The Conversation (0)
Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE):
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| Jeff Sprecher , ICE Chair & Chief Executive Officer , said , "We are pleased to report record first quarter results, driven by the strength of our diversified platform and the continued trust of our global customers. In a quarter marked by significant macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, our customers increasingly relied on our mission-critical markets, data, and technology to navigate complexity and manage risk. The breadth of our business model, spanning exchanges, fixed income, and mortgage technology, continues to provide resilience and multiple avenues for growth. As we look to the balance of the year and beyond, ICE is well positioned to serve our customers, drive innovation, and create value for our stockholders." | |
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Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of technology and data, today reported financial results for the first quarter of 2026. For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, consolidated net income attributable to ICE was $1.4 billion on $3.0 billion of consolidated revenues, less transaction-based expenses. First quarter GAAP diluted EPS were $2.48. Adjusted net income attributable to ICE was $1.3 billion in the first quarter and adjusted diluted EPS were $2.35. Please refer to the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release for more information on our adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income, adjusted diluted EPS and adjusted free cash flow.
Warren Gardiner, ICE Chief Financial Officer, added: "ICE's first quarter results reflect the durability and quality of our business model, delivering record revenues and record operating income. Our strong cash flows enabled us to return $848 million to stockholders, including over $550 million in share repurchases, while also investing in strategic growth initiatives and maintaining leverage within our target range. Looking ahead, we remain focused on disciplined investment, operational rigor, and creating value for our stockholders."
First Quarter 2026 Business Highlights
First quarter consolidated net revenues were $3.0 billion including exchange net revenues of $1.8 billion, fixed income and data services revenues of $657 million and mortgage technology revenues of $539 million. Consolidated operating expenses were $1.3 billion for the first quarter of 2026. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating expenses were $1.0 billion. Consolidated operating income for the first quarter was $1.7 billion, and the operating margin was 56%. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating income for the first quarter was $1.9 billion, and the adjusted operating margin was 65%.
| $ (in millions) | Net | Op | Adj Op | ||||
|
| 1Q26 | ||||||
| Exchanges | $ | 1,781 |
| 79 | % | 80 | % |
| Fixed Income and Data Services | $ | 657 |
| 42 | % | 47 | % |
| Mortgage Technology | $ | 539 |
| (2 | )% | 39 | % |
| Consolidated | $ | 2,977 |
| 56 | % | 65 | % |
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| 1Q26 |
| 1Q25 |
| % Chg | |
| Recurring Revenues | $ | 1,320 | $ | 1,236 |
| 7 | % |
| Transaction Revenues, net | $ | 1,657 | $ | 1,237 |
| 34 | % |
Exchanges Segment Results
First quarter exchange net revenues were $1.8 billion. Exchange operating expenses were $378 million, and adjusted operating expenses were $362 million in the first quarter. Segment operating income for the first quarter was $1.4 billion, and the operating margin was 79%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $1.4 billion, and the adjusted operating margin was 80%.
| $ (in millions) |
| 1Q26 |
| 1Q25 | % Chg | Const Curr (1) | |||||
| Revenues, net: |
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| |||||||
| Energy | $ | 814 | $ | 557 | 46 | % | 41 | % | |||
| Ags and Metals |
| 81 |
| 64 | 26 | % | 25 | % | |||
| Financials (2) |
| 256 |
| 156 | 65 | % | 56 | % | |||
| Cash Equities and Equity Options, net |
| 123 |
| 119 | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||
| OTC and Other (3) |
| 102 |
| 103 | (1 | )% | (2 | )% | |||
| Data and Connectivity Services |
| 277 |
| 246 | 13 | % | 13 | % | |||
| Listings |
| 128 |
| 122 | 5 | % | 5 | % | |||
| Segment Revenues | $ | 1,781 | $ | 1,367 | 30 | % | 27 | % | |||
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| Recurring Revenues | $ | 405 | $ | 368 | 10 | % | 10 | % | |||
| Transaction Revenues, net | $ | 1,376 | $ | 999 | 38 | % | 33 | % | |||
| (1) Net revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 1Q25, 1.2609 and 1.0531, respectively. |
| (2) Financials include interest rates and other financial futures and options. |
| (3) OTC & Other includes net interest income and fees on certain clearing margin deposits, regulatory penalties and fines, fees for use of our facilities, regulatory fees charged to member organizations of our U.S. securities exchanges, designated market maker service fees, exchange member fees, bilateral trading fees, non-exchange execution revenue, electronic trade document confirmation services, and agriculture grading and certification fees. |
Fixed Income and Data Services Segment Results
First quarter fixed income and data services revenues were $657 million. Fixed income and data services operating expenses were $382 million, and adjusted operating expenses were $346 million in the first quarter. Segment operating income for the first quarter was $275 million, and the operating margin was 42%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $311 million, and the adjusted operating margin was 47%.
