CME Group Inc (CME)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
CME
CME Group Inc
$289.54
+0.26%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $105.19B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$154.75
+1.09%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $87.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 55% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $6.74B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 37.7%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
CME
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 69.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 21.3% YoY
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 63.3% and operating margin at 69.8%. Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : CME
The primary concerns for CME are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CME profiles as a mature stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.
CME generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. 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.
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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