Screener Companies About
Nasdaq:LPLA
Financial Services Capital Markets

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

LPL Financial is a premier independent brokerage firm empowering financial advisors to deliver personalized wealth management solutions to affluent clients across the US.

■ Key Metrics

Revenue
$16.99B
Net Income
$863.0M
Gross Profit
$16.99B
Operating Cash Flow
$-411.4M
Total Assets
$18.49B
Shareholders' Equity
$5.34B
Cash & Equiv
$1.04B

⚖ Investment Thesis

Bull Case

LPL Financial is well-positioned to capture growing wealth among high-net-worth individuals as retirement savings accumulate in the US economy. The firm's diversified revenue model reduces reliance on single product classes, providing stability during market volatility. Consistent top-line growth and a strong franchise value supported by thousands of independent advisors suggest long-term earnings resilience.

Bear Case

The significant negative operating cash flow relative to net income indicates potential aggressive accounting or heavy investment in intangible assets that may not immediately translate to cash returns. High exposure to market-linked revenue streams makes the stock sensitive to bear markets and economic recessions. Recent share issuances of $1.73B could dilute existing shareholder value if not paired with proportional growth in organic earnings.

◉ About LPL Financial Holdings Inc.

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. provides comprehensive financial planning, brokerage services, and investment management solutions primarily to high-net-worth individuals and families. Operating across the United States through its extensive branch network of registered representatives, the company offers a diverse suite of products including wealth management, insurance, and retirement planning. With reported revenue reaching $16.99B in 2025, LPL serves as a critical financial intermediary connecting investors with capital markets.

⚙ Analysis

Management Discussion

Despite a reported net profit of $863M in 2025, the company's cash flow from operations shows a deficit of $411.4M, likely influenced by significant non-cash adjustments totaling -$3.26B and substantial amortization costs. Revenue growth accelerated to $16.99B in 2025 from $8.60B in 2022, demonstrating a robust expansion trajectory over the last five years. The company maintained strong liquidity with ending cash of $3.05B against total assets of $18.49B.

Industry Overview

The wealth management industry is characterized by a shift from traditional commission-based models to fee-based advisory relationships, favoring firms with scalable technology and broad distribution networks. Regulatory scrutiny remains high regarding fiduciary duties and disclosure practices, compelling firms to maintain rigorous compliance standards. Consolidation continues as smaller brokerages seek partnerships or acquisitions to gain access to premium client segments.

☰ Financial Statements

Income Statement
Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
Metric2022202320242025
Revenue$8.60B$10.05B$12.39B$16.99B
Cost of Revenue$0$0$0$0
Gross Profit$8.60B$10.05B$12.39B$16.99B
Operating Expenses$7.49B$8.61B$10.99B$15.84B
Operating Income$1.11B$1.44B$1.39B$1.15B
Stock-Based Comp$52.6M$68.7M$91.8M$79.4M
D&A$199.8M$247.0M$308.5M$393.4M
Depreciation$199.8M$247.0M$308.5M$393.4M
Amortization$87.6M$107.2M$135.2M$236.6M
Non-Operating Income$0$0$0$0
Pre-Tax Income$1.11B$1.44B$1.39B$1.15B
Income Tax$266.0M$378.5M$334.3M$286.5M
Continuing Ops$845.7M$1.07B$1.06B$863.0M
Discontinued Ops$0$0$0$0
Net Income$845.7M$1.07B$1.06B$863.0M
Minority Interest$0$0$0$0
Net to Common$845.7M$1.07B$1.06B$863.0M
Metric2022202320242025
Cash & Equivalents$847.5M$465.7M$967.1M$1.04B
Marketable Securities$52.6M$91.3M$57.5M$91.5M
PP&E (Net)$780.4M$933.1M$1.21B$1.41B
Intangibles$427.7M$671.6M$1.48B$3.33B
Goodwill$1.64B$1.86B$2.17B$2.64B
Operating Leases$92.5M$93.8M$119.1M$173.5M
Total Assets$9.48B$10.39B$13.32B$18.49B
Total Liabilities$7.31B$8.31B$10.39B$13.15B
Shareholders' Equity$2.17B$2.08B$2.93B$5.34B
Retained Earnings$3.10B$4.09B$5.07B$5.84B
Treasury Stock$2.85B$3.99B$4.20B$4.33B
Total L&E$9.48B$10.39B$13.32B$18.49B
Metric2022202320242025
Net Income (CFO)$845.7M$1.07B$1.06B$863.0M
Non-Cash Adjustments$336.6M$-1.63B$-2.76B$-3.26B
Working Capital Changes$763.2M$1.08B$1.98B$1.98B
Cash from Operations$1.95B$512.6M$277.6M$-411.4M
Capital Expenditures$306.6M$403.3M$562.5M$570.4M
Cash from Investing$-376.4M$-860.2M$-1.59B$-2.39B
Share Buybacks$325.0M$1.10B$170.1M$100.0M
Dividends Paid$79.8M$92.2M$89.7M$94.4M
Cash from Financing$-504.3M$-208.5M$1.42B$3.17B
FX Effect$0$0$0$0
Net Change in Cash$1.06B$-556.1M$102.9M$370.7M
Beginning Cash$2.07B$3.14B$2.58B$2.68B
Ending Cash$3.14B$2.58B$2.68B$3.05B

Frequently Asked Questions

How does LPL Financial Holdings Inc. make money?

The company's revenue is driven by its Wealth Management Services segment, which generates fees from advisory and brokerage activities, alongside its Insurance & Annuities segment providing life insurance and annuity products. Additionally, the firm derives income from Investment Products Distribution through partnerships with third-party asset managers and a Technology Solutions segment offering digital platforms to independent advisors.

What are the main risks for LPLA?

Regulatory changes could impact fee structures or disclosure requirements, potentially eroding margin on advisory fees. Economic downturns may lead to increased outflows from mutual funds and annuities, directly affecting revenue. Interest rate volatility can influence the performance of fixed-income portfolios held by clients and impact new business sales in insurance products.

What is LPLA's competitive advantage?

LPL Financial possesses a massive distribution network of over 40,000 independent financial representatives, creating high switching costs for clients and fostering deep loyalty. Its proprietary investment management platform provides advisors with best-in-class tools for portfolio construction and client reporting, enhancing service delivery. The company benefits from a strong brand reputation for independence and fiduciary standards in the affluent consumer segment.

Related Companies

Not financial advice. All content is for informational purposes only. Data may contain errors. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.