UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

 

OR

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to           

  

Commission file number: 000-32651

 

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

+1 212 401 8700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

No changes

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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  x    No  ¨ 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 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   x 

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September  30, 2013

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About This Form 10-Q

Throughout this Form 10-Q, unless otherwise specified:

•“NASDAQ OMX,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

•“The NASDAQ Stock Market” and “NASDAQ” refer to the registered national securities exchange operated by The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.

•“OMX AB” refers to OMX AB (publ), as that entity operated prior to the business combination with Nasdaq.

•“Nasdaq” refers to The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., as that entity operated prior to the business combination with OMX AB.

•“NASDAQ OMX Nordic” refers to collectively, NASDAQ OMX Clearing AB,  NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen, NASDAQ OMX Helsinki and NASDAQ OMX Iceland.

•“NASDAQ OMX Nordic Clearing” refers to collectively, the clearing operations conducted through NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Commodities.

•“NASDAQ OMX Baltic” refers to collectively, NASDAQ OMX Tallinn, NASDAQ OMX Riga and NASDAQ OMX Vilnius.

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Aces®, Auto Workup®, Autospeed®, AXE®, BX Venture Market®, CCBN®, Directors Desk®, Dream It. Do It®, E and Design®, eSpeed and Design®, eSpeed®, e-Speed®, eSpeed Elite®, eSpeed Filing®, eSpeedoMeter®,  EVI®, FINQLOUD®, FTEN®, GlobeNewswire®, INET®, ITCH®, Kleos®, Market Intelligence Desk®, Market Mechanics®, MarketSite®, MYCCBN®, NASDAQ®, NASDAQ Biotechnology®, NASDAQ Capital Market®, NASDAQ Competitive VWAP®, NASDAQ Composite®, NASDAQ Composite Index®, NASDAQ Computer Index®, NASDAQ-Financial®, NASDAQ-Financial Index®, NASDAQ Financial-100 Index®, NASDAQ Global Market®, NASDAQ Global Select Market®, NASDAQ Industrial Index®, NASDAQ Interact®, NASDAQ Internet Index®, NASDAQ Market Analytix®, NASDAQ Market Center®, NASDAQ Market Forces®, NASDAQ Market Velocity®, NASDAQ MarketSite®, NASDAQ MAX®, NASDAQ National Market®, NASDAQ OMX®, NASDAQ OMX Advantage®, NASDAQ OMX Alpha Indexes®, NASDAQ OMX BX®, NASDAQ OMX Futures Exchange®, NASDAQ OMX Green Economy Index®, NASDAQ OMX Nordic®, NASDAQ Q-50 Index®, NASDAQ Telecommunications Index®, NASDAQ TotalView®, NASDAQ Trade Up®, NASDAQ Trader®, NASDAQ Transportation®, NASDAQ US ALL Market®, NASDAQ Volatility Guard®, NASDAQ Workstation®, NASDAQ Workstation II®, NASDAQ-100®, NASDAQ-100 European®, NASDAQ-100 Index®, NASDAQ-100 Index Tracking Stock®, NDX®, NFX World Currency®, NFX XL®, PHLX®, PORTAL Alliance®, QQQ®, QView®, R3®, RX®, Shareholder.com®, Sidecar®, SX®, The NASDAQ OMX Group®, The NASDAQ Stock Market®, The Stock Market for the Next 100 Years®, Trade Up® and UltraFeed® are significant registered trademarks of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. and its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.

“FINRA®” and “Trade Reporting Facility®” are registered trademarks of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA.

All other trademarks and servicemarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

* * * * * *

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 initial public offerings, or IPOs, is based on data generated internally by us, which includes best efforts underwritings and closed-end funds; 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 best efforts underwritings, issuers that switched from other listing venues, closed-end funds and exchange traded funds, or ETFs. Data in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for IPOs and new listings of equities securities on the exchanges that comprise NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Baltic 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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the “Risk Factors” section in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 that was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on August 8, 2013, the “Risk Factors” section in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 that was filed with the SEC, on May 7, 2013, and the “Risk Factors” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 that was filed with the SEC on February 21, 2013.

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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 “anticipates,” “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 identify forward-looking statements. These include, among others, statements relating to:

•our 2013 outlook;

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

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

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

•the impact of pricing changes;

•tax matters;

•costs and savings associated with restructuring activities;

•the cost and availability of liquidity; and

•the outcome of any litigation and/or government investigation to which we are a party and other contingencies.

