Nasdaq 10-Q 2023-09-30

Filed 2023-11-03. 8 sections, 318K 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 endedSeptember 30, 2023
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition periodfrom ________ to ________

Commission file number: 001-38855

___________________________________

Nasdaq, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware52-1165937
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
151 W. 42nd Street,New York,New York10036
(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 classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per shareNDAQThe Nasdaq Stock Market
4.500% Senior Notes due 2032NDAQ32The Nasdaq Stock Market
0.900% Senior Notes due 2033NDAQ33The Nasdaq Stock Market
0.875% Senior Notes due 2030NDAQ30The Nasdaq Stock Market
1.75% Senior Notes due 2029NDAQ29The 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.

ClassOutstanding at November 1, 2023
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share576,964,570shares

Nasdaq, Inc.

Page
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - September 30, 2023 (unaudited) and December 31, 20221
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 (unaudited)5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)6
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations28
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk44
Item 4.Controls and Procedures47
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings47
Item 1A.Risk Factors47
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities47
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities48
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures48
Item 5.Other Information48
Item 6.Exhibits48
SIGNATURES49

i

About this Form 10-Q

Throughout this Form 10-Q, unless otherwise specified:

  • “Nasdaq,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Nasdaq, Inc.

  • “Nasdaq Baltic” refers to collectively, Nasdaq Tallinn AS, Nasdaq Riga, AS, and AB Nasdaq Vilnius.

  • “Nasdaq BX” refers to the cash equity exchange operated by Nasdaq BX, Inc.

  • “Nasdaq BX Options” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq BX, Inc.

  • “Nasdaq Clearing” refers to the clearing operations conducted by Nasdaq Clearing AB.

  • “Nasdaq CXC” and “Nasdaq CX2” refer to the Canadian cash equity trading books operated by Nasdaq CXC Limited.

  • “Nasdaq First North” refers to our alternative marketplaces for smaller companies and growth companies in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

  • “Nasdaq GEMX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq GEMX, LLC.

  • “Nasdaq ISE” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq ISE, LLC.

  • “Nasdaq MRX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq MRX, LLC.

  • “Nasdaq Nordic” refers to collectively, Nasdaq Clearing AB, Nasdaq Stockholm AB, Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S, Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd, and Nasdaq Iceland hf.

  • “Nasdaq PHLX” refers to the options exchange operated by Nasdaq PHLX LLC.

  • “Nasdaq PSX” refers to the cash equity exchange operated by Nasdaq PHLX LLC.

  • “The Nasdaq Options Market” refers to the options exchange operated by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.

  • “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.

2020 Credit Facility: $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which was amended and restated by the 2022 Revolving Credit Agreement

2022 Revolving Credit Agreement: $1.25 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility, which matures on December 16, 2027

2025 Notes: $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.650% senior unsecured notes due June 28, 2025

2026 Notes: $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.850% senior unsecured notes due June 30, 2026

2028 Notes: $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.350% senior unsecured notes due June 28, 2028

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

2032 Notes: €750 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior unsecured notes due February 15, 2032

2033 Notes: €615 million aggregate principal amount of 0.900% senior unsecured notes due July 30, 2033

2034 Notes: $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.550% senior unsecured notes due February 15, 2034

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 3.250% senior unsecured notes due April 28, 2050

2052 Notes: $550 million aggregate principal amount of 3.950% senior unsecured notes due March 7, 2052

2053 Notes: $750 million aggregate principal amount of 5.950% senior unsecured notes due August 15, 2053

2063 Notes: $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.100% senior unsecured notes due June 28, 2063

ARR: Annualized Recurring Revenue

ASR: Accelerated Share Repurchase

AUM: Assets Under Management

CCP: Central Counterparty

CFTC: Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Equity Plan: Nasdaq Equity Incentive Plan

ESG: Environmental, Social and Governance

EMIR: European Market Infrastructure Regulation

ESPP: Nasdaq Employee Stock Purchase Plan

ETF: Exchange Traded Fund

ETP: Exchange Traded Product

Exchange Act: Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

FINRA: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

IPO: Initial Public Offering

NSCC: National Securities Clearing Corporation

OCC: The Options Clearing Corporation

OTC: Over-the-Counter

ii

PSU: Performance Share Unit

SaaS: Software as a Service

SEC: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SERP: Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

SFSA: Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority

SOFR: Secured Overnight Financing Rate

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

U.S. Tape plans: U.S. cash equity and U.S. options industry data

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, 2022 that was filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023.

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, including changes to our corporate structure;

*•*the integration of acquired businesses, including accounting decisions relating thereto;

  • the scope, nature or impact of acquisitions, divestitures, investments, joint ventures or other transactional activities;

  • the effective dates for, and expected benefits of, ongoing initiatives, including transactional activities and other strategic, restructuring, technology, ESG, de-leveraging and capital return initiatives;

  • our products and services;

  • the impact of pricing changes;

  • tax matters;

  • the cost and availability of liquidity and capital; and

*•*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 any potential settlements of litigation, regulatory or governmental investigations or actions, including with respect to our CFTC investigation.

