LPL Financial (LPLA) vs Nasdaq (NDAQ)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Nasdaq (NDAQ) has outperformed LPL Financial (LPLA) over the past year, gaining 2.8% versus a gain of 0.9%. Over five years, LPLA leads with a +90.1% price change compared with +36.5% for NDAQ. Nasdaq is the larger company by market cap ($52.26 billion vs $26.28 billion), about 2.0 times the size, while LPL Financial is growing revenue faster (+37.2% vs +11.6%).
On valuation, LPL Financial trades at a lower forward P/E (11.1x vs 20.0x for Nasdaq). Nasdaq offers the higher dividend yield (1.20% vs 0.36%). Nasdaq converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 21.6% versus 5.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | LPLA | NDAQ |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $333.72 | $93.50 |
| Market cap | $26.28B | $52.26B |
| 1-day change | +1.74% | +1.22% |
| YTD return | -8.17% | -4.90% |
| 1-year return | +0.88% | +2.78% |
| 5-year return | +90.14% | +36.49% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.55 | 27.26 |
| Forward P/E | 11.05 | 20.01 |
| EPS (TTM) | $12.57 | $3.43 |
| Dividend yield | 0.36% | 1.20% |
| Annual dividend | $1.20 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $16.99B | $8.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +37.18% | +11.65% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $863.02M | $1.79B |
| Gross margin | — | 63.53% |
| Operating margin | — | 28.21% |
| Net margin | 5.08% | 21.64% |
| 52-week high | $400.16 | $101.79 |
| 52-week low | $260.15 | $76.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.60% | -8.14% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +26.87% | +16.64% |
| Average volume | 727.78K | 3.28M |
| Shares outstanding | 78.74M | 558.98M |
| Employees | 10,081 | 9,630 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service | Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service |
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
- Nasdaq is more profitable, keeping 21.6 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.1 cents for LPL Financial.
- LPL Financial grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+37.18% vs +11.65%).
About LPL Financial
LPLA stock →LPL Financial Holdings Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides an integrated platform of brokerage and investment advisory services to independent financial advisors and financial advisors at institutions in the United States. The company's brokerage offerings include variable and fixed annuities, mutual funds, equities, fixed income, alternative investments, retirement and 529 education savings plans, and insurance; and client cash programs consist of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured bank sweep vehicles, and a client cash and money market account.
Finance · Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service · 10,081 employees
About Nasdaq
NDAQ stock →Nasdaq, Inc. operates as a technology company that serves capital markets and other industries in the United States and internationally.
Finance · Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service · 9,630 employees
LPLA vs NDAQ FAQ
Which is bigger, LPL Financial or Nasdaq?
Nasdaq (NDAQ) is larger, with a market capitalization of $52.26B compared with $26.28B for LPL Financial (LPLA).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LPLA or NDAQ?
NDAQ returned +2.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +0.88% for LPLA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LPLA or NDAQ?
LPLA has the lower trailing P/E at 26.5, versus 27.3 for NDAQ. 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, LPL Financial or Nasdaq?
Nasdaq has the higher yield at 1.20%, compared with 0.36% for LPL Financial.
Are LPL Financial and Nasdaq in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Investment Bankers/Brokers/Service industry within the Finance sector.