Intercontinental Exchange Reports Strong Third Quarter 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) reported strong Q3 2024 results with record net revenues of $2.3 billion, up 17% year-over-year. The company achieved GAAP diluted EPS of $1.14 (+19% y/y) and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.55 (+6% y/y). Operating income reached a record $1.1 billion (+31% y/y), with an operating margin of 47%. The quarter saw strong performance across segments, with Exchange net revenues at $1.3 billion, Fixed Income and Data Services at $586 million, and Mortgage Technology at $509 million. Operating cash flow through Q3 2024 was $3.1 billion, with adjusted free cash flow of $2.6 billion.

Positive

• Record Q3 net revenues of $2.3 billion, up 17% year-over-year
• Record operating income of $1.1 billion, increasing 31% year-over-year
• GAAP diluted EPS grew 19% to $1.14
• Strong operating cash flow of $3.1 billion through Q3 2024
• Mortgage Technology revenue increased 54% to $509 million

Negative

• Outstanding debt of $21.2 billion as of September 30, 2024
• Mortgage Technology segment reported operating loss of $54 million with -11% operating margin
• Listings revenue declined 1% year-over-year

Insights

Financial Analyst

ICE delivered an impressive Q3 2024 performance with record revenues of $2.3 billion, up 17% year-over-year. The company demonstrated robust growth across all segments, with particularly strong results in Exchange revenues at $1.3 billion and an exceptional operating margin of 76%.

Key highlights include adjusted EPS of $1.55, up 6% YoY and record operating income of $1.1 billion. The company's diverse revenue streams and strong cash flow generation ($3.1 billion YTD) showcase its resilient business model. The deleveraging progress and consistent dividend payments ($780 million YTD) reflect solid financial management.

The mortgage technology segment showed remarkable growth with revenues up 54% YoY to $509 million, though operating margins remain under pressure at -11% GAAP (35% adjusted).

ATLANTA & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE):

Record 3Q24 net revenues of $2.3 billion, +17% y/y   3Q24 GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14, +19% y/y   3Q24 adj. diluted EPS of $1.55, +6% y/y   Record 3Q24 operating income of $1.1 billion, +31% y/y; record adj. operating income of $1.4 billion, +17% y/y   3Q24 operating margin of 47%; adj. operating margin of 59%

Jeffrey C. Sprecher, ICE Chair & Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased to report our third quarter results that extend our track record of revenue and earnings per share growth. Our customers continue to rely on our mission-critical data and technology to manage their risk and capture workflow efficiencies amid a dynamic macroeconomic environment. As we look to the balance of the year and beyond, our focus remains on capitalizing on our world class technology, innovative culture and operating expertise to better serve our customers and create value for our stockholders."

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of technology and data, today reported financial results for the third quarter of 2024. For the quarter ended September 30, 2024, consolidated net income attributable to ICE was $657 million on $2.3 billion of consolidated revenues, less transaction-based expenses. Third quarter GAAP diluted EPS were $1.14. Adjusted net income attributable to ICE was $894 million in the third quarter and adjusted diluted EPS were $1.55. 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: "Our record third quarter revenue and operating income reflect the power of our balanced and diverse business model, which through an array of macroeconomic environments, continues to deliver consistent and compounding growth. Combined with our strong cash flows, we continue to make progress executing on our deleveraging plan while also investing in future growth."

Third Quarter 2024 Business Highlights

Third quarter consolidated net revenues were $2.3 billion including exchange net revenues of $1.3 billion, fixed income and data services revenues of $586 million and mortgage technology revenues of $509 million. Consolidated operating expenses were $1.2 billion for the third quarter of 2024. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating expenses were $960 million. Consolidated operating income for the third quarter was $1.1 billion, and the operating margin was 47%. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating income for the third quarter was $1.4 billion, and the adjusted operating margin was 59%.

$ (in millions)	Net Revenues	Op Margin	Adj Op Margin
	3Q24
Exchanges	$1,254	76%	75%
Fixed Income and Data Services	$586	36%	45%
Mortgage Technology	$509	(11)%	35%
Consolidated	$2,349	47%	59%
	3Q24	3Q23	% Chg
Recurring Revenues	$1,212	$1,031	18%
Transaction Revenues, net	$1,137	$972	17%

Exchanges Segment Results

Third quarter exchange net revenues were $1.3 billion. Exchange operating expenses were $307 million and on an adjusted basis, were $309 million in the third quarter. Segment operating income for the third quarter was $947 million, and the operating margin was 76%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $945 million, and the adjusted operating margin was 75%.

