LSAK
Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
Software - Infrastructure
Market Cap$418M
5Y Perf.+60.8%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
LSAK vs STNE
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
STNE
StoneCo Ltd.
Software - Infrastructure
Market Cap$2.71B
5Y Perf.-65.2%
LSAK vs STNE — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | LSAK | STNE |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Software - Infrastructure | Software - Infrastructure |
| Market Cap | $418M | $2.71B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $3.58B | $10.82B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-21M | $2.29B |
| Gross Margin | 4.0% | 68.4% |
| Operating Margin | 1.1% | 38.6% |
| Forward P/E | 16.3x | 1.0x |
| Total Debt | $235M | $17.57B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $77M | $4.82B |
LSAK vs STNE — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
LSAK
STNE
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lesaka Technologies… (LSAK) | 100 | 160.8 | +60.8% |
| StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) | 100 | 34.8 | -65.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: LSAK vs STNE
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: LSAK and STNE are tied at the top with 3 categories each — the right choice depends on your priorities. StoneCo Ltd. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and profitability and margin quality. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
LSAK
Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
The Income Pick
LSAK has the current edge in this matchup, primarily because of its strength in income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 1 yrs, beta 0.20
- Rev growth 16.9%, EPS growth -322.2%, 3Y rev CAGR 43.6%
- -56.3% 10Y total return vs STNE's -56.7%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
STNE
StoneCo Ltd.
The Value Play
STNE is the clearest fit if your priority is value and quality.
- Lower P/E (1.0x vs 16.3x)
- 21.1% margin vs LSAK's -0.6%
- 4.0% ROA vs LSAK's -0.6%, ROIC -10.4% vs -5.2%
Best for: value and quality
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | LSAK | 16.9% revenue growth vs STNE's -74.0% |
| Value | STNE | Lower P/E (1.0x vs 16.3x) |
| Quality / Margins | STNE | 21.1% margin vs LSAK's -0.6% |
| Stability / Safety | LSAK | Beta 0.20 vs STNE's 1.67, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | LSAK | +26.8% vs STNE's +2.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | STNE | 4.0% ROA vs LSAK's -0.6%, ROIC -10.4% vs -5.2% |
LSAK vs STNE — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
Segment breakdown not available.
LSAK vs STNE — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLLSAKLAGGINGSTNE
STNEStoneCo Ltd.
0leads
LSAKLesaka Technologies, …
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs STNEMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
Tied
—
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
LSAK5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
LSAK6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
LSAK2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — LSAK and STNE each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
STNE is the larger business by revenue, generating $10.8B annually — 3.0x LSAK's $3.6B. STNE is the more profitable business, keeping 21.1% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to LSAK's -0.6%. On growth, LSAK holds the edge at +17.5% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $3.6B | $10.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $249M | $5.2B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$21M | $2.3B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$22M | -$241M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +4.0% | +68.4% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +1.1% | +38.6% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -0.6% | +21.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -0.6% | -2.2% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +17.5% | -77.4% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +140.7% | +119.7% |
Evenly matched — LSAK and STNE each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — LSAK and STNE each lead in 2 of 4 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $418M | $2.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $577M | $5.3B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -4.36x | 6.56x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 16.32x | 1.03x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 0.28x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 87.11x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.63x | 4.04x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.46x | 1.35x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — |
Evenly matched — LSAK and STNE each lead in 2 of 4 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
LSAK leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
STNE delivers a 19.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $20 in annual profit, vs $-2 for LSAK. LSAK carries lower financial leverage with a 0.90x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to STNE's 1.59x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), STNE scores 4/9 vs LSAK's 3/9, reflecting mixed financial health.
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.6% | +19.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.6% | +4.0% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -5.2% | -10.4% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -5.9% | -13.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.90x | 1.59x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $159M | $12.8B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $77M | $4.8B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $235M | $17.6B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -0.28x | 1.59x |
LSAK leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
LSAK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in LSAK five years ago would be worth $10,734 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $2,172 for STNE. Over the past 12 months, LSAK leads with a +26.8% total return vs STNE's +2.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors LSAK at 12.8% vs STNE's -0.6% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +8.3% | -7.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +26.8% | +2.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +43.6% | -1.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +7.3% | -78.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -56.3% | -56.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +12.8% | -0.6% |
LSAK leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
LSAK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
LSAK is the less volatile stock with a 0.20 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than STNE's 1.67 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. LSAK currently trades 89.8% from its 52-week high vs STNE's 55.3% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.20x | 1.67x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $5.54 | $19.95 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.39 | $10.74 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +89.8% | +55.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 51.4 | 33.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 91K | 5.3M |
LSAK leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates LSAK as "Buy" and STNE as "Buy".
| Metric | LSAKLesaka Technologi… | STNEStoneCo Ltd. |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $19.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 4 | 21 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +3.3% | +21.8% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
LSAK leads in 3 of 6 categories — strongest in Profitability & Efficiency and Total Returns. 2 categories are tied.
Best OverallLesaka Technologies, Inc. (LSAK)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
LSAK vs STNE: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is LSAK or STNE a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
(LSAK) is the stronger pick with 16. 9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -74. 0% for StoneCo Ltd. (STNE). StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) offers the better valuation at 6. 6x trailing P/E (1. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Lesaka Technologies, Inc. (LSAK) a "Buy" — based on 4 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — LSAK or STNE?
On forward P/E, StoneCo Ltd.
is actually cheaper at 1. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — LSAK or STNE?
Over the past 5 years, Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
(LSAK) delivered a total return of +7. 3%, compared to -78. 3% for StoneCo Ltd. (STNE). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: LSAK returned -56. 3% versus STNE's -56. 7%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — LSAK or STNE?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
(LSAK) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 20β versus StoneCo Ltd. 's 1. 67β — meaning STNE is approximately 720% more volatile than LSAK relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Lesaka Technologies, Inc. (LSAK) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 90% versus 159% for StoneCo Ltd. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — LSAK or STNE?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
(LSAK) is pulling ahead at 16. 9% versus -74. 0% for StoneCo Ltd. (STNE). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: StoneCo Ltd. grew EPS 265. 9% year-over-year, compared to -322. 2% for Lesaka Technologies, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, LSAK leads at 43. 6% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — LSAK or STNE?
StoneCo Ltd.
(STNE) is the more profitable company, earning 68. 6% net margin versus -13. 3% for Lesaka Technologies, Inc. — meaning it keeps 68. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: LSAK leads at -4. 1% versus -90. 2% for STNE. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — LSAK leads at 26. 2%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is LSAK or STNE more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, StoneCo Ltd.
(STNE) trades at 1. 0x forward P/E versus 16. 3x for Lesaka Technologies, Inc. — 15. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — LSAK or STNE?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is LSAK or STNE better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Lesaka Technologies, Inc.
(LSAK) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 20)). StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) carries a higher beta of 1. 67 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (LSAK: -56. 3%, STNE: -56. 7%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between LSAK and STNE?
Both stocks operate in the Technology sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: LSAK is a small-cap high-growth stock; STNE is a small-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(LSAK: 1754.8% · STNE: -77.4%)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.