WallStSmart

Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Nasdaq Inc generates 66% more annual revenue ($5.25B vs $3.17B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. NDAQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 10.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NDAQUndervalued (+44.4%)

Margin of Safety

+44.4%

Fair Value

$144.61

Current Price

$83.74

$60.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $144.61Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NDAQ3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
47.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 47.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.6% YoY

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

NDAQ2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 47.6%. Revenue growth of 13.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WAT

The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NDAQ

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

Bear Case : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

NDAQ is growing revenue faster at 13.4% — sustainability is the question.

NDAQ generates stronger free cash flow (536M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 34.1% margins and 13.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.

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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Waters Corporation

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.

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