ICE's Q4 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates, Dividend Raised

Core Insights - Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $1.71, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.4%, with a year-over-year increase of 12.5% [1][9] - The company's net revenues reached a record $2.5 billion, although this represented a 17.3% decline year-over-year, still beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.2% [3][9] - ICE's shares rose by 1.9% in pre-market trading following the earnings report [1][9] Financial Performance - Total operating expenses increased by 1.7% year-over-year to $1.3 billion, driven by higher compensation, technology, rent, and administrative costs [3] - Adjusted operating income rose by 1.1% year-over-year to $1.5 billion, with an adjusted operating margin expanding by 200 basis points to 60% [4][9] Segment Performance - Exchanges segment net revenues were $1.4 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income also increasing by 10% to $1 billion [5] - Fixed Income and Data Services revenues reached $608 million, a 10% year-over-year increase, with adjusted operating income rising by 7% to $267 million [6] - Mortgage Technology revenues increased by 5% to $532 million, with adjusted operating income up 19% year-over-year to $211 million [7] Full-Year Highlights - For the full year, adjusted earnings per share improved by 14% to $6.95, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.92 [8] - Total revenues for the year were $9.9 billion, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, matching the consensus estimate [8] Financial Update - As of December 31, 2025, ICE had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.6 billion, down 20% from the previous year, while long-term debt increased by 7% to $18.6 billion [10] - Operating cash flow was $4.7 billion, up 1% year-over-year, and adjusted free cash flow rose by 16% to $4.2 billion [10] Guidance - For the first quarter of 2026, GAAP operating expenses are expected to be between $1.245 billion and $1.255 billion, with adjusted operating expenses projected between $1.01 billion and $1.02 billion [11] - For the full year 2026, recurring revenue growth for Exchanges and Fixed Income & Data Services is expected in the mid-single digits, while Mortgage Technology is projected to grow in low-to-mid single digits [12] Shareholder Returns - In 2025, ICE repurchased $1.3 billion of its common stock and paid $1.1 million in dividends [13] - The board approved a first-quarter 2026 dividend of 52 cents per share, an increase of 8%, with an expected annual total dividend of $2.08 per share for 2026 [13]