WallStSmart

CME Group Inc (CME)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 414% more annual revenue ($34.65B vs $6.74B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 20.4%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.34. 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

LIN

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.49
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CME.

LINSignificantly Overvalued (-39.0%)

Margin of Safety

-39.0%

Fair Value

$355.19

Current Price

$493.16

$137.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $355.19Overvalued

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

LIN3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$228.33B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
20.4%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
28.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%

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

LIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.344/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.492/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : LIN

The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.4% and operating margin at 28.5%.

Bear Case : CME

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

Bear Case : LIN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — 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.

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

Bottom Line

CME scores higher overall (65/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 63.3% margins and 14.4% revenue growth. 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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Linde plc Ordinary Shares

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.

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