WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 232% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 20.4%. 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

LIN

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-39.0%)

Margin of Safety

-39.0%

Fair Value

$355.19

Current Price

$493.16

$137.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $355.19Overvalued

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

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$228.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

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

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.344/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.492/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : LIN

The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.4% and operating margin at 28.5%.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : LIN

The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a growth stock while LIN is a mature 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.

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 62/100), 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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Linde plc Ordinary Shares

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.

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