The company pushed hard into energy markets after the fall of Enron. It charged into credit default swaps during the 2008 financial crisis. And now, ICE is stepping on the accelerator in the mortgage ecosystem as rates continue to rise and real estate prices waver.

In 2000, Jeffrey Sprecher had a vision.

The global energy markets were opaque, clunky, and inefficient.

He was going to build a solution.

Founding Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), Sprecher’s vision was not only supported by his strong engineering background but also by the backing of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BP, Total, Shell, Deutsche Bank, and Société Générale. Over the last 22 years, ICE has boldly engaged in a large number of acquisitions and has become entrenched in the critical plumbing of global markets.

Disclaimer

Intercontinental Exchange’s talented team continues to leverage strategic acquisitions to facilitate growth and become further entrenched in global markets. The stock has recently sold off in tandem with broad market weakness and its announcement of its definitive agreement to acquire $BKI. While current conditions may raise questions regarding the terms of the deal, current levels present a skewed risk/reward, and the company’s business model will create substantial value long-term while returning capital to shareholders.