WallStSmart

LPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 36% more annual revenue ($26.03B vs $19.20B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.8% profit margin vs 5.2%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

LPLA

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 10.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 2.22

SCHW

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.14

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LPLA3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.4%10/10

Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
39.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.8%10/10

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
51.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 51.9%

Market CapQuality
$184.96B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
20.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Revenue surging 20.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

LPLA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
5.2%3/10

5.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.393/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LPLA

The strongest argument for LPLA centers on Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.53 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 38.8% and operating margin at 51.9%. Revenue growth of 20.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LPLA

The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LPLA profiles as a hypergrowth stock while SCHW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SCHW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.75 — expect wider price swings.

LPLA is growing revenue faster at 36.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (79/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 38.8% margins and 20.9% 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.

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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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