WallStSmart

CME Group Inc (CME)vsMedline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock generates 337% more annual revenue ($28.43B vs $6.51B). CME leads profitability with a 62.6% profit margin vs 4.1%. CME trades at a lower P/E of 26.3x. 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

MDLN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.0Value: 8.3Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9
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
MDLNUndervalued (+32.7%)

Margin of Safety

+32.7%

Fair Value

$66.92

Current Price

$42.67

$24.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $66.92Overvalued

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

MDLN0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

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

MDLN4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-113.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MDLN

Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CME

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

Bear Case : MDLN

The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MDLN is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — 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 52/100), backed by strong 62.6% margins. MDLN offers better value entry with a 32.7% 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.

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Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA

Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.

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