Nasdaq Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results; Delivers 17% Increase in Revenue Compared to Prior Year

Rhea-AI Summary

Nasdaq reported Q3 2021 net revenues of $838 million, a 17% increase from Q3 2020. Solutions segments revenues rose 19% to $541 million, supporting a 19% increase in Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) to $1.83 billion. GAAP diluted earnings per share rose 7% to $1.69, while non-GAAP EPS increased 16% to $1.78. The company returned $1,145 million to investors through buybacks and dividends. Nasdaq led U.S. IPOs with a 75% win rate, raising $29 billion from 147 IPOs. Expenses rose 24%, primarily from compensation and strategic initiatives.

Positive

• Net revenues increased 17% to $838 million.
• Solutions segments revenues rose 19% to $541 million.
• ARR increased 19% to $1.83 billion.
• Annualized SaaS revenues surged 42%, making up 34% of ARR.
• GAAP diluted EPS increased 7% to $1.69.
• Non-GAAP diluted EPS grew 16% to $1.78.
• Returned $1,145 million to investors, including $885 million in share repurchases.
• Led U.S. IPOs with a 75% win rate and $29 billion raised.

Negative

• GAAP operating expenses increased 24%, affecting profitability.

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq, Inc. (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2021.

• Net revenues¹ increased 17% compared to the third quarter of 2020. Solutions segments² revenues increased 19%, including organic growth and contribution from the acquisition of Verafin.
  
  
• Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR)³ increased 19% compared to the third quarter of 2020, and excluding Verafin, increased 10%. Annualized SaaS revenues increased 42% and represented 34% of ARR.
  
  
• Third quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 7%, and non-GAAP⁴ diluted earnings per share increased 16%.
  
  
• During the first nine months of 2021, the company returned $1,145 million of cash to investors, including $885 million in share repurchases and $260 million in dividends.
  

Third Quarter 2021 Highlights

	USD $ millions (except per share)		% Change (YoY)
Solutions Segments Revenues	$541		19%
Market Services Net Revenues	$295		15%
Net Revenues	$838		17%
ARR	$1,834		19%
GAAP Diluted EPS	$1.69		7%
Non-GAAP Diluted EPS	$1.78		16%

Adena Friedman, President and CEO said, “The strong financial results for the third quarter of 2021 reflect consistent long-term growth in the Anti Financial Crime, Index and Analytics offerings, the benefits of the materially-expanded listed issuer base in our Corporate Platforms segment, and robust performance from the marketplace and connectivity platforms comprising our Market Services business.

While results reflect strong execution against a dynamic capital markets backdrop, I am particularly pleased by the 19% increase in ARR and the increasing contribution of our SaaS businesses, which provide a strong base for further growth across all environments.”

Ann Dennison, Executive Vice President and CFO said, “Our efforts to deliberately allocate capital to support the success of our long-term strategy is contributing to our 20% year-to-date revenue increase, while also supporting record year-to-date GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS results.”

FINANCIAL REVIEW

• Third quarter 2021 net revenues were $838 million, an increase of $123 million, or 17%, from $715 million in the prior year period. Net revenues reflected a $96 million, or 13%, positive impact from organic growth, a $25 million increase from the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures, and a $2 million increase from the impact of favorable changes in FX rates.
  
  
• Solutions segments revenues were $541 million in the third quarter of 2021, an increase of $88 million, or 19%. The increase reflects a $59 million, or 13%, positive impact from organic growth, and a $29 million, or 6%, increase from the inclusion of revenues from the acquisition of Verafin. Market Services net revenues were $295 million in the third quarter of 2021, reflecting a $37 million, or 14%, positive impact from organic growth and a $2 million increase from the impact of FX.
  
  
• Third quarter GAAP operating expenses increased 24% versus the prior year period. The increase primarily reflects higher compensation and benefits expense, general, administrative and other expense, depreciation and amortization expense, merger and strategic initiatives expense and computer operations and data communication expense.
  