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, analytics, ESG and anti-financial crime offerings;

*•*our ability to keep up with rapid technological advances and adequately address cybersecurity risks;

*•*economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, including inflation, interest rate and foreign currency risk inherent in U.S. and international operations, and geopolitical instability;

  • the performance and reliability of our technology and technology of third parties on which we rely;

  • any significant systems failures or errors 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 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023. 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.

iv

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Nasdaq, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except share and par value amounts)

September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
(unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$5,340$502
Restricted cash and cash equivalents2522
Default funds and margin deposits (including restricted cash and cash equivalents of $5,469 and $6,470, respectively)5,9357,021
Financial investments272181
Receivables, net595677
Other current assets184201
Total current assets12,3518,604
Property and equipment, net542532
Goodwill7,9888,099
Intangible assets, net2,4462,581
Operating lease assets397444
Other non-current assets626608
Total assets$24,350$20,868
Liabilities
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$286$185
Section 31 fees payable to SEC19243
Accrued personnel costs211243
Deferred revenue451357
Other current liabilities146122
Default funds and margin deposits5,9357,021
Short-term debt—664
Total current liabilities7,0488,835
Long-term debt9,7034,735
Deferred tax liabilities, net509456
Operating lease liabilities412452
Other non-current liabilities199226
Total liabilities17,87114,704
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Nasdaq stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 900,000,000 shares authorized, shares issued: 514,134,579 at September 30, 2023 and 513,157,630 at December 31, 2022; shares outstanding: 491,316,638 at September 30, 2023 and 491,592,491 at December 31, 202255
Additional paid-in capital1,3941,445
Common stock in treasury, at cost: 22,817,941 shares at September 30, 2023 and 21,565,139 shares at December 31, 2022(585)(515)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,102)(1,991)
Retained earnings7,7557,207
Total Nasdaq stockholders’ equity6,4676,151
Noncontrolling interests1213
Total equity6,4796,164
Total liabilities and equity$24,350$20,868

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,
2023202220232022
Revenues:
Market Platforms$892$1,046$2,813$3,121
Capital Access Platforms4564221,3091,262
Anti-Financial Crime9377265224
Other revenues10123037
Total revenues1,4511,5574,4174,644
Transaction-based expenses:
Transaction rebates(447)(494)(1,377)(1,605)
Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees(64)(173)(262)(364)
Revenues less transaction-based expenses9408902,7782,675
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits260249777750
Professional and contract services31349297
Computer operations and data communications5850168150
Occupancy28259978
General, administrative and other26386294
Marketing and advertising12103031
Depreciation and amortization6463198195
Regulatory992724
Merger and strategic initiatives4145141
Restructuring charges17—49—
Total operating expenses5094921,5531,460
Operating income4313981,2251,215
Interest income722863
Interest expense(101)(32)(174)(96)

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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 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.

In September 202 2, we announced a new organizational structure, which aligns our businesses more closely with the foundational shifts that are driving the evolution of the global financial system. The new corporate structure includes three business segments: Market Platforms, Capital Access Platforms and Anti-Financial Crime. See Note 18, “Business Segments,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of our reportable segments as well as how management allocates resources, assesses performance and manages these businesses as three separate segments. All prior periods have been restated to conform to the current period presentation.

Third Quarter 2023 and Recent Developments

  • On November 1, 2023, we completed the acquisition of Adenza. Following this acquisition, we will modify our corporate structure to operate under three divisions: Market Services, Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology. Adenza, which is comprised of the Calypso and AxiomSL solutions, will be included in the Financial Technology division.

  • In October 2023, the board of directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share on our outstanding common stock.

  • The Nasdaq Stock Market led U.S. exchanges for operating company IPOs during the third quarter of 2023 with a 93% total win rate, and there were seven companies that switched to Nasdaq.

  • We achieved a new record for third quarter U.S. cash equities closing cross volumes. U.S. cash equities revenue and revenue capture benefited from third quarter closing cross volumes, including a special rebalance of Nasdaq-100 that had approximately 500 million shares and $70 billion notional traded.

  • For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we returned $108 million to shareholders through dividend payments.

  • In September 2023, our board of directors authorized an increase to our share repurchase program, bringing the aggregate remaining authorized amount to $2 billion as of September 30, 2023.

Nasdaq's Operating Results

The following tables summarize our financial performance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same periods in 2022. For a detailed discussion of our results of operations, see “Segment Operating Results” below.

