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Robinhood vs. Schwab: Chase Potential or Stick With Profitability?
ZACKS· 2026-01-08 14:20
Core Insights - The investing landscape is rapidly evolving, with Robinhood Markets and Charles Schwab competing for market share in digital investing and wealth management [1][2] Robinhood's Position - Robinhood has transformed retail investing with its tech-first, commission-free trading platform, attracting 13.8 million monthly active users in Q3 2025 [3][4] - The company is expanding internationally, acquiring PT Buana Capital Sekuritas and PT Pedagang Aset Kripto to enter Indonesia and offering tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs across 31 EU/EEA countries [4] - Robinhood is also venturing into prediction markets by acquiring a 90% stake in MIAX Derivatives Exchange, planning to launch a dedicated futures and derivatives exchange by 2026 [5] - The company is evolving into a full financial ecosystem with new offerings like IRAs, crypto wallets, and cash cards, enhancing user engagement and revenue per customer [6] - Operating on a lean, cloud-based infrastructure allows Robinhood to maintain low costs and efficient trade execution, which is expected to drive margins as the user base grows [7] Schwab's Position - Charles Schwab holds nearly $12 trillion in total client assets, benefiting from strong client relationships and recurring revenue streams, solidified by its acquisition of TD Ameritrade in 2020 [8][10] - Schwab is expanding its physical presence by opening 16 new branches and hiring over 400 branch-related roles, while also acquiring Forge Global Holdings, Inc. for approximately $660 million [9] - The company has a diversified revenue base, with rising net interest income (NII) due to increased interest rates, and a focus on repaying high-cost bank funding [11] - Schwab is modernizing its platform to attract younger investors, planning to launch spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading by mid-2026 [13] Earnings Estimates - For Robinhood, the Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates an earnings growth of 86.5% for 2025 and 20.2% for 2026, with current estimates at $2.00 for 2025 and $2.40 for 2026 [14][15] - Schwab's earnings estimates suggest growth of 48.6% for 2025 and 16.4% for 2026, with current estimates at $4.83 for 2025 and $5.62 for 2026 [17][19] Stock Performance and Valuation - In 2025, Robinhood's stock surged by 203.5%, significantly outperforming Schwab's 35% gain, indicating stronger investor sentiment towards Robinhood [10][20] - Robinhood is trading at a price-to-tangible book (P/TB) ratio of 12.96X, while Schwab is at 7.76X, suggesting Schwab is trading at a discount compared to Robinhood [21][22] Investment Considerations - Robinhood is viewed as a higher-risk, higher-reward option for 2026, with its rapid evolution into a broader fintech platform and international expansion [23][24] - Despite its high valuation, Robinhood's growth potential and earnings estimates trending higher may justify investment, while Schwab's established position and diversified revenue model provide stability [24]
This Stock Quietly Outperformed Nvidia In 2025, and I Think It Will Keep Beating It
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-29 18:51
Core Viewpoint - Interactive Brokers has significantly outperformed Nvidia in 2025, with a stock increase of approximately 50% compared to Nvidia's 42% gain, driven by strong account growth and business momentum [1][2]. Group 1: Business Performance - The company has experienced remarkable growth across key metrics, with customer accounts increasing by 32% year-over-year to 4.13 million and customer equity rising by 40% to $757.5 billion [5]. - Total daily average revenue trades increased by 34% to 3.62 million, contributing to a 23% year-over-year rise in commission revenue, totaling $537 million [6]. - Net interest income, the largest revenue category, rose by 21% to $967 million, supported by stronger securities lending activity and higher average customer balances [6]. Group 2: Competitive Advantages - Interactive Brokers is gaining market share through its emphasis on automation and a culture that prioritizes technology and financial discipline, allowing it to compete aggressively on pricing and achieve high profit margins [7]. - The company's pre-tax profit margin reached 79%, up from 67% in the same quarter last year, reflecting its operational efficiency [7]. Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of about 32, which is considered premium, but the strong momentum in customer metrics suggests that the growth potential justifies this valuation [11]. - Compared to Nvidia's valuation of 46 times earnings, Interactive Brokers is viewed as having a better chance of performing well from its current level [11]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The company is expected to continue outperforming Nvidia not just in the current year but potentially over the next five years, supported by sustainable growth factors [13].
Deutsche Bank Maintains "Buy" Rating on Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) Amid Sports Betting Expansion
Financial Modeling Prep· 2025-12-17 19:04
Core Insights - Deutsche Bank maintains a "Buy" rating for Robinhood, indicating confidence in the company's growth potential in the prediction markets and sports betting sectors [1][6] - Robinhood is expanding its offerings by launching sports-focused event contracts, allowing users to wager on individual performances of professional football players, positioning itself against traditional sportsbooks [2][5] Company Overview - Robinhood is known for pioneering commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs via a mobile app, and it is now entering the competitive sports betting market [1][2] - The current stock price of Robinhood is $119.40, reflecting a 3.59% increase, with a market capitalization of approximately $105.68 billion [3][6] Product Launch - The new features enable users to engage in parlay and prop bets on NFL games, with the ability to trade preset combinations of outcomes, totals, and spreads [4][5] - By early 2026, users will have the option to create custom combinations of outcomes across different NFL games, enhancing user engagement and betting options [4] Market Position - Robinhood's entry into the sports betting market is part of a broader strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional stock trading, capitalizing on the growing interest in sports betting [5][6]