WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 141% more annual revenue ($23.92B vs $9.93B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 33.4%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

ICE

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9
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
SCHWUndervalued (+56.0%)

Margin of Safety

+56.0%

Fair Value

$217.62

Current Price

$95.68

$121.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $217.62Overvalued

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

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$169.34B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.9%8/10

18.9% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY

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

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-921.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : SCHW

The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 18.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% revenue growth. ICE offers better value entry with a 38.6% margin of safety. 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 →

Charles Schwab Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?