
   
  (5) Represents companies listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
   
  (6) The number of listed ETPs as of September 30, 2023 has been updated to reflect a revised methodology whereby an ETP listed on multiple exchanges is counted as one product, rather than formerly being counted per exchange. This change has no impact on reported AUM.
   
  (7) Trailing 12-months.
   
  (8) Includes Finnish option contracts traded on Eurex for which Nasdaq and Eurex had a revenue sharing arrangement, which ended in the fourth quarter of 2023.
   
  (9) Includes transactions executed on The Nasdaq Stock Market’s, Nasdaq BX’s and Nasdaq PSX’s systems plus trades reported through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility.
                 


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