WallStSmart

Circle Internet Group, Inc. (CRCL)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 280% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $2.75B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs -2.5%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.13. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CRCL

Hold

42

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 10.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.05

ICE

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CRCL3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
76.9%10/10

Revenue surging 76.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
880.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 880.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

CRCL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
8.3x4/10

Trading at 8.3x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.352/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.8%2/10

ROE of -2.8% — below average capital efficiency

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 : CRCL

The strongest argument for CRCL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 76.9% 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 : CRCL

The primary concerns for CRCL are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : ICE

The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CRCL profiles as a hypergrowth stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

CRCL is growing revenue faster at 76.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Circle Internet Group, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Circle Internet Group, Inc. is a platform, network, and market infrastructure for stablecoin and blockchain applications. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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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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