Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$156.83
+0.65%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.85B
KLAC
KLA Corporation
$1,543.82
-1.43%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $205.79B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
KLA Corporation generates 28% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $9.93B). KLAC leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 33.4%. KLAC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.66. KLAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
ICE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
KLAC
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+38.6%
Fair Value
$255.26
Current Price
$156.83
$98.43 discount
Margin of Safety
+3.9%
Fair Value
$1605.71
Current Price
$1543.82
$61.89 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%
Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 37.0x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.4% and operating margin at 49.6%.
Bull Case : KLAC
The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : KLAC
The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
KLAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.
KLAC generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
KLAC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 35.8% margins. ICE offers better value entry with a 38.6% 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.
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.
Visit Website →KLA Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES Stocks
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