Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) pays a quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share, translating to an annual dividend of $2.08 and a forward yield of approximately 1.56%.
• The company has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.8%, placing it firmly in the dividend growth category.
• The payout ratio stands at roughly 30% based on trailing earnings and approximately 21% based on free cash flow, indicating a highly sustainable dividend with ample room for future increases.
• ICE's dividend yield is below the financial sector average but is complemented by share buybacks and above-average dividend growth, making it appealing for total return-oriented investors.
• The next ex-dividend date falls on September 16, 2026, with payment scheduled for September 30, 2026.

Dividend Overview

Intercontinental Exchange, best known as the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and a global operator of financial exchanges and clearing houses, maintains a disciplined and steadily growing dividend policy. The company pays a quarterly dividend, with the most recent quarterly payout set at $0.52 per share following an increase announced in early 2026. On an annualized basis, this equates to $2.08 per share for 2026, up from $1.92 in 2025.

With a dividend yield of approximately 1.56%, ICE does not classify as a high-yield stock. Rather, it fits the profile of a dividend growth stock — a company that prioritizes consistent, meaningful annual increases over a high starting yield. ICE has raised its dividend every year since initiating payments in 2013, building a track record that appeals to investors seeking compounding income growth over time. The quarterly payment schedule delivers a predictable income stream, with ex-dividend dates typically falling in March, June, September, and December.

Dividend History and Growth

ICE began paying a regular quarterly dividend in 2013 and has increased it annually for 13 consecutive years. The growth trajectory has been notable: the quarterly dividend climbed from $0.30 per share in 2020 to $0.33 in 2021, $0.38 in 2022, $0.42 in 2023, $0.45 in 2024, $0.48 in 2025, and $0.52 in 2026. This represents a compound annual growth rate of just under 10% over the past five years.

The company's approach to dividend increases is measured but consistent. In February 2025, ICE announced a 7% increase to its quarterly dividend, bringing it to $0.48 per share. One year later, in February 2026, the board authorized another increase of approximately 8%, lifting the quarterly payout to $0.52. This pattern of mid-to-high single-digit percentage increases each year underscores management's commitment to returning capital to shareholders while retaining sufficient earnings to fund organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

Perhaps the strongest argument for ICE's dividend is its sustainability. The company's payout ratio sits at approximately 30% of trailing earnings and roughly 21% of free cash flow. These are exceptionally conservative figures, meaning ICE retains around 70% of its earnings to reinvest in the business, reduce debt, fund acquisitions, and buy back shares.

A low payout ratio serves two purposes for dividend investors. First, it provides a wide margin of safety — earnings would need to decline drastically before the dividend becomes threatened. Second, it signals that the company has significant headroom to continue raising the dividend at an above-average rate for years to come. ICE generates substantial free cash flow from its exchange, data, and technology businesses, which benefit from network effects, high barriers to entry, and recurring revenue streams. The company also carries a manageable debt load relative to its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), further supporting the case for long-term dividend stability.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

Within the exchange and financial infrastructure sector, ICE's dividend profile is competitive but sits at the lower end of the yield spectrum. Peers such as CME Group and NDAQ (Nasdaq) generally offer yields in the 1.8% to 2.3% range, while CBOE Global Markets yields closer to 1.3%. ICE's approximately 1.56% yield falls in the middle-to-lower portion of this peer group.

However, ICE differentiates itself through its dividend growth rate. With a five-year CAGR approaching 10%, ICE's dividend growth outpaces that of several large exchange peers. Additionally, ICE supplements its dividend with a share repurchase program, which has historically reduced the outstanding share count and boosted earnings per share (EPS) growth. For investors who value the combination of a secure, growing dividend with a capital-return strategy that includes buybacks, ICE presents a distinctive total-return proposition relative to higher-yielding but slower-growing peers in the financial services space.

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Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

ICE is best suited for dividend growth investors and long-term total return investors rather than those seeking high current income. The modest starting yield of approximately 1.56% may not appeal to investors who depend on portfolio income for near-term living expenses. However, for investors with a multi-year or multi-decade time horizon, ICE's 13-year streak of annual dividend increases and its five-year dividend CAGR of roughly 10% make a compelling case.

The combination of a low payout ratio, strong free cash flow generation, and a business model built on durable competitive advantages — including the NYSE, clearing operations, and proprietary data services — suggests the dividend growth trajectory is likely to continue. Conservative income investors may also appreciate the predictability of ICE's quarterly payment schedule and the financial strength behind it. That said, investors should weigh the lower current yield against the opportunity for future dividend growth and price appreciation. As with any equity, dividend payments are not guaranteed and depend on the company's ongoing financial performance, board authorization, and broader market conditions.

Disclaimer

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