CME Group Inc (CME)vsSouthern Company (SO)
CME
CME Group Inc
$293.93
-2.89%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $105.67B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 354% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $6.51B). CME leads profitability with a 62.6% profit margin vs 14.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
CME
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+43.8%
Fair Value
$522.76
Current Price
$293.93
$228.83 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 63 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 63.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 35.0% YoY
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
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 62.6% and operating margin at 63.8%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CME
The primary concerns for CME are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CME profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
CME generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CME scores higher overall (63/100 vs 54/100), 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.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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