CME Group Inc (CME)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
CME
CME Group Inc
$288.34
+0.53%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $105.19B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CME Group Inc generates 173% more annual revenue ($6.74B vs $2.47B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 24.9%. WTRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.62. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CME
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CME.
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CME
The primary concerns for CME are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CME profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — 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 60/100), backed by strong 63.3% margins and 14.4% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% 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 →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES Stocks
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