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Comparing Chicago and Indianapolis corporate powerhouses in a financial Super Bowl is no contest, says Kiplinger, the personal finance and business forecast organization. Chicago wins by more than a touchdown.
Both cities are economically diverse. In fact, Kiplinger noted, the cities are more alike than different when size and lake frontage are taken out of consideration.
Headquarters of Eli Lilly and Co., WellPoint and Simon Property Group show Indianapolis is no backwater. But Boeing, Motorola, McDonald’s and other large players give the Windy City the edge.
Chicago’s Abbott Laboratories wins over Lilly because its medical devices and non-drug products make it more diverse.
In manufacturing, Boeing and Illinois Tool Works swamp Indianapolis because, well, Indianapolis has no large manufacturers.
McDonald’s vs. Steak n Shake? Big Macs over Steakburgers.
WellPoint and Allstate Insurance are a tossup because WellPoint’s stock is more stable and Allstate’s is a better bargain.
In retailing, Simon Property Group is a unique Hall of Famer, while Walgreen is just large.
Final score, according to Kiplinger: Chicago 27, Indianapolis 16.
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