WallStSmart

Cohen & Company Inc (COHN)vsLPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

LPL Financial Holdings Inc generates 6321% more annual revenue ($19.20B vs $298.96M). LPLA leads profitability with a 5.2% profit margin vs 5.2%. COHN trades at a lower P/E of 3.2x. LPLA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

COHN

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.67

LPLA

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

COHN5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
3.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Return on EquityProfitability
30.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
107.3%10/10

Revenue surging 107.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
120.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 120.5% YoY

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

Areas to Watch

COHN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$46.72M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.2%3/10

5.2% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.323/10

Elevated debt levels

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : COHN

The strongest argument for COHN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 107.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : COHN

The primary concerns for COHN are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : LPLA

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

COHN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

COHN is growing revenue faster at 107.3% — sustainability is the question.

LPLA generates stronger free cash flow (135M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LPLA scores higher overall (74/100 vs 65/100) and 36.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Cohen & Company Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Cohen & Company Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with additional offices in New York City; Boca Raton, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Bethesda, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Paris, France; and London, United Kingdom.

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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