CME Group vs Intercontinental Exchange (CME vs ICE)
CME Group (CME) vs Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
CME Group (CME) and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) compete in financial services and payments. Here are CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange.
CME Group vs Intercontinental Exchange: the figures
| Figure | CME Group | Intercontinental Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $308.27 (November 4, 2026) | $174.92 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $110.3 billion | $97.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 25.3x | 23.8x |
| Forward P/E | 23.3x | 19.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +13.0% | +14.7% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 63.5% | 38.1% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 0.3x | 3.3x |
| Dividend yield | 1.71% | 1.22% |
| Beta | 0.18 | 0.84 |
CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, CME Group keeps 63.5 as net profit and Intercontinental Exchange keeps 38.1.
- Debt: Intercontinental Exchange owes 3.3x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while CME Group owes 0.3x its EBITDA.
- Volatility: Intercontinental Exchange stock moves more (beta 0.84) than CME Group (beta 0.18); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Intercontinental Exchange is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): CME Group pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: CME Group has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Intercontinental Exchange trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither CME Group nor Intercontinental Exchange wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange make money
CME Group (CME)
CME Group runs derivatives exchanges including CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX, where traders buy and sell futures and options on interest rates, stock indexes, energy, metals, currencies and farm products. Most revenue comes from clearing and transaction fees charged per contract, with market data sales on top. Full CME Group analysis.
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)
Intercontinental Exchange owns the New York Stock Exchange and energy futures markets including Brent crude. Its segments are Exchanges, the largest, Fixed Income and Data Services, which sells bond data and indexes, and Mortgage Technology, a mortgage software business expanded through its purchase of Black Knight. Full Intercontinental Exchange analysis.
Frequently asked questions: CME Group vs Intercontinental Exchange
Is CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange the better stock?
Choosing between CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange depends on what you are looking for. Intercontinental Exchange is growing faster right now, and Intercontinental Exchange trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange?
As of November 4, 2026, CME Group yields 1.71% and Intercontinental Exchange yields 1.22%. Also check how much of their profit CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange?
On P/E, CME Group (25.3x) is more expensive than Intercontinental Exchange (23.8x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying CME Group or Intercontinental Exchange.
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More companies like CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange, not investment advice.