The Motley Fool Team, The Motley Fool
3 min read
On its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, held on Oct. 30, 2026, Cboe Global Markets (BATS:CBOE) announced that net revenue increased 18% year over year to $712 million. Long-term investors care because proprietary index options and market data fees provide the exchange operator with reliable cash flow in volatile markets. Three takeaways from management explain where the business goes next.
1. A 25-Year License Renewal Locks In S&P Exclusivity Through 2051
Cboe extended its exclusive licensing agreement for S&P 500 Index options through 2051, removing a major long-term uncertainty for its business. The agreement secures Cboe’s highest-margin proprietary product line without disturbing 2026 financial terms.
A landmark achievement during the quarter was the signing of a 25-year extension of our exclusive licensing agreement with S&P Dow Jones Indices, which continues our collaboration through 2051.
— Craig Donohue, Chief Executive Officer
2. SEC-Regulated Event Contracts Target the Growing Prediction Market
Management is expanding Cboe Predicts to offer key performance indicator (KPI) event contracts tied to corporate financial disclosures. By operating under Securities and Exchange Commission rules and clearing through Cboe Clear U.S., Cboe offers institutional investors regulatory protections that off-exchange competitors lack.
We built our products as securities so investors can benefit from the safeguards against manipulation and insider trading that no alternative framework can replicate.
— Craig Donohue, Chief Executive Officer
3. International Demand Accelerates Global Trading Hours Activity
Overseas retail and institutional investors are increasingly trading U.S. index options during their local business hours. Onboarding Asian brokers drove rapid growth in Global Trading Hours (GTH), Cboe’s overnight session, creating a second daily volume peak outside standard American market operating times.
GTH volume jumped over 130%, led by the Asian trading session, which now makes up over 30% of GTH volume, up from less than 20% a year ago.
— Craig Donohue, Chief Executive Officer
Looking Ahead
Annual organic net revenue guidance moved higher as trading activity remained elevated across all segments. Cboe relies on exclusive index rights, high data switching costs, and global broker distribution. Management monitors technology hardware inflation alongside pricing discipline.
We now expect Cboe total organic net revenue growth in 2026 to be in the high teens, compared with last quarter’s mid-to-high teens guidance.
— Jill Griebenow, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
