Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported total Market Services revenues less transaction rebates, brokerage, clearance and exchange fees of $270 million against $281 million a year ago. Operating income was $175 million against $161 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $153 million against $121 million a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $85 million against $82 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $0.50 against $0.45 a year ago. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the company was $108 million against $113 million a year ago. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per common share were $0.64 against $0.63 a year ago. Non-GAAP operating income was $186 million against $187 million a year ago. Non-GAAP revenues of $419 million was the highest of 2012

For the full year, the company reported total Market Services revenues less transaction rebates, brokerage, clearance and exchange fees of $1,104 million against $1,138 million a year ago. Operating income was $690 million against $696 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $548 million against $573 million a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $352 million against $387 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $2.04 against $2.15 a year ago. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the company was $432 million against $455 million a year ago. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share were $2.50 against $2.53 a year ago. Non-GAAP operating income was $734 million against $769 million a year ago. In 2012 the company generated in excess of $500 million in free cash flow, and the company continued to deploy cash flow in ways that benefit investors. In 2012, the company generated cash flow from operations of $594 million and capital expenditures were $87 million, which is equivalent to approximately 5% of net revenues.

The company anticipates that the effective tax rate may increase in 2013, due to the potential loss of tax deductions resulting from changes in tax laws in certain jurisdictions. The impact of such tax law changes has not yet been determined. As a result, the company expects a 2013 effective tax rate in the range of 34% to 37%. In 2013, the company expects to invest $50 million to $60 million in spending on new initiatives as ramp up the initiatives at NLX and other internal GIFT projects. So, 2013 non-GAAP operating expense guidance sums to a range of $960 million to $990 million.

The company also announced a new Chief Information Officer who will be joining firm, Brad Peterson.