Nasdaq 10-Q 2021-09-30
Filed 2021-11-04. 8 sections, 366K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________
FORM 10-Q
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
| For the quarterly period ended | September 30, 2021 | |||||||
| OR | ||||||||
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
| For the transition period | from ________ to ________ |
Commission file number: 001-38855
___________________________________
Nasdaq, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 52-1165937 | ||||||||||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| 151 W. 42nd Street, | New York, | New York | 10036 | ||||||||
| (Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +1 212 401 8700
| No Changes | ||
| (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share | NDAQ | The Nasdaq Stock Market | ||||||||||||
| 0.900% Senior Notes due 2033 | NDAQ33 | The Nasdaq Stock Market | ||||||||||||
| 0.875% Senior Notes due 2030 | NDAQ30 | The Nasdaq Stock Market | ||||||||||||
| 1.75% Senior Notes due 2029 | NDAQ29 | The Nasdaq Stock Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
| Class | Outstanding at October 26, 2021 | ||||||||||
| Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share | 167,222,005 | shares |
Nasdaq, Inc.
i
About this Form 10-Q
Throughout this Form 10-Q, unless otherwise specified:
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“Nasdaq,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Nasdaq, Inc.
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“Nasdaq Baltic” refers to collectively, Nasdaq Tallinn AS, Nasdaq Riga, AS, and AB Nasdaq Vilnius.
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“Nasdaq BX” refers to the cash equity exchange operated by Nasdaq BX, Inc.
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“Nasdaq BX Options” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq BX, Inc.
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“Nasdaq Clearing” refers to the clearing operations conducted by Nasdaq Clearing AB.
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“Nasdaq CXC” and “Nasdaq CX2” refer to the Canadian cash equity trading books operated by Nasdaq CXC Limited.
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“Nasdaq First North” refers to our alternative marketplaces for smaller companies and growth companies in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
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“Nasdaq GEMX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq GEMX, LLC.
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“Nasdaq ISE” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq ISE, LLC.
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“Nasdaq MRX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq MRX, LLC.
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“Nasdaq Nordic” refers to collectively, Nasdaq Clearing AB, Nasdaq Stockholm AB, Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S, Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd, and Nasdaq Iceland hf.
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“Nasdaq PHLX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq PHLX LLC.
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“Nasdaq PSX” refers to the cash equity exchange operated by Nasdaq PHLX LLC.
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“The Nasdaq Options Market” refers to the options exchange operated by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
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“The Nasdaq Stock Market” refers to the cash equity exchange and listing venue operated by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
Nasdaq also provides as a tool for the reader the following list of abbreviations and acronyms that are used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
401(k) Plan: Voluntary Defined Contribution Savings Plan
2020 Credit Facility: $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which matures on December 22, 2025
2022 Notes: $600 million aggregate principal amount of 0.445% senior unsecured notes due December 21, 2022
2023 Notes: €600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% senior unsecured notes due May 19, 2023, repaid in full and terminated in August 2021
2024 Notes: $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2024
2026 Notes: $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.85% senior unsecured notes due June 30, 2026
2029 Notes: €600 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% senior unsecured notes due March 28, 2029
2030 Notes: €600 million aggregate principal amount of 0.875% senior unsecured notes due February 13, 2030
2031 Notes: $650 million aggregate principal amount of 1.650% senior unsecured notes due January 15, 2031
2033 Notes: €615 million aggregate principal amount of 0.900% senior unsecured notes due July 30, 2033
2040 Notes: $650 million aggregate principal amount of 2.500% senior unsecured notes due December 21, 2040
2050 Notes: $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% senior unsecured notes due April 28, 2050
ASU: Accounting Standards Update
ASU 2016-13: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
ASR: Accelerated Share Repurchase
AUM: Assets Under Management
CCP: Central Counterparty
EMIR: European Market Infrastructure Regulation
Equity Plan: Nasdaq Equity Incentive Plan
ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance
ESPP: Nasdaq Employee Stock Purchase Plan
ETF: Exchange Traded Fund
ETP: Exchange Traded Product
Exchange Act: Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FICC: Fixed Income and Commodities Trading and Clearing
FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
IPO: Initial Public Offering
LIBOR: London Interbank Offered Rate
NFF: Nasdaq Financial Framework; Nasdaq's end-to-end technology solutions for market infrastructure operators, buy-side firms, sell-side firms and other non-financial markets
NPM: The NASDAQ Private Market, LLC
NSCC: National Securities Clearing Corporation
