MetaCap

Pathward Financial (CASH) vs Live Oak Bancshares (LOB)

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 Live Oak Bancshares (LOB) over the past year, losing 3.1% versus a loss of 3.5%. Over five years, CASH leads with a +18.7% price change compared with -51.1% for LOB. Live Oak Bancshares is the larger company by market cap ($1.59 billion vs $1.49 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Pathward Financial is growing revenue faster (+5.3% vs +1.1%).

On valuation, Pathward Financial trades at a lower forward P/E (7.4x vs 8.2x for Live Oak Bancshares). Live Oak Bancshares offers the higher dividend yield (0.35% vs 0.28%). Live Oak Bancshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1114.4% versus 22.1%.

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

Relative performance

CASH-3.14%LOB-3.52%
+37%+8%-21%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
CASH+26.63%LOB-48.17%
+82%+3%-76%
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 LOB key metrics
MetricCASHLOB
Share price$71.61$34.44
Market cap$1.49B$1.59B
1-day change-0.67%-0.39%
YTD return+1.54%+0.64%
1-year return-3.14%-3.52%
5-year return+18.67%-51.07%
P/E ratio (TTM)8.9612.08
Forward P/E7.438.16
EPS (TTM)$7.99$2.85
Dividend yield0.28%0.35%
Annual dividend$0.20$0.12
Revenue (latest FY)$839.89M$9.50M
Revenue growth (YoY)+5.33%+1.06%
Net income (latest FY)$185.87M$105.87M
Net margin22.13%1114.43%
52-week high$101.26$44.53
52-week low$65.87$29.36
Distance from 52-week high-29.28%-22.67%
Analyst consensusnonebuy
Avg. price target upside+41.04%+24.15%
Average volume220.94K220.47K
Shares outstanding20.77M46.28M
Employees1,1961,027
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

  • Live Oak Bancshares trades at a higher earnings multiple (12.1x vs 9.0x trailing P/E).
  • Live Oak Bancshares is more profitable, keeping 1114.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 22.1 cents for Pathward Financial.

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 Live Oak Bancshares

LOB stock →

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that provides various banking products and services in the United States.

Finance · Major Banks · 1,027 employees

CASH vs LOB FAQ

Which is bigger, Pathward Financial or Live Oak Bancshares?

Live Oak Bancshares (LOB) is larger, with a market capitalization of $1.59B compared with $1.49B for Pathward Financial (CASH).

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

CASH returned -3.14% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.52% for LOB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

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

CASH has the lower trailing P/E at 9.0, versus 12.1 for LOB. 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 Live Oak Bancshares?

Live Oak Bancshares has the higher yield at 0.35%, compared with 0.28% for Pathward Financial.

Are Pathward Financial and Live Oak Bancshares in the same industry?

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

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