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;

•loss of significant trading and clearing volume, market share or listed companies;

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

•government and industry regulation;

•our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, including the fact that such integration may be more difficult, time consuming or costly than expected, and our ability to realize synergies from business combinations and acquisitions;

•covenants in our credit facilities, indentures and other agreements governing our indebtedness which may restrict the operation of our business; and

•adverse changes that may occur in the securities markets generally.

   

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 discussed under the caption “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 that was filed with the SEC on August 8, 2013, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 that was filed with the SEC on May 7, 2013, and more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 that was filed with the SEC on February 21, 2013. 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 1. 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.

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PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except share and par value amounts)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income 

(Unaudited)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in millions)

 

  See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Organization and Nature of Operations

We are a leading global exchange group that delivers trading, clearing, exchange technology, regulatory, securities listing, and public company services across six continents. Our global offerings are diverse and include trading and clearing across multiple asset classes, market data products, financial indexes, capital formation solutions, financial services and market technology products and services. Our technology powers markets across the globe, supporting cash equity trading, derivatives trading, clearing and settlement and many other functions.

In the U.S., we operate The NASDAQ Stock Market, a registered national securities exchange. The NASDAQ Stock Market is the largest single cash equities securities market in the U.S. in terms of listed companies and in the world in terms of share value traded. As of September 30, 2013, The NASDAQ Stock Market was home to 2,602 listed companies with a combined market capitalization of approximately $6.3 trillion. In addition, in the U.S. we operate two additional cash equities trading markets, three options markets, an electronic platform for trading of U.S. Treasuries and a futures market. Prior to the third quarter of 2013, we also engaged in riskless principal trading and clearing of over-the-counter, or OTC, power and gas contracts.

In Europe, we operate exchanges in Stockholm (Sweden), Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), and Iceland as NASDAQ OMX Nordic, and exchanges in Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia) and Vilnius (Lithuania) as NASDAQ OMX Baltic. Collectively, the exchanges that comprise NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Baltic offer trading in cash equities, bonds, structured products and ETFs, as well as trading and clearing of derivatives and clearing of resale and repurchase agreements. Through NASDAQ OMX First North, our Nordic and Baltic operations also offer alternative marketplaces for smaller companies. As of September 30, 2013, the exchanges that comprise NASDAQ OMX Nordic and NASDAQ OMX Baltic, together with NASDAQ OMX First North, were home to 752 listed companies with a combined market capitalization of approximately $1.2 trillion. We also operate NASDAQ OMX Armenia. 

In addition, NASDAQ OMX Commodities operates the world’s largest power derivatives exchange for trading and clearing of futures in the Nordics, Germany and the U.K., one of Europe’s largest carbon exchanges and, together with Nord Pool Spot, N2EX, a marketplace for physical U.K. power contracts. We also operate NOS Clearing ASA, or NOS Clearing, a leading Norway-based clearinghouse primarily for OTC traded derivatives for the freight market and seafood derivatives market and NASDAQ OMX NLX, a new London-based market for trading of listed short-term and long-term European (Euro and Sterling denominated) interest rate derivative products.

In some of the countries where we operate exchanges, we also provide clearing, settlement and depository services.

2. Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NASDAQ OMX, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and other entities in which NASDAQ OMX has a controlling financial interest. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

As permitted under U.S. GAAP, certain footnotes or other financial information can be condensed or omitted in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in NASDAQ OMX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Changes in Reportable Segments

As announced in January 2013, we realigned our reportable segments as a result of changes to the organizational structure of our businesses. Our reportable segments now consist of Market Services, Listing Services, Information Services and Technology Solutions. See Note 16, “Business Segments,” for further discussion. All prior period segment disclosures have been recast to reflect our change in reportable segments. Certain other prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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Tax Matters 

We use the asset and liability method to determine income taxes on all transactions recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities (i.e., temporary differences) and are measured at the enacted rates that will be in effect when these differences are realized. If necessary, a valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

In order to recognize and measure our unrecognized tax benefits, management determines whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets the recognition thresholds, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters are recognized in income tax expense.

