Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE) delivered second-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street’s earnings expectations while matching revenue forecasts, supported by continued growth across each of its three operating divisions.
Investors responded positively to the report, with the company’s shares rising about 1.8% in premarket trading on Thursday.
Earnings Growth Continues Across the Business
ICE reported adjusted diluted earnings of $1.90 per share for the second quarter, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimate of $1.88.
Quarterly revenue totaled $2.67 billion, in line with market expectations and 5% higher than the same period a year earlier.
“We are pleased to report our second quarter results, which reflect continued revenue and earnings per share growth and record open interest across our exchange complex,” said Jeff Sprecher, ICE Chair and Chief Executive Officer.
On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share increased 14% year over year to $1.69, while adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 5% to $1.90.
All Three Operating Segments Deliver Growth
The Exchanges business generated net revenue of $1.46 billion during the quarter and achieved an adjusted operating margin of 75%.
Fixed Income and Data Services recorded revenue of $645 million, representing an 8% increase from the prior year.
Meanwhile, Mortgage Technology revenue rose 5% year over year to $557 million.
The company said all three operating segments contributed to the quarter’s overall growth.
Company Provides Outlook and Expands Buyback Program
For the third quarter of 2026, ICE expects adjusted operating expenses to range between $1.063 billion and $1.073 billion.
Management also reaffirmed its expectations for strong recurring revenue growth during 2026, forecasting high-single-digit growth for the Exchanges business and recurring revenue growth of between 7% and 8% for Fixed Income and Data Services.
Warren Gardiner, ICE Chief Financial Officer, said the results “reflect the continued strength and consistency of our business model, with growth across all three of our operating segments and strong free cash flow generation.”
During the quarter, ICE returned $945 million to shareholders, including $651 million through share repurchases.
The company’s board of directors also approved an increase in its share repurchase authorization to $4.0 billion, effective July 1, 2026.
Intercontinental Exchange stock price
