MSCI (MSCI) vs Nasdaq (NDAQ)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Nasdaq (NDAQ) has outperformed MSCI (MSCI) over the past year, gaining 2.8% versus a loss of 0.9%. Over five years, NDAQ leads with a +36.5% price change compared with -8.8% for MSCI. Nasdaq is the larger company by market cap ($52.36 billion vs $41.09 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, Nasdaq trades at a lower forward P/E (20.0x vs 25.2x for MSCI). MSCI offers the higher dividend yield (1.36% vs 1.20%). MSCI converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 38.4% 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 | MSCI | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $565.24 | $93.68 |
| Market cap | $41.09B | $52.36B |
| 1-day change | +0.63% | +1.42% |
| YTD return | -2.10% | -4.90% |
| 1-year return | -0.93% | +2.78% |
| 5-year return | -8.83% | +36.49% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 30.89 | 27.31 |
| Forward P/E | 25.16 | 20.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $18.30 | $3.43 |
| Dividend yield | 1.36% | 1.20% |
| Annual dividend | $7.70 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.13B | $8.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +9.75% | +11.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.20B | $1.79B |
| Gross margin | 82.44% | 63.53% |
| Operating margin | 54.67% | 28.21% |
| Net margin | 38.36% | 21.64% |
| 52-week high | $644.77 | $101.79 |
| 52-week low | $501.08 | $76.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.34% | -7.97% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +21.95% | +16.42% |
| Average volume | 621.67K | 3.28M |
| Shares outstanding | 72.70M | 558.98M |
| Employees | 6,327 | 9,630 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Finance |
| Industry | Business Services | Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service |
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
- MSCI is more profitable, keeping 38.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 21.6 cents for Nasdaq.
- The two companies sit in different sectors: MSCI in Consumer Discretionary and Nasdaq in Finance.
About MSCI
MSCI stock →MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides research-based data, analytics, and indexes, supported by advanced technology worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial products, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct.
Consumer Discretionary · Business Services · 6,327 employees
About Nasdaq
NDAQ stock →Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries in the United States and internationally.
Finance · Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service · 9,630 employees
MSCI vs NDAQ FAQ
Which is bigger, MSCI or Nasdaq?
Nasdaq (NDAQ) is larger, with a market capitalization of $52.36B compared with $41.09B for MSCI (MSCI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, MSCI or NDAQ?
NDAQ returned +2.78% over the past 12 months, compared with -0.93% for MSCI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, MSCI or NDAQ?
NDAQ has the lower trailing P/E at 27.3, versus 30.9 for MSCI. 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, MSCI or Nasdaq?
MSCI has the higher yield at 1.36%, compared with 1.20% for Nasdaq.
Are MSCI and Nasdaq in the same industry?
No. MSCI is in the Consumer Discretionary sector, while Nasdaq is in Finance.