| $ (in millions) |
| 1Q26 |
| 1Q25 | % Chg | Const Curr (1) | ||
| Revenues: |
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| Fixed Income Execution | $ | 31 | $ | 31 | — | % | — | % |
| CDS Clearing |
| 112 |
| 94 | 19 | % | 18 | % |
| Fixed Income Data and Analytics |
| 322 |
| 299 | 8 | % | 7 | % |
| Data and Network Technology |
| 192 |
| 172 | 12 | % | 11 | % |
| Segment Revenues | $ | 657 | $ | 596 | 10 | % | 9 | % |
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| Recurring Revenues | $ | 514 | $ | 471 | 9 | % | 8 | % |
| Transaction Revenues | $ | 143 | $ | 125 | 14 | % | 14 | % |
| (1) Revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 1Q25, 1.2609 and 1.0531, respectively. |
Mortgage Technology Segment Results
First quarter mortgage technology revenues were $539 million. Mortgage technology operating expenses were $552 million, and adjusted operating expenses were $327 million in the first quarter. Segment operating loss for the first quarter was $13 million, and the operating margin was (2)%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $212 million, and the adjusted operating margin was 39%.
| $ (in millions) |
| 1Q26 |
| 1Q25 | % Chg | |
| Revenues: |
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| Origination Technology | $ | 192 | $ | 175 | 10 | % |
| Closing Solutions |
| 57 |
| 47 | 20 | % |
| Servicing Software |
| 222 |
| 221 | 1 | % |
| Data and Analytics |
| 68 |
| 67 | 1 | % |
| Segment Revenues | $ | 539 | $ | 510 | 6 | % |
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| Recurring Revenues | $ | 401 | $ | 397 | 1 | % |
| Transaction Revenues | $ | 138 | $ | 113 | 22 | % |
Other Matters
- Operating cash flow through the first quarter of 2026 was $1.3 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $1.2 billion.
- Unrestricted cash was $863 million and outstanding debt was $20.4 billion as of March 31, 2026.
- Through the first quarter of 2026, ICE repurchased $551 million of its common stock and paid $297 million in dividends.
Updated Financial Guidance
- ICE's full year 2026 GAAP operating expenses are expected to be in a range of $5.095 billion to $5.145 billion. Adjusted operating expenses (1) are expected to be in a range of $4.145 billion to $4.195 billion.
- ICE's second quarter 2026 GAAP operating expenses are expected to be in a range of $1.280 billion to $1.290 billion. Adjusted operating expenses (1) are expected to be in a range of $1.030 billion to $1.040 billion.
- ICE's second quarter 2026 GAAP non-operating expense is expected to be in the range of $160 million to $165 million. Adjusted non-operating expense (2) is expected to be in the range of $180 to $185 million.
- ICE's diluted share count for the second quarter is expected to be in the range of 565 million to 571 million weighted average shares outstanding.
| (1) 2026 and 2Q26 non-GAAP operating expenses exclude amortization of acquisition-related intangibles and integration expenses. |
| (2) Adjusted non-operating expense excludes equity earnings from unconsolidated investees. |
Earnings Conference Call Information
ICE will hold a conference call today, April 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET to review its first quarter 2026 financial results. A live audio webcast of the earnings call will be available on the company's website at www.ice.com in the investor relations section. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing 833-470-1428 from the United States or 404-975-4839 from outside of the United States. Telephone participants are required to provide the participant entry number 319905 and are recommended to call 10 minutes prior to the start of the call . The call will be archived on the company's website for replay.
