Schwab not interersted in buying 'balance sheet challenges'

Schwab not interersted in buying 'balance sheet challenges'
Comment by brokerage's CEO likely to tamp down rumors about E*Trade acquisition
NOV 02, 2011
By  John Goff
Charles Schwab Corp. Chief Executive Officer Walt Bettinger said the U.S. brokerage wouldn't aim to buy companies with “balance sheet challenges” that could hurt his online brokerage's earnings growth. “We're not anxious to take on balance sheet challenges that run the risk of derailing the long-term opportunity for us to deliver to shareholders,” Bettinger said today during an update on the San Francisco-based company's business. “I can't imagine us considering seriously something that would put that earnings growth at risk down the line.” E*Trade Financial Corp., a Schwab competitor, hired Morgan Stanley in July to consider strategic options including a company sale. E*Trade shares had plunged 94 percent in four years following more than $3 billion of mortgage losses. In July, analysts at Raymond James Financial Inc. and Sandler O'Neill & Partners LP said Schwab and TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. would be the most likely buyers of E*Trade. Schwab completed its acquisitions of OptionsXpress Holdings Inc. last month, adding the retail options brokerage founded in 2000 to its equity and mutual fund holdings. Citadel LLC, E*Trade's largest shareholder, has been pushing this year for the New York-based firm to consider a sale to maximize shareholder value after what it called “catastrophic losses.” --Bloomberg News

Latest News

No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place
No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place

While industry statistics pointing to a succession crisis can cause alarm, advisor-owners should be free to consider a middle path between staying solo and catching the surging wave of M&A.

Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age
Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age

New joint research by T. Rowe Price, MIT, and Stanford University finds more diverse asset allocations among older participants.

Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones
Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones

With its asset pipeline bursting past $13 billion, Farther is looking to build more momentum with three new managing directors.

Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor
Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor

A Department of Labor proposal to scrap a regulatory provision under ERISA could create uncertainty for fiduciaries, the trade association argues.

LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors
LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors

"We continue to feel confident about our ability to capture 90%," LPL CEO Rich Steinmeier told analysts during the firm's 2nd quarter earnings call.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.