Ares Management Corporation (ARES) vs Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ)

A side-by-side comparison of Ares Management Corporation and Nasdaq, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnARES vs NDAQ

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ARES +946.6% (+26.5%/yr)NDAQ +349.2% (+16.2%/yr)ARES compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$1,047$449
ARES NDAQ

ARES vs NDAQ: by the numbers

  • NDAQ is the larger company ($49.77B vs $41.98B market cap).
  • NDAQ trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.96 vs 53.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NDAQ converts more revenue to profit (22.60% vs 9.97% net margin).
  • ARES grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.54% vs 7.96% CAGR).
  • ARES pays the higher dividend yield (3.75% vs 1.23%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricARESNDAQ
P/E ratio53.0425.96
Forward P/E21.8221.56
P/S ratio6.575.72
P/B ratio10.584.15

Profitability

MetricARESNDAQ
Gross margin74.79%47.93%
Operating margin23.18%31.58%
Net margin9.97%22.60%
ROE16.04%16.42%

Dividends

MetricARESNDAQ
Dividend yield3.75%1.23%
Payout ratio204.98%32.65%

Growth (annualized)

MetricARESNDAQ
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.54%7.96%
EPS CAGR (5Y)17.11%10.62%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.24%8.36%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ARES or NDAQ?
NDAQ has the lower trailing P/E: ARES trades at 53.04 and NDAQ at 25.96. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ARES or NDAQ?
Over the past five years, ARES grew revenue faster — ARES at a 15.54% CAGR versus NDAQ at 7.96%.
Does ARES or NDAQ pay a bigger dividend?
ARES yields 3.75% and NDAQ yields 1.23% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ARES or NDAQ more profitable?
NDAQ runs the higher net margin — ARES at 9.97% versus NDAQ at 22.60%.
How have ARES and NDAQ total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ARES delivered 26.80% and NDAQ delivered 16.65% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.