WallStSmart

Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ)vsSterling Construction Company Inc (STRL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Nasdaq Inc generates 88% more annual revenue ($5.42B vs $2.88B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 35.3% profit margin vs 12.0%. STRL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.47. STRL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.35

STRL

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.39

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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
$50.50B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY

STRL4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
91.6%10/10

Revenue surging 91.6% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
141.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 141.4% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.299/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

NDAQ3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.352/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

STRL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
76.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
24.4x2/10

Trading at 24.4x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : STRL

The strongest argument for STRL centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 91.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.47 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : NDAQ

The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : STRL

The primary concerns for STRL are P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 76.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

STRL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.

STRL is growing revenue faster at 91.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 35.3% margins and 13.7% 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.

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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Sterling Construction Company Inc

INDUSTRIALS · ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION · USA

Sterling Construction Company, Inc., a construction company, engages in residential construction, specialty services, and heavy civil activities primarily in the southern United States, the Rocky Mountain states, California, and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.

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