WallStSmart

FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 321% more annual revenue ($9.93B vs $2.36B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 25.4%. FDS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.16. FDS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

FDS

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 9.5Value: 8.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.57

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

FDSUndervalued (+11.6%)

Margin of Safety

+11.6%

Fair Value

$219.23

Current Price

$209.27

$9.96 discount

UndervaluedFair: $219.23Overvalued
ICEUndervalued (+37.9%)

Margin of Safety

+37.9%

Fair Value

$255.26

Current Price

$158.43

$96.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $255.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FDS4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

Return on EquityProfitability
28.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
25.4%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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
$92.08B9/10

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

FDS1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
4.4%4/10

4.4% earnings growth

ICE3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.214/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FDS

The strongest argument for FDS centers on Operating Margin, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.4% and operating margin at 32.6%. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : FDS

The primary concerns for FDS are EPS Growth.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

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

FDS scores higher overall (69/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 25.4% margins. ICE offers better value entry with a 37.9% 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.

FactSet Research Systems Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

FactSet Research Systems Inc. provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to investment and corporate communities in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. The company is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.

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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