OCC: The Options Clearing Corporation
OTC: Over-the-Counter
PSU: Performance Share Unit
SaaS: Software as a Service
SEC: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
ii
SERP: Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
SFSA: Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority
S&P: Standard & Poor’s
S&P 500: S&P 500 Stock Index
SPAC: Special Purpose Acquisition Company
TSR: Total Shareholder Return
U.S. GAAP: U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
NASDAQ, the NASDAQ logos, and other brand, service or product names or marks referred to in this report are trademarks or service marks, registered or otherwise, of Nasdaq, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. FINRA and Trade Reporting Facility are registered trademarks of FINRA.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes market share and industry data that we obtained from industry publications and surveys, reports of governmental agencies and internal company surveys. Industry publications and surveys generally state that the information they contain has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we cannot assure you that this information is accurate or complete. We have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor have we ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. Statements as to our market position are based on the most currently available market data. For market comparison purposes, The Nasdaq Stock Market data in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for IPOs is based on data generated internally by us; therefore, the data may not be comparable to other publicly-available IPO data. Data in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for new listings of equity securities on The Nasdaq Stock Market is based on data generated internally by us, which includes issuers that switched from other listing venues, closed-end funds and ETPs. Data in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for IPOs and new listings of equity securities on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and Nasdaq First North also is based on data generated internally by us. IPOs and new listings data is presented as of period end. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding industry data presented herein, our estimates involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors. We refer you to the “Risk Factors” section in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 that was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2021.
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.
iii
Forward-Looking Statements
The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains these types of statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “anticipates,” “envisions,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes” and words or terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future expectations as to industry and regulatory developments or business initiatives and strategies, future operating results or financial performance, and other future developments are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These include, among others, statements relating to:
*•*our strategic direction;
*•*the integration of acquired businesses, including accounting decisions relating thereto;
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the scope, nature or impact of acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures or other transactional activities;
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the effective dates for, and expected benefits of, ongoing initiatives, including transactional activities and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital return initiatives;
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our products and services;
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the impact of pricing changes;
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tax matters;
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the cost and availability of liquidity and capital;
*•*any litigation, or any regulatory or government investigation or action, to which we are or could become a party or which may affect us; and
*•*the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response of governments and other third parties on our business, operations, results of operations, financial condition, workforce or the operations or decisions of our customers, suppliers or business partners.
Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
*•*our operating results may be lower than expected;
*•*our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses or divest sold businesses or assets, including the fact that any integration or transition may be more difficult, time consuming or costly than expected, and we may be unable to realize synergies from business combinations, acquisitions, divestitures or other transactional activities;
- loss of significant trading and clearing volumes or values, fees, market share, listed companies, market data customers or other customers;
*•*our ability to develop and grow our non-trading businesses, including our technology and analytics offerings;
*•*our ability to keep up with rapid technological advances and adequately address cybersecurity risks;
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economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, including interest rate and foreign currency risk, inherent in U.S. and international operations;
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the performance and reliability of our technology and technology of third parties on which we rely;
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any significant error in our operational processes;
*•*our ability to continue to generate cash and manage our indebtedness; and
*•*adverse changes that may occur in the litigation or regulatory areas, or in the securities markets generally, or increased regulatory oversight domestically or internationally.
Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond our control. You should consider the uncertainty and any risk related to forward-looking statements that we make. These risk factors are more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section in our Form 10-K that was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2021. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. You should carefully read this entire Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements or report the occurrence of unanticipated events. For any forward-looking statements contained in any document, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except share and par value amounts)
| September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 303 | $ | 2,745 | |||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 29 | 37 | |||||||||
| Financial investments | 185 | 195 | |||||||||
| Receivables, net | 552 | 566 | |||||||||
| Default funds and margin deposits | 4,202 | 3,942 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 225 | 175 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 5,496 | 7,660 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 495 | 475 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 8,510 | 6,850 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 2,885 | 2,255 | |||||||||
| Operating lease assets | 383 | 381 | |||||||||
| Other non-current assets | 628 | 358 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 18,397 | $ | 17,979 | |||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 166 | $ | 175 | |||||||
| Section 31 fees payable to SEC | 14 | 224 | |||||||||
| Accrued personnel costs | 221 | 227 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 380 | 235 | |||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 132 | 121 | |||||||||
| Default funds and margin deposits | 4,202 | 3,942 | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | 480 | — | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 5,595 | 4,924 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 5,447 | 5,541 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities, net | 395 | 502 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 398 | 389 | |||||||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 207 | 187 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 12,042 | 11,543 | |||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies | |||||||||||
| Equity | |||||||||||
| Nasdaq stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued: 173,886,216 at September 30, 2021 and 171,278,761 at December 31, 2020; shares outstanding: 167,206,649 at September 30, 2021 and 164,933,678 at December 31, 2020 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,983 | 2,547 | |||||||||
| Common stock in treasury, at cost: 6,679,567 shares at September 30, 2021 and 6,345,083 shares at December 31, 2020 | (425) | (376) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (1,511) | (1,368) | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 6,296 | 5,628 | |||||||||
| Total Nasdaq stockholders’ equity | 6,345 | 6,433 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 10 | 3 | |||||||||
| Total equity | 6,355 | 6,436 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 18,397 | $ | 17,979 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market Technology | $ | 114 | $ | 86 | $ | 332 | $ | 251 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment Intelligence | 272 | 236 | 787 | 654 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Platforms | 155 | 131 | 451 | 382 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market Services | 814 | 954 | 2,823 | 2,855 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 2 | 6 | 26 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,357 | 1,413 | 4,419 | 4,163 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction-based expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction rebates | (472) | (517) | (1,642) | (1,525) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees | (47) | (181) | (243) | (523) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues less transaction-based expenses | 838 | 715 | 2,534 | 2,115 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | 230 | 198 | 700 | 582 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional and contract services | 36 | 38 | 101 | 96 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Computer operations and data communications | 47 | 39 | 137 | 109 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy | 27 | 29 | 81 | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General, administrative and other | 42 | 13 | 66 | 99 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing and advertising | 12 | 7 | 32 | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 67 | 51 | 197 | 149 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Regulatory | 8 | 2 | 22 | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merger and strategic initiatives | 13 | 1 | 70 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charges | — | 11 | 31 | 36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 482 | 389 | 1,437 | 1,199 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 356 | 326 | 1,097 | 916 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | — | — | 1 | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (33) | (24) | (95) | (77) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain on divestiture of business | — | — | 84 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Nasdaq should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Form 10-Q.
OVERVIEW
Nasdaq is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offerings of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence.
We manage, operate and provide our products and services in four business segments: Market Technology, Investment Intelligence, Corporate Platforms and Market Services.
Third Quarter 2021 and Recent Developments
Cash Dividend on Common Stock
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In October 2021, the board of directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share on our outstanding common stock.
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For the three months ended September 30, 2021, we returned $90 million to shareholders through dividend payments.
Share Repurchase Program
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In July 2021, we entered into an ASR agreement to repurchase $475 million of shares and received an initial delivery of 2,039,940 shares of common stock. We expect to receive the remaining shares in the fourth quarter of 2021 and that additional planned repurchases related to the sale of our U.S. Fixed Income business will resume in 2022.
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As of September 30, 2021, the remaining amount authorized for share repurchases under our share repurchase program was $984 million.
Corporate Highlights
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In July 2021, we contributed our NPM business to a standalone, independent company, of which we own the largest minority interest, together with a consortium of third party financial institutions, with NPM’s existing technology, client relationships and regulatory infrastructure providing a strong foundation to develop a full suite of liquidity solutions for private companies.
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Overall AUM in ETPs benchmarked to our proprietary indexes totaled $361 billion as of September 30, 2021, an increase of 15% compared to September 30, 2020. There were nearly 60 ETPs tracking Nasdaq indexes launched over the 12 months with over $5 billion of AUM accumulated through the third quarter of 2021.
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Nasdaq launched Nasdaq Data Link, a cloud-based technology platform that empowers all segments of the investing public with a comprehensive suite of core financial, fund and alternative data. The platform builds on Nasdaq’s Quandl technology to provide a unified, modern API interface that enables seamless integration across Nasdaq’s portfolio of data products.
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The Nasdaq Stock Market led U.S. exchanges for IPOs during the third quarter of 2021. The Nasdaq Stock Market IPO win rate was 75% in the third quarter of 2021, including 147 IPOs representing $29 billion in capital raised. There were 80 operating company and 67 special purpose acquisition company IPOs during the period.