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, the income tax benefit on foreign currency translation losses of $118 million for the first nine months of 2013 as compared with an expense of $76 million in the same period of 2012,  is primarily due to an assertion made by NASDAQ OMX in the second quarter of 2013 to permanently reinvest the earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. As a result of this assertion, adjustments were made to our deferred tax balances relating to cumulative translation adjustments pertaining to these subsidiaries.

NASDAQ OMX and its eligible subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and applicable state and local income tax returns and non-U.S. income tax returns. Federal income tax returns for the years 2007 through 2010 are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service and we are subject to examination for 2011 and 2012. Several state tax returns are currently under examination by the respective tax authorities for the years 2005 through 2010 and we are subject to examination for 2011 and 2012. Non-U.S. tax returns are subject to examination by the respective tax authorities for the years 2005 through 2012. We have filed amended 2011 and 2012 Swedish value added tax returns which are currently being reviewed by the Swedish Tax Agency. We anticipate that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2013 will significantly decrease in the next twelve months as we expect to settle certain tax audits. The final outcome of such audits cannot yet be determined. We anticipate that such adjustments will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we received an appeal from the Finnish Tax Authority challenging certain interest expense deductions claimed by NASDAQ OMX in Finland for the year 2008. The appeal also demanded certain penalties be paid with regard to the company’s tax return filing position. In October 2012, the Finnish Appeals Board disagreed with the company’s tax return filing position for years 2009 through 2011, even though the tax return position with respect to this deduction was previously reviewed and approved by the Finnish Tax Authority. NASDAQ OMX has appealed the ruling by the Finnish Appeals Board to the Finnish Administrative Court. In the second quarter of 2013, we paid $19 million to the Finnish Tax Authority, which represents an assessment for the years 2009 through 2011. We expect the Finnish Administrative Court to agree with our position and, if so, NASDAQ OMX will receive a refund for the amount paid.  If the Finnish Administrative Court disagrees with our position, we will incur an additional assessment of $7 million for 2012 and the first nine months of 2013. Through September 30, 2013, we have recorded the tax benefits associated with the filing position. 

From 2009 through 2012, we recorded tax benefits associated with certain interest expense incurred in Sweden. Our position is supported by a 2011 ruling we received from the Swedish Supreme Administrative Court. However, under new legislation effective January 1, 2013, limitations are imposed on certain forms of interest expense. Since the new legislation is unclear with regards to our ability to continue to claim such interest deductions, NASDAQ OMX has filed an application for an advance tax ruling with the Swedish Tax Council for Advance Tax Rulings. We expect to receive a favorable response from the Swedish Tax Council for Advance Tax Rulings.  In the third quarter of 2013, we recorded a tax benefit of $4 million, or $.02 per diluted share, with respect to this issue in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Since January 1, 2013, we have recorded a tax benefit of $12 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, related to this matter. We expect to record recurring quarterly tax benefits of $4 million to $5 million with respect to this issue for the foreseeable future.

3. Restructuring Charges

During the first quarter of 2012, we performed a comprehensive review of our processes, organizations and systems in a company-wide effort to improve performance, cut costs, and reduce spending. This restructuring program was completed in the first quarter of 2013. 

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:  

 

 

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During the first nine months of 2013, we recognized restructuring charges totaling $9 million, including severance costs of $6 million related to workforce reductions of 31 positions across our organization, $1 million for facilities-related charges, discussed below, $1 million for asset impairments, primarily consisting of fixed assets and capitalized software that have been retired, and $1 million of other charges. During the first nine months of 2012, we recognized restructuring charges totaling $36 million, including severance costs of $18 million related to workforce reductions of 189 positions across our organization, $10 million for facility-related charges, discussed below, $6 million for asset impairments, primarily consisting of fixed assets and capitalized software which have been retired, and $2 million of other charges.

 

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2012:

 

During the third quarter of 2012, we recognized restructuring charges totaling $10 million, including severance costs of $4 million related to workforce reductions of 27 positions across our organization, $5 million for facility-related charges, discussed below, and $1 million of other charges.

During the third quarter of 2012, we offered certain of our employees an incentive to voluntarily retire early. Charges related to the early retirement program totaled $3 million for the third quarter of 2012 and primarily include severance costs which are included in severance in the above table.

Restructuring Reserve

Severance

The accrued severance balance totaled $4 million at September 30, 2013 and $8 million at December 31, 2012 and is included in other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The majority of the remaining accrued severance balance will be paid during the remaining three months of 2013. During the first nine months of 2013,  $10 million of severance was paid.