$ (in millions)	3Q24	3Q23	% Chg	Const Curr(1)
Revenues, net:
Energy	$473	$384	23%	23%
Ags and Metals	60	61	(3)%	(3)%
Financials(2)	141	112	26%	23%
Cash Equities and Equity Options, net	107	93	15%	15%
OTC and Other(3)	109	104	5%	5%
Data and Connectivity Services	242	236	3%	3%
Listings	122	124	(1)%	(1)%
Segment Revenues	$1,254	$1,114	13%	12%
Recurring Revenues	$364	$360	1%	1%
Transaction Revenues, net	$890	$754	18%	17%
(1) Net revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 3Q23, 1.2660 and 1.0881, 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, and agriculture grading and certification fees.

Fixed Income and Data Services Segment Results

Third quarter fixed income and data services revenues were $586 million. Fixed income and data services operating expenses were $376 million, and adjusted operating expenses were $323 million in the third quarter. Segment operating income for the third quarter was $210 million, and the operating margin was 36%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $263 million, and the adjusted operating margin was 45%.

$ (in millions)	3Q24	3Q23	% Chg	Const Curr(1)
Revenues:
Fixed Income Execution	$28	$29	(2)%	(2)%
CDS Clearing	97	94	3%	3%
Fixed Income Data and Analytics	295	279	6%	6%
Other Data and Network Services	166	157	6%	5%
Segment Revenues	$586	$559	5%	5%
Recurring Revenues	$461	$436	6%	6%
Transaction Revenues	$125	$123	2%	2%
(1) Net revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 3Q23, 1.2660 and 1.0881, respectively.

Mortgage Technology Segment Results

Third quarter mortgage technology revenues were $509 million. Mortgage technology operating expenses were $563 million, and adjusted operating expenses were $328 million in the third quarter. Segment operating loss for the third quarter was $54 million, and the operating margin was (11)%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $181 million, and the adjusted operating margin was 35%.

$ (in millions)	3Q24	3Q23	% Chg
Revenues:
Origination Technology	$182	$172	6%
Closing Solutions	54	48	12%
Servicing Software	209	69	n/a
Data and Analytics	64	41	55%
Segment Revenues	$509	$330	54%
Recurring Revenues	$387	$235	64%
Transaction Revenues	$122	$95	29%

Other Matters

• Operating cash flow through the third quarter of 2024 was $3.1 billion and adjusted free cash flow was $2.6 billion.
• Unrestricted cash was $755 million and outstanding debt was $21.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.
• Through the third quarter of 2024, ICE paid $780 million in dividends.

Updated Financial Guidance

• ICE's fourth quarter 2024 GAAP operating expenses are expected to be in a range of $1.23 billion to $1.24 billion. Adjusted operating expenses⁽¹⁾ are expected to be in a range of $977 million to $987 million.
• ICE's fourth quarter 2024 GAAP and adjusted non-operating expense⁽²⁾ are both expected to be in the range of $180 million to $185 million.
• ICE's diluted share count for the fourth quarter is expected to be in the range of 574 million to 580 million weighted average shares outstanding.
• ICE's full year 2024 capital expenditures are now expected to be in a range of $700 million to $740 million.

(1) 4Q 2024 non-GAAP operating expenses exclude amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, duplicate rent expenses, and Black Knight integration costs.

(2) Non-operating expense includes interest income, interest expense and net other income/expense. Non-GAAP non-operating expense excludes equity earnings/losses from unconsolidated investees.

