Raymond JamesLPL Financial

Raymond James vs LPL Financial

This page compares business models, financial performance, and market context for Raymond James and LPL Financial in a neutral, accessible way. It presents plain information to help readers understand...

Why It's Moving

Raymond James

Institutional Investors Pile into RJF as AI Push and Dividend Boost Signal Confidence Amid Mixed Earnings.

  • Thrivent Financial boosted its RJF holdings by 30.8% to 60,372 shares worth $10.39M, reflecting strong institutional bet on the brokerage's growth trajectory.
  • Raymond James launched Rai, an AI operations agent, to enhance efficiency for advisers and staff, positioning the firm at the forefront of tech-driven wealth management.
  • EVP Santelli sold 4,500 shares on February 4 at $170.46, a routine move amid high institutional ownership of 83.83% and a recent quarterly dividend increase to $0.54.
Sentiment:
βš–οΈNeutral
LPL Financial

LPLA Shares Swing on Strong Q4 Beat but Mounting 2026 Cost Pressures

  • Q4 adjusted EPS hit $5.23, beating estimates by $0.41, while revenue soared 40% year-over-year to $4.93 billion on surging advisory assets now at 58.8% of total.
  • CEO Rich Steinmeier touted industry-leading organic net new assets of $23 billion and successful Atria integration, boosting gross profit 26% to $1.54 billion.
  • 2026 Core G&A expenses projected at $2.16-2.21 billion, up sharply from 2025's $1.85 billion, tempering enthusiasm despite a steady $0.30 quarterly dividend.
Sentiment:
πŸŒ‹Volatile

Investment Analysis

Pros

  • Raymond James has demonstrated solid revenue growth, with a 9.6% increase in the past year driven by strong brokerage and investment banking performance.
  • The company maintains a healthy net profit margin of around 15% and a robust return on equity, indicating efficient management and profitability.
  • Raymond James operates with a diversified business model across private client, capital markets, and asset management, reducing reliance on any single revenue stream.

Considerations

  • Asset management revenue has declined recently, offsetting gains in other segments and raising concerns about diversification effectiveness.
  • The stock trades at a higher P/E ratio than some peers, which may limit upside if earnings growth slows or market sentiment shifts.
  • Operating expenses have risen, pressuring margins despite strong top-line growth and increased interest income.

Pros

  • LPL Financial has delivered strong risk-adjusted returns, outperforming many peers in recent years with a higher Sharpe ratio.
  • The company benefits from a scalable business model focused on independent advisors, supporting consistent revenue and margin expansion.
  • LPL maintains a relatively low debt-to-equity ratio, providing financial flexibility and resilience during market downturns.

Considerations

  • LPL's revenue growth has lagged behind Raymond James, with a smaller increase in top-line performance over the past year.
  • The company is more exposed to market volatility due to its heavy reliance on brokerage and advisory fees, which can fluctuate with equity markets.
  • LPL has experienced higher drawdowns in previous market corrections, indicating greater downside risk during periods of economic stress.

Related Market Insights

When Markets Panic, These Companies Profit

Discover anti-fragile companies that thrive on market chaos, turning volatility into profit. Hedge your portfolio with the Anti-Fragile Systems Neme on Nemo.

Author avatar

Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst

July 25, 2025

Read Insight

Raymond James (RJF) Next Earnings Date

Raymond James Financial (RJF) reported its Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings on January 28, 2026, covering the quarter ended December 2025. The next earnings release, for Q2 fiscal 2026 (quarter ended March 2026), is scheduled for April 22, 2026, at approximately 4:15 p.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET. This aligns with the company's announced fiscal 2026 quarterly schedule.

LPL Financial (LPLA) Next Earnings Date

LPL Financial (LPLA) released its Q4 2025 earnings on January 29, 2026. The next earnings report, covering Q1 2026, is scheduled for May 7, 2026, coinciding with the earnings call. This aligns with the company's quarterly reporting pattern following the recent release.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Anti-Fragile Systems

Anti-Fragile Systems

Companies that don't just survive market chaosβ€”they thrive on it. These carefully selected stocks are designed to become more profitable during volatility, offering you a unique way to potentially benefit from uncertain times.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Buy RJF or LPLA in Nemo

Nemo Logo Fade
πŸ†“

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

πŸ”’

Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

πŸ’°

6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

Discover More Comparisons

Raymond JamesM&T Bank

Raymond James vs M&T Bank

Raymond James vs M&T Bank

Raymond JamesORIX

Raymond James vs ORIX

Raymond James vs ORIX: a stock comparison

Raymond JamesFifth Third

Raymond James vs Fifth Third

Raymond James vs Fifth Third

Frequently asked questions