Facilities-related

The facilities-related charges of $1 million for the first nine months of 2013, $5 million for the third quarter of 2012, and $10 million for the first nine months of 2012 relate to lease rent accruals for facilities we no longer occupy due to facilities consolidation. The facilities-related charges for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012 also include the write-off and disposal of leasehold improvements and other assets. The lease rent costs included in the facilities-related charges are equal to the future costs associated with the facility, net of estimated proceeds from any future sublease agreements that could be reasonably obtained, based on management’s estimate. We will continue to evaluate these estimates in future periods, and thus, there may be additional charges or reversals relating to these facilities. The facilities-related restructuring reserve will be paid over several years until the leases expire. The facilities-related reserve balance, which totaled $2 million at September  30, 2013 and $3 million at December 31, 2012, is included in other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Acquisitions and Divestiture

We completed the following acquisitions in 2013 and 2012. Financial results of each transaction are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income from the dates of each acquisition.

2013 Acquisitions

 

 

The amounts in the table above represent the preliminary allocation of the purchase price and are subject to revision during the remainder of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. Adjustments to the provisional values during the measurement period will be recorded as of the date of acquisition. Comparative information for periods after acquisition but before the period in which the adjustments are identified will be adjusted to reflect the effects of the adjustments as if they were taken into account as of the acquisition date. Changes to amounts recorded as assets and liabilities may result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. There were no adjustments to the provisional values for the above acquisitions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

Acquisition of eSpeed for Trading of U.S. Treasuries

On  June 28, 2013, we acquired from BGC Partners, Inc. and certain of its affiliates, or BGC, certain assets and assumed certain liabilities, including 100% of the equity interests in eSpeed Technology Services, L.P., eSpeed Technology Services Holdings, LLC, Kleos Managed Services, L.P. and Kleos Managed Services Holdings, LLC; the eSpeed brand name; various assets comprising the fully electronic portion of BGC’s benchmark U.S. Treasury brokerage, market data and co-location service businesses, or eSpeed, for $1.2 billion.  We acquired net assets, at fair value, totaling $5 million and purchased intangible assets of $715 million which consisted of $578 million for the eSpeed trade name, $121 million in customer relationships and $16 million in technology. The eSpeed businesses are part of our Market Services and Information Services segments.

The purchase price consisted of $755 million in cash and contingent future annual issuances of 992,247 shares of NASDAQ OMX common stock approximating certain tax benefits associated with the transaction of $484 million. Such contingent future issuances of NASDAQ OMX common stock will be paid ratably over 15 years if NASDAQ OMX achieves a designated revenue target in each such year.  The contingent future issuances of NASDAQ OMX common stock are subject to anti-dilution protections and acceleration upon certain events.

NASDAQ OMX used the majority of the net proceeds from the issuance of €600 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior unsecured notes due June 2021, or the 2021 Notes, to fund the cash consideration payable by us for the acquisition of eSpeed. See “3.875% Senior Unsecured Notes,” of Note 8, “Debt Obligations,” for further discussion.

Intangible Assets

The following table presents the details of the purchased intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of eSpeed. All purchased intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method. See Note 5, “Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets,” for further discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Below is a discussion of the methods used to determine the fair value of eSpeed’s intangible assets, as well as a discussion of the estimated average remaining useful life of each intangible asset. The carrying amounts of all other assets and liabilities were deemed to approximate their estimated fair values.

Trade Name

NASDAQ OMX has incorporated eSpeed into two reporting segments—Market Services and Information Services. The eSpeed trade name was valued as used in each of these reporting segments. The trade name is recognized in the industry and carries a reputation for quality. As such, eSpeed and related brands’ reputation and positive recognition embodied in the trade name are valuable assets to NASDAQ OMX. The trade name was considered the primary asset acquired in this transaction. In valuing the acquired trade name, we used the income approach, specifically the excess earnings method. The excess earnings method examines the economic returns contributed by the identified tangible and intangible assets of a company, and then isolates the excess return that is attributable to the intangible asset being valued.

A discount rate of 10% was utilized, which reflects the amount of risk associated with the hypothetical cash flows generated by the eSpeed trade name in the future. In developing a discount rate for the trade name, we estimated a weighted average cost of capital for the overall business and we employed this rate when discounting the cash flows. The resulting discounted cash flows were then tax-effected at a rate of 40.0%, and a discounted tax amortization benefit was added to the fair value of the asset under the assumption that the trade name would be amortized for tax purposes over a period of 15 years for both Market Services and Information Services.