Earnings Conference Call Information

ICE will hold a conference call today, October 31, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. ET to review its third quarter 2024 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 929-526-1599 from outside of the United States. Telephone participants are required to provide the participant entry number 821839 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 fourth quarter 2024 earnings has been scheduled for February 6th, 2025 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)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Three Months Ended September 30,
Revenues:		2024			2023			2024			2023
Exchanges	$	5,498		$	4,754		$	1,938		$	1,540
Fixed income and data services		1,719			1,668			586			559
Mortgage technology		1,514			815			509			330
Total revenues		8,731			7,237			3,033			2,429
Transaction-based expenses:
Section 31 fees		437			231			232			56
Cash liquidity payments, routing and clearing		1,338			1,219			452			370
Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses		6,956			5,787			2,349			2,003
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,422			1,103			487			400
Professional services		114			88			40			31
Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs		88			201			37			155
Technology and communication		631			529			212			184
Rent and occupancy		89			65			30			20
Selling, general and administrative		232			196			54			59
Depreciation and amortization		1,148			836			386			309
Total operating expenses		3,724			3,018			1,246			1,158
Operating income		3,232			2,769			1,103			845
Other income/(expense):
Interest income		105			287			39			94
Interest expense		(697	)		(557	)		(223	)		(206	)
Other income/(expense), net		83			(121	)		(21	)		(51	)
Total other income/(expense), net		(509	)		(391	)		(205	)		(163	)
Income before income tax expense		2,723			2,378			898			682
Income tax expense		630			330			227			123
Net income	$	2,093		$	2,048		$	671		$	559
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		(37	)		(53	)		(14	)		(18	)
Net income attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.	$	2,056		$	1,995		$	657		$	541
Earnings per share attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$	3.59		$	3.56		$	1.15		$	0.96
Diluted	$	3.57		$	3.55		$	1.14		$	0.96
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		573			561			574			563
Diluted		576			562			577			565

Consolidated Balance Sheets (In millions)
	As of
	September 30, 2024			As of
	(Unaudited)			December 31, 2023
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	755		$	899
Short-term restricted cash and cash equivalents		1,243			531
Short-term restricted investments		500			680
Cash and cash equivalent margin deposits and guaranty funds		78,774			78,980
Invested deposits, delivery contracts receivable and unsettled variation margin		1,119			1,814
Customer accounts receivable, net		1,565			1,366
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		739			703
Total current assets		84,695			84,973
Property and equipment, net		2,029			1,923
Other non-current assets:
Goodwill		30,598			30,553
Other intangible assets, net		16,573			17,317
Long-term restricted cash and cash equivalents		370			340
Other non-current assets		936			978
Total other non-current assets		48,477			49,188
Total assets	$	135,201		$	136,084
Liabilities and Equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	1,045		$	1,003
Section 31 fees payable		76			79
Accrued salaries and benefits		353			459
Deferred revenue		375			200
Short-term debt		2,619			1,954
Margin deposits and guaranty funds		78,774			78,980
Invested deposits, delivery contracts payable and unsettled variation margin		1,119			1,814
Other current liabilities		201			137
Total current liabilities		84,562			84,626
Non-current liabilities:
Non-current deferred tax liability, net		3,855			4,080
Long-term debt		18,581			20,659
Accrued employee benefits		178			193
Non-current operating lease liability		318			299
Other non-current liabilities		434			441
Total non-current liabilities		23,366			25,672
Total liabilities		107,928			110,298
Equity:
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		7			6
Treasury stock, at cost		(6,381	)		(6,304	)
Additional paid-in capital		16,226			15,953
Retained earnings		17,632			16,356
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(251	)		(294	)
Total Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders’ equity		27,233			25,717
Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries		40			69
Total equity		27,273			25,786
Total liabilities and equity	$	135,201		$	136,084

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 Segment				Fixed Income and Data Services Segment				Mortgage Technology Segment				Consolidated
	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023		2024		2023		2024		2023
Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses	$3,723		$3,304		$1,719		$1,668		$1,514		$815		$6,956		$5,787
Operating expenses	989		944		1,087		1,057		1,648		1,017		3,724		3,018
Less: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles	51		49		114		127		593		316		758		492
Less: Transaction and integration costs	—		—		—		—		88		201		88		201
Less: Regulatory matter	—		11		10		—		—		—		10		11
Less: Other	11		6		20		—		—		—		31		6
Adjusted operating expenses	$927		$878		$943		$930		$967		$500		$2,837		$2,308
Operating income/(loss)	$2,734		$2,360		$632		$611		$(134)		$(202)		$3,232		$2,769
Adjusted operating income	$2,796		$2,426		$776		$738		$547		$315		$4,119		$3,479
Operating margin	73%		71%		37%		37%		(9)%		(25)%		46%		48%
Adjusted operating margin	75%		73%		45%		44%		36%		39%		59%		60%

