LPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$300.68
+0.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.04B
SCHW
Charles Schwab Corp
$95.68
-0.55%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $169.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Charles Schwab Corp generates 44% more annual revenue ($23.92B vs $16.59B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 5.2%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.40. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B+).
LPLA
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
SCHW
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-119.2%
Fair Value
$154.49
Current Price
$300.68
$146.19 premium
Margin of Safety
+56.0%
Fair Value
$217.62
Current Price
$95.68
$121.94 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 41.8% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
18.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
5.2% margin — thin
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 41.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : SCHW
The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SCHW
The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.
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 0.92 — expect wider price swings.
LPLA is growing revenue faster at 41.8% — sustainability is the question.
LPLA generates stronger free cash flow (490M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% 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.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other CAPITAL MARKETS Stocks
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