WallStSmart

Charles Schwab Corp (SCHW)vsStifel Financial Corporation (SF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 346% more annual revenue ($26.03B vs $5.83B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.8% profit margin vs 16.3%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.91. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

SCHW

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

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

SF

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
52.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 52.3%

Market CapQuality
$185.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
20.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.918/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Revenue surging 20.9% year-over-year

SF6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
50.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.6% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.149/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.968/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.8%

Areas to Watch

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

SF1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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 52.3%. Revenue growth of 20.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SF

The strongest argument for SF centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.8%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : SCHW

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

Bear Case : SF

The primary concerns for SF are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SCHW profiles as a growth stock while SF is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

SF carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 20.9% — sustainability is the question.

SF generates stronger free cash flow (84M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (81/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 38.8% margins and 20.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

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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Stifel Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Stifel Financial Corp. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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