CME Group Inc (CME)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
CME
CME Group Inc
$281.25
-1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $101.91B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$138.11
-2.64%
UTILITIES · Cap: $30.18B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NRG Energy Inc. generates 355% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $6.74B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CME
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
NRG
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CME.
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 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 69.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 21.3% YoY
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 42 in profit
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : 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 : 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 : CME
The primary concerns for CME are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
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
CME profiles as a mature 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.
CME is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.
CME generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CME scores higher overall (65/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 63.3% margins and 14.4% revenue growth. NRG offers better value entry with a 58.9% margin of safety. 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.
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 →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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