The Charles Schwab Corporation - SCHW STOCK NEWS

Charles Schwab's SDBA Indicators Report reveals a 13% year-over-year increase in average account balances to $331,664, with a 31% gain since Q1 2020 lows. Equities hold 35% of assets, with major allocations to large-cap mutual funds and U.S. equity ETFs. Advised accounts average $517,849 vs. non-advised at $288,513. Baby Boomers lead in SDBA balances. The report uses data from around 161,000 retirement plan participants.

Schwab Advisor Services launched its inaugural virtual Technology Forum, bringing together over 150 technology professionals from the independent advisor sector. The event highlighted Schwab's commitment to enhancing its technology platform through third-party integrations, showcasing a new developer portal for streamlined API development. The company reported a 100% increase in API integration partners over the past three years, with over 250 active integrations. Future collaborations aim to unify the Schwab and TD Ameritrade technology platforms, enhancing services for independent investment advisors.

The Charles Schwab Corporation has launched a $3.5 million endowed scholarship program aimed at increasing diversity in the financial services industry. This initiative will provide financial assistance and career opportunities to underrepresented students at seven partner universities, offering scholarships of approximately $10,000 per year.

Additionally, recipients will be eligible for internships at Schwab, enhancing their career prospects. The program underscores Schwab's commitment to inclusivity and aims to strengthen both the company and the industry.

The Charles Schwab Corporation has published its Monthly Activity Report for January 2021. Key metrics include an increase in client assets to $6.8 trillion, a rise in daily average trades by 12% compared to the previous month, and net new assets totaling $50 billion. The report highlights strong client engagement and operational performance, reinforcing Schwab's competitive position in the market. This growth is attributed to favorable market conditions and enhanced service offerings.

The Charles Schwab Corporation clarified its recent trading activities in response to media attention on a group of securities facing a "short-squeeze." The firm confirmed it did not halt or restrict buying or selling of any stocks. However, it adjusted margin requirements for select stocks to ensure clients could cover their purchases. Specifically, margin requirements for GameStop (GME) were set to 100%, prohibiting its use as collateral for margin loans. These measures align with Schwab's risk management practices and aim to balance trading freedom with risk mitigation.

The Charles Schwab Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share, payable on February 26, 2021, to stockholders of record by February 12, 2021. Additionally, the Board announced dividends on various series of Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, including $15.00 for Series C, $14.88 for Series D, $2,312.50 for Series E, $1,343.75 for Series G, and $888.89 for Series H, all payable on March 1, 2021.

The Charles Schwab Corporation reported net income of $1.1 billion for Q4 2020, a 33% increase from Q4 2019. Total net income for the year decreased to $3.3 billion from $3.7 billion in 2019. Net revenues surged by 60% to $4.176 billion in Q4, while annual revenues rose 9% to $11.691 billion. The company recorded $281.9 billion in core net new assets, with total client assets reaching a record $6.69 trillion. Key acquisitions in 2020, including TD Ameritrade, were highlighted as pivotal for growth.

Charles Schwab has launched two new variable annuities, the Schwab Genesis Variable Annuity™ and the Schwab Genesis Advisory Variable Annuity™, in collaboration with Protective Life Insurance Company. These products feature base annuity fees that are 40% to 75% lower than the industry average. The annuities provide flexible investment options with 63 managed portfolios, including a Schwab S&P 500 Index Portfolio with annual expenses of just 0.03%. Both products lack surrender charges and offer additional benefits for guaranteed income and death protection.