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Nasdaq Reports 20.5% Q2 Revenue Surge and $100M Payward Crypto Investment

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NDAQ$93.65 1.39%

Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ) reported second-quarter 2026 total revenue of $2.53 billion, up 20.5% from the same period last year, while net revenue grew 15% to $1.5 billion. The exchange operator delivered net income of $507 million, or $0.89 per share, with adjusted earnings per share reaching $1.07 and an adjusted operating margin of 57%. Alongside its financial results, the company allocated $100 million toward an investment in Payward, the parent company of Kraken.

The strong quarterly performance reflects continued strength in core trading activity and a push toward next-generation market infrastructure. U.S. equity options trading volume reached 384 million contracts in September 2026, rising from 378 million contracts recorded in September 2025. The investment in Payward marks a key step in developing tokenized equities and continuous trading platforms in partnership with financial technology and cryptocurrency firms.

Moving forward, investors will watch whether equity options trading volumes maintain growth through the end of the year. Market participants will also track progress on the rollout of tokenized equity offerings and how effectively the new infrastructure partnership creates revenue opportunities.

Key points

  • Nasdaq, Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 total revenue of $2.53 billion, up 20.5% year-over-year.
  • Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.07 with net income of $507 million and a 57% adjusted operating margin.
  • The company made a $100 million investment in Kraken parent Payward to advance tokenized equities.
  • U.S. equity options trading volume increased to 384 million contracts in September 2026 from 378 million a year earlier.

Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web. It can contain mistakes: check the facts before acting on them. Write-ups powered by the free AI API at FreeTheAI.org

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Questions and answers

What were Nasdaq's key financial results for Q2 2026?

Nasdaq reported total revenue of $2.53 billion, up 20.5% year-over-year, and net revenue of $1.5 billion. Net income was $507 million, or $0.89 per share, with adjusted earnings per share of $1.07 and an adjusted operating margin of 57%.

How much did Nasdaq invest in Payward and why?

Nasdaq invested $100 million in Payward, the parent company of Kraken, to develop tokenized equities and continuous market infrastructure alongside crypto and fintech partners.

What was Nasdaq's U.S. equity options volume in September 2026?

Nasdaq reported U.S. equity options volume of 384 million contracts in September 2026, compared to 378 million contracts in September 2025.