WallStSmart

Crown Castle (CCI)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 148% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $4.21B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 25.1%. CCI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.48. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CCI

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.67

ICE

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.60
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCIOvervalued (-13.0%)

Margin of Safety

-13.0%

Fair Value

$76.15

Current Price

$86.66

$10.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $76.15Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
47.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
-18.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
25.1%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

ICE6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
37.7%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
79.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$87.54B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

CCI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-206.7%2/10

ROE of -206.7% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Revenue declined 4.8%

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.164/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCI

The strongest argument for CCI centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.1% and operating margin at 47.7%. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull 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.

Bear Case : CCI

The primary concerns for CCI are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCI profiles as a declining stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 51/100), 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.

Crown Castle

REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA

Crown Castle is a real estate investment trust and provider of shared communications infrastructure in the United States. Its network includes over 40,000 cell towers and nearly 80,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company has 100 offices nationwide.

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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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