WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsMSCI Inc (MSCI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 222% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $3.24B). MSCI leads profitability with a 40.7% profit margin vs 37.7%. MSCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.90. 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

MSCI

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.83

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
$87.66B9/10

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

MSCI4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
40.7%10/10

Keeps 41 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
53.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 53.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
-2.3810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
49.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 49.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.154/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSCI3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.904/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 : MSCI

The strongest argument for MSCI centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 40.7% and operating margin at 53.7%. Revenue growth of 14.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

The primary concerns for ICE are PEG 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

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

MSCI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — 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.

Visit Website →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?