In a timely boost for investors, Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ) received an upgrade to “Buy” from Bill Katz of TD Cowen on February 26, 2026. This recommendation comes with an ambitious price target of $106, suggesting a robust upside from the current trading price of $88.59. As analysts and investors shift their attention, this rating change reflects positive sentiment regarding Nasdaq’s growth potential in the dynamic financial technology sector.
Recent Price Action
Nasdaq’s stock has shown notable resilience in recent trading sessions. As of the latest close at $88.59, the stock has demonstrated a solid increase of 5.48%, translating to a $4.60 jump. This surge is particularly significant in the context of the stock’s current volatility, as it is trading just 12.96% away from its 52-week high and significantly above the 52-week low of $36.63. The volume of 8,175,502 shares traded on this latest rally was substantially above the average of 4,638,278, signaling robust investor interest. With a market capitalization of approximately $50.58 billion and a beta of 1.024, Nasdaq exhibits a level of volatility closely aligned with the broader market, indicating that it may react similarly to market fluctuations.
Historical Performance
Analyzing Nasdaq’s performance reveals a positive upward trend over various timeframes. Over the past 30 days, the stock has returned approximately 3.95%, and over the last 90 days, it has gained 9.96%. Year-to-date performance stands impressively at 24.26%, reflecting strong market confidence. The average volatility over these periods—2.1% weekly and 1.75% monthly—entails a balanced risk profile, making it an attractive option for a range of investors. The average trading volume over the past three months has sustained at around 4.4 million, suggesting that investor activity remains elevated.
Earnings Analysis
In the latest earnings release on October 21, 2025, Nasdaq reported an actual earnings per share (EPS) of $0.88, outperforming the estimated EPS of $0.852 by 3.29%. This marks a continuation of the positive earnings surprise trend; in the previous quarter, Nasdaq also exceeded estimates with an EPS of $0.85 against an expectation of $0.814, yielding a 4.42% surprise. This consistent performance has implications not only for the current valuation but also enhances confidence in the firm’s earnings predictability and overall financial health.
Consensus Ratings
The consensus among analysts remains overwhelmingly positive. Following the recent rating by TD Cowen, Nasdaq enjoys a total of 13 ratings: 11 “Buy,” 2 “Hold,” and no “Sell” ratings. The average price target across these professional assessments stands at approximately $110.85, with a high forecast reaching $120 and a low of $101. This strong consensus underscores the perceived value of Nasdaq’s stock, indicating that analysts believe the market still has room to appreciate from its current level.
Stock Grading or Fundamental View
The Stocks Telegraph Grade (ST Score) for Nasdaq, Inc. currently sits at 47. This score takes into account various metrics, including financial performance, market analysis, and sector dynamics. While this score suggests some areas for improvement, it reflects decent fundamentals that support a positive investment outlook going forward.
Conclusion
For investors seeking exposure to a well-established player in the financial technology sector, Nasdaq, Inc. presents an intriguing opportunity. With its recent rating upgrade and significant upside potential, it may particularly appeal to long-term growth investors while also serving as a solid option for those looking for a defensive play amid market uncertainty. However, it’s essential to consider potential risks associated with market volatility and sector-specific challenges. Nasdaq’s strong momentum and favorable analyst sentiment make it a stock to watch closely as the financial landscape evolves.