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NOW vs NVDA
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Semiconductors
NOW vs NVDA — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Software - Application | Semiconductors |
| Market Cap | $96.96B | $5.14T |
| Revenue (TTM) | $13.96B | $215.94B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $1.76B | $120.07B |
| Gross Margin | 76.6% | 71.1% |
| Operating Margin | 13.4% | 60.4% |
| Forward P/E | 22.5x | 25.6x |
| Total Debt | $3.20B | $11.41B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $3.73B | $10.61B |
NOW vs NVDA — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) | 100 | 24.1 | -75.9% |
| NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) | 100 | 2381.7 | +2281.7% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: NOW vs NVDA
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
NOW is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- beta 1.46
- Lower volatility, beta 1.46, Low D/E 24.7%, current ratio 0.95x
- Beta 1.46, current ratio 0.95x
NVDA carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 65.5%, EPS growth 66.7%, 3Y rev CAGR 100.0%
- 239.0% 10Y total return vs NOW's 38.8%
- PEG 0.27 vs NOW's 0.32
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 65.5% revenue growth vs NOW's 20.9% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (22.5x vs 25.6x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 55.6% margin vs NOW's 12.6% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.46 vs NVDA's 1.73 | |
| Dividends | 0.0% yield; 2-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +80.7% vs NOW's -90.5% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 58.1% ROA vs NOW's 7.5%, ROIC 81.8% vs 12.4% |
NOW vs NVDA — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
NOW vs NVDA — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NVDA leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
NVDA is the larger business by revenue, generating $215.9B annually — 15.5x NOW's $14.0B. NVDA is the more profitable business, keeping 55.6% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to NOW's 12.6%. On growth, NVDA holds the edge at +73.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $14.0B | $215.9B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $2.7B | $133.2B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $1.8B | $120.1B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $4.6B | $96.7B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +76.6% | +71.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +13.4% | +60.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +12.6% | +55.6% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +33.2% | +44.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +22.1% | +73.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +2.3% | +97.8% |
Valuation Metrics
NOW leads this category, winning 5 of 7 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 43.2x trailing earnings, NVDA trades at a 23% valuation discount to NOW's 56.0x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), NVDA offers better value at 0.45x vs NOW's 0.81x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $97.0B | $5.14T |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $96.4B | $5.14T |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 56.04x | 43.16x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 22.51x | 25.55x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.81x | 0.45x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 37.64x | 38.59x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 7.30x | 23.80x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 7.56x | 32.85x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 21.19x | 53.17x |
Profitability & Efficiency
NVDA leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
NVDA delivers a 76.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $76 in annual profit, vs $15 for NOW. NVDA carries lower financial leverage with a 0.07x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to NOW's 0.25x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), NVDA scores 4/9 vs NOW's 3/9, reflecting mixed financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +15.0% | +76.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +7.5% | +58.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +12.4% | +81.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +13.2% | +97.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.25x | 0.07x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$523M | $807M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $3.7B | $10.6B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $3.2B | $11.4B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 185.08x | 545.03x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
NVDA leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in NVDA five years ago would be worth $142,893 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $1,935 for NOW. Over the past 12 months, NVDA leads with a +80.7% total return vs NOW's -90.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors NVDA at 93.6% vs NOW's -40.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -36.5% | +12.0% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -90.5% | +80.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -78.7% | +625.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -80.6% | +1328.9% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +38.8% | +23902.3% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -40.3% | +93.6% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — NOW and NVDA each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
NOW is the less volatile stock with a 1.46 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than NVDA's 1.73 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. NVDA currently trades 97.6% from its 52-week high vs NOW's 8.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.46x | 1.73x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $1057.39 | $216.80 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $81.24 | $112.28 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +8.9% | +97.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 41.5 | 60.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 21.2M | 164.5M |
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates NOW as "Buy" and NVDA as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 61.9% upside for NOW (target: $152) vs 31.8% for NVDA (target: $279).
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $151.52 | $278.83 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 68 | 79 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +0.0% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 2 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $0.04 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +1.9% | +0.8% |
NVDA leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). NOW leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 1 tied.
NOW vs NVDA: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is NOW or NVDA a better buy right now?
For growth investors, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is the stronger pick with 65.
5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 20. 9% for ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW). NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) offers the better valuation at 43. 2x trailing P/E (25. 6x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) a "Buy" — based on 68 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — NOW or NVDA?
On trailing P/E, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is the cheapest at 43.
2x versus ServiceNow, Inc. at 56. 0x. On forward P/E, ServiceNow, Inc. is actually cheaper at 22. 5x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: NVIDIA Corporation wins at 0. 27x versus ServiceNow, Inc. 's 0. 32x — a PEG below 1. 0 traditionally signals the market is underpricing earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — NOW or NVDA?
Over the past 5 years, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) delivered a total return of +1329%, compared to -80.
6% for ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: NVDA returned +239. 0% versus NOW's +38. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — NOW or NVDA?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), ServiceNow, Inc.
(NOW) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 46β versus NVIDIA Corporation's 1. 73β — meaning NVDA is approximately 18% more volatile than NOW relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 7% versus 25% for ServiceNow, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — NOW or NVDA?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is pulling ahead at 65.
5% versus 20. 9% for ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: NVIDIA Corporation grew EPS 66. 7% year-over-year, compared to 21. 9% for ServiceNow, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, NVDA leads at 100. 0% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — NOW or NVDA?
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is the more profitable company, earning 55.
6% net margin versus 13. 2% for ServiceNow, Inc. — meaning it keeps 55. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: NVDA leads at 60. 4% versus 13. 7% for NOW. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — NOW leads at 77. 5%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is NOW or NVDA more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 0. 27x versus ServiceNow, Inc. 's 0. 32x. A PEG below 1. 0 is traditionally considered the threshold for growth-adjusted undervaluation. On forward earnings alone, ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) trades at 22. 5x forward P/E versus 25. 6x for NVIDIA Corporation — 3. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for NOW: 61. 9% to $151. 52.
08Which pays a better dividend — NOW or NVDA?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is NOW or NVDA better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, ServiceNow, Inc.
(NOW) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding. NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) carries a higher beta of 1. 73 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (NOW: +38. 8%, NVDA: +239. 0%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between NOW and NVDA?
Both stocks operate in the Technology sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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