WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vistra Energy Corp generates 79% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. 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

VST

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.73
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
VSTSignificantly Overvalued (-980.6%)

Margin of Safety

-980.6%

Fair Value

$14.82

Current Price

$151.51

$136.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.82Overvalued

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

VST1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$51.70B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

VST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
19.5x4/10

Trading at 19.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
70.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

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 : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100), 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 →

Vistra Energy Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?