  
• Non-GAAP operating expenses increased 15% versus the prior year period. The increase reflects a $26 million, or 8%, organic increase over the prior year period, a $21 million, or 6% increase from the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures and a $4 million, or 1%, increase from changes in FX rates. The organic increase primarily reflects higher compensation and benefits expense, marketing and advertising expense and computer operations and data communication expense.
  
  
• During the third quarter of 2021, the company repurchased $475 million in shares of its common stock, reflecting the impact from the previously announced ASR program executed during the period. The company repurchased an aggregate of $885 million, including the ASR described above, during the first nine months of 2021. As of September 30, 2021, there was $984 million remaining under the board authorized share repurchase program.
  

EXPENSE AND TAX GUIDANCE UPDATE⁵

• The company is narrowing the range of its 2021 non-GAAP operating expense guidance to a range of $1,605 to $1,620 million. Nasdaq continues to expect its 2021 non-GAAP tax rate to be in the range of 25.0% to 27.0%.
  

STRATEGIC AND BUSINESS UPDATES

• Nasdaq’s annualized SaaS revenues in the third quarter of 2021 increased 42% year over year. Annualized SaaS revenues totaled $620 million in the third quarter of 2021, representing 34% of total company ARR, up from 28% in the third quarter of 2020. The 42% year over year increase in annualized SaaS revenues primarily reflects the inclusion of Verafin and strong growth in our surveillance and analytics businesses.
  
  
• Nasdaq Private Market contributed to a standalone, independent company to establish an institutional-grade, centralized secondary trading venue. Nasdaq, SVB Financial Group, Citi, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley established a platform with Nasdaq Private Market’s existing technology, client relationships and regulatory infrastructure, providing a strong foundation to develop a full suite of liquidity solutions for private companies.
  
  
• Investment Intelligence delivered strong new sales results. 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, including the Invesco Innovation Suite and Hashdex products linked to the Nasdaq Crypto Index. Nasdaq's analytics offerings through our eVestment platform saw continued strong new sales and user adoption across both asset owners and asset managers. The expanded suite of solutions is helping to drive higher ARR per client. Additionally, during the quarter, we announced a partnership with Mercer, creating a co-branded platform called MercerInsight, which will expand eVestment Analytics reach and coverage, deepen our position in the ecosystem and create further joint opportunities.
  
  
• 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 company⁶ IPOs during the period including Robinhood, Duolingo, Sportradar, Olaplex Holdings and Freshworks, as well as the direct listing of Amplitude and 67 special purpose acquisition companies. SPAC combinations in the third quarter of 2021 included Lucid Motors, Astra Space and Matterport. Nasdaq's European exchanges welcomed 25 IPOs during the period and 2021 has already set a new record for the highest yearly amount of new listings.
  
  
• Nasdaq launched Nasdaq Data Link to simplify data discovery and expand cloud delivery. Nasdaq Data Link is a cloud-based technology platform that empowers all segments of the investing public with a comprehensive suite of financial, fund and alternative data. The platform builds on Nasdaq’s Quandl technology to provide a unified, modern API interface to enable integration across Nasdaq’s portfolio of data products.
  
  
• Nasdaq led all exchanges during the third quarter of 2021 in total U.S. multiply-listed equity options volume traded. In the third quarter of 2021, Nasdaq's U.S. options market average daily number of contracts totaled 11.5 million, an increase of 11% year over year.
  

____________
¹ Represents revenues less transaction-based expenses.
² Constitutes revenues from Market Technology, Investment Intelligence and Corporate Platforms segments.
³ Annualized Recurring Revenue (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 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.
⁴ Refer to our reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP net income, diluted earnings per share, operating income and operating expenses, included in the attached schedules.
⁵ U.S. GAAP operating expense and tax rate guidance are not provided due to the inherent difficulty in quantifying certain amounts due to a variety of factors including the unpredictability in the movement in foreign currency rates, as well as future charges or reversals outside of the normal course of business.
⁶ Operating companies exclude special purpose acquisition companies and when a special purpose acquisition company completes an acquisition.

