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Intercontinental Exchange Reports Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2021

February 3, 2022 7:30 AM

16th consecutive year of record revenues

ATLANTA & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

  • 2021 net revenues of $7.1 billion, +18% y/y
  • 2021 GAAP diluted EPS of $7.18, +90% y/y
  • 2021 adj. diluted EPS of $5.15, +17% y/y
  • Record 2021 operating income of $3.4 billion, +14% y/y; Record adj. operating income of $4.2 billion, +18% y/y
  • 2021 operating margin of 48%; adj. operating margin of 58%
  • Record annual operating cash flow of $3.1 billion, +8% y/y; Record free cash flow (FCF) of over $2.8 billion, +17% y/y
  • Announces first quarter 2022 dividend of $0.38/share; an increase of 15% y/y

Jeffrey C. Sprecher,
ICE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, said,
"We are pleased to report our 16th consecutive year of record revenues and another year of double-digit earnings per share growth. These results are a testament to the remarkable contributions of my colleagues at ICE, the deep and expanding relationship we share with our customers, and the diversity of our business model, which enables us to drive growth through a variety of macroeconomic environments. We begin 2022 better positioned than ever and we are focused on supporting the growth of our customers and connecting them to opportunity through our unique data services, leading technology and network expertise."

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2021. For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, consolidated net income attributable to ICE was $1.5 billion on $1.8 billion of consolidated revenues less transaction-based expenses. Fourth quarter GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $2.70. Adjusted net income attributable to ICE was $760 million in the fourth quarter and adjusted diluted EPS were $1.34.

For the full year of 2021 consolidated net income attributable to ICE was $4.1 billion on $7.1 billion of consolidated revenues less transaction-based expenses. Full year 2021 GAAP diluted EPS were $7.18, up 90% year-over-year. On an adjusted basis, net income attributable to ICE for the year was $2.9 billion and adjusted diluted EPS were $5.15, up 17% year-over-year.

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 free cash flow.

Warren Gardiner, ICE Chief Financial Officer, added: "In 2021 we generated record revenues, record operating income and record operating cash flows. We grew revenues across the asset classes in which we operate, generating double-digit growth in our recurring revenues. As we enter 2022, we expect the consistency of our growth and the compounding nature of both our revenues and cash flows to continue to create value as we invest in the many secular growth opportunities that exist across our business while also returning capital to our shareholders."

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Business Highlights

$ (in millions)

Net Revenue

Op Margin

Adj Op Margin

Net Revenue

Op Margin

Adj Op Margin

Full Year 2021

4Q21

Exchanges

$3,856

65%

69%

$1,014

65%

71%

Fixed Income and Data Services

$1,883

28%

38%

$480

28%

38%

Mortgage Technology

$1,407

28%

57%

$346

25%

55%

Consolidated

$7,146

48%

58%

$1,840

48%

59%

Fourth quarter consolidated net revenues were $1.8 billion, up 10% year-over-year, including exchange net revenues of $1.0 billion, fixed income and data services revenues of $480 million and ICE Mortgage Technology revenues of $346 million. Consolidated operating expenses were $960 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating expenses were $749 million. Consolidated operating income for the fourth quarter was $880 million and the operating margin was 48%. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating income for the fourth quarter was $1.1 billion and the adjusted operating margin was 59%.

Full year 2021 consolidated net revenues were $7.1 billion, up 18% year-over-year, including exchange net revenues of $3.9 billion, fixed income and data services revenues of $1.9 billion and ICE Mortgage Technology revenues of $1.4 billion. Consolidated operating expenses were $3.7 billion for 2021. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating expenses were $3.0 billion. Consolidated operating income for the year was $3.4 billion and the operating margin was 48%. On an adjusted basis, consolidated operating income for the year was $4.2 billion and the adjusted operating margin was 58%.

