WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 147% more annual revenue ($24.51B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 29.1%. 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

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.5Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
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
UNPOvervalued (-13.1%)

Margin of Safety

-13.1%

Fair Value

$211.98

Current Price

$241.33

$29.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $211.98Overvalued

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

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.9%

Market CapQuality
$142.22B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.23B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

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

UNP2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.6%2/10

Revenue declined 0.6%

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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 40.9%.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a mature stock while UNP is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

ICE is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100), 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.

Visit Website →

Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?