Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.82
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.28B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 177% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $3.77B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.14 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — 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 (71/100 vs 52/100), 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 →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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