VIRT
Virtu Financial, Inc.
Financial - Capital Markets
Market Cap$4.32B
5Y Perf.+112.1%
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Stock Comparison
VIRT vs LPLA
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
Financial - Capital Markets
Market Cap$26.27B
5Y Perf.+358.9%
VIRT vs LPLA — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | VIRT | LPLA |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Financial - Capital Markets | Financial - Capital Markets |
| Market Cap | $4.32B | $26.27B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $3.63B | $16.99B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $551M | $863M |
| Gross Margin | 48.0% | 25.6% |
| Operating Margin | 33.8% | 13.4% |
| Forward P/E | 8.4x | 14.6x |
| Total Debt | $8.98B | $7.26B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $1.06B | $1.04B |
VIRT vs LPLA — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
VIRT
LPLA
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtu Financial, In… (VIRT) | 100 | 212.1 | +112.1% |
| LPL Financial Holdi… (LPLA) | 100 | 458.9 | +358.9% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: VIRT vs LPLA
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: VIRT leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for valuation and capital efficiency and capital preservation and lower volatility. LPL Financial Holdings Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
VIRT
Virtu Financial, Inc.
The Banking Pick
VIRT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.40, yield 2.0%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.40, current ratio 1.69x
- Beta 0.40, yield 2.0%, current ratio 1.69x
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
LPLA
LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
The Banking Pick
LPLA is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 37.2%, EPS growth -22.2%
- 12.8% 10Y total return vs VIRT's 221.2%
- 37.2% NII/revenue growth vs VIRT's 26.2%
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | LPLA | 37.2% NII/revenue growth vs VIRT's 26.2% |
| Value | VIRT | Lower P/E (8.4x vs 14.6x) |
| Quality / Margins | LPLA | Efficiency ratio 0.1% vs VIRT's 0.1% (lower = leaner) |
| Stability / Safety | VIRT | Beta 0.40 vs LPLA's 1.10 |
| Dividends | VIRT | 2.0% yield, vs LPLA's 0.4% |
| Momentum (1Y) | VIRT | +22.9% vs LPLA's -1.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | LPLA | Efficiency ratio 0.1% vs VIRT's 0.1% |
VIRT vs LPLA — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2018
VIRT vs LPLA — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLVIRTLAGGINGLPLA
LPLALPL Financial Holding…
1leads
VIRTVirtu Financial, Inc.
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs LPLAMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
VIRT5/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
VIRT5/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
LPLA7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
VIRT4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
VIRT2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
VIRT leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
LPLA is the larger business by revenue, generating $17.0B annually — 4.7x VIRT's $3.6B. VIRT is the more profitable business, keeping 12.9% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to LPLA's 5.1%.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $3.6B | $17.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $1.9B | $2.3B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $551M | $863M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $1.1B | -$1.1B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +48.0% | +25.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +33.8% | +13.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +12.9% | +5.1% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +35.7% | -5.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +96.3% | +4.2% |
VIRT leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
VIRT leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 9.9x trailing earnings, VIRT trades at a 67% valuation discount to LPLA's 30.0x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, VIRT's 9.1x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than LPLA's 11.1x.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.3B | $26.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $12.2B | $32.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 9.86x | 30.00x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 8.44x | 14.57x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 2.26x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 9.13x | 11.15x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.19x | 1.55x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.19x | 4.85x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 3.33x | — |
VIRT leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
LPLA leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VIRT delivers a 29.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $29 in annual profit, vs $19 for LPLA. LPLA carries lower financial leverage with a 1.36x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VIRT's 4.55x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), VIRT scores 6/9 vs LPLA's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +29.4% | +18.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.6% | +5.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +10.1% | +16.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +7.7% | +19.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 3 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 4.55x | 1.36x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $7.9B | $6.2B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $1.1B | $1.0B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $9.0B | $7.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.71x | 3.85x |
LPLA leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
VIRT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in LPLA five years ago would be worth $21,309 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $19,898 for VIRT. Over the past 12 months, VIRT leads with a +22.9% total return vs LPLA's -1.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors VIRT at 44.8% vs LPLA's 20.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +55.9% | -9.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +22.9% | -1.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +203.5% | +73.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +99.0% | +113.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +221.2% | +1283.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +44.8% | +20.2% |
VIRT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VIRT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VIRT is the less volatile stock with a 0.40 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than LPLA's 1.10 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. VIRT currently trades 96.9% from its 52-week high vs LPLA's 81.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.40x | 1.10x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $52.21 | $403.58 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $31.55 | $281.51 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +96.9% | +81.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 57.5 | 51.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.1M | 898K |
VIRT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — VIRT and LPLA each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates VIRT as "Hold" and LPLA as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 34.6% upside for LPLA (target: $441) vs -5.1% for VIRT (target: $48). For income investors, VIRT offers the higher dividend yield at 2.03% vs LPLA's 0.36%.
| Metric | VIRTVirtu Financial, … | LPLALPL Financial Hol… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $48.00 | $441.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 13 | 22 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +2.0% | +0.4% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 4 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $1.03 | $1.19 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.3% | +0.5% |
Evenly matched — VIRT and LPLA each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
VIRT leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). LPLA leads in 1 (Profitability & Efficiency). 1 tied.
Best OverallVirtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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VIRT vs LPLA: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is VIRT or LPLA a better buy right now?
For growth investors, LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
(LPLA) is the stronger pick with 37. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 26. 2% for Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT). Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT) offers the better valuation at 9. 9x trailing P/E (8. 4x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) a "Buy" — based on 22 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 — VIRT or LPLA?
On trailing P/E, Virtu Financial, Inc.
(VIRT) is the cheapest at 9. 9x versus LPL Financial Holdings Inc. at 30. 0x. On forward P/E, Virtu Financial, Inc. is actually cheaper at 8. 4x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — VIRT or LPLA?
Over the past 5 years, LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
(LPLA) delivered a total return of +113. 1%, compared to +99. 0% for Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: LPLA returned +1284% versus VIRT's +221. 2%. 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 — VIRT or LPLA?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Virtu Financial, Inc.
(VIRT) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 40β versus LPL Financial Holdings Inc. 's 1. 10β — meaning LPLA is approximately 173% more volatile than VIRT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 136% versus 5% for Virtu Financial, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — VIRT or LPLA?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), LPL Financial Holdings Inc.
(LPLA) is pulling ahead at 37. 2% versus 26. 2% for Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Virtu Financial, Inc. grew EPS 72. 7% year-over-year, compared to -22. 2% for LPL Financial Holdings Inc.. 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 — VIRT or LPLA?
Virtu Financial, Inc.
(VIRT) is the more profitable company, earning 12. 9% net margin versus 5. 1% for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. — meaning it keeps 12. 9% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: VIRT leads at 33. 8% versus 13. 4% for LPLA. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — VIRT leads at 48. 0%, 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 VIRT or LPLA more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Virtu Financial, Inc.
(VIRT) trades at 8. 4x forward P/E versus 14. 6x for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. — 6. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for LPLA: 34. 6% to $441. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — VIRT or LPLA?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Virtu Financial, Inc. (VIRT) offers the highest yield at 2. 0%, versus 0. 4% for LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (LPLA).
09Is VIRT or LPLA better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Virtu Financial, Inc.
(VIRT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 40), 2. 0% yield, +221. 2% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (VIRT: +221. 2%, LPLA: +1284%), 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 VIRT and LPLA?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
VIRT pays a dividend while LPLA does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. 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.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(VIRT: 26.2% · LPLA: 37.2%)Net Margin>
%
(VIRT: 12.9% · LPLA: 5.1%)P/E Ratio<
x
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