CME Group Inc. (CME) vs Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE)

A side-by-side comparison of CME Group Inc. and Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCME vs ICE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 21y
CME +535.2%ICE +2212.3%ICE compounded faster
01k2kStart $10020092013201720212025$635$2,312
CME ICE

CME vs ICE: by the numbers

  • CME is the larger company ($96.09B vs $88.37B market cap).
  • ICE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.46 vs 22.51 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CME converts more revenue to profit (63.08% vs 29.98% net margin).
  • ICE grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.85% vs 7.99% CAGR).
  • CME pays the higher dividend yield (1.43% vs 1.30%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCMEICE
P/E ratio22.5122.46
Forward P/E21.6619.23
P/S ratio14.206.73
P/B ratio3.632.97
PEG ratio1.591.34

Profitability

MetricCMEICE
Gross margin81.89%68.98%
Operating margin65.10%40.84%
Net margin63.08%29.98%
ROE16.11%13.26%
ROIC1.62%7.03%

Dividends

MetricCMEICE
Dividend yield1.43%1.30%
Payout ratio33.99%34.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMEICE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.99%8.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.72%8.88%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.29%6.39%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CME or ICE?
ICE has the lower trailing P/E: CME trades at 22.51 and ICE at 22.46. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CME or ICE?
Over the past five years, ICE grew revenue faster — CME at a 7.99% CAGR versus ICE at 8.85%.
Does CME or ICE pay a bigger dividend?
CME yields 1.43% and ICE yields 1.30% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CME or ICE more profitable?
CME runs the higher net margin — CME at 63.08% versus ICE at 29.98%.
How have CME and ICE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CME delivered 14.06% and ICE delivered 12.74% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 30, 2026.