MSCI Inc. (MSCI) vs Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ)
NDAQ leads on 7 of 13 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of MSCI Inc. and Nasdaq, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — MSCI vs NDAQ
growth of $100 · last 19yMSCI +2335.6%NDAQ +530.1%MSCI compounded faster
MSCI NDAQ
MSCI vs NDAQ: by the numbers
- •NDAQ is the larger company ($47.10B vs $44.27B market cap).
- •NDAQ trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.09 vs 35.01 P/E).
- •MSCI converts more revenue to profit (40.74% vs 23.15% net margin).
- •MSCI grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.02% vs 6.89% CAGR).
- •NDAQ pays the higher dividend yield (1.34% vs 1.27%).
Which is better, MSCI or NDAQ?
Metric tally: MSCI 6 · NDAQ 7It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueNDAQ(lower P/E)
GrowthMSCI(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNDAQ(higher dividend yield)
QualityMSCI(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | MSCI | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 35.01 | 25.09● |
| Forward P/E | 27.01 | 18.72● |
| P/S ratio | 13.78 | 5.76● |
| P/B ratio | — | 3.96 |
| PEG ratio | 3.48 | 0.51● |
Profitability
| Metric | MSCI | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 82.86%● | 54.81% |
| Operating margin | 55.36%● | 29.53% |
| Net margin | 40.74%● | 23.15% |
| ROE | -45.29% | 15.90%● |
| ROIC | 35.34%● | 8.26% |
Dividends
| Metric | MSCI | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.27% | 1.34%● |
| Payout ratio | 49.42% | 35.78% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | MSCI | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 13.02%● | 6.89% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 16.73%● | 10.62% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.33% | 8.27%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, MSCI or NDAQ?
- It depends on your goal. value: NDAQ (lower P/E); growth: MSCI (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NDAQ (higher dividend yield); quality: MSCI (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NDAQ leads 7 to 6.
- Is MSCI or NDAQ cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, NDAQ is cheaper: MSCI trades at a 35.01 P/E and NDAQ at 25.09.
- Which has grown faster, MSCI or NDAQ?
- Over the past five years, MSCI grew revenue faster — MSCI at a 13.02% CAGR versus NDAQ at 6.89%.
- Does MSCI or NDAQ pay a bigger dividend?
- MSCI yields 1.27% and NDAQ yields 1.34% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is MSCI or NDAQ more profitable?
- MSCI runs the higher net margin — MSCI at 40.74% versus NDAQ at 23.15%.
- Which has been the better investment, MSCI or NDAQ?
- Over the past 10-year, MSCI delivered the higher annualized total return — MSCI at 24.77% versus NDAQ at 16.46%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
MSCI P/E ratioNasdaq P/E ratioMSCI dividend yieldNasdaq dividend yieldMSCI ROENasdaq ROEMSCI operating marginNasdaq operating marginMSCI revenue growthNasdaq revenue growthMSCI free cash flowNasdaq free cash flow
MSCI & Nasdaq appear in these rankings
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 June 17, 2026.