American Tower Corp (AMT)vsLPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)
AMT
American Tower Corp
$182.71
+2.54%
REAL ESTATE · Cap: $85.12B
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$334.13
+0.98%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $26.53B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
LPL Financial Holdings Inc generates 53% more annual revenue ($16.59B vs $10.82B). AMT leads profitability with a 26.8% profit margin vs 5.2%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.45. AMT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AMT
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
LPLA
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+17.6%
Fair Value
$219.10
Current Price
$182.71
$36.39 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LPLA.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Earnings expanding 76.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 41.8% year-over-year
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 24.2x book value
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
4.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
5.2% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMT
The strongest argument for AMT centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 45.3%.
Bull 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 0.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AMT
The primary concerns for AMT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMT profiles as a mature stock while LPLA is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
LPLA is growing revenue faster at 41.8% — sustainability is the question.
AMT generates stronger free cash flow (951M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AMT scores higher overall (72/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 26.8% margins. 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.
American Tower Corp
REAL ESTATE · REIT - SPECIALTY · USA
American Tower Corporation (also referred to as American Tower or ATC) is an American real estate investment trust and an owner and operator of wireless and broadcast communications infrastructure in several countries worldwide and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
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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