FactSet Research Systems (FDS) vs Nasdaq (NDAQ)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Nasdaq (NDAQ) has outperformed FactSet Research Systems (FDS) over the past year, gaining 3.8% versus a loss of 0.3%. Over five years, NDAQ leads with a +35.7% price change compared with -33.5% for FDS. Nasdaq is the larger company by market cap ($51.39 billion vs $9.70 billion), about 5.3 times the size.
On valuation, FactSet Research Systems trades at a lower forward P/E (12.6x vs 19.7x for Nasdaq). Nasdaq pays a dividend yielding 1.22%, while FactSet Research Systems does not currently pay one. FactSet Research Systems converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 25.7% versus 21.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FDS | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $272.78 | $91.93 |
| Market cap | $9.70B | $51.39B |
| 1-day change | +0.28% | -0.37% |
| YTD return | -4.90% | -5.46% |
| 1-year return | -0.35% | +3.83% |
| 5-year return | -33.48% | +35.70% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 18.72 | 26.80 |
| Forward P/E | 12.56 | 19.66 |
| EPS (TTM) | $14.57 | $3.43 |
| Dividend yield | 1.71% | 1.22% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.32B | $8.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.39% | +11.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $597.04M | $1.79B |
| Gross margin | 52.72% | 63.53% |
| Operating margin | 32.23% | 28.21% |
| Net margin | 25.72% | 21.64% |
| 52-week high | $320.48 | $101.79 |
| 52-week low | $185.00 | $76.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.88% | -9.69% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +1.75% | +18.63% |
| Average volume | 868.78K | 3.33M |
| Shares outstanding | 35.57M | 558.98M |
| Employees | — | 9,630 |
| Sector | Financial Services | Financial Services |
| Industry | Financial Data & Stock Exchanges | Financial Data & Stock Exchanges |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Nasdaq is about 5.3 times larger than FactSet Research Systems by market value ($51.39B vs $9.70B).
- Nasdaq trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.8x vs 18.7x trailing P/E).
- Nasdaq grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+11.65% vs +5.39%).
About FactSet Research Systems
FDS stock →FactSet Research Systems Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a financial digital platform and enterprise solutions provider for the investment community. It offers data, products, and analytical applications; and workstations, portfolio analytics, and enterprise data solutions, as well as managed services for supporting data, performance, risk, and reporting workflows.
Financial Services · Financial Data & Stock Exchanges
About Nasdaq
NDAQ stock →Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries in the United States and internationally.
Financial Services · Financial Data & Stock Exchanges · 9,630 employees
FDS vs NDAQ FAQ
Which is bigger, FactSet Research Systems or Nasdaq?
Nasdaq (NDAQ) is larger, with a market capitalization of $51.39B compared with $9.70B for FactSet Research Systems (FDS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FDS or NDAQ?
NDAQ returned +3.83% over the past 12 months, compared with -0.35% for FDS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FDS or NDAQ?
FDS has the lower trailing P/E at 18.7, versus 26.8 for NDAQ. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, FactSet Research Systems or Nasdaq?
FactSet Research Systems has the higher yield at 1.71%, compared with 1.22% for Nasdaq.
Are FactSet Research Systems and Nasdaq in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Financial Data & Stock Exchanges industry within the Financial Services sector.