Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) vs Nasdaq (NDAQ)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Nasdaq (NDAQ) has outperformed Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) over the past year, gaining 3.9% versus a loss of 5.8%. Over five years, NDAQ leads with a +35.8% price change compared with +17.9% for ICE. Intercontinental Exchange is the larger company by market cap ($87.17 billion vs $51.64 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Nasdaq is growing revenue faster (+11.6% vs +7.5%).
On valuation, Intercontinental Exchange trades at a lower forward P/E (17.6x vs 19.7x for Nasdaq). Intercontinental Exchange offers the higher dividend yield (1.29% vs 1.21%). Intercontinental Exchange converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 26.2% versus 21.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ICE | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $155.28 | $92.38 |
| Market cap | $87.17B | $51.64B |
| 1-day change | +1.76% | +0.49% |
| YTD return | -5.79% | -5.35% |
| 1-year return | -5.80% | +3.95% |
| 5-year return | +17.93% | +35.84% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.90 | 26.93 |
| Forward P/E | 17.57 | 19.74 |
| EPS (TTM) | $7.09 | $3.43 |
| Dividend yield | 1.29% | 1.21% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $12.64B | $8.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.47% | +11.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.31B | $1.79B |
| Gross margin | — | 63.53% |
| Operating margin | 39.00% | 28.21% |
| Net margin | 26.23% | 21.64% |
| 52-week high | $176.05 | $101.79 |
| 52-week low | $121.79 | $76.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.80% | -9.24% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.44% | +18.06% |
| Average volume | 3.40M | 3.30M |
| Shares outstanding | 561.39M | 558.98M |
| Employees | 12,725 | 9,630 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service | Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
About Intercontinental Exchange
ICE stock →Intercontinental Exchange, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides technology and data to financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. It operates through three segments: Exchanges, Fixed Income and Data Services, and Mortgage Technology.
Finance · Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service · 12,725 employees
About Nasdaq
NDAQ stock →Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries in the United States and internationally.
Finance · Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service · 9,630 employees
ICE vs NDAQ FAQ
Which is bigger, Intercontinental Exchange or Nasdaq?
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $87.17B compared with $51.64B for Nasdaq (NDAQ).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ICE or NDAQ?
NDAQ returned +3.95% over the past 12 months, compared with -5.80% for ICE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ICE or NDAQ?
ICE has the lower trailing P/E at 21.9, versus 26.9 for NDAQ. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Intercontinental Exchange or Nasdaq?
Intercontinental Exchange has the higher yield at 1.29%, compared with 1.21% for Nasdaq.
Are Intercontinental Exchange and Nasdaq in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service industry within the Finance sector.