Stock Comparison - The Charles Schwab Corporation, TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., and E-Trade Financial Corporation

Shares of E-Trade Financial Corporation (ETFC) have been in the news recently, first on word that ex-CEO Mitchell Caplan was selling stock and then with the story of his $10.9 million payout. The stock has been hit over the last few months but that same fate has not been suffered The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) or TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (AMTD). The chart below shows the relative performance over the last six months.

Chart Courtesy of Thomson Financial

Shares of E-Trade Financial have lost more than 80% while those of TD Ameritrade have been holding flat. Charles Schwab Corporation, however, has managed to earn a moderate gain. Now look to the analysts ratings on these stocks. According to Zacks:

• 5 of 12 analysts rank SCHW with a "buy" rating
• 6 of 9 analysts rank AMTD with a "buy" rating
• 0 of 10 analysts rank ETFC with a "buy" rating

Shares of SCHW have been the best performing of the three but have less enthusiasm directed on them than TD Ameritrade. Shares of ETFC are the least liked, but that skepticism isn't out of line with the price action. As I said recently , it seems like a basing period is needed may be needed.

Based on the data above, SCHW appears to be the most interesting situation. Below is the weekly chart that shows the stock has is still locked in a longer-term uptrend.

Chart Courtesy of Thomson Financial

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