WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsMorningstar Inc (MORN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 316% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $2.51B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 16.1%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.25. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ICE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

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

MORN

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.34

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
$80.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

MORN4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
39.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
24.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%

Areas to Watch

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.254/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MORN2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.873/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : MORN

The strongest argument for MORN centers on Return on Equity, EPS Growth, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 24.2%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : MORN

The primary concerns for MORN are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.87 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MORN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — 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 (74/100 vs 67/100), 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.

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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Morningstar Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Morningstar, Inc. offers independent investment research services in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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