ABOUT NASDAQ

Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a global technology company serving the capital markets and other industries. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software and services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

NON-GAAP INFORMATION

In addition to disclosing results determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Nasdaq also discloses certain non-GAAP results of operations, including, but not limited to, non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq, non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, non-GAAP operating income, and non-GAAP operating expenses, that include certain adjustments or exclude certain charges and gains that are described in the reconciliation table of U.S. GAAP to non-GAAP information provided at the end of this release. Management uses this non-GAAP information internally, along with U.S. GAAP information, in evaluating our performance and in making financial and operational decisions. We believe our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we believe the presentation of these measures is useful to investors for period-to-period comparisons of results as the items described below in the reconciliation tables do not reflect ongoing operating performance.

These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, U.S. GAAP, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate such measures differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure when evaluating our business. This information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for our operating results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We recommend investors review the U.S. GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release. When viewed in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations, we believe these non-GAAP measures provide greater transparency and a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than U.S. GAAP measures alone.

We understand that analysts and investors regularly rely on non-GAAP financial measures, such as those noted above, to assess operating performance. We use these measures because they highlight trends more clearly in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on U.S. GAAP financial measures, since these measures eliminate from our results specific financial items that have less bearing on our ongoing operating performance.

Organic revenue growth, organic change and organic impact are non-GAAP measures that reflect adjustments for: (i) the impact of period-over-period changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and (ii) the revenues, expenses and operating income associated with acquisitions and divestitures for the twelve month period following the date of the acquisition or divestiture. Reconciliations of these measures are described within the body of this release.

Foreign exchange impact: In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates. Certain discussions in this release isolate the impact of year-over-year foreign currency fluctuations to better measure the comparability of operating results between periods. Operating results excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations are calculated by translating the current period’s results by the prior period’s exchange rates.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information set forth in this communication contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to (i) projections relating to our future financial results, total shareholder returns, growth, trading volumes, products and services, ability to transition to new business models, taxes and achievement of synergy targets, (ii) statements about the closing or implementation dates and benefits of certain acquisitions, divestitures and other strategic, restructuring, technology, de-leveraging and capital allocation initiatives, (iii) statements about our integrations of our recent acquisitions, (iv) statements relating to any litigation or regulatory or government investigation or action to which we are or could become a party, and (v) other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These factors include, but are not limited to, Nasdaq’s ability to implement its strategic initiatives, economic, political and market conditions and fluctuations, government and industry regulation, interest rate risk, U.S. and global competition, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, operations, results of operations, financial condition, workforce or the operations or decisions of our customers, suppliers or business partners, and other factors detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

WEBSITE DISCLOSURE

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.

Media Relations Contact:

Will Briganti
+1.646.964.8169
william.briganti@nasdaq.com 

Investor Relations Contact:

Ed Ditmire, CFA
+1.212.401.8737
ed.ditmire@nasdaq.com

-NDAQF-

Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				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				-
Other income			42				1				43				5
Net income from unconsolidated investees			6				54				90				97
Income before income taxes			371				357				1,220				945
Income tax provision			83				93				292				237
Net income attributable to Nasdaq		$	288			$	264			$	928			$	708
Per share information:
Basic earnings per share		$	1.72			$	1.61			$	5.61			$	4.31
Diluted earnings per share		$	1.69			$	1.58			$	5.53			$	4.25
Cash dividends declared per common share		$	0.54			$	0.49			$	1.57			$	1.45
Weighted-average common shares outstanding for earnings per share:
Basic			167.7				164.2				165.5				164.4
Diluted			170.2				167.5				167.9				166.8

