WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsMSCI Inc (MSCI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 217% more annual revenue ($9.93B vs $3.13B). MSCI leads profitability with a 38.4% profit margin vs 33.4%. MSCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.89. 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

MSCI

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 7.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.83
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ICEUndervalued (+37.9%)

Margin of Safety

+37.9%

Fair Value

$255.26

Current Price

$158.43

$96.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $255.26Overvalued
MSCISignificantly Overvalued (-371.3%)

Margin of Safety

-371.3%

Fair Value

$108.60

Current Price

$552.63

$444.03 premium

UndervaluedFair: $108.60Overvalued

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
$92.08B9/10

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

MSCI3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.4%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
55.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 55.9%

Debt/EquityHealth
-2.3810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

ICE3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.214/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSCI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.894/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
35.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.3%2/10

Earnings declined 2.3%

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 : MSCI

The strongest argument for MSCI centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.4% and operating margin at 55.9%. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : MSCI

The primary concerns for MSCI are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MSCI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

MSCI is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 33.4% margins. Both earn "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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MSCI Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

MSCI Inc. (formerly Morgan Stanley Capital International and MSCI Barra), is an American finance company headquartered in New York City and serving as a global provider of equity, fixed income, hedge fund stock market indexes, multi-asset portfolio analysis tools and ESG products. It publishes the MSCI BRIC, MSCI World and MSCI EAFE Indexes.

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