WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 491% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 17.4%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AZN

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

ICE

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AZNUndervalued (+32.8%)

Margin of Safety

+32.8%

Fair Value

$306.07

Current Price

$183.40

$122.67 discount

UndervaluedFair: $306.07Overvalued
ICEUndervalued (+38.6%)

Margin of Safety

+38.6%

Fair Value

$255.26

Current Price

$156.83

$98.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $255.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AZN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$284.63B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
53.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.38B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

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

Areas to Watch

AZN3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AZN

The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.

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%.

Bear Case : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AZN profiles as a value stock while ICE is a mature 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.

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 17.4% margins. 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.

AstraZeneca PLC

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?