WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 769% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 7.7%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.20. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

ICE

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.60

LOW

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.16
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ICEUndervalued (+38.6%)

Margin of Safety

+38.6%

Fair Value

$255.26

Current Price

$156.83

$98.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $255.26Overvalued
LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-193.3%)

Margin of Safety

-193.3%

Fair Value

$80.51

Current Price

$236.18

$155.67 premium

UndervaluedFair: $80.51Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ICE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
33.4%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.6%

Market CapQuality
$88.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.11B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

LOW2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.3110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$131.50B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

ICE3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.204/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.404/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.7%3/10

7.7% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-10.8%2/10

Earnings declined 10.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a mature stock while LOW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 33.4% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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