WallStSmart

Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsCME Group Inc (CME)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Carnival Corporation generates 309% more annual revenue ($26.62B vs $6.51B). CME leads profitability with a 62.6% profit margin vs 10.4%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CCL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

CME

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CCLUndervalued (+65.0%)

Margin of Safety

+65.0%

Fair Value

$94.54

Current Price

$25.73

$68.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $94.54Overvalued
CMEUndervalued (+43.8%)

Margin of Safety

+43.8%

Fair Value

$522.76

Current Price

$293.93

$228.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $522.76Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CCL4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
25.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY

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

Areas to Watch

CCL2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.281/10

Elevated debt levels

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCL

The strongest argument for CCL centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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%.

Bear Case : CCL

The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : CME

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCL profiles as a value stock while CME is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.46 — 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.

Bottom Line

CCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 63/100). CME offers better value entry with a 43.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

Carnival Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.

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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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