Brokerages Set LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LPLA) PT at $379.17

LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LPLA) has been given an average rating of “Moderate Buy” by the thirteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation and twelve have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $379.17.

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on LPLA shares. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of LPL Financial from $389.00 to $414.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of LPL Financial from $390.00 to $405.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of LPL Financial from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Saturday, November 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of LPL Financial from $397.00 to $405.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of LPL Financial from $390.00 to $405.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, January 31st.

LPL Financial Stock Up 1.4 %

Shares of NASDAQ LPLA opened at $367.32 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $27.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.87. LPL Financial has a 52-week low of $187.19 and a 52-week high of $375.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 2.16 and a current ratio of 2.16. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $342.16 and its 200-day moving average price is $282.10.

LPL Financial (NASDAQ:LPLA) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 30th. The financial services provider reported $4.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.01 by $0.24. LPL Financial had a net margin of 8.55% and a return on equity of 49.41%. Equities analysts forecast that LPL Financial will post 19.14 earnings per share for the current year.

LPL Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 25th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 11th will be paid a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 11th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.33%. LPL Financial’s payout ratio is 8.55%.

Insider Transactions at LPL Financial

In related news, Director Aneri Jambusaria sold 305 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.94, for a total transaction of $101,241.70. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 3,920 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,301,204.80. This trade represents a 7.22 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Matthew J. Audette sold 28,777 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $365.14, for a total transaction of $10,507,633.78. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 13,663 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $4,988,907.82. This trade represents a 67.81 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On LPL Financial

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LPLA. Graney & King LLC bought a new position in LPL Financial during the fourth quarter worth about $30,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of LPL Financial in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Paladin Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in LPL Financial in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Brooklyn Investment Group purchased a new stake in LPL Financial in the third quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in LPL Financial by 45.3% in the fourth quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 138 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.66% of the company’s stock.

About LPL Financial

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 enterprises in the United States. Its brokerage offerings include variable and fixed annuities, mutual funds, equities, fixed income, alternative investments, retirement and 529 education savings plans, and insurance.