We are also investors in The Charles Schwab Corp. (NYSE:SCHW), a premier discount brokerage firm offering securities brokerage and other financial services to individual investors and independent financial advisors. We have owned this company since 1992, when the stock was trading at a split adjusted price of around $1 per share. Today, it trades at more than 30 times that amount. Despite this impressive growth, we feel the company still has many opportunities ahead. Management’s emphasis on earning customer trust has made it, in our view, a sterling brand. We believe its premium brand and superior services will allow Schwab to continue winning share in its core business. Additionally, the Investor Services division has broadened its offerings to include investment management and advice. Its recently released product, Schwab Intelligent Portfolio, manages a client’s assets for no additional cost by utilizing proprietary product and the Schwab bank. We believe this complimentary service will be difficult for rivals to match and will create sticky and valuable customer relationships.
From Baron Funds' May 2016 Baron Insight: Investing in Financials.
