WallStSmart

Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Synchrony Financial generates 86% more annual revenue ($9.76B vs $5.25B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 34.1%. NDAQ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

SYF

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
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
SYFUndervalued (+59.2%)

Margin of Safety

+59.2%

Fair Value

$178.92

Current Price

$67.63

$111.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.92Overvalued

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

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.45B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

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

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.272/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.

Bear Case : NDAQ

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

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

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

SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. NDAQ offers better value entry with a 44.4% margin of safety. 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.

Visit Website →

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?