WallStSmart

National Research Corp (NRC)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 40709% more annual revenue ($56.58B vs $138.64M). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% profit margin vs 6.5%. NRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 49/100 (D+).

NRC

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.32

NVS

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NRCUndervalued (+50.5%)

Margin of Safety

+50.5%

Fair Value

$27.80

Current Price

$19.75

$8.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $27.80Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-62.1%)

Margin of Safety

-62.1%

Fair Value

$91.39

Current Price

$148.38

$56.99 premium

UndervaluedFair: $91.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NRC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
66.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$273.77B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
30.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
23.9%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

NRC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$431.35M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.5%3/10

6.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.223/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.932/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : NRC

The strongest argument for NRC centers on Return on Equity. PEG of 1.32 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.

Bear Case : NRC

The primary concerns for NRC are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 49.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 5.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NRC profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

NRC is growing revenue faster at 3.7% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NVS scores higher overall (49/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 23.9% margins. NRC offers better value entry with a 50.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.

National Research Corp

HEALTHCARE · HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES · USA

National Research Corporation provides analytics and information that make it easy to measure and improve the patient and employee experience in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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