10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2008

NASDAQ, INC. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2008

Filed August 8, 2008For Securities:NDAQ

Summary

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. reported strong revenue growth in the second quarter and first six months of 2008, largely driven by the business combination with OMX completed in February 2008. Total revenues increased significantly compared to the prior year, with the Market Services segment being the primary contributor. While operating expenses also rose, largely due to the integration of OMX, the company demonstrated solid operating income and net income growth. Key to the company's financial performance was the substantial increase in goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet, reflecting the acquisition. The company also reported a significant increase in debt obligations to finance these strategic acquisitions. Despite increased debt, the company maintained compliance with its covenants and reported sufficient liquidity from operations to cover short-term needs.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2008, increased to $821.5 million from $558.2 million in the prior year period, a 47.2% increase, primarily due to the integration of OMX.
  • 2Net income for the quarter grew to $101.6 million ($0.48 per diluted share) from $56.1 million ($0.39 per diluted share) in the same period last year.
  • 3Goodwill and intangible assets saw a substantial increase on the balance sheet, reaching $4,074.6 million and $2,039.7 million respectively, reflecting the acquisition of OMX.
  • 4Debt obligations increased significantly to $1,643.6 million from $118.4 million at the end of 2007, driven by financing for the OMX and PHLX acquisitions.
  • 5The company completed the acquisition of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) on July 24, 2008, for approximately $695.7 million, further diversifying its product portfolio.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities increased by 51.1% to $272.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the significant revenue increase was the business combination with OMX, which was completed on February 27, 2008. The financial results of OMX were consolidated into NASDAQ OMX's results from that date forward, leading to a substantial uplift in total revenues, particularly within the Market Services segment.

The acquisition of OMX significantly impacted the balance sheet, most notably through a substantial increase in goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill increased from $980.7 million at December 31, 2007, to $4,074.6 million at June 30, 2008. Similarly, purchased intangible assets grew from $181.6 million to $2,039.7 million, reflecting the accounting for the business combination.

NASDAQ OMX's debt obligations increased significantly to $1,643.6 million as of June 30, 2008, up from $118.4 million at the end of 2007. This increase was primarily due to financing the acquisition of OMX through the issuance of $475.0 million in 2.50% convertible senior notes and $1,050.0 million in senior secured loans under its credit facilities. The company also utilized its credit facilities and cash on hand to finance the subsequent acquisition of PHLX.

The company highlighted several key risks, including the challenge of successfully integrating the newly combined operations of Nasdaq, OMX, and PHLX, which involves significant technological, operational, and personnel complexities. They also noted the need for ongoing investment in operations to support integration and growth, potentially requiring additional funds and impacting financial flexibility. Furthermore, the increased leverage due to recent acquisitions places the company at greater risk during economic downturns and limits its financial flexibility.