WallStSmart

Lazard Ltd (LAZ)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 746% more annual revenue ($27.06B vs $3.20B). SCHW leads profitability with a 39.3% profit margin vs 7.1%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

LAZ

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 7.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

SCHW

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAZ3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.7%

Market CapQuality
$159.03B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
20.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.848/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
15.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

LAZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.1%3/10

7.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

Operating margin of 4.8%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SCHW2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.97B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SCHW

The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.3% and operating margin at 52.7%. Revenue growth of 16.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAZ profiles as a value stock while SCHW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 16.9% — sustainability is the question.

LAZ generates stronger free cash flow (201M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (77/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 39.3% margins and 16.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Charles Schwab Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.

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