WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 337% more annual revenue ($24.80B vs $5.67B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.0% profit margin vs 15.6%. SF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. SF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

SF

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.3%

Market CapQuality
$152.37B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.6% YoY

SF5 strengths · Avg: 8.4/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
469.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 469.2% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
14.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Areas to Watch

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-390.42M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 38.0% and operating margin at 49.3%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SF

The strongest argument for SF centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 21.6%. Revenue growth of 14.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SF

The primary concerns for SF are Free Cash Flow, 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 1.01 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

SCHW generates stronger free cash flow (7.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SF scores higher overall (81/100 vs 75/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins and 14.3% 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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