WallStSmart

Morgan Stanley (MS)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Morgan Stanley generates 1250% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $5.42B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 35.3% profit margin vs 24.7%. NDAQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.32. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

MS

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MS6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$299.95B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
40.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.3%8/10

16.3% revenue growth

NDAQ4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.3%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.4%

Market CapQuality
$50.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

MS3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-7.85B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NDAQ2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MS

The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.3% and operating margin at 48.4%. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : MS

The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : NDAQ

The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MS profiles as a growth stock while NDAQ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

MS is growing revenue faster at 16.3% — sustainability is the question.

NDAQ generates stronger free cash flow (629M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Morgan Stanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Nasdaq Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.

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