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Our U.S. options market average daily number of contracts totaled 11.5 million, an increase of 11% year over year, and led all exchanges during the period in total volume traded for U.S. multiply-listed equity options.
Financial Summary
The following tables summarize our financial performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 when compared to the same periods in 2020. The comparability of our results of operations between reported periods is impacted by the acquisition of Verafin in February 2021 and the divestiture of our U.S. Fixed Income business, which was part of our FICC business within our Market Services segment to Tradeweb in June 2021. See “2021 Divestiture,” and “2021 Acquisition,” of Note 4, “Acquisitions and Divestiture,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion. For a detailed discussion of our results of operations, see “Segment Operating Results” below.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percentage Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues less transaction-based expenses | $ | 838 | $ | 715 | 17.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 482 | 389 | 23.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 356 | 326 | 9.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Nasdaq | $ | 288 | $ | 264 | 9.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.58 | 7.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.49 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months End September 30, | Percentage Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues less transaction-based expenses | $ | 2,534 | $ | 2,115 | 19.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | 1,437 | 1,199 | 19.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,097 | 916 | 19.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Nasdaq | $ | 928 | $ | 708 | 31.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 5.53 | $ | 4.25 | 30.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash dividends declared per common share | $ | 1.57 | $ | 1.45 | 8.3 | % |
In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates. Impacts on our revenues less transaction-based expenses and operating income associated with fluctuations in foreign currency are discussed in more detail under “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
NASDAQ'S OPERATING RESULTS
The following chart summarizes our ARR (in millions):

ARR for a given period is the annualized revenue 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 re
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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a result of our operating, investing and financing activities, we are exposed to market risks such as interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. We are also exposed to credit risk as a result of our normal business activities.
We have implemented policies and procedures to measure, manage, monitor and report risk exposures, which are reviewed regularly by management and the board of directors. We identify risk exposures and monitor and manage such risks on a daily basis.
We perform sensitivity analyses to determine the effects of market risk exposures. We may use derivative instruments solely to hedge financial risks related to our financial positions or risks that are incurred during the normal course of business. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
We are subject to the risk of fluctuating interest rates in the normal course of business. Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our financial investments and debt obligations, which are discussed below.
Financial Investments
As of September 30, 2021, our investment portfolio was primarily comprised of highly rated European government debt securities, which pay a fixed rate of interest. These securities are subject to interest rate risk and the fair value of these securities will decrease if market interest rates increase. If market interest rates were to increase immediately and uniformly by a hypothetical 100 basis points from levels as of September 30, 2021, the fair value of this portfolio would have declined by $6 million.
Debt Obligations
As of September 30, 2021, the majority of our debt obligations were fixed-rate obligations. Interest rates on certain tranches of notes are subject to adjustment to the extent our debt rating is downgraded below investment grade, as further discussed in Note 8, “Debt Obligations,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements. While changes in interest rates will have no impact on the interest we pay on fixed-rate obligations, we are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of the amounts outstanding from the sale of commercial paper, which have variable interest rates and any borrowings under our 2020 Credit Facility, as the interest rate on this facility has a variable interest rate. As of September 30, 2021, we had principal amounts outstanding of $480 million of commercial paper and no amounts outstanding under our 2020 Credit Facility. A hypothetical 100 basis points increase in interest rates on our outstanding commercial paper would increase annual interest expense by approximately $5 million based on borrowings as of September 30, 2021.
We may utilize interest rate swap agreements to achieve a desired mix of variable and fixed rate debt.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Our primary transactional exposure to foreign currency denominated revenues less transaction-based expenses and operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 is presented in the following tables:
| Euro | Swedish Krona | Other Foreign Currencies | U.S. Dollar | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except currency rate) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months End September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average foreign currency rate to the U.S. dollar | 1.179 | 0.116 | # | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of revenues less transaction-based expenses | 6.7 | % | 5.9 | % | 4.9 | % | 82.5 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of operating income | 3.8 | % | (1.8) | % | (8.0) | % | 106.0 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on revenues less transaction-based expenses | $ | (6) | $ | (5) | $ | (4) | $ | — | $ | (15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on operating income | $ | (1) | $ | (1) | $ | (3) | $ | — | $ | (5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Euro | Swedish Krona | Other Foreign Currencies | U.S. Dollar | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except currency rate) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months End September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average foreign currency rate to the U.S. dollar | 1.196 | 0.118 | # | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of revenues less transaction-based expenses | 6.9 | % | 6.3 | % | 5.0 | % | 81.8 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Percentage of operating income | 9.2 | % | (2.4) | % | (7.6) | % | 100.8 | % | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on revenues less transaction-based expenses | $ | (17) | $ | (16) | $ | (13) | $ | — | $ | (46) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on operating income | $ | (10) | $ | (3) | $ | (8) | $ | — | $ | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
____________
Represents multiple foreign currency rates.
