LPL Financial Holdings Inc (LPLA)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc
$288.49
-1.15%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $23.65B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$84.30
+0.20%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $254.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 355% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $17.84B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 5.0%. LPLA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.45. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
LPLA
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Revenue surging 35.0% year-over-year
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%
Generating 9.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
4.5% earnings growth
5.0% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : LPLA
The strongest argument for LPLA centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 35.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : LPLA
The primary concerns for LPLA are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LPLA profiles as a hypergrowth stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
WFC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.
LPLA is growing revenue faster at 35.0% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 26.7% 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.
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 →Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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