10-KPeriod: FY2015

NASDAQ, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2015

Filed February 26, 2016For Securities:NDAQ

Summary

Nasdaq, Inc.'s 2015 10-K report highlights a year of growth and strategic expansion, with revenues less transaction-based expenses increasing by 1.1% to $2.09 billion. The company continued its diversification strategy, evolving from a U.S. equity exchange operator to a global financial services provider offering trading, clearing, technology solutions, listing services, and information services across six continents. Key strategic initiatives in 2015 included the acquisition of Dorsey, Wright & Associates (DWA) to enhance its index portfolio and The NASDAQ Private Market (NPM), which facilitated liquidity for private companies. The company also announced significant investments in blockchain technology. Nasdaq's diversified business segments—Market Services, Listing Services, Information Services, and Technology Solutions—collectively contributed to its performance, with Information Services and Technology Solutions showing particularly strong growth potential. The company remains focused on organic growth, product line extensions, and complementary acquisitions to drive future value.

Financial Highlights

55 data points
Beta

Revenue

$3.40B

61.4% Gross Margin

Net Income

$428.00M

12.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.83

Total Assets

$11.86B

Cash & Equivalents

$301.00M

Free Cash Flow

$594.00M

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.40B
Cost of Revenue$1.31B
Gross Profit$2.09B
Operating Expenses$1.37B
Operating Income$720.00M
Interest Expense$111.00M
Net Income$428.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.85
EPS (Diluted)$0.83
Shares Outstanding (Basic)501.86M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)513.85M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues less transaction-based expenses increased by 1.1% to $2.09 billion in 2015.
  • 2Strategic acquisitions in 2015 included Dorsey, Wright & Associates (DWA) for index capabilities and The NASDAQ Private Market (NPM) for private company liquidity.
  • 3The company announced plans to leverage blockchain technology, with initial applications in Nasdaq Linq and proxy voting in Estonia.
  • 4Information Services revenue grew by 8.2% driven by data products and index licensing, while Technology Solutions revenue showed a slight decrease of 3.0% due to foreign exchange impacts but maintained a strong order backlog.
  • 5Market Services revenues saw a 3.1% decrease, primarily due to lower revenues in Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities (FICC) and equity derivatives, despite growth in cash equity trading.
  • 6Listing Services revenue increased by 10.9%, driven by higher U.S. listing fees and an increased number of listed companies.
  • 7Nasdaq reported a net income attributable to Nasdaq of $428 million, a 3.4% increase from 2014, with diluted earnings per share of $2.50.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2015, Nasdaq reported revenues less transaction-based expenses of $2.09 billion, a 1.1% increase from the previous year. Net income attributable to Nasdaq was $428 million, up 3.4% from 2014, with diluted earnings per share of $2.50.

Key strategic moves included the acquisition of Dorsey, Wright & Associates (DWA) to bolster its index business, and the full acquisition of The NASDAQ Private Market (NPM) to enhance services for private companies. Nasdaq also announced significant initiatives to explore and implement blockchain technology.

Market Services revenue decreased slightly by 3.1%, impacted by FICC and equity derivatives, though cash equity trading grew. Listing Services saw a strong 10.9% increase. Information Services grew 8.2% driven by data and index products. Technology Solutions experienced a 3.0% decrease, largely due to foreign exchange, but maintained a robust order backlog.

Nasdaq anticipates future growth through a diversified portfolio of businesses, including identifying product line extensions, developing adjacent opportunities, and pursuing strategic acquisitions. The company expects its Information Services and Technology Solutions segments to outperform traditional exchange businesses, and sees significant potential in organic initiatives like blockchain and energy derivatives (NFX).