WallStSmart

CME Group Inc (CME)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CME Group Inc generates 106% more annual revenue ($6.51B vs $3.17B). CME leads profitability with a 62.6% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

CME

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 1/9

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CMEUndervalued (+43.8%)

Margin of Safety

+43.8%

Fair Value

$522.76

Current Price

$293.93

$228.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $522.76Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CME6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
62.6%10/10

Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
63.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 63.8%

Market CapQuality
$105.67B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Debt/EquityHealth
0.129/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.10B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CME3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.842/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

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 62.6% and operating margin at 63.8%.

Bull Case : WAT

The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CME

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

Bear Case : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

CME is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

CME generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CME scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 62.6% margins. 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.

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Waters Corporation

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.

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