10-KPeriod: FY2006

NASDAQ, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed February 28, 2007For Securities:NDAQ

Summary

Nasdaq, Inc. reported a significant improvement in financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2006, with net income rising to $127.9 million from $61.7 million in the prior year. This growth was driven by robust performance in its Market Services segment, which accounted for 84.9% of total revenues, and strategic acquisitions. The company successfully integrated its legacy execution systems with the INET platform, enhancing operational efficiency and speed. Nasdaq also made a significant strategic investment in the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE), acquiring approximately 28.8% of its shares. The company continued its strategic expansion through acquisitions in Issuer Services, including PrimeNewswire and Shareholder.com, bolstering its corporate client offerings. Nasdaq launched new listing tiers, including the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and reported strong performance in attracting initial public offerings (IPOs), securing 67% of eligible IPOs in 2006. Despite increased interest expenses due to new debt financing, the company maintained a strong liquidity position, with total assets reaching $3.7 billion.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased substantially to $127.9 million in 2006, up from $61.7 million in 2005.
  • 2Market Services segment revenue grew significantly, accounting for 84.9% of total revenues, driven by the INET acquisition and increased market share.
  • 3Nasdaq made a strategic investment in the London Stock Exchange Group, acquiring a 28.8% stake.
  • 4The company completed the integration of its trading systems onto the INET platform, improving efficiency and speed.
  • 5Issuer Services revenue increased by 10.1%, boosted by acquisitions of PrimeNewswire and Shareholder.com.
  • 6Nasdaq attracted 67% of eligible IPOs in 2006, highlighting its strong position in the listings market.
  • 7Total assets grew to $3.7 billion by year-end 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nasdaq's revenue growth in 2006 was primarily driven by its Market Services segment, fueled by the full-year inclusion of INET operations following its acquisition, increased market share in trading, and a rise in market data subscription users. The Issuer Services segment also contributed to growth, largely due to recent acquisitions such as PrimeNewswire and Shareholder.com.

Nasdaq acquired approximately 28.8% of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) shares, representing a significant strategic investment. This move aimed to expand Nasdaq's global market presence and diversify its investment portfolio, although its acquisition offers faced challenges and ultimately lapsed.

Nasdaq completed the integration of its legacy execution system with the Brut and INET execution systems onto a single platform, named INET. This integration is expected to enhance execution quality and speed, and also offers potential for further cost savings by consolidating technology infrastructure.

Acquisitions played a crucial role in Nasdaq's performance. The acquisition of INET significantly boosted the Market Services segment. In Issuer Services, the acquisitions of PrimeNewswire and Shareholder.com expanded offerings in shareholder communications and investor relations, contributing to a 10.1% revenue increase in that segment.