N/A Not applicable.
Our investments in foreign subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates through translation of the foreign subsidiaries’ net assets or equity to U.S. dollars. Substantially all of our foreign subsidiaries operate in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars for consolidated reporting using a current rate of exchange, with net gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our primary exposure to net assets in foreign currencies as of September 30, 2021 is presented in the following table:
| Net Assets | Impact of a 10% Adverse Currency Fluctuation | |||||||||||||
| (in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Swedish Krona | $ | 3,410 | $ | 341 | ||||||||||
| British Pound | 202 | 20 | ||||||||||||
| Norwegian Krone | 168 | 17 | ||||||||||||
| Canadian Dollar | 155 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Australian Dollar | 114 | 11 | ||||||||||||
| Euro | 70 | 7 |
In the table above, Swedish Krona includes goodwill of $2,562 million and intangible assets, net of $613 million.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the potential loss due to the default or deterioration in credit quality of customers or counterparties. We are exposed to credit risk from third parties, including customers, counterparties and clearing agents. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. We limit our exposure to credit risk by evaluating the counterparties with which we make investments and execute agreements. For our investment portfolio, our objective is to invest in securities to preserve principal while maximizing yields, without significantly increasing risk. Credit risk associated with investments is minimized substantially by ensuring that these financial assets are placed with governments which have investment grade ratings, well-capitalized financial institutions and other creditworthy counterparties.
Our subsidiary, Nasdaq Execution Services, may be exposed to credit risk due to the default of trading counterparties in connection with the routing services it provides for our trading customers. System trades in cash equities routed to other market centers for members of our cash equity exchanges are routed by Nasdaq Execution Services for clearing to the NSCC. In this function, Nasdaq Execution Services is to be neutral by the end of the trading day, but may be exposed to intraday risk if a trade extends beyond the trading day and into the next day, thereby leaving Nasdaq Execution Services susceptible to counterparty risk in the period between accepting the trade and routing it to the clearinghouse. In this interim period, Nasdaq Execution Services is not novating like a clearing broker but instead is subject to the short-term risk of counterparty failure before the clearinghouse enters the transaction. Once the
clearinghouse officially accepts the trade for novation, Nasdaq Execution Services is legally removed from trade execution risk. However, Nasdaq has membership obligations to NSCC independent of Nasdaq Execution Services’ arrangements.
Pursuant to the rules of the NSCC and Nasdaq Execution Services’ clearing agreement, Nasdaq Execution Services is liable for any losses incurred due to a counterparty or a clearing agent’s failure to satisfy its contractual obligations, either by making payment or delivering securities. Adverse movements in the prices of securities that are subject to these transactions can increase our credit risk. However, we believe that the risk of material loss is limited, as Nasdaq Execution Services’ customers are not permitted to trade on margin and NSCC rules limit counterparty risk on self-cleared transactions by establishing credit limits and capital deposit requirements for all brokers that clear with NSCC. Historically, Nasdaq Execution Services has never incurred a liability due to a customer’s failure to satisfy its contractual obligations as counterparty to a system trade. Credit difficulties or insolvency, or the perceived possibility of credit difficulties or insolvency, of one or more larger or visible market participants could also result in market-wide credit difficulties or other market disruptions.
We have credit risk related to transaction and subscription-based revenues that are billed to customers on a monthly or quarterly basis, in arrears. Our potential exposure to credit losses on these transactions is represented by the receivable balances in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We review and evaluate changes in the status of our counterparties’ creditworthiness. Credit losses such as those described above could adversely affect our condensed consolidated financial position and results of operations.
We also are exposed to credit risk through our clearing operations with Nasdaq Clearing. See Note 15, “Clearing Operations,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion. Our clearinghouse holds material amounts of clearing member cash deposits, which are held or invested primarily to provide security of capital while minimizing credit, market and liquidity risks. While we seek to achieve a reasonable rate of return, we are primarily concerned with preservation of capital and managing the risks associated with these deposits. As the clearinghouse may pass on interest revenues (minus costs) to the members, this could include negative or reduced yield due to market conditions. The following is a summary of the risks associated with these deposits and how these risks are mitigated.