The conference call for the second quarter 2026 earnings has been scheduled for July 30th, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Please refer to the Investor Relations website at www.ir.theice.com for additional information.
Historical futures, options and cash ADV, rate per contract, open interest data and CDS cleared information can be found at: https://ir.theice.com/investor-resources/supplemental-information/default.aspx
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
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| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||
| Revenues: |
| 2026 |
|
| 2025 |
|
| Exchanges | $ | 2,470 |
| $ | 2,123 |
|
| Fixed income and data services |
| 657 |
|
| 596 |
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| Mortgage technology |
| 539 |
|
| 510 |
|
| Total revenues |
| 3,666 |
|
| 3,229 |
|
| Transaction-based expenses: |
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| Section 31 fees |
| — |
|
| 262 |
|
| Cash liquidity payments, routing and clearing |
| 689 |
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| 494 |
|
| Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses |
| 2,977 |
|
| 2,473 |
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| Operating expenses: |
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| Compensation and benefits |
| 505 |
|
| 481 |
|
| Professional services |
| 35 |
|
| 40 |
|
| Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs |
| 41 |
|
| 32 |
|
| Technology and communication |
| 238 |
|
| 213 |
|
| Rent and occupancy |
| 24 |
|
| 21 |
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| Selling, general and administrative |
| 85 |
|
| 76 |
|
| Depreciation and amortization |
| 384 |
|
| 389 |
|
| Total operating expenses |
| 1,312 |
|
| 1,252 |
|
| Operating income |
| 1,665 |
|
| 1,221 |
|
| Other income/(expense): |
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| Interest income |
| 24 |
|
| 33 |
|
| Interest expense |
| (203 | ) |
| (206 | ) |
| Other income, net |
| 411 |
|
| 19 |
|
| Total other income/(expense), net |
| 232 |
|
| (154 | ) |
| Income before income tax expense |
| 1,897 |
|
| 1,067 |
|
| Income tax expense |
| 465 |
|
| 255 |
|
| Net income | $ | 1,432 |
| $ | 812 |
|
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests |
| (19 | ) |
| (15 | ) |
| Net income attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | $ | 1,413 |
| $ | 797 |
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| Earnings per share attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. common stockholders: |
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| Basic | $ | 2.49 |
| $ | 1.39 |
|
| Diluted | $ | 2.48 |
| $ | 1.38 |
|
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: |
|
| ||||
| Basic |
| 567 |
|
| 574 |
|
| Diluted |
| 570 |
|
| 577 |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
| As of |
| |||||
|
| March 31, 2026 | As of | ||||
|
| (Unaudited) | December 31, 2025 | ||||
| Assets: |
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| ||||
| Current assets: |
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| ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 863 | $ | 837 | ||
| Short-term restricted cash and cash equivalents |
| 631 |
| 748 | ||
| Short-term restricted investments |
| 884 |
| 629 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalent margin deposits and guaranty funds |
| 117,610 |
| 76,789 | ||
| Invested deposits, delivery contracts receivable and unsettled variation margin |
| 4,016 |
| 4,437 | ||
| Customer accounts receivable, net |
| 2,382 |
| 1,552 | ||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
| 679 |
| 786 | ||
| Total current assets |
| 127,065 |
| 85,778 | ||
| Property and equipment, net |
| 2,707 |
| 2,691 | ||
| Other non-current assets: |
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| ||||
| Goodwill |
| 30,634 |
| 30,646 | ||
| Other intangible assets, net |
| 15,108 |
| 15,353 | ||
| Long-term restricted cash and cash equivalents |
| 326 |
| 240 | ||
| Long-term restricted investments |
| 70 |
| 141 | ||
| Other non-current assets |
| 3,267 |
| 2,038 | ||
| Total other non-current assets |
| 49,405 |
| 48,418 | ||
| Total assets | $ | 179,177 | $ | 136,887 | ||
| Liabilities and Equity: |
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| Current liabilities: |
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| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 1,311 | $ | 1,078 | ||
| Accrued salaries and benefits |
| 161 |
| 455 | ||
| Deferred revenue |
| 640 |
| 204 | ||
| Short-term debt |
| 1,751 |
| 1,035 | ||
| Margin deposits and guaranty funds |
| 117,610 |
| 76,789 | ||
