WallStSmart

Lazard Ltd (LAZ)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 675% more annual revenue ($24.80B vs $3.20B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.0% profit margin vs 8.7%. LAZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).

LAZ

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LAZ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
62.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 62.5% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.4%8/10

15.4% revenue growth

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.3%

Market CapQuality
$152.37B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

LAZ3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-221.45M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

Elevated debt levels

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
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, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 15.4% demonstrates continued momentum. 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 38.0% and operating margin at 49.3%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

SCHW generates stronger free cash flow (7.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 38.0% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?