WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 40396% more annual revenue ($56.69B vs $140.00M). NVS leads profitability with a 22.5% profit margin vs 4.2%. NRC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. NVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

NRC

Hold

42

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.32

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

NRCUndervalued (+51.3%)

Margin of Safety

+51.3%

Fair Value

$28.23

Current Price

$21.12

$7.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $28.23Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-47.0%)

Margin of Safety

-47.0%

Fair Value

$93.29

Current Price

$137.16

$43.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $93.29Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

NRC1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
89.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 89 in profit

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$260.70B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.5%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.57B8/10

Generating 5.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

NRC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$476.23M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

4.2% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.8%4/10

0.8% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.222/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 22.5% and operating margin at 34.6%.

Bear Case : NRC

The primary concerns for NRC are Revenue Growth, Market Cap, Profit Margin. A P/E of 89.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 13.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NRC is growing revenue faster at 4.0% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor HEALTH INFORMATION SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NVS scores higher overall (51/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 22.5% margins. NRC offers better value entry with a 51.3% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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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