CME Group Inc (CME)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
CME
CME Group Inc
$281.25
-1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $101.91B
TGT
Target Corporation
$125.25
-0.50%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $56.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 1454% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $6.74B). CME leads profitability with a 63.3% profit margin vs 3.5%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.44. CME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CME
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for CME.
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.51
Current Price
$125.25
$46.26 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
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 : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : CME
The primary concerns for CME are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CME profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.
CME is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CME scores higher overall (65/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 63.3% margins and 14.4% revenue growth. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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