We have estimated the remaining useful life of the trade name to be indefinite. The estimated remaining useful life was based on several factors including the number of years the name has been in service, its popularity within the industry, and our intention to continue its use.

Customer Relationships

Customer relationships represent the non-contractual and contractual relationships that eSpeed has with its customers. The eSpeed customer relationships were valued using the income approach, specifically the with-and-without method. The with-and-without method is commonly used when the cash flows of a business can be estimated with and without the asset in place. The premise associated with this valuation technique is that the value of an asset is represented by the differences in the subject business’ cash flows under scenarios where (a) the asset is present and is used in operations (with); and (b) the asset is absent and not used in operations (without). Cash flow differentials are then discounted to present value to arrive at an estimate of fair value for the asset.

We estimated that without current customer relationships, it would take approximately 4-5 years for the customer base to grow from 10% of current revenues to 100% of revenues. We also made estimates related to compensation levels and other expenses such as sales and marketing that would be incurred as the business was ramped up through year 5, which is the year the customer base would be expected to reach the level that currently exists.

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A discount rate of 10%, which reflects the estimated weighted average cost of capital for the overall business, was utilized when discounting the cash flows. The resulting discounted cash flows were then tax-effected at a rate of 40.0%, and a discounted tax amortization benefit was added to the fair value of the asset under the assumption that the customer relationships would be amortized for tax purposes over a period of 15 years.

Based on the historical behavior of the customers and a parallel analysis of the customers using the excess earnings method, we have estimated the remaining useful life to be 13 years for the acquired customer relationships.

Technology

The fair value of the eSpeed acquired developed technology was valued using the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method, or RFRM. The RFRM is used to estimate the cost savings that accrue to the owner of an intangible asset who would otherwise have to pay royalties or license fees on revenues earned through the use of the asset. The royalty rate is applied to the projected revenue over the expected remaining life of the intangible asset to estimate royalty savings. The net after-tax royalty savings are calculated for each year in the remaining economic life of the intangible asset and discounted to present value.

To determine the royalty rate we searched for and identified market transactions and royalty rates for comparable technology. Due to the limited data, we relied on our estimates and benchmarked the estimated excess earnings of eSpeed to determine a range of royalty rates that would be reasonable for the use of its intangible assets based on a profit split methodology. Profit split theory states that a reasonable market participant would be willing and able to make revenue based royalty payments of 25 to 33 percent of their operating profit to receive the rights to certain licensable intellectual property necessary for conducting business. Conversely, the owner of such intellectual property would save that amount or be relieved from making those royalty payments. By analyzing these profit splits at 25 and 33 percent, we estimated supportable royalty rates for the technology and selected a pre-tax royalty rate of 5%.  

A discount rate of 10% was utilized, which reflects the estimated weighted average cost of capital for the overall business and we employed this rate when discounting the cash flows. The resulting discounted cash flows were then tax-effected at a rate of 40.0%, and a discounted tax amortization benefit was added to the fair value of the asset under the assumption that the technology would be amortized for tax purposes over a period of 15 years for both Market Services and Information Services.

We have estimated the remaining useful life to be 5 years for the acquired developed technology.

Acquisition of the Investor Relations, Public Relations and Multimedia Solutions Businesses of Thomson Reuters

On  May 31, 2013, we acquired from Thomson Reuters their Investor Relations, Public Relations and Multimedia Solutions businesses, or the TR Corporate Solutions businesses, which provide insight, analytics and communications solutions, for $390 million ($366 million cash paid plus $24 million in working capital adjustments).  We acquired net liabilities, at fair value, totaling $37 million and purchased intangible assets of $91 million which consisted of $89 million in customer relationships and $2 million in technology. The TR Corporate Solutions businesses are part of our Corporate Solutions business within our Technology Solutions segment. 

NASDAQ OMX used cash on hand and borrowed $50 million under the revolving credit commitment to fund this acquisition. See “2011 Credit Facility,” of Note 8, “Debt Obligations,” for further discussion.

Intangible Assets

The following table presents the details of the purchased intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses. All purchased intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method. See Note 5, “Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets,” for further discussion.

