WallStSmart

Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

NRG Energy Inc. generates 485% more annual revenue ($30.71B vs $5.25B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs 2.8%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. 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

NRG

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.70
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
NRGSignificantly Overvalued (-490.6%)

Margin of Safety

-490.6%

Fair Value

$27.20

Current Price

$151.04

$123.84 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.20Overvalued

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

NRG1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 42 in 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

NRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.704/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

Operating margin of 4.3%

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 : NRG

The strongest argument for NRG centers on Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.29 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 : NRG

The primary concerns for NRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NDAQ profiles as a mature stock while NRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

NRG is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 54/100), 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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NRG Energy Inc.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

NRG Energy, Inc. is a large American energy company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was formerly the wholesale arm of Northern States Power Company (NSP), which became Xcel Energy, but became independent in 2000. NRG Energy is involved in energy generation and retail electricity.

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