CME Group Inc (CME)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
CME
CME Group Inc
$307.32
-1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $112.83B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$158.43
-0.04%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $92.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 53% more annual revenue ($9.93B vs $6.51B). CME leads profitability with a 62.6% profit margin vs 33.4%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.21. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CME
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+40.6%
Fair Value
$522.76
Current Price
$307.32
$215.44 discount
Margin of Safety
+37.9%
Fair Value
$255.26
Current Price
$158.43
$96.83 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 63.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 35.0% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
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
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CME
The strongest argument for CME centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 62.6% and operating margin at 63.8%.
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 : CME
The primary concerns for CME are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.
CME is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CME scores higher overall (63/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 62.6% margins. ICE offers better value entry with a 37.9% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
CME Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
CME Group Inc. (Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade, New York Mercantile Exchange, The Commodity Exchange) is an American global markets company. It is the world's largest financial derivatives exchange, and trades in asset classes that include agricultural products, currencies, energy, interest rates, metals, stock indexes and cryptocurrencies futures.
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 FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES Stocks
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