WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsIllinois Tool Works Inc (ITW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Illinois Tool Works Inc generates 55% more annual revenue ($16.22B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 19.3%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.13. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

ICE

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

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

ITW

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.71

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

ITW4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
96.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 97 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$73.64B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

Areas to Watch

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

ITW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.582/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
22.8x2/10

Trading at 22.8x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : ITW

The strongest argument for ITW centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.3% and operating margin at 25.4%.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : ITW

The primary concerns for ITW are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a growth stock while ITW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ITW carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

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

Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 60/100), 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.

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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Illinois Tool Works Inc

INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA

Illinois Tool Works Inc. or ITW is an American company that produces engineered fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems, and specialty products.

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