Three Months Ended September 30,Percentage Change
20232022
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues less transaction-based expenses$940$8905.6%
Operating expenses5094923.5%
Operating income4313988.3%
Net income attributable to Nasdaq$294$294—%
Diluted earnings per share$0.60$0.591.7%
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.22$0.2010.0%
Nine Months Ended September 30,Percentage Change
20232022
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues less transaction-based expenses$2,778$2,6753.9%
Operating expenses1,5531,4606.4%
Operating income1,2251,2150.8%
Net income attributable to Nasdaq$862$884(2.5)%
Diluted earnings per share$1.74$1.77(1.7)%
Cash dividends declared per common share$0.64$0.5810.3%

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.”

The following chart summarizes our ARR (in millions):

59

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. Also excluded are contracts that are signed but not yet commenced. ARR is 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. 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.

The ARR chart includes:

▪Market technology support and SaaS subscription contracts as well as trade management services contracts, excluding one-time service requests.
▪Proprietary market data subscriptions and annual listing fees within our Data & Listing Services business, index data subscriptions and guaranteed minimum on futures contracts within our Index business and subscription contracts under our Workflow & Insights business.
▪Anti-Financial Crime support and SaaS subscription contracts.

The following chart summarizes our quarterly annualized SaaS revenues for our Solutions Businesses, which are comprised of the Capital Access Platforms and Anti-Financial Crime segments and the Marketplace Technology business within the Market Platforms segment, for September 30, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):

1267

Segment Operating Results

The following table presents our revenues by segment, transacti

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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, 2023, 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, 2023, the fair value of this portfolio would decline by $1 million.

Debt Obligations

As of September 30, 2023, substantially all 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 borrowings under our 2022 Revolving Credit Agreement, as this facility has a variable interest rate. We are also exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of the amounts outstanding from the sale of commercial paper under our commercial paper program, which have variable interest rates. As of September 30, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings under our 2022 Revolving Credit Agreement or commercial paper program.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 is presented in the following table:

EuroSwedish KronaCanadian DollarOther Foreign CurrenciesU.S. DollarTotal
(in millions, except currency rate)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Average foreign currency rate to the U.S. dollar1.0880.0930.746#N/AN/A
Percentage of revenues less transaction-based expenses6.1%3.8%0.9%3.1%86.1%100.0%
Percentage of operating income8.5%(3)%(6.5)%(4.9)%105.9%100.0%
Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on revenues less transaction-based expenses$(6)$(4)$(1)$(2)$—$(13)
Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on operating income$(4)$(1)$(3)$(2)$—$(10)
EuroSwedish KronaCanadian DollarOther Foreign CurrenciesU.S. DollarTotal
(in millions, except currency rate)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Average foreign currency rate to the U.S. dollar1.0830.0940.743#N/AN/A
Percentage of revenues less transaction-based expenses6.3%4.2%0.9%3.0%85.6%100.0%
Percentage of operating income9.9%(3.6)%(6.9)%(5.7)%106.3%100.0%
Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on revenues less transaction-based expenses$(18)$(12)$(3)$(8)$—$(41)
Impact of a 10% adverse currency fluctuation on operating income$(12)$(4)$(8)$(7)$—$(31)

____________

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, 2023 is presented in the following table:

Net AssetsImpact of a 10% Adverse Currency Fluctuation
(in millions)
Swedish Krona$2,976$298
British Pound14414
Norwegian Krone13714
Canadian Dollar10410
Australian Dollar9810
Euro485

In the table above, Swedish Krona includes goodwill of $2,435 million and intangible assets, net of $560 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 consolidated financial position and results of operations.

We also are exposed to credit risk through our clearing operations with Nasdaq Clearing. See Note 14, “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 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 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, 2023 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

For a description of our legal proceedings, if any, see “Legal and Regulatory Matters” 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. These risks and uncertainties 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 Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

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, 2023:

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 2023
Share repurchase program—$——$491
Employee transactions31,331$49.72N/AN/A
August 2023
Share repurchase program—$——$491
Employee transactions—$—N/AN/A
September 2023
Share repurchase program—$——$2,000
Employee transactions453$51.94N/AN/A
Total Quarter Ended September 30, 2023
Share repurchase program—$——$2,000
Employee transactions31,784$49.75N/AN/A

In the preceding table:

  • 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 previously issued to employees.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of the Company’s directors or officers adopted, terminated or modified a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K) except as follows: on August 31, 2023, Bryan E. Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan for the sale of up to 12,500 shares of our common stock, subject to certain conditions. The plan's expiration date is May 10, 2024.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Number
10.1General Release and Separation Agreement by and between Nasdaq, Inc. and Ann M. Dennison, dated as of August 31, 2023.*
10.2Employment Offer Letter by and between Nasdaq, Inc. and Sarah Youngwood, dated as of August 31, 2023*
31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”).
31.2Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley.
32.1Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley.
101The following materials from the Nasdaq, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022; and (vi) notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.

  • Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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:Chief Executive Officer
Date:November 3, 2023
By:/s/ Ann M. Dennison
Name:Ann M. Dennison
Title:Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:November 3, 2023