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LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) Fundamental Analysis & AI Grade 2026

LPLA Nasdaq Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services DE CIK: 0001397911
Updated This Month • Analysis: May 6, 2026 • SEC Data: 2026-03-31
Combined AI Grade
B
64% Confidence
STRONG AGREEMENT
B
62% Conf
B
66% Conf

📊 LPLA Key Takeaways

Revenue: $4.9B
Net Margin: 7.2%
Free Cash Flow: $124.6M
Current Ratio: N/A
Debt/Equity: 1.26x
EPS: $4.43
AI Grade: B with 62% confidence
LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) receives a B fundamental grade with 64% confidence from our AI analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $4.9B, net profit margin of 7.2%, and return on equity (ROE) of 6.3%, LPL Financial Holdings Inc. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Services sector. Below is our complete LPLA stock analysis for 2026.

Is LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) a Good Investment?

Claude

LPL Financial shows strong revenue growth of 37.2% YoY, but declining net income (-18.5%) and deteriorating profitability metrics suggest operational execution challenges. Elevated leverage (1.26x D/E) combined with weak returns on equity (6.3%) and low free cash flow margins (2.5%) present concerning fundamental headwinds that must be resolved before accumulation.

ChatGPT

Strong top-line growth contrasts with contracting earnings and modest margins, resulting in negative operating and free cash flow. Leverage is elevated with thin interest coverage, limiting financial flexibility despite a solid ROE. Wait for cash generation to turn positive and margins to stabilize before a more constructive stance.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Key Strengths (LPLA)

Claude
  • + Strong revenue growth of 37.2% YoY demonstrating market share gains
  • + Positive operating cash flow of $290.4M and adequate interest coverage ratio of 4.8x
  • + Meaningful operating income of $484.6M reflects core business profitability
ChatGPT
  • + Robust revenue growth (+37.2% YoY) on a large base
  • + Sustained operating profitability ($1.15B; 6.8% margin)
  • + Solid ROE of 16.1%

LPLA Stock Risks: LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Net income declining 18.5% YoY while revenue grows 37% indicates severe margin compression and operational inefficiency
  • ! Critically weak returns metrics: ROE of 6.3% and ROA of 1.9% are well below industry standards and historical benchmarks
  • ! High financial leverage of 1.26x D/E ratio combined with low FCF margin of 2.5% limits financial flexibility and increases refinancing risk
ChatGPT
  • ! Earnings contraction (-18.5% net income; -22.2% EPS YoY)
  • ! Elevated leverage (1.36x D/E) and thin interest coverage (2.8x)
  • ! Negative operating and free cash flow (-$0.41B OCF; -$0.98B FCF)

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Net income trajectory and margin expansion/contraction trends
  • * Return on equity progression toward 10%+ threshold
  • * Free cash flow margin improvement and debt paydown pace
  • * Operating expense ratio and cost control initiatives
ChatGPT
  • * Free cash flow
  • * Interest coverage

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$4.9B
Net Income
$356.4M
EPS (Diluted)
$4.43
Free Cash Flow
$124.6M
Total Assets
$18.8B
Cash Position
$1.0B

💡 AI Analyst Insight

The relatively thin 2.5% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.

LPLA Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 9.8%
Net Margin 7.2%
ROE 6.3%
ROA 1.9%
FCF Margin 2.5%

LPLA vs Services Sector: How LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Compares

How LPL Financial Holdings Inc. compares to Services sector averages

Net Margin
LPLA 7.2%
vs
Sector Avg 10.0%
LPLA Sector
ROE
LPLA 6.3%
vs
Sector Avg 16.0%
LPLA Sector
Current Ratio
LPLA 0.0x
vs
Sector Avg 1.5x
LPLA Sector
Debt/Equity
LPLA 1.3x
vs
Sector Avg 0.7x
LPLA Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Stock Overvalued? LPLA Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, LPL Financial Holdings Inc. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Services sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
6.3%
Sector avg: 16%
Net Profit Margin
7.2%
Sector avg: 10%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
1.26x
Sector avg: 0.7x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Balance Sheet: LPLA Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
N/A
Quick Ratio
N/A
Debt/Equity
1.26x
Debt/Assets
69.8%
Interest Coverage
4.83x
Long-term Debt
$7.2B

LPLA Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

LPLA 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $7.7B, Net Income $559.9M, EPS $6.62. Year 2022: Revenue $8.6B, Net Income $472.6M, EPS $5.86. Year 2023: Revenue $10.1B, Net Income $459.9M, EPS $5.63. Year 2024: Revenue $12.4B, Net Income $845.7M, EPS $10.40. Year 2025: Revenue $17.0B, Net Income $1.1B, EPS $13.69.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: LPL Financial Holdings Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 120% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $13.69 reflects profitable operations.

LPLA Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
2.5%
Free cash flow / Revenue

LPLA Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q1 2026 $3.7B $318.6M $4.24
Q3 2025 $3.1B -$29.5M $-0.37
Q2 2025 $2.9B $243.8M $3.23
Q1 2025 $2.8B $288.8M $3.83
Q3 2024 $2.5B $224.3M $2.91
Q2 2024 $2.5B $243.8M $3.23
Q1 2024 $2.4B $288.8M $3.83
Q3 2023 $2.2B $224.3M $2.86

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$290.4M
Cash generated from operations
Capital Expenditures
$165.8M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$24.1M
Returned to shareholders

LPLA SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (CIK: 0001397911)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
May 19, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779222607.xml View →
May 19, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779222476.xml View →
May 19, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779222348.xml View →
May 19, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779222249.xml View →
May 19, 2026 4 xslF345X06/wk-form4_1779222115.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about LPLA

What is the AI rating for LPLA?

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) has a Combined AI Grade of B from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (B) with 64% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are LPLA's key strengths?

Claude: Strong revenue growth of 37.2% YoY demonstrating market share gains. Positive operating cash flow of $290.4M and adequate interest coverage ratio of 4.8x. ChatGPT: Robust revenue growth (+37.2% YoY) on a large base. Sustained operating profitability ($1.15B; 6.8% margin).

What are the risks of investing in LPLA?

Claude: Net income declining 18.5% YoY while revenue grows 37% indicates severe margin compression and operational inefficiency. Critically weak returns metrics: ROE of 6.3% and ROA of 1.9% are well below industry standards and historical benchmarks. ChatGPT: Earnings contraction (-18.5% net income; -22.2% EPS YoY). Elevated leverage (1.36x D/E) and thin interest coverage (2.8x).

What is LPLA's revenue and growth?

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. reported revenue of $4.9B.

Does LPLA pay dividends?

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. pays dividends, with $24.1M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find LPLA SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (CIK: 0001397911) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is LPLA's EPS?

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. has a diluted EPS of $4.43.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

What is LPLA's fundamental grade?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, LPL Financial Holdings Inc. has a B grade with 64% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.

Is LPLA stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for LPLA: ROE of 6.3% (sector avg: 16%), net margin of 7.2% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

What is LPLA's AI grade for 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives LPL Financial Holdings Inc. a combined B grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is LPLA's free cash flow?

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.'s operating cash flow is $290.4M, with capital expenditures of $165.8M. FCF margin is 2.5%.

How does LPLA compare to other Services stocks?

Vs Services sector averages: Net margin 7.2% (avg: 10%), ROE 6.3% (avg: 16%), current ratio N/A (avg: 1.5).

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: May 6, 2026 | Data as of: 2026-03-31 | Powered by Claude AI