 

 

 

Below is a discussion of the methods used to determine the fair value of the purchased intangible assets acquired in the acquisition of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses, as well as a discussion of the estimated average remaining useful life of each intangible asset. The carrying amounts of all other assets and liabilities were deemed to approximate their estimated fair values.

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Customer Relationships

Customer relationships represent the non-contractual and contractual relationships that each of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses has with its customers and represented a key intangible asset in this transaction. Customer relationships were identified and valued individually for each of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses using the income approach, specifically an excess earnings method. This valuation method relied on assumptions regarding projected revenues, attrition rates, and operating cash flows for each of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses.

We assumed annual revenue attrition of 10.0% for the customers for each of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses, as well as charges for contributory assets. Operating expenses associated with maintaining the assets were applied to the attrition adjusted revenues. For the five years following 2016, operating margins were adjusted in order to reach a normalized operating margin level that included an estimate for the fixed costs for the businesses. From 2021 onward, the operating margin was held constant at a normalized level. The tax-effected cash flows were discounted at a rate of 11% to 11.5% based on the risk associated with the hypothetical cash flows generated by the customer base for each specific business line.

The cash flows were then tax-effected at a rate of 40.0%, and a discounted tax amortization benefit was added to the fair value of the assets under the assumption that the customer relationships would be amortized for tax purposes over a period of 15 years.

The estimated remaining useful life captured 90.0% of the present value of the cash flows generated by each customer relationship.

Technology

The fair values of the acquired developed technologies were valued using the income approach, specifically the RFRM, as discussed above under technology relating to eSpeed. 

To determine the royalty rate we searched for and identified market transactions and royalty rates for comparable technology and relied on our estimates and expectations surrounding the relative importance of the acquired developed technologies, competing technologies, foreseeable shifts in the market, and expected royalty payments for comparable technologies. We also performed a profit split analysis, as described above in technology, for each separate acquired technology in order to estimate an acceptable royalty rate. Based on the information obtained and the profit spilt analysis, we selected a pre-tax royalty rate of 1.5% for the webhosting technology and 0.5% for the public relations and multimedia solutions technologies.

A discount rate of 11% was utilized based on the risk associated with the hypothetical cash flows generated by the developed technologies and we employed this rate when discounting the cash flows. The resulting discounted cash flows were then tax-effected at a rate of 40.0%, and a discounted tax amortization benefit was added to the fair value of the asset under the assumption that the developed technology would be amortized for tax purposes over a period of 15 years.

We have estimated the remaining useful life to be 2-5 years for the acquired developed technology.

Formation of The NASDAQ Private Market Joint Venture 

In March 2013, we formed a joint venture with SharesPost, Inc., or SharesPost, creating The NASDAQ Private Market, or NPM, a preeminent marketplace for private growth companies. We own a majority interest in NPM, combining NASDAQ OMX’s resources, market and operating expertise with SharesPost’s leading web-based platform. NPM plans to provide improved access to liquidity for early investors, founders and employees while enabling the efficient buying and selling of private company shares. Subject to regulatory approvals, NPM is expected to launch later in 2013. NPM is part of our U.S. Listing Services business within our Listing Services segment.

Acquisition of Dutch Cash Equities and Equity Derivatives Trading Venue 

In April 2013, we acquired a  25%  equity interest in The Order Machine, or TOM, a Dutch cash equities and equity derivatives trading venue. The terms of the transaction also provide us an option to acquire an additional 25.1% of the remaining shares at a future date. This transaction delivers on our strategy to expand our derivatives presence across the European market and is part of our Market Services segment. We account for our investment in TOM under the equity method of accounting. See “Equity Method Investments,” of Note 6, “Investments,” for further discussion of our equity method investments.

 

 

 

 

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2012 Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

(1)   In the third quarter of 2012, we recognized a gain of $4 million on our acquisition of NOS Clearing, which is included in merger and strategic initiatives expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Acquisition of NOS Clearing

In July 2012, we acquired NOS Clearing for approximately $40 million (233 million Norwegian Krone) in cash. NOS Clearing is a leading Norway-based clearinghouse primarily for OTC traded derivatives for the freight market and seafood derivatives market. We acquired net assets of $43 million, primarily restricted cash related to regulatory capital. The purchased intangible assets totaling $1 million consisted of customer relationships. NOS Clearing is part of our European derivative trading and clearing business within our Market Services segment.

