Why are energy data stocks like SPGI surging while ICE lags? Forecast the next big mover in this red-hot sector.

**S&P Global (SPGI) is surging due to strong financial performance and positive growth outlook**, while **Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is lagging due to regulatory and cybersecurity concerns**:

1. **S&P Global's Surge**:
- **Strong Financial Performance**: S&P Global has reported robust earnings and revenue growth, with a 28.52% increase in stock price over the past year. Its recent fourth-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, and the company raised its annual profit forecast due to strong demand for its data and analytics products.
- **Positive Growth Outlook**: The company's stock price target has been increased by analysts, reflecting confidence in its growth prospects. S&P Global's financial guidance for 2025 has also surpassed expectations, particularly regarding profit margins.
- **Strategic Acquisitions and Diversification**: S&P Global's acquisition of companies like Market Scan Information Systems, Inc. and ChartIQ has enhanced its mobility services and strengthened its Market Intelligence segment. The company's diversified business model and investment in data analytics are well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for business information services.
2. **Intercontinental Exchange's Lag**: Despite reporting record trading volumes and a 24% year-over-year increase in trading volumes, ICE has faced challenges that have impacted its stock performance.
- **Regulatory Issues**: ICE has incurred a $10 million penalty for failing to promptly notify the SEC about a cyber intrusion, which highlights potential weaknesses in its cybersecurity and corporate governance.
- **Cybersecurity Concerns**: The cyber intrusion incident in 2021, which went unreported for several days, raises questions about ICE's ability to protect its systems and data, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence.
3. **Next Big Mover in Energy Data Sector**:
- **Heidelberg Materials (HDDG)**: S&P Global recently revised its outlook on Heidelberg Materials to positive, citing the company's adjusted funds from operations to debt ratio exceeding 35% since 2022 and expectations of revenue growth of 5.0%-6.0% in 2025. Heidelberg Materials' leverage ratio is expected to improve further, and the company's adjusted EBITDA margin is forecasted to increase to about 20% in 2025.
- **Mapfre Group (MAP)**: S&P Global has also revised its outlook on Mapfre Group to positive, citing improving capital and earnings generation. The insurer has implemented measures to enhance underwriting standards and has leveraged its diversification across countries and business lines to post strong results.

In conclusion, S&P Global's surge is driven by its strong financial performance, positive growth outlook, and strategic acquisitions, while ICE's lag is due to regulatory and cybersecurity concerns. The next big mover in the energy data sector could be Heidelberg Materials or Mapfre Group, based on the recent positive outlook revisions by S&P Global.