Goldman Sachs analyst Conor Fitzgerald upgraded LPL Financial to Conviction Buy from Neutral and raised his price target for the shares to $47 from $44. The company's "considerable leverage" to higher interest rates is being underappreciated by investors, Fitzgerald tells investors in a research note.

LPL Financial announced that financial advisors Chris Mukoda, Brad Travis, Jr., CFP, and David Crouse have joined LPL Financial's broker-dealer, RIA and custodial platforms, aligning with Momentum Wealth Partners, an existing firm supporting LPL-affiliated advisors. They reported serving approximately $415 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets, and join LPL from PNC Investments. With the move, the team - which shares more than 75 years of combined financial services experience - launches Sussex Wealth Partners, an independent financial practice based in the Sussex County town of Lewes, Del. The new practice, located inside a former art gallery, was designed by the team's partner and office manager, Natalie Fowler, and brought to life by her husband, Anthony. The space gives an elevated and intimate feel - much like the experience the Sussex Wealth team strives to offer its wide variety of clients.

LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Clayton Ortloff has launched a new independent practice, Heritage Private Wealth, through affiliation with LPL Financial's supported independence model, LPL Strategic Wealth Services. He reported having served approximately $820 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets and joins LPL from Merrill Lynch. Based in Midland, Texas, the father of three is a third generation Midlander with deep ties to the community. Ortloff started his career in financial services in 2006 right out of college and has steadily built his business serving high-net-worth multigenerational families in oil and gas. He specializes in providing personalized wealth management services that range from diversification strategies and concentrated stock positions to legacy planning and charitable giving. He is supported by a dedicated team that includes Director of Client Relations Gloria Folsom and Wealth Manager Assistants Allison Gordon and Rachael Sawyer.