WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsIQVIA Holdings Inc (IQV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

IQVIA Holdings Inc generates 64% more annual revenue ($16.31B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 8.3%. IQV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. IQV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

ICE

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

IQV

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.33
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ICEUndervalued (+38.6%)

Margin of Safety

+38.6%

Fair Value

$255.26

Current Price

$156.83

$98.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $255.26Overvalued
IQVUndervalued (+49.1%)

Margin of Safety

+49.1%

Fair Value

$348.46

Current Price

$165.64

$182.82 discount

UndervaluedFair: $348.46Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

IQV3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
21.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.978/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

IQV1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.332/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : IQV

The strongest argument for IQV centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.97 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : IQV

The primary concerns for IQV are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ICE profiles as a mature stock while IQV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

IQV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

IQV is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

IQV scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100) and 10.3% revenue growth. 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.

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 →

IQVIA Holdings Inc

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

IQVIA, formerly Quintiles and IMS Health, Inc., is an American multinational company serving the combined industries of health information technology and clinical research. It is a provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services, focused primarily on Phase I-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical services, including consulting services.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?