WallStSmart

Cboe Global Markets Inc (CBOE)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 109% more annual revenue ($10.56B vs $5.06B). ICE leads profitability with a 38.3% profit margin vs 26.7%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. CBOE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CBOE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.62

ICE

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.60

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CBOE6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.2% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
24.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.9%8/10

Revenue surging 22.9% year-over-year

ICE5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.6%

Market CapQuality
$88.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.74B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CBOE2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.642/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-536.30M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

ICE3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.154/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.8%4/10

4.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CBOE

The strongest argument for CBOE centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 34.6%. Revenue growth of 22.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ICE

The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.3% and operating margin at 52.6%.

Bear Case : CBOE

The primary concerns for CBOE are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : ICE

The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CBOE profiles as a growth stock while ICE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

CBOE is growing revenue faster at 22.9% — sustainability is the question.

ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CBOE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins and 22.9% 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.

Cboe Global Markets Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Cboe Global Markets is an American company that owns the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the stock exchange operator BATS Global Markets.

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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.

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