Have you been eager to see how Nasdaq, Inc. (NASDAQ:NDAQ) , performed in Q4 in comparison with the market expectations? Let’s quickly scan through the key facts from this NY-based major exchange operator’s earnings release this morning:
An Earnings Beat
Nasdaq reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.05 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01. Earnings improved 11% year over year.
Improved revenues drove the upside.
Nasdaq, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
How Was the Estimate Revision Trend?
You should note that the earnings estimate for Nasdaq depicted neutral stance prior to the earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged at $1.01 per share over the last 7 days.
Nasdaq has a solid earnings surprise history. The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 4.72% in the trailing four quarters.
Revenues Beat
Nasdaq’s revenues of $635 million in the quarter increased 6% year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was $628 million.
Key Takeaways
Adjusted operating expenses were $341 million in the reported quarter, up 5% from the year-ago quarter.
The Nasdaq Stock Market welcomed 268 new listings in 2017, 136 of which were IPOs.
As of Dec 31, 2017, debt increased 3.4% over 2016 end level to $3.7 billion.
The company has returned $446 million to its shareholders in 2017.
The company expects its 2018 non-GAAP operating expense in the range of $1,375–$1,415 million.
Nasdaq expects its 2018 non-GAAP tax rate to be in a range of 24.5% - 26.5%.
What Zacks Rank Says
Nasdaq carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). However, since the latest earnings performance is yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. Now it all depends on what sense the just-released report makes to the analysts.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Check back later for our full write up on this Nasdaq earnings report!
The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All
Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.
See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>
Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ): Free Stock Analysis Report
Original post
Zacks Investment Research