Exchanges Segment Results

Fourth quarter exchange net revenues were $1.0 billion, up 17% year-over-year. Exchange operating expenses were $356 million and on an adjusted basis, were $292 million in the fourth quarter. Segment operating income for the fourth quarter was $658 million and the operating margin was 65%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $722 million and the adjusted operating margin was 71%.

$ (in millions)

4Q21

4Q20

% Chg

Revenue, net:

Energy

$336

$262

28%

Ags and Metals

51

48

7%

Financials(1)

113

82

37%

Cash Equities and Equity Options

89

89

2%

OTC and Other(2)

87

77

13%

Data and Connectivity Services

215

201

7%

Listings

123

112

10%

Segment Revenue

$1,014

$871

17%

(1) Financials include interest rates and other financial futures and options.

(2) OTC & other primarily includes physical energy, interest income 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, technology development fees, exchange member fees, and agriculture grading and certification fees.

Full year exchange net revenues were $3.9 billion, up 6% year-over-year. Exchange operating expenses were $1.3 billion and on an adjusted basis, were $1.2 billion for the full year. Segment operating income for 2021 was $2.5 billion and the operating margin was 65%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $2.7 billion and the adjusted operating margin was 69%.

$ (in millions)

FY21

FY20

% Chg

Revenue, net:

Energy

$1,236

$1,120

10%

Ags and Metals

228

245

(7)%

Financials(1)

394

357

10%

Cash Equities and Equity Options

355

377

(6)%

OTC and Other(2)

326

296

10%

Data and Connectivity Services

838

790

6%

Listings

479

446

7%

Segment Revenue

$3,856

$3,631

6%

(1) Financials include interest rates and other financial futures and options.

(2) OTC & other primarily includes physical energy, interest income 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, technology development fees, exchange member fees, and agriculture grading and certification fees.

Fixed Income and Data Services Segment Results

Fourth quarter fixed income and data services revenues were $480 million, up 7% year-over-year. Fixed income and data services operating expenses were $344 million and adjusted operating expenses were $300 million in the fourth quarter. Segment operating income for the fourth quarter was $136 million and the operating margin was 28%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $180 million and the adjusted operating margin was 38%.

$ (in millions)

4Q21

4Q20

% Chg

Const Curr(1)

Revenue:

Fixed Income Execution

$13

$14

(12)%

(12)%

CDS Clearing

48

42

14%

14%

Fixed Income Data and Analytics

278

262

6%

6%

Other Data and Network Services

141

132

7%

7%

Segment Revenue

$480

$450

7%

7%

(1) Net revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 4Q20 1.3207 and 1.1920 respectively.

Full year 2021 fixed income and data services revenues were $1.9 billion, up 4% year-over-year. Fixed income and data services operating expenses were $1.4 billion and on an adjusted basis, were $1.2 billion for the year. Segment operating income for the full year was $529 million and the operating margin was 28%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $709 million and the adjusted operating margin was 38%.

$ (in millions)

FY21

FY20

% Chg

Const Curr(1)

Revenue:

Fixed Income Execution

$52

$70

(25)%

(25)%

CDS Clearing

192

208

(8)%

(9)%

Fixed Income Data and Analytics

1,082

1,018

6%

6%

Other Data and Network Services

557

514

8%

7%

Segment Revenue

$1,883

$1,810

4%

3%

(1) Net revenues in constant currency are calculated holding both the pound sterling and euro at the average exchange rate from 2020 1.2832 and 1.1412 respectively.

Mortgage Technology Segment Results

Fourth quarter mortgage technology revenues were $346 million. Mortgage technology operating expenses were $260 million and adjusted operating expenses were $157 million in the fourth quarter. Segment operating income for the fourth quarter was $86 million and the operating margin was 25%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $189 million and the adjusted operating margin was 55%.

