Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.82
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.28B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$138.11
-2.64%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 194% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
NRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.
Margin of Safety
+58.9%
Fair Value
$391.20
Current Price
$138.11
$253.09 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.34 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 157.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICE profiles as a growth stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — 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 (71/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 58.9% 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 →NRG Energy Inc.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
NRG Energy, Inc. is a large American energy company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was formerly the wholesale arm of Northern States Power Company (NSP), which became Xcel Energy, but became independent in 2000. NRG Energy is involved in energy generation and retail electricity.
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