Nasdaq Reports $2.137 Billion Revenue in Q1 2026, Driven by Capital Access and Financial Technology Growth

Nasdaq, Inc. reported a total revenue of $2.137 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 2% increase from $2.096 billion in the same period last year. The company's operating income rose by 20% to $657 million, compared to $547 million in the prior year. Net income also saw a significant increase of 31% to $519 million, up from $395 million, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $0.91, a 33% increase from $0.68 in the previous year. The growth in revenue was primarily driven by strong performance in the Capital Access Platforms and Financial Technology segments, which reported revenue increases of 11.4% and 19.7%, respectively.

In terms of operational metrics, Nasdaq's total customer listings reached 5,677 as of March 31, 2026, with 4,570 listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, including 1,180 exchange-traded products (ETPs). The company also reported a total annualized recurring revenue (ARR) of $1.2 billion, indicating a healthy growth trajectory in its subscription-based services. The number of employees increased to 9,613, up from 9,377 a year earlier, reflecting the company's ongoing investment in talent to support its growth initiatives.

Strategically, Nasdaq has been active in expanding its product offerings, launching 31 new products in the first quarter, including 11 in the institutional annuity space. The company also completed the migration of open positions in its Nordic power futures business to a European exchange, which is expected to enhance its operational efficiency. Additionally, Nasdaq's share repurchase program remains robust, with $548 million spent on repurchasing shares in the first quarter, leaving an authorized amount of $2.9 billion for future buybacks.

Looking ahead, Nasdaq anticipates continued growth driven by favorable market conditions and strategic initiatives. The company expects to benefit from increased trading volumes and market share in its Market Services segment, which generated record net revenues in the first quarter. However, Nasdaq also acknowledges potential risks from macroeconomic factors, including inflation and geopolitical instability, which could impact its performance. The company remains committed to leveraging its technology and data solutions to navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the financial markets.