Nasdaq, Inc.
Revenue Detail
(in millions)
(unaudited)
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
					2021				2020				2021				2020
MARKET TECHNOLOGY REVENUES
	Anti Financial Crime Technology revenues			$	66			$	32			$	175			$	94
	Marketplace Infrastructure Technology revenues				48				54				157				157
		Total Market Technology revenues			114				86				332				251
INVESTMENT INTELLIGENCE REVENUES
	Market Data revenues				102				105				310				298
	Index revenues				119				86				328				227
	Analytics revenues				51				45				149				129
		Total Investment Intelligence revenues			272				236				787				654
CORPORATE PLATFORMS REVENUES
	Listings Services revenues				99				78				282				224
	IR & ESG Services revenues				56				53				169				158
		Total Corporate Platforms revenues			155				131				451				382
MARKET SERVICES REVENUES
	Equity Derivative Trading and Clearing revenues				330				317				1,114				901
	Transaction-based expenses:
			Transaction rebates		(220	)			(214	)			(770	)			(585	)
			Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees		(5	)			(19	)			(31	)			(55	)
		Total net equity derivative trading and clearing revenues			105				84				313				261
	Cash Equity Trading revenues				390				550				1,423				1,697
	Transaction-based expenses:
			Transaction rebates		(252	)			(303	)			(872	)			(940	)
			Brokerage, clearance and exchange fees		(42	)			(162	)			(212	)			(468	)
		Total net cash equity trading revenues			96				85				339				289
	Fixed Income and Commodities Trading and Clearing revenues				13				12				44				39
	Trade Management Services revenues				81				75				242				218
		Total Net Market Services revenues			295				256				938				807
OTHER REVENUES					2				6				26				21
REVENUES LESS TRANSACTION-BASED EXPENSES				$	838			$	715			$	2,534			$	2,115

Nasdaq, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions)
			September 30,				December 31,
				2021				2020
Assets			(unaudited)
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			2				2
	Additional paid-in capital			1,983				2,547
	Common stock in treasury, at cost			(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

Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income and
Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income, and Operating Expenses
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
			Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
				2021				2020				2021				2020
U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq			$	288			$	264			$	928			$	708
Non-GAAP adjustments:
	Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)			40				26				116				76
	Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)			13				1				70				12
	Restructuring charges (3)			-				11				31				36
	Net gain on divestiture of business (4)			-				-				(84	)			-
	Net income from unconsolidated investees (5)			(6	)			(55	)			(88	)			(97	)
	Extinguishment of debt (6)			33				-				33				36
	Charitable Donations (7)			-				-				-				17
	Provision for notes receivable (7)			-				6				-				6
	Other (7)			(42	)			(1	)			(37	)			3
	Total non-GAAP adjustments			38				(12	)			41				89
	Non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision (8)			(23	)			4				(24	)			(34	)
	Total non-GAAP adjustments, net of tax			15				(8	)			17				55
Non-GAAP net income attributable to Nasdaq			$	303			$	256			$	945			$	763
U.S. GAAP diluted earnings per share			$	1.69			$	1.58			$	5.53			$	4.25
	Total adjustments from non-GAAP net income above			0.09				(0.05	)			0.10				0.32
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share			$	1.78			$	1.53			$	5.63			$	4.57
Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding for earnings per share:				170.2				167.5				167.9				166.8
(1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
(2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs and will vary based on the size and frequency of the activities described above.
(3) In September 2019, we initiated the transition of certain technology platforms to advance the company’s strategic opportunities as a technology and analytics provider and continue the realignment of certain business areas. Charges associated with this plan represented a fundamental shift in our strategy and technology as well as executive re-alignment and were excluded for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods. The restructuring charges primarily consisted of non-cash items such as asset impairment charges primarily related to capitalized software that was retired, and accelerated depreciation expense on certain assets as a result of a decrease in their useful life as well as third party consulting costs. The restructuring program ended as of June 30, 2021.
(4) For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, represents a pre-tax net gain of $84 million on the sale of our U.S. Fixed Income business, which is included in net gain on divestiture of business in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(5) Represents the earnings recognized from our equity interest in the Options Clearing Corporation, or OCC. We will continue to exclude the earnings and losses related to our share of OCC's earnings for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as our income on this investment may vary significantly period to period. This provides a more meaningful analysis of Nasdaq's ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq's performance between periods.
(6) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, represents a loss on early extinguishment of debt. The charge for all periods is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(7) We have excluded certain other charges or gains, including certain tax items, that are the result of other non-comparable events to measure operating performance. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, these significant items primarily relate to gains from strategic investments entered into through our corporate venture program recorded in other income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, these significant items primarily included a provision for notes receivable associated with the funding of technology development for the consolidated audit trail recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, charges associated with duplicative rent and impairment of leasehold assets related to our global headquarters move recorded in occupancy and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and a reversal of a regulatory fine issued by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, recorded in regulatory expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The first nine months of 2020 also included charitable donations made to the Nasdaq Foundation, COVID-19 response and relief efforts, and social justice charities, which are recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(8) The non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 includes the tax impact of each non-GAAP adjustment. In addition, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the non-GAAP adjustment to the income tax provision includes adjustments related to return-to-provision and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, a tax benefit on compensation related deductions determined to be allowable.

Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income and
Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income, and Operating Expenses
(in millions)
(unaudited)
			Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
				2021				2020				2021				2020
U.S. GAAP operating income			$	356			$	326			$	1,097			$	916
Non-GAAP adjustments:
	Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)			40				26				116				76
	Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)			13				1				70				12
	Restructuring charges (3)			-				11				31				36
	Extinguishment of debt (4)			33				-				33				36
	Charitable donations (5)			-				-				-				17
	Provision for notes receivable (5)			-				6				-				6
	Other (5)			(1	)			(1	)			5				7
	Total non-GAAP adjustments			85				43				255				190
Non-GAAP operating income			$	441			$	369			$	1,352			$	1,106
Revenues less transaction-based expenses			$	838			$	715			$	2,534			$	2,115
U.S. GAAP operating margin (6)				42	%			46	%			43	%			43	%
Non-GAAP operating margin (7)				53	%			52	%			53	%			52	%
(1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
(2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs and will vary based on the size and frequency of the activities described above.
(3) In September 2019, we initiated the transition of certain technology platforms to advance the company’s strategic opportunities as a technology and analytics provider and continue the realignment of certain business areas. Charges associated with this plan represented a fundamental shift in our strategy and technology as well as executive re-alignment and were excluded for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods. The restructuring charges primarily consisted of non-cash items such as asset impairment charges primarily related to capitalized software that was retired, and accelerated depreciation expense on certain assets as a result of a decrease in their useful life as well as third party consulting costs. The restructuring program ended as of June 30, 2021.
(4) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, represents a loss on early extinguishment of debt. The charge for all periods is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(5) We have excluded certain other charges or gains, including certain tax items, that are the result of other non-comparable events to measure operating performance. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, these significant items primarily included a provision for notes receivable associated with the funding of technology development for the consolidated audit trail recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, charges associated with duplicative rent and impairment of leasehold assets related to our global headquarters move recorded in occupancy and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and a reversal of a regulatory fine issued by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, recorded in regulatory expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The first nine months of 2020 also included charitable donations made to the Nasdaq Foundation, COVID-19 response and relief efforts, and social justice charities, which are recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(6) U.S. GAAP operating margin equals U.S. GAAP operating income divided by revenues less transaction-based expenses.
(7) Non-GAAP operating margin equals non-GAAP operating income divided by revenues less transaction-based expenses.