| Invested deposits, delivery contracts payable and unsettled variation margin |
| 4,016 |
| 4,437 | ||
| Other current liabilities |
| 200 |
| 118 | ||
| Total current liabilities |
| 125,689 |
| 84,116 | ||
| Non-current liabilities: |
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| Non-current deferred tax liability, net |
| 4,136 |
| 3,998 | ||
| Long-term debt |
| 18,619 |
| 18,609 | ||
| Accrued employee benefits |
| 173 |
| 174 | ||
| Non-current operating lease liability |
| 615 |
| 635 | ||
| Other non-current liabilities |
| 383 |
| 364 | ||
| Total non-current liabilities |
| 23,926 |
| 23,780 | ||
| Total liabilities |
| 149,615 |
| 107,896 | ||
| Commitments and contingencies |
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| Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries |
| 32 |
| 22 | ||
| Equity: |
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| Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders' equity: |
|
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| Common stock |
| 7 |
|
| 7 |
|
| Treasury stock, at cost |
| (8,442 | ) |
| (7,792 | ) |
| Additional paid-in capital |
| 16,767 |
|
| 16,643 |
|
| Retained earnings |
| 21,397 |
|
| 20,281 |
|
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| (251 | ) |
| (224 | ) |
| Total Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders' equity |
| 29,478 |
|
| 28,915 |
|
| Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries |
| 52 |
|
| 54 |
|
| Total equity |
| 29,530 |
|
| 28,969 |
|
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | 179,177 |
| $ | 136,887 |
|
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliation
We use non-GAAP measures internally to evaluate our performance and in making financial and operational decisions. When viewed in conjunction with our GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliation, we believe that our presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and a greater understanding of factors affecting our financial condition and results of operations than GAAP measures alone. In addition, we believe the presentation of these measures is useful to investors for period-to-period comparison of results because the items described below as adjustments to GAAP are not reflective of our core business performance. These financial measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP financial measures and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. We use these adjusted results because we believe they more clearly highlight trends in our business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures, since these measures eliminate from our results specific financial items that have less bearing on our core operating performance. We strongly recommend that investors review the GAAP financial measures and additional non-GAAP information included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Adjusted operating expenses, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income attributable to ICE common stockholders, adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted free cash flow for the periods presented below are calculated by adding or subtracting the adjustments described below, which are not reflective of our cash operations and core business performance, and their related income tax effect and other tax adjustments (in millions, except for per share amounts):
Adjusted Operating Income, Operating Margin and Operating Expense Reconciliation
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
|
| Exchanges |
| Fixed Income and Data Services Segment |
| Mortgage Technology Segment |
| Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 2026 |
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| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2025 |
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| Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses | $ | 1,781 |
|
| $ | 1,367 |
|
| $ | 657 |
|
| $ | 596 |
|
| $ | 539 |
|
| $ | 510 |
|
| $ | 2,977 |
|
| $ | 2,473 |
|
| Operating expenses |
| 378 |
|
|
| 354 |
|
|
| 382 |
|
|
| 361 |
|
|
| 552 |
|
|
| 537 |
|
|
| 1,312 |
|
|
| 1,252 |
|
| Less: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles |
| 16 |
|
|
| 16 |
|
|
| 36 |
|
|
| 38 |
|
|
| 185 |
|
|
| 199 |
|
|
| 237 |
|
|
| 253 |
|
| Less: Transaction and integration costs |
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| 40 |
|
|
| 31 |
|
|
| 40 |
|
|
| 31 |
|
| Less: Regulatory matter |
| — |
|
|
| 4 |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| — |
|
|
| 4 |
|
| Adjusted operating expenses | $ | 362 |
|
| $ | 334 |
|
| $ | 346 |
|
| $ | 323 |
|
| $ | 327 |
|
| $ | 307 |
|
| $ | 1,035 |
|
| $ | 964 |
|
| Operating income/(loss) | $ | 1,403 |
|
| $ | 1,013 |
|
| $ | 275 |
|
| $ | 235 |
|
| $ | (13 | ) |
| $ | (27 | ) |
| $ | 1,665 |
|
| $ | 1,221 |
|
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 1,419 |
|
| $ | 1,033 |
|
| $ | 311 |
|
| $ | 273 |
|
| $ | 212 |
|
| $ | 203 |
|
| $ | 1,942 |
|
| $ | 1,509 |
|
| Operating margin |
| 79 | % |
|
| 74 | % |
|
| 42 | % |
|
| 39 | % |
|
| (2 | )% |
|
| (5 | )% |
|
| 56 | % |
|
| 49 | % |
| Adjusted operating margin |
| 80 | % |
|
| 76 | % |
|
| 47 | % |
|
| 46 | % |
|
| 39 | % |
|
| 40 | % |
|
| 65 | % |
|
| 61 | % |
Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ICE and Diluted EPS
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 |
| Three Months | ||||
| Net income attributable to ICE | $ | 1,413 |
|
| $ | 797 |
|
| Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles |
| 237 |
|
|
| 253 |
|
| Add: Transaction and integration costs |
| 40 |
|
|
| 31 |
|
| Add: Regulatory matter |
| — |
|
|
| 4 |
|
| Less: Net income from unconsolidated investees |
| (26 | ) |
|
| (29 | ) |
| Less: Fair value adjustments of equity investments |
| (389 | ) |
|
| — |
|
| Add/(less): Income tax effect for the above items |
| 39 |
|
|
| (64 | ) |
| Add: Deferred tax adjustments on acquisition-related intangibles |
| 24 |
|
|
| 3 |
|
| Adjusted net income attributable to ICE | $ | 1,338 |
|
| $ | 995 |
|
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| ||||
| Diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders | $ | 2.48 |
|
| $ | 1.38 |
|
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| ||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders | $ | 2.35 |
|
| $ | 1.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
| Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding |
| 570 |
|
|
| 577 |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow Calculation
(In millions)
(Unaudited)
|
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,326 |
| $ | 966 |
|
| Less: Capital expenditures |
| (64 | ) |
| (85 | ) |
| Less: Capitalized software development costs |
| (112 | ) |
| (104 | ) |
| Free cash flow | $ | 1,150 |
| $ | 777 |
|
| Add: Section 31 fees, net |
| — |
|
| 56 |
|
| Adjusted free cash flow | $ | 1,150 |
| $ | 833 |
|
About Intercontinental Exchange
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds and operates digital networks that connect people to opportunity. We provide financial technology and data services across major asset classes helping our customers access mission-critical workflow tools that increase transparency and efficiency. ICE's futures, equity, and options exchanges – including the New York Stock Exchange – and clearing houses help people invest, raise capital and manage risk. We offer some of the world's largest markets to trade and clear energy and environmental products. Our fixed income, data services and execution capabilities provide information, analytics and platforms that help our customers streamline processes and capitalize on opportunities. At ICE Mortgage Technology, we are transforming U.S. housing finance, from initial consumer engagement through loan production, closing, registration and the long-term servicing relationship. Together, ICE transforms, streamlines and automates industries to connect our customers to opportunity.
Trademarks of ICE and/or its affiliates include Intercontinental Exchange, ICE, ICE block design, NYSE and New York Stock Exchange. Information regarding additional trademarks and intellectual property rights of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. and/or its affiliates is located at https://www.ice.com/privacy-security-center/terms-of-use . Key Information Documents for certain products covered by the EU Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation can be accessed on the relevant exchange website under the heading "Key Information Documents (KIDS)."
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 - Statements in this press release regarding ICE's business that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see ICE's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on February 5, 2026. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of an unanticipated event. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all factors that may affect our business and prospects. Further, management cannot assess the impact of each factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Intercontinental Exchange
Category: Corporate
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260430706039/en/
ICE Investor Relations Contact:
Steve Eagerton
+1 904 854 3683
steve.eagerton@ice.com
investors@ice.com
ICE Media Contact:
Rebecca Mitchell
+44 207 065 7804
rebecca.mitchell@ice.com
media@ice.com
