CME Group Inc (CME)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
CME
CME Group Inc
$276.01
+1.79%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $99.08B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.47
+1.42%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 56% more annual revenue ($10.56B vs $6.76B). CME leads profitability with a 63.4% profit margin vs 38.3%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
CME
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
ICE
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 65.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 52.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
0.8% revenue growth
2.5% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.8% revenue growth
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 63.4% and operating margin at 65.0%.
Bull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.3% and operating margin at 52.6%.
Bear Case : CME
The primary concerns for CME are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 4.8% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 38.3% margins. 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.
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