CME Group posts record third-quarter revenue of $1.74 billion on record volume

CME Group reported its highest third-quarter revenue on record as clients traded a record 29.4 million contracts a day amid what the exchange operator called intensifying uncertainty.

Revenue rose 13% to $1.74 billion from $1.54 billion a year earlier, according to its earnings release filed with an 8-K on Wednesday. Net income climbed to $1.04 billion, or $2.89 a diluted share, from $908 million, or $2.49.

On an adjusted basis, CME earned $3.02 a share, up from $2.68, with adjusted net income of $1.08 billion.

"As uncertainty intensified in Q3, clients turned to CME Group in record numbers to manage risk and capitalize on opportunities," Chairman and Chief Executive Terry Duffy said in the release. He said volume grew by double digits across all six asset classes.

Volume and fees

Clearing and transaction fees totaled $1.4 billion, with an average rate per contract of $0.679. Average daily volume from outside the U.S. reached a third-quarter high of 9 million contracts.

Market data revenue rose 20% to a record $243 million. Operating income increased to $1.14 billion from $973 million, as expenses grew more slowly than revenue.

Returning cash

CME returned nearly $1 billion to shareholders in the quarter, including $465 million in regular dividends and $524 million in share repurchases. It ended September with $2.4 billion in cash and $3.4 billion of debt.

By the numbers

• Revenue: $1.74 billion, vs. $1.54 billion
• Diluted EPS: $2.89, vs. $2.49
• Adjusted EPS: $3.02, vs. $2.68
• Average daily volume: 29.4 million contracts, a Q3 record
• Market data revenue: $243 million, up 20%
• Buybacks: $524 million

Sources

1. CME Group Inc., Form 8-K (Item 2.02) with Exhibit 99.1 earnings release, filed Oct. 21, 2026, accession 0001156375-26-000065

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