$ (in millions)

4Q21

4Q20

% Chg

Revenue:

Origination Technology

$231

$249

(7)%

Network and Closing Solutions

83

73

15%

Data and Analytics

18

17

6%

Registrations and Other

14

11

23%

Segment Revenue

$346

$350

(1)%

Full year mortgage technology revenues were $1.4 billion. Mortgage technology operating expenses were $1.0 billion and adjusted operating expenses were $602 million in 2021. Segment operating income for the full year was $397 million and the operating margin was 28%. On an adjusted basis, operating income was $805 million and the adjusted operating margin was 57%.

$ (in millions)

FY21

FY20

% Chg

Revenue:

Origination Technology

$971

$316

208%

Network and Closing Solutions

310

238

30%

Data and Analytics

73

22

226%

Registrations and Other

53

19

185%

Segment Revenue

$1,407

$595

137%

Other Matters

Financial Guidance

GAAP

Non-GAAP

2022 Total Recurring Revenue

$3.68 - $3.75 billion

2022 Operating Expenses

$3.619 - $3.669 billion

$2.99 - $3.04 billion(1)

1Q22 Operating Expenses

$900 - $910 million

$740 - $750 million(1)

2022 Capital Expenditures

$490 - $520 million

2022 Effective Tax Rate

22.5% - 24.5%(2)

1Q22 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

562 - 568 million shares, excluding the impact of any potential share repurchases

(1) 2022 and 1Q22 non GAAP operating expenses exclude amortization of acquisition related intangibles and integration expenses.

(2) This represents 2022 full year guidance for both the GAAP and non GAAP effective tax rates but note that the GAAP effective tax rate is more susceptible to diverging from this guidance based on items outside the normal course of business that are adjusted for to derive our non GAAP results. Such items can be unknown, unpredictable or uncertain, requiring unreasonable efforts to determine with any precision and which could potentially be confusing or misleading.

Earnings Conference Call Information

ICE will hold a conference call today, February 3, at 8:30 a.m. ET to review its fourth quarter 2021 financial results. A live audio webcast of the earnings call will be available on the company's website at www.theice.com in the investor relations section. Participants may also listen via telephone by dialing 844-512-2926 from the United States or 412-317-6300 from outside of the United States and Canada. Telephone participants are required to provide the participant entry number 4506364 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 first quarter 2022 earnings has been scheduled for May 5th 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)

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Revenues:

2021

2020

2021

2020

Exchanges

$

5,878

$

5,839

$

1,502

$

1,433

Fixed income and data services

1,883

1,810

480

450

Mortgage technology

1,407

595

346

350

Total revenues

9,168

8,244

2,328

2,233

Transaction-based expenses:

Section 31 fees

248

622

44

157

Cash liquidity payments, routing and clearing

1,774

1,586

444

405

Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses

7,146

6,036

1,840

1,671

Operating expenses:

Compensation and benefits

1,462

1,188

369

339

Professional services

159

144

35

44

Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs

102

105

60

15

Technology and communication

666

549

171

161

Rent and occupancy

84

81

23

22

Selling, general and administrative

215

185

52

53

Depreciation and amortization

1,009

751

250

257

Total operating expenses

3,697

3,003

960

891

Operating income

3,449

3,033

880

780

Other income (expense):

Interest income

1

10

1

1

Interest expense

(423

)

(357

)

(102

)

(112

)

Other income, net

2,671

80

1,330

5

Other income (expense), net

2,249

(267

)

1,229

(106

)

Income before income tax expense

5,698

2,766

2,109

674

Income tax expense

1,629

658

580

146

Net income

$

4,069

$

2,108

$

1,529

$

528

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

(11

)

(19

)

(2

)

(2

)

Net income attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

$

4,058

$

2,089

$

1,527

$

526

Earnings per share attributable to Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. common stockholders:

Basic

$

7.22

$

3.79

$

2.72

$

0.94

Diluted

$

7.18

$

3.77

$

2.70

$

0.93

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

Basic

562

552

562

561

Diluted

565

555

565

564

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions)

