WallStSmart

CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CVS Health Corp generates 3787% more annual revenue ($405.62B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 0.7%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.26. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CVS

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.11

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

CVSUndervalued (+77.8%)

Margin of Safety

+77.8%

Fair Value

$346.22

Current Price

$95.89

$250.33 discount

UndervaluedFair: $346.22Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
63.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 63.1% YoY

Market CapQuality
$125.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.40B8/10

Generating 3.4B in free cash flow

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
$87.54B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.8%3/10

ROE of 3.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

Operating margin of 4.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.243/10

Elevated debt levels

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.164/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CVS

The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Market Cap. PEG of 0.26 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 : CVS

The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 43.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CVS profiles as a value 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.

CVS generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), 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. CVS offers better value entry with a 77.8% margin of safety. 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.

CVS Health Corp

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

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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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