Nasdaq, Inc.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income and
Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Net Income, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Operating Income, and Operating Expenses
(in millions)
(unaudited)
			Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,				September 30,				September 30,
				2021				2020				2021				2020
U.S. GAAP operating expenses			$	482			$	389			$	1,437			$	1,199
Non-GAAP adjustments:
	Amortization expense of acquired intangible assets (1)			(40	)			(26	)			(116	)			(76	)
	Merger and strategic initiatives expense (2)			(13	)			(1	)			(70	)			(12	)
	Restructuring charges (3)			-				(11	)			(31	)			(36	)
	Extinguishment of debt (4)			(33	)			-				(33	)			(36	)
	Charitable donations (5)			-				-				-				(17	)
	Provision for notes receivable (5)			-				(6	)			-				(6	)
	Other (5)			1				1				(5	)			(7	)
	Total non-GAAP adjustments			(85	)			(43	)			(255	)			(190	)
Non-GAAP operating expenses			$	397			$	346			$	1,182			$	1,009
(1) We amortize intangible assets acquired in connection with various acquisitions. Intangible asset amortization expense can vary from period to period due to episodic acquisitions completed, rather than from our ongoing business operations.
(2) We have pursued various strategic initiatives and completed acquisitions and divestitures in recent years which have resulted in expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred. These expenses generally include integration costs, as well as legal, due diligence and other third party transaction costs and will vary based on the size and frequency of the activities described above.
(3) In September 2019, we initiated the transition of certain technology platforms to advance the company’s strategic opportunities as a technology and analytics provider and continue the realignment of certain business areas. Charges associated with this plan represented a fundamental shift in our strategy and technology as well as executive re-alignment and were excluded for purposes of calculating non-GAAP measures as they are not reflective of ongoing operating performance or comparisons in Nasdaq’s performance between periods. The restructuring charges primarily consisted of non-cash items such as asset impairment charges primarily related to capitalized software that was retired, and accelerated depreciation expense on certain assets as a result of a decrease in their useful life as well as third party consulting costs. The restructuring program ended as of June 30, 2021.
(4) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, represents a loss on early extinguishment of debt. The charge for all periods is recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(5) We have excluded certain other charges or gains, including certain tax items, that are the result of other non-comparable events to measure operating performance. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, these significant items primarily included a provision for notes receivable associated with the funding of technology development for the consolidated audit trail recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, charges associated with duplicative rent and impairment of leasehold assets related to our global headquarters move recorded in occupancy and depreciation and amortization expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and a reversal of a regulatory fine issued by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, recorded in regulatory expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The first nine months of 2020 also included charitable donations made to the Nasdaq Foundation, COVID-19 response and relief efforts, and social justice charities, which are recorded in general, administrative and other expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Nasdaq, Inc.
Quarterly Key Drivers Detail
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,		September 30,
			2021			2020			2021		2020
Market Technology
	Order intake (in millions) (1)	$	76		$	84		$	236	$	202
	Annualized recurring revenues (in millions) (2)	$	428		$	278		$	428	$	278
Investment Intelligence
	Number of licensed exchange traded products (ETPs)		347			335			347		335
	ETP assets under management (AUM) tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions)	$	361		$	313		$	361	$	313
	TTM (3) net inflows ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions)	$	53		$	48		$	53	$	48
	TTM (3) net appreciation/depreciation ETP AUM tracking Nasdaq indexes (in billions)	$	87		$	58		$	87	$	58
Corporate Platforms
	Initial public offerings
	The Nasdaq Stock Market (4)		147			105			557		174
	Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic		25			5			111		21
	Total new listings
	The Nasdaq Stock Market (4)		223			144			734		255
	Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (5)		28			11			132		33
	Number of listed companies
	The Nasdaq Stock Market (6)		3,990			3,249			3,990		3,249