As of

As of

December 31, 2021

December 31, 2020

Assets:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

607

$

583

Short-term restricted cash and cash equivalents

1,035

1,000

Cash and cash equivalent margin deposits and guaranty funds

145,936

81,628

Invested deposits, delivery contracts receivable and unsettled variation margin

4,493

2,455

Customer accounts receivable, net

1,208

1,230

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

1,021

323

Total current assets

154,300

87,219

Property and equipment, net

1,699

1,713

Other non-current assets:

Goodwill

21,123

21,291

Other intangible assets, net

13,736

14,408

Long-term restricted cash and cash equivalents

398

408

Other non-current assets

2,246

1,161

Total other non-current assets

37,503

37,268

Total assets

$

193,502

$

126,200

Liabilities and Equity:

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

703

$

639

Section 31 fees payable

57

207

Accrued salaries and benefits

354

346

Deferred revenue

194

158

Short-term debt

1,521

2,411

Margin deposits and guaranty funds

145,936

81,628

Invested deposits, delivery contracts payable and unsettled variation margin

4,493

2,455

Other current liabilities

153

155

Total current liabilities

153,411

87,999

Non-current liabilities:

Non-current deferred tax liability, net

4,100

3,563

Long-term debt

12,397

14,126

Accrued employee benefits

200

206

Non-current operating lease liability

252

320

Other non-current liabilities

394

359

Total non-current liabilities

17,343

18,574

Total liabilities

170,754

106,573

Commitments and contingencies

Redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

93

Equity:

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders’ equity:

Common stock

6

6

Treasury stock, at cost

(5,520

)

(5,200

)

Additional paid-in capital

14,069

13,845

Retained earnings

14,350

11,039

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(196

)

(192

)

Total Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. stockholders’ equity

22,709

19,498

Non-controlling interest in consolidated subsidiaries

39

36

Total equity

22,748

19,534

Total liabilities and equity

$

193,502

$

126,200

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 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

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

Year Ended December 31,

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses

$

3,856

$

3,631

$

1,883

$

1,810

$

1,407

$

595

$

7,146

$

6,036

Operating expenses

1,333

1,242

1,354

1,318

1,010

443

3,697

3,003

Less: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

73

74

180

191

369

123

622

388

Less: Transaction and integration costs and acquisition-related success fees

59

12

39

89

98

101

Less: Impairment of developed software

11

11

Less: Accrual relating to a regulatory settlement

8

8

Adjusted operating expenses

$

1,201

$

1,145

$

1,174

$

1,119

$

602

$

231

$

2,977

$

2,495

Operating income

$

2,523

$

2,389

$

529

$

492

$

397

$

152

$

3,449

$

3,033

Adjusted operating income

$

2,655

$

2,486

$

709

$

691

$

805

$

364

$

4,169

$

3,541

Operating margin

65

%

66

%

28

%

27

%

28

%

25

%

48

%

50

%

Adjusted operating margin

69

%

68

%

38

%

38

%

57

%

61

%

58

%

59

%

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 December 31,

Three Months Ended December 31,

Three Months Ended December 31,

Three Months Ended December 31,

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

2021

2020

Total revenues, less transaction-based expenses

$

1,014

$

871

$

480

$

450

$

346

$

350

$

1,840

$

1,671

Operating expenses

356

323

344

331

260

237

960

891

Less: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

17

21

44

47

92

85

153

153

Less: Transaction and integration costs

47

2

11

13

58

15

Less: Impairment of developed software

11

11

Adjusted operating expenses

$

292

$

289

$

300

$

284

$

157

$

139

$

749

$

712

Operating income

$

658

$

548

$

136

$

119

$

86

$

113

$

880

$

780

Adjusted operating income

$

722

$

582

$

180

$

166

$

189

$

211

$

1,091

$

959

Operating margin

65

%

63

%

28

%

26

%

25

%

32

%

48

%

47

%

Adjusted operating margin

71

%

67

%

38

%

37

%

55

%

60

%

59

%

57

%

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ICE and EPS

(In millions)