*•*Credit Risk. When the clearinghouse has the ability to hold cash collateral at a central bank, the clearinghouse utilizes its access to the central bank system to minimize credit risk exposures. When funds are not held at a central bank, we seek to substantially mitigate credit risk by ensuring that investments are primarily placed in large, highly rated financial institutions, highly rated government debt instruments and other creditworthy counterparties.
*•*Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk a clearinghouse may not be able to meet its payment obligations in the right currency, in the right place and the right time. To mitigate this risk, the clearinghouse monitors liquidity requirements closely and maintains funds and assets in a manner which minimizes the risk of loss or delay in the access by the clearinghouse to such funds and assets. For example, holding funds with a central bank where possible or investing in highly liquid government debt instruments serves to reduce liquidity risks.
*•*Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that interest rates rise causing the value of purchased securities to decline. If we were required to sell securities prior to maturity, and interest rates had risen, the sale of the securities might be made at a loss relative to the latest market price. Our clearinghouse seeks to manage this risk by making short term investments of members' cash deposits. In addition, the clearinghouse investment guidelines allow for direct purchases or repurchase agreements with short dated maturities of high quality sovereign debt (for example, European government and U.S. Treasury securities), central bank certificates and multilateral development bank debt instruments.
*•*Security Issuer Risk. Security issuer risk is the risk that an issuer of a security defaults on its payment when the security matures. This risk is mitigated by limiting allowable investments and collateral under reverse repurchase agreements to high quality sovereign, government agency or multilateral development bank debt instruments.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure controls and procedures. Nasdaq’s management, with the participation of Nasdaq’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Nasdaq’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, Nasdaq’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Nasdaq’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There have been no changes in Nasdaq’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Nasdaq’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See “Legal and Regulatory Matters - Litigation,” of Note 17, “Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Form 10-K. These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The risks and uncertainties in our most recent Form 10-K are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALE OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Share Repurchase Program
See “Share Repurchase Program,” of Note 11, “Nasdaq Stockholders’ Equity,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our share repurchase program.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The table below represents repurchases made by or on behalf of us or any “affiliated purchaser” of our common stock during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2021:
| Period | (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased | (b) Average Price Paid Per Share | (c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs | (d) Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| July 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase program | — | $ | — | — | $ | 1,459 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ASR agreement | 2,039,940 | See below | 2,039,940 | $ | 984 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee transactions | 8,801 | $ | 178.37 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||
| August 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase program | — | $ | — | — | $ | 984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee transactions | 455 | $ | 207.17 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||
| September 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase program | — | $ | — | — | $ | 984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee transactions | 1,156 | $ | 197.94 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Quarter Ended September 30, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchase program | — | $ | — | — | $ | 984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ASR agreement | 2,039,940 | See below | 2,039,940 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Employee transactions | 10,412 | $ | 181.80 | N/A | N/A |
In the table above:
-
N/A - Not applicable.
-
See “Share Repurchase Program,” of Note 11, “Nasdaq Stockholders’ Equity,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our share repurchase program.
-
Employee transactions represents shares surrendered to us to satisfy tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock and PSUs issued to employees.
-
In July 2021 we entered into an ASR agreement to repurchase $475 million of common stock, where we received an initial delivery of 2,039,940 shares of common stock. The final settlement under the ASR agreement is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
Item 6. EXHIBITS
| Exhibit Number | ||||||||
| 4.1 | Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated July 30, 2021, by and among Nasdaq, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as registrar and transfer agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s 8-A filed on July 30, 2021). | |||||||
| 31.1 | Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”). | |||||||
| 31.2 | Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley. | |||||||
| 32.1 | Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley. | |||||||
| 101 | The following materials from the Nasdaq, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months end September 30, 2021 and 2020; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months end September 30, 2021 and 2020; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three and nine months end September 30, 2021 and 2020; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months end September 30, 2021 and 2020; and (vi) notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Nasdaq, Inc. | ||||||||
| (Registrant) | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Adena T. Friedman | |||||||
| Name: | Adena T. Friedman | |||||||
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
| Date: | November 4, 2021 | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Ann M. Dennison | |||||||
| Name: | Ann M. Dennison | |||||||
| Title: | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||
| Date: | November 4, 2021 | |||||||