Acquisition of BWise

In May 2012, we acquired a 72% ownership interest in BWise Beheer B.V., or BWise, a Netherlands-based service provider that offers enterprise governance, risk management and compliance software and services to help companies track, measure and manage key organizational risks for approximately $57 million (47 million Euro) in cash. We have agreed to purchase the remaining 28% ownership interest in BWise in two separate transactions, resulting in 100% ownership by the first half of 2015 for a total purchase price of approximately $77 million (62 million Euro). We acquired net liabilities of $2 million and recorded a current deferred tax liability of $1 million and a non-current deferred tax liability of $8 million related to purchased intangible assets, resulting in total net liabilities acquired of $11 million. The total deferred tax liabilities of $9 million represent the tax effect of the difference between the estimated assigned fair value of the acquired intangible assets ($35 million) and the tax basis ($0) of such assets. The estimated amount of $9 million was determined by multiplying the difference of $35 million by BWise’s effective tax rate of 25%. The purchased intangible assets of $35 million consisted of $23 million in customer relationships, $7 million in technology and $5 million for the BWise trade name. BWise is part of our Market Technology business within our Technology Solutions segment.

Due to changes in the anticipated performance of BWise, the estimated amount of future expected contingent purchase price obligations are $12 million at September 30, 2013 with payment dates through March 31, 2015. As a result, an $8 million reduction was recorded to merger and strategic initiatives expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013.

We finalized the allocation of the purchase price for BWise in the second quarter of 2013 and NOS Clearing in the third quarter of 2013. There were no adjustments to the provisional values for the above acquisitions during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

Acquisition of the Index Business of Mergent, Inc., including Indxis

In December 2012, we acquired the index business of Mergent, Inc., including Indxis, for $15 million in cash. The $5 million in intangible assets, $9 million in goodwill and $1 million in net assets resulting from this acquisition are included in our Index Licensing and Services business within our Information Services segment.

Pro Forma Results and Acquisition-related Costs

Pro forma financial results for the acquisitions completed in 2013 and 2012 have not been presented since these acquisitions both individually and in the aggregate were not material to our financial results.

Acquisition-related costs for the transactions described above were expensed as incurred and are included in merger and strategic initiatives expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

2012 Divestiture

In August 2012, we sold our majority-owned subsidiary International Derivatives Clearing Group, LLC, or IDCG, to LCH Clearnet Group Limited, or LCH.  Under the terms of the transaction, NASDAQ OMX received ordinary shares of LCH valued at 19 Euros per share, resulting in NASDAQ OMX having a 3.7% pro forma ownership in LCH at that time. We recorded a $14 million loss, which is included in loss on divestiture of business in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and first nine months ended September 30, 2012. IDCG was part of our U.S. derivative trading and clearing business within our Market Services segment.

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5. Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

Goodwill

In connection with the change in reportable segments discussed in Note 16, “Business Segments,” we reallocated the goodwill that existed as of December 31, 2012 to our new reporting units on a relative fair value basis.

The following table presents the changes in goodwill by business segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2013:  

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2013, the amount of goodwill that is expected to be deductible for tax purposes in future periods is $895 million, of which $510 million is related to our acquisition of eSpeed and $304 million is related to our acquisition of the TR Corporate Solutions businesses. 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of a business acquired. Goodwill is allocated to our reporting units based on the assignment of the fair values of each reporting unit of the acquired company. We perform an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year using carrying amounts as of October 1. Should certain events or indicators of impairment occur between annual impairment tests, we will perform the impairment test as those events or indicators occur. We assess goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level.

During the first quarter of 2013, we performed a goodwill impairment assessment as a result of our change in reportable segments. For purposes of performing the impairment test for goodwill, our six reporting units are the Market Services segment, the Listing Services segment, the two businesses comprising the Information Services segment: Market Data Products and Index Licensing and Services, and the two businesses comprising the Technology Solutions segment: Corporate Solutions and Market Technology. We allocated goodwill to each reporting unit based on its relative fair value. We then compared the fair value of the reporting units to the reporting units’ carrying amount and determined that goodwill was not impaired since the fair values of each of the reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts. However, events such as economic weakness or unexpected significant declines in operating results of a reporting unit may result in goodwill impairment charges in the future.

Purchased Intangible Assets

The following table presents details of our total purchased intangible assets, both finite- and indefinite-lived: