Is Virtu Financial a Better Buy Than Nasdaq?
Nasdaq surged 10% during the past Week. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Virtu Financial gives you more. Virtu Financial (VIRT) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Nasdaq (NDAQ) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in VIRT
- VIRT’s quarterly revenue growth was 16.7%, vs. NDAQ’s 4.6%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 35.6%, ahead of NDAQ’s 11.7%.
- VIRT leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 48.6% and 3-year average of 43.8%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how NDAQ’s fundamentals stack up against those of VIRT on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| NDAQ | VIRT | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 20.7 | 2.1 | VIRT |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 4.6% | 16.7% | VIRT |
| Last 12 Months | 11.7% | 35.6% | VIRT |
| Last 3 Year Average | 10.4% | 12.5% | VIRT |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 29.4% | 48.6% | VIRT |
| Last 3 Year Average | 28.5% | 43.8% | VIRT |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 64.2% | 158.9% | VIRT |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: NDAQ Revenue Comparison | VIRT Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: NDAQ Operating Income Comparison | VIRT Operating Income Comparison
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell VIRT Stock and Buy or Sell NDAQ Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| NDAQ Return | 60% | -11% | -4% | 35% | 27% | -10% | 112% | <=== | |
| VIRT Return | 19% | -27% | 5% | 83% | -4% | 25% | 100% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 0% | 83% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| NDAQ Win Rate | 83% | 33% | 50% | 58% | 67% | 0% | 49% | ||
| VIRT Win Rate | 50% | 42% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 67% | 56% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 33% | 60% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| NDAQ Max Drawdown | -1% | -32% | -22% | -5% | -14% | -19% | -15% | ||
| VIRT Max Drawdown | -4% | -28% | -18% | -20% | -8% | -2% | -13% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -1% | -7% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 3/2/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read VIRT Dip Buyer Analyses and NDAQ Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about NDAQ or VIRT? Consider portfolio approach.
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