American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.79
+0.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.16B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$141.50
+1.12%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $80.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 115% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 16.3%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.25. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
ICE
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
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 23.7%
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 16.3% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 10.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — 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 (74/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% 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.
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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