WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 335% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $2.40B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 24.5%. FDS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

FDS

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.57

ICE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FDS4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
27.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.5%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
29.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.8%

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
$80.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.4%8/10

Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

FDS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
-4.5%2/10

Earnings declined 4.5%

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.254/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.5% and operating margin at 29.8%. PEG of 1.14 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 : FDS

The primary concerns for FDS are EPS Growth.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FDS profiles as a mature 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 (74/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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