MetaCap

Pathward Financial (CASH) vs Lakeland Financial (LKFN)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Pathward Financial (CASH) has outperformed Lakeland Financial (LKFN) over the past year, losing 3.1% versus a loss of 9.2%. Over five years, CASH leads with a +18.7% price change compared with -23.7% for LKFN. Pathward Financial is the larger company by market cap ($1.49 billion vs $1.41 billion), about 1.1 times the size.

On valuation, Pathward Financial trades at a lower forward P/E (7.5x vs 12.6x for Lakeland Financial). Lakeland Financial offers the higher dividend yield (3.62% vs 0.28%).

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CASH-3.14%LKFN-9.24%
+37%+11%-15%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
CASH+26.63%LKFN-23.42%
+80%+16%-49%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CASH versus LKFN key metrics
MetricCASHLKFN
Share price$71.87$56.84
Market cap$1.49B$1.41B
1-day change-0.31%-1.06%
YTD return+1.54%+0.68%
1-year return-3.14%-9.24%
5-year return+18.67%-23.70%
P/E ratio (TTM)8.9913.04
Forward P/E7.4512.61
EPS (TTM)$7.99$4.36
Dividend yield0.28%3.62%
Annual dividend$0.20$2.06
Revenue (latest FY)$839.89M—
Revenue growth (YoY)+5.33%—
Net income (latest FY)$185.87M—
Net margin22.13%—
52-week high$101.26$64.55
52-week low$65.87$54.36
Distance from 52-week high-29.02%-11.94%
Analyst consensusnonehold
Avg. price target upside+40.53%+17.00%
Average volume220.94K172.26K
Shares outstanding20.77M24.86M
Employees1,196695
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryMajor BanksMajor Banks

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Lakeland Financial trades at a higher earnings multiple (13.0x vs 9.0x trailing P/E).
  • Lakeland Financial offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.62% vs 0.28%).

About Pathward Financial

CASH stock →

Pathward Financial, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Pathward, National Association that provides various banking products and services in the United States.

Finance · Major Banks · 1,196 employees

About Lakeland Financial

LKFN stock →

Lakeland Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Lake City Bank that provides various banking products and services in the United States. The company accepts various deposit products, such as noninterest bearing, interest-bearing checking, savings, money market, NOW, and demand deposits.

Finance · Major Banks · 695 employees

CASH vs LKFN FAQ

Which is bigger, Pathward Financial or Lakeland Financial?

Pathward Financial (CASH) is larger, with a market capitalization of $1.49B compared with $1.41B for Lakeland Financial (LKFN).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CASH or LKFN?

CASH returned -3.14% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.24% for LKFN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, CASH or LKFN?

CASH has the lower trailing P/E at 9.0, versus 13.0 for LKFN. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Pathward Financial or Lakeland Financial?

Lakeland Financial has the higher yield at 3.62%, compared with 0.28% for Pathward Financial.

Are Pathward Financial and Lakeland Financial in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.

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