Twelve Months Ended 12/31/2021

Twelve Months Ended 12/31/2020

Net income attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

4,058

$

2,089

Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

622

388

Add: Transaction and integration costs and acquisition-related success fees

98

101

Less: Gain on value of Euroclear equity investment

(34

)

(35

)

Less: Gain on sale of Coinbase equity investment

(1,227

)

Less: Gain on deconsolidation of Bakkt

(1,419

)

Less: Gain on sale of BIDS equity investment

(20

)

Less: Gain related to the settlement of an acquisition-related indemnification claim

(7

)

Add: Accelerated unamortized costs related to the early

payoff of the June 2023 floating rate senior notes

4

Add: Extinguishment of December 2020 Senior Notes

14

Add: Pre-acquisition interest expense on debt issued for Ellie Mae acquisition

5

Add: Impairment of developed software

11

Add: Impairment of CAT promissory notes

2

Add: Accrual relating to legal settlement

16

30

Add: Accrual relating to regulatory settlement

8

Add/(Less): Net losses/(income) from unconsolidated investees

42

(71

)

Add/(Less): Income tax effect for the above items

574

(109

)

Add: Deferred tax adjustments on acquisition-related intangibles

183

36

Adjusted net income attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

2,910

$

2,449

Basic earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

7.22

$

3.79

Diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

7.18

$

3.77

Adjusted basic earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

5.17

$

4.44

Adjusted diluted earnings per share attributable to ICE common stockholders

$

5.15

$

4.41

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

562

552

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

565

555

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to ICE and EPS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended 12/31/2021

Three Months Ended 12/31/2020

Net income attributable to ICE

$

1,527

$

526

Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangibles

153

153

Add: Transaction and integration costs

58

15

Less: Gain on deconsolidation of Bakkt

(1,419

)

Add: Impairment of developed software

11

Less: Gain on value of Euroclear equity investment

(35

)

Less: Gain on sale of BIDS equity investment

(20

)

Add: Accrual for potential legal settlements

30

Add: Net losses from unconsolidated investees

84

13

Add/(Less): Income tax effect related to the items above

370

(47

)

Add/(Less): Deferred tax adjustments on acquisition-related intangibles

(13

)

3

Adjusted net income attributable to ICE

$

760

$

649

Basic earnings per share

$

2.72

$

0.94

Diluted earnings per share

$

2.70

$

0.93

Adjusted basic earnings per share

$

1.35

$

1.16

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

1.34

$

1.15

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

562

561

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

565

564

Free Cash Flow Calculation

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2021

Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2020

Cash flow from operations

$

3,123

$

2,881

Less: Capital expenditures and capitalized software development costs

(452

)

(410

)

Add/(Less): Section 31 fees, net

150

(69

)

Free cash flow

$

2,821

$

2,402

About Intercontinental Exchange

Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) is a Fortune 500 company and provider of marketplace infrastructure, data services and technology solutions to a broad range of customers including financial institutions, corporations and government entities. We operate regulated marketplaces, including the New York Stock Exchange, for the listing, trading and clearing of a broad array of derivatives contracts and financial securities across major asset classes. Our comprehensive data services offering supports the trading, investment, risk management and connectivity needs of customers around the world and across asset classes. As a leading technology provider for the U.S. residential mortgage industry, ICE Mortgage Technology provides the technology and infrastructure to transform and digitize U.S. residential mortgages, from application and loan origination through to final settlement.

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 here. 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 ICE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the SEC on February 3, 2022.

SOURCE: Intercontinental Exchange

ICE-CORP

ICE Investor Relations Contact:

Mary Caroline O'Neal

[email protected]

+1 770 738 2151

[email protected]

ICE Media Contact:

Josh King

[email protected]

+1 212 656 2490

[email protected]

Source: Intercontinental Exchange

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