WallStSmart

Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Carnival Corporation generates 159% more annual revenue ($26.98B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 11.5%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CCL

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

ICE

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.60
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCLUndervalued (+30.7%)

Margin of Safety

+30.7%

Fair Value

$47.73

Current Price

$26.38

$21.35 discount

UndervaluedFair: $47.73Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
27.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY

ICE6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
37.7%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
79.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$88.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.15B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CCL2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.281/10

Elevated debt levels

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCL

The strongest argument for CCL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, 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, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.7% and operating margin at 57.3%. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

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, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCL profiles as a value stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — expect wider price swings.

ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.

ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. CCL offers better value entry with a 30.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?