American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$137.11
+1.99%
UTILITIES · Cap: $74.53B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$158.09
+1.22%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 120% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $9.93B). ICE leads profitability with a 33.4% profit margin vs 16.4%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.17. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICE
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-59.0%
Fair Value
$76.88
Current Price
$137.11
$60.23 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.6%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 12.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 33.4% margins. Both earn "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.
American Electric Power Co Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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