	Exchanges that comprise Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic (7)		1,172			1,049			1,172		1,049
Market Services
	Equity Derivative Trading and Clearing
	U.S. equity options
	Total industry average daily volume (in millions)		35.5			28.1			36.7		26.7
	Nasdaq PHLX matched market share		12.1 %			12.8 %			12.6 %		12.4 %
	The Nasdaq Options Market matched market share		8.1 %			9.6 %			8.2 %		10.2 %
	Nasdaq BX Options matched market share		1.6 %			0.2 %			1.1 %		0.2 %
	Nasdaq ISE Options matched market share		6.0 %			6.9 %			6.6 %		7.8 %
	Nasdaq GEMX Options matched market share		2.7 %			6.3 %			4.9 %		5.3 %
	Nasdaq MRX Options matched market share		1.8 %			0.9 %			1.5 %		0.6 %
	Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq's exchanges		32.3 %			36.7 %			34.9 %		36.5 %
	Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic options and futures
	Total average daily volume options and futures contracts (8)		241,653			256,478			286,794		335,043
	Cash Equity Trading
	Total U.S.-listed securities
	Total industry average daily share volume (in billions)		9.8			9.9			11.6		11.1
	Matched share volume (in billions)		106.5			123.7			373.3		393.2
	The Nasdaq Stock Market matched market share		15.9 %			18.0 %			15.8 %		17.2 %
	Nasdaq BX matched market share		0.5 %			0.8 %			0.6 %		1.0 %
	Nasdaq PSX matched market share		0.6 %			0.6 %			0.7 %		0.6 %
	Total matched market share executed on Nasdaq's exchanges		17.0 %			19.4 %			17.1 %		18.8 %
	Market share reported to the FINRA/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility		34.3 %			32.0 %			35.0 %		31.2 %
	Total market share (9)		51.3 %			51.4 %			52.1 %		50.0 %
	Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic securities
	Average daily number of equity trades executed on Nasdaq's exchanges		989,688			819,751			1,033,316		924,455
	Total average daily value of shares traded (in billions)	$	5.7		$	4.8		$	6.4	$	5.6
	Total market share executed on Nasdaq's exchanges		76.3 %			77.5 %			77.4 %		77.6 %
	Fixed Income and Commodities Trading and Clearing
	Fixed Income
	Total average daily volume of Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic fixed income contracts		96,155			87,668			113,807		105,837
	Commodities
	Power contracts cleared (TWh) (10)		177			195			632		670
	(1) Total contract value of orders signed during the period, excluding Verafin.
	(2) Annualized Recurring Revenue, or ARR, for a given period is the annualized revenue of Market Technology support and SaaS subscription contracts. 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 replace either of those items. ARR is not a forecast and the active contracts during the reporting period used in calculating ARR may or may not be extended or renewed by our customers.
	(3) Trailing 12-months.
	(4) New listings include IPOs, including issuers that switched from other listing venues and separately listed ETPs. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, of the 147 IPOs, 67 were SPACs. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, of the 105 IPOs, 41 were SPACs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, of the 557 IPOs, 310 were SPACs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, of the 174 IPOs, 55 were SPACs.
	(5) New listings include IPOs and represent companies listed on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
	(6) Number of total listed companies on The Nasdaq Stock Market at period end, including 430 ETPs as of September 30, 2021, and 409 as of September 30, 2020.
	(7) Represents total listed companies on the Nasdaq Nordic and Nasdaq Baltic exchanges and companies on the alternative markets of Nasdaq First North.
	(8) Includes Finnish option contracts traded on Eurex for which Nasdaq and Eurex have a revenue sharing arrangement.
	(9) Includes transactions executed on The Nasdaq Stock Market's, Nasdaq BX's and Nasdaq PSX's systems plus trades reported through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority/Nasdaq Trade Reporting Facility.
	(10) Transactions executed on Nasdaq Commodities or OTC and reported for clearing to Nasdaq Commodities measured by Terawatt hours (TWh).

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de3deab6-969a-45ea-bf2f-77c227319827

FAQ

What were Nasdaq's Q3 2021 net revenues?

Nasdaq's Q3 2021 net revenues were $838 million, a 17% increase from Q3 2020.

How much did Nasdaq return to investors in Q3 2021?

In Q3 2021, Nasdaq returned $1,145 million to investors, including $885 million in share repurchases and $260 million in dividends.

What was the Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth in Q3 2021 for Nasdaq?

Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) for Nasdaq increased 19% to $1.83 billion in Q3 2021.

How did Nasdaq perform in terms of IPOs in Q3 2021?

Nasdaq led U.S. exchanges with a 75% IPO win rate, hosting 147 IPOs that raised $29 billion.

What was the change in Nasdaq's GAAP diluted EPS in Q3 2021?

Nasdaq's GAAP diluted earnings per share increased by 7% to $1.69 in Q3 2021.