WallStSmart

Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 26% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $8.25B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 18.3%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

HWM

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0

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

HWM5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Return on EquityProfitability
30.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Market CapQuality
$109.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
26.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY

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

HWM2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
63.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
20.3x2/10

Trading at 20.3x book value

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 : HWM

The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% 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 : HWM

The primary concerns for HWM are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 63.2x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HWM profiles as a mature stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Howmet Aerospace Inc

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.

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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