American Express Company (AXP)vsIntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$155.82
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $88.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 559% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $10.44B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
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
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% 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 : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while ICE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 Express Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
The American Express Company is a multinational financial services corporation headquartered at 200 Vesey Street in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
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 CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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