Intercontinental Exchange Set to Reveal Q4 Earnings Amid Mixed Stock Performance

Analysts Expect Strong Growth for ICE as It Approaches Fiscal Reflection

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE), based in Atlanta, Georgia, is known for providing market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions to financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies. With a market capitalization of $85.6 billion, the company runs electronic energy markets and soft commodity exchanges. Its offerings include contracts for crude oil, natural gas, power, emissions, and various agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, cotton, orange juice, and sugar. The company plans to announce its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings for 2024 before the market opens on Thursday, February 6.

In anticipation of this earnings call, analysts predict ICE will report a profit of $1.50 per share on a diluted basis. This figure represents a 12.8% increase from last year’s $1.33 per share. ICE has successfully met or exceeded Wall Street’s earnings expectations in its last four quarterly reports, showcasing a consistent performance track record.

For the entire fiscal year, analysts forecast that ICE will report earnings per share (EPS) of $6.06, marking a 7.8% rise from $5.62 in fiscal 2023. Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, EPS is projected to increase by 10.1% to $6.67.

Despite these positive growth projections, ICE stock has not kept pace with the S&P 500’s ($SPX) 26.5% gains over the past 52 weeks, having only increased by 18.5% during this period. It also lagged behind the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLF) gains of 34.8% in the same time frame.

On October 31, after releasing its Q3 results, shares of ICE fell by more than 6%. The company reported revenue of $2.3 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 17.3%, while its adjusted EPS of $1.55 matched analysts’ estimates.

Currently, analysts maintain a bullish outlook on ICE stock, with a consensus rating of “Strong Buy.” Out of 17 analysts covering the stock, 11 recommend a “Strong Buy,” three suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and three offer a “Hold” rating. The average analyst price target for ICE is $181.94, which indicates a potential upside of 22% from current share price levels.

On the date of publication,
Neha Panjwani
did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.