Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
CCL
Carnival Corporation
$25.73
+1.02%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $35.28B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$156.83
+0.65%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.85B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Carnival Corporation generates 168% more annual revenue ($26.62B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 10.4%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
CCL
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
ICE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+65.0%
Fair Value
$94.54
Current Price
$25.73
$68.81 discount
Margin of Safety
+38.6%
Fair Value
$255.26
Current Price
$156.83
$98.43 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CCL
The strongest argument for CCL centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.4% and operating margin at 49.6%.
Bear Case : CCL
The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CCL profiles as a value stock while ICE is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.46 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100). ICE offers better value entry with a 38.6% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Carnival Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.
Visit Website →Intercontinental Exchange Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is an American Fortune 500 company formed in 2000 that operates global exchanges, clearing houses and provides mortgage technology, data and listing services. The company owns exchanges for financial and commodity markets, and operates regulated exchanges and marketplaces.
Visit Website →Compare with Other TRAVEL SERVICES Stocks
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