NASDAQ OMX Group (NDAQ)

-NASDAQ Announces Follow-On Offering-

New York, N.Y.—The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ^®”; Nasdaq: NDAQ), today reported first quarter 2006 net income of $18.0 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, an increase of 41.7% from $12.7 million or $0.13 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2005, and an increase of 5.3% from $17.1 million or $0.15 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2005. These favorable results are primarily driven by contributions from recent acquisitions, improvements in trading market share, and ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency.

Gross margin, representing total revenues less cost of revenues, was $162.0 million in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 28.3% from $126.3 million in the year-ago period, and an increase of 16.9% from $138.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.

NASDAQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert Greifeld commented, “NASDAQ’s strong first quarter performance demonstrates our ability to simultaneously execute our integration, cost reduction, and top-line growth initiatives. During the quarter we grew gross margin for the sixth consecutive quarter and witnessed market share gains in the trading of all U.S. listed equities. We also announced the creation of the Global Select Market, a listing tier with the world’s highest standards, further broadening NASDAQ’s value proposition to our issuers. As the premier equity marketplace, NASDAQ is extremely well positioned to compete aggressively and to capitalize on future growth opportunities. Our strong competitive position allows us to take the necessary strategic steps to enhance shareholder value in the rapidly evolving global capital markets.”