LPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$303.52
-1.97%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $25.55B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$193.09
+1.54%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $299.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 310% more annual revenue ($73.17B vs $17.84B). MS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 5.0%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.42. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
LPLA
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 35.0% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 40.6%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.3% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
5.0% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LPLA
The strongest argument for LPLA centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 35.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 40.6%. Revenue growth of 16.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LPLA profiles as a hypergrowth stock while MS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
LPLA is growing revenue faster at 35.0% — sustainability is the question.
LPLA generates stronger free cash flow (125M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 16.3% 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.
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc., provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services to independent financial advisers and financial advisers at financial institutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Visit Website →Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
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