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Research Alert: CFRA Keeps Buy Opinion On Shares Of Cme Group Inc.

-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We keep our 12-month target price unchanged at $380 on a forward P/E of 29.1x our 2027 earnings estimate, a premium to the three-year historical average of 23.0x, given strong margins and fewer concerns surrounding competitive threats. We raise our 2026 EPS estimate to $12.48 from $11.79 and increase 2027's by $0.54 to $13.06. Our revenue projections are $7.1 billion and $7.5 billion, respectively. CME delivered record Q1 revenue, average daily volume, and earnings, demonstrating strong operational performance. The company is successfully navigating competitive pressures, and we anticipate margin expansion in 2026. AI threats are also not showing up as CME's market data and information services segment (13% of revenue) has posted accelerating growth for six consecutive quarters. Despite these strengths, including best-in-class margins and minimal AI risk, the stock trades below both peer multiples and CME's historical average on a forward P/E basis, creating an attractive buying opportunity.

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Research Alert: Pool: Q1 Beat On Maintenance Strength; Maintains Full-year Guidance

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:POOL posted Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.43, up 8.4%, beating the $1.37 consensus estimate. Revenue of $1,138.0M, up 6.2%, beat the $1,098M estimate due to momentum in maintenance products and gradual improvement in discretionary purchases. We believe guidance is achievable given easier year-over-year comparisons and stabilization signs in discretionary spending. POOL maintained full-year EPS guidance of $10.87-$11.17, with the midpoint in line with consensus and implying 3% EPS growth, the first growth since 2022. Gross margins declined 20bps to 29.0% due to seasonal mix headwinds, though operating leverage from slower SG&A growth maintained stable 7.3% operating margins. Inventory levels rose 14% to $1.7B, reflecting higher purchase levels, an important metric to monitor as elevated levels could signal either anticipated demand improvement or potential margin pressure. We view continued macroeconomic volatility and housing market weakness as key risks that could pressure discretionary purchases.

$POOL
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Barclays Adjusts Price Target on CME Group to $316 From $343, Maintains Equalweight Rating

CME Group (CME) has an average rating of hold and mean price target of $312.73, according to analysts polled by FactSet.(covers equity, commodity and economic research from major banks and research firms in North America, Asia and Europe. Research providers may contact us here: https://www..com/contact-us)Price: $283.45, Change: $-2.26, Percent Change: -0.79%

$CME