Nasdaq Raises Quarterly Dividend, Extending Growth Streak

Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ) increased its quarterly dividend to $0.31 per share from $0.27, a 14.81% raise, with the stock trading ex-dividend on June 12, 2026.

The increase extends Nasdaq's dividend-growth streak to 13 consecutive years. Based on the locked dividend data, the company's forward annual yield is 1.26%, with an annual dividend per share of $1.12 and a share price of $88.98.

Business Context

Nasdaq is best known as the operator of its namesake U.S. stock exchange, but the company has broadened over time into market technology, data, analytics and financial-services software. Its business now spans exchange capabilities, information services and technology tools for banks, brokers, asset managers and other market participants, according to company background summarized in public filings and investor materials cited by Nasdaq's profile and SEC references.

The dividend increase comes as Nasdaq continues to position itself as more than a trading-venue operator. The company's acquisition of Adenza, completed in 2023, expanded its software exposure in regulatory reporting, risk management and capital-markets technology. That deal has been a central part of Nasdaq's effort to build recurring technology and analytics revenue alongside its market-services franchise.

For dividend investors, that context matters because exchange operators can face transaction-volume cycles, while software, data and analytics businesses may provide a different mix of recurring revenue. Nasdaq's payout record now includes more than a decade of annual dividend growth, while SmarterDividends' locked data assigns the company a dividend safety score of 88 out of 100 and an A safety grade.

What It Means For Income Investors

The raise lifts the quarterly cash payment, but Nasdaq remains a lower-yielding dividend-growth stock rather than a high-yield income name. The 1.26% forward annual yield is modest, while the 14.81% increase and 13-year growth streak point to management's continued willingness to return cash to shareholders.

As always, the practical takeaway is income visibility, not a stock call. Investors focused on dividend growth may view the increase as a continuation of Nasdaq's established payout pattern, while those seeking current income will likely weigh the relatively low yield against the company's dividend safety profile and broader financial-services technology exposure.