Adjusted Operating Income, Operating Margin and Operating Expense Reconciliation (In millions) (Unaudited)
	Exchanges Segment				Fixed Income and Data Services Segment				Mortgage Technology Segment				Consolidated
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,
	2024		2023		2024		2023		2024		2023		2024		2023
Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses	$1,254		$1,114		$586		$559		$509		$330		$2,349		$2,003
Operating expenses	307		313		376		358		563		487		1,246		1,158
Less: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles	17		16		37		42		198		133		252		191
Less: Transaction and integration costs	—		—		—		—		37		155		37		155
Less: Regulatory matter	—		—		10		—		—		—		10		—
Less/(Add): Other	(19)		—		6		—		—		—		(13)		—
Adjusted operating expenses	$309		$297		$323		$316		$328		$199		$960		$812
Operating income/(loss)	$947		$801		$210		$201		$(54)		$(157)		$1,103		$845
Adjusted operating income	$945		$817		$263		$243		$181		$131		$1,389		$1,191
Operating margin	76%		72%		36%		36%		(11)%		(48)%		47%		42%
Adjusted operating margin	75%		73%		45%		44%		35%		39%		59%		59%

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ICE and Diluted EPS (In millions) (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net income attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	2,056			$	1,995
Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles		758				492
Add: Transaction and integration costs		88				201
(Less)/Add: Litigation and regulatory matters		(150	)			11
Add: Net losses from unconsolidated investees		63				91
Add: Loss on sale and fair value adjustments of equity investments and dividends received		1				7
Less: Net interest income on pre-acquisition-related debt		—				(12	)
Add: Other		31				22
Less: Income tax effect for the above items		(199	)			(178	)
Less: Deferred tax adjustments on acquisition-related intangibles		(26	)			(131	)
Less: Other tax adjustments		—				(81	)
Adjusted net income attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	2,622			$	2,417
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	3.57			$	3.55
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	4.55			$	4.30
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		576				562

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ICE and Diluted EPS (In millions) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024				Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net income attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	657			$	541
Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles		252				191
Add: Transaction and integration costs		37				155
Add: Regulatory matter		10				—
Add: Net losses from unconsolidated investees		18				26
(Less)/Add: Loss on sale and fair value adjustments of equity investments and dividends received		(2	)			7
(Less)/Add: Other		(13	)			16
Less: Income tax effect for the above items		(74	)			(66	)
Add/(Less): Deferred tax adjustments on acquisition-related intangibles		9				(46	)
Adjusted net income attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	894			$	824
Diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	1.14			$	0.96
Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders	$	1.55			$	1.46
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		577				565

Adjusted Free Cash Flow Calculation (In millions) (Unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	3,103			$	2,573
Less: Capital expenditures		(212	)			(104	)
Less: Capitalized software development costs		(264	)			(222	)
Free cash flow		2,627				2,247
Add: Section 31 fees, net		4				205
Adjusted free cash flow	$	2,631			$	2,452

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 http://www.intercontinentalexchange.com/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, 2023, as filed with the SEC on February 8, 2024. 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

ICE-CORP

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241031546804/en/

ICE Investor Relations Contact:

Katia Gonzalez

+1 678 981 3882

katia.gonzalez@ice.com

investors@ice.com

ICE Media Contact:

Damon Leavell

+1 212 323 8587

damon.leavell@ice.com

media@ice.com

Source: Intercontinental Exchange

FAQ

What was ICE's revenue in Q3 2024?

ICE reported record net revenues of $2.3 billion in Q3 2024, representing a 17% increase year-over-year.

How much did ICE's EPS grow in Q3 2024?

ICE's GAAP diluted EPS grew 19% year-over-year to $1.14, while adjusted diluted EPS increased 6% to $1.55.

What was ICE's operating margin in Q3 2024?

ICE's operating margin was 47% in Q3 2024, with an adjusted operating margin of 59%.

How much debt does ICE have as of Q3 2024?

ICE reported outstanding debt of $21.2 billion as of September 30, 2024.