WallStSmart

CME Group Inc (CME)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KKR & Co LP generates 276% more annual revenue ($25.38B vs $6.74B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 11.7%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.54. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

CME

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 1/9

KKR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CME6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
63.3%10/10

Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
69.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 69.8%

Market CapQuality
$101.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
21.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 21.3% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.24B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$92.71B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.548/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.27B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CME2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.862/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

KKR3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
42.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.4%2/10

Revenue declined 5.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CME

The strongest argument for CME centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 63.3% and operating margin at 69.8%. Revenue growth of 14.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.54 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CME

The primary concerns for CME are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. A P/E of 42.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CME profiles as a mature stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

CME is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CME scores higher overall (65/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 63.3% margins and 14.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

CME Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

CME Group Inc. (Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade, New York Mercantile Exchange, The Commodity Exchange) is an American global markets company. It is the world's largest financial derivatives exchange, and trades in asset classes that include agricultural products, currencies, energy, interest rates, metals, stock indexes and cryptocurrencies futures.

Visit Website →

KKR & Co LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. LP, established in 1976, is a premier global investment firm renowned for its diversified investment strategies spanning private equity, credit, and real assets. Leveraging its deep industry insights and vast global network, KKR effectively identifies and capitalizes on complex market opportunities, driving sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm is also a leader in sustainable investing, rigorously incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into its investment processes to ensure robust performance while fostering responsible growth in the financial markets. KKR’s commitment to innovative investment solutions and operational excellence positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of global finance.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?