WallStSmart

Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 89% more annual revenue ($10.91B vs $5.78B). ICE leads profitability with a 38.1% profit margin vs 36.1%. NDAQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. NDAQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

ICE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.60

NDAQ

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.35

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ICE4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.1%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.8%

Market CapQuality
$94.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.74B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

NDAQ4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.1%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.6%

Market CapQuality
$59.38B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

ICE2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.602/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NDAQ3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.352/10

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 38.1% and operating margin at 52.8%. Revenue growth of 14.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.1% and operating margin at 50.6%. Revenue growth of 12.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ICE

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

Bear Case : NDAQ

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NDAQ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

ICE is growing revenue faster at 14.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (71/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 36.1% margins and 12.6% 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.

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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Nasdaq Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.

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