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St. James's Place PLC (GB:STJ)
LSE:STJ

St. James's Place (STJ) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:STJ

St. James's Place

(LSE:STJ)

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Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
1,646.00p
▲(8.54% Upside)
The score reflects a solid technical uptrend and a positive operating narrative from the latest earnings call (strong inflows, record FUM, improving underlying cash result). Offsetting these positives, financial performance is held back by volatile results and notably weak/uneven cash generation, while valuation is only moderately attractive given the low dividend yield.
Positive Factors
High and growing FUM and net inflows
Record FUM and materially stronger net inflows are durable drivers for a fee-based wealth manager: higher assets under management expand recurring management fee revenue and scale fund administration economics, supporting sustainable top-line and operating leverage over months to years.
Strong adviser network and client retention
A high adviser-engagement model and >95% client retention indicate a sticky distribution moat. Persistent adviser relationships reduce churn, preserve recurring fees, and lower acquisition cost, supporting predictable revenue and long-term client lifetime value for the business.
Moderate leverage and rebound in ROE
Moderate debt levels (D/E ~0.49) combined with a strong ROE rebound (~31%) provide financial flexibility to invest in growth or support buybacks. This balance sheet positioning improves resilience versus highly leveraged peers and helps sustain strategic initiatives over multiple years.
Negative Factors
Weak and volatile cash generation
Materially negative operating and free cash flow in 2024 and prior large outflows indicate inconsistent cash conversion. This volatility constrains reinvestment, dividend/buyback sustainability and increases funding risk if market flows weaken, undermining long-term financial stability.
Volatile revenue and thin net margins
A business that shows shrinking revenue and low net margins reduces earnings resilience through economic cycles. Thin margins limit the firm's ability to absorb increased costs or pricing pressure, making profitability and dividends more sensitive to market shocks over the medium term.
Execution and regulatory risk from charging changes
Implementing a new charging structure and revising provision methodology (influenced by FCA guidance) pose multi-month execution and regulatory risks. Disruption could affect adviser behavior, client flows and future provisioning, introducing structural uncertainty into revenue and cash outcomes.

St. James's Place (STJ) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

St. James's Place Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSt. James's Place plc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm launches and manages equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds for its clients. It invests in public equity and fixed income market across the globe. The firm was formerly known as St. James's Place Capital plc. St. James's Place plc was founded in 1991 and is based in Cirencester, United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneySt. James's Place makes money primarily through the management of client funds and the provision of financial advice. The company charges fees based on the value of the assets under management (AUM), which include initial charges, annual management fees, and other advisory fees. Revenue is also generated from the performance of investment funds managed by the company. STJ benefits from its extensive network of independent advisers and partnerships, which help in acquiring new clients and expanding its AUM. Additionally, the company earns from offering various insurance and banking services. The long-term relationships and trust built with clients contribute significantly to its earnings by ensuring consistent inflow and retention of client assets.

St. James's Place Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 31, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 25, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a positive outlook for St. James's Place, highlighting strong financial performance, increased net inflows, and successful strategic initiatives. However, challenges such as the transition to a new charging structure and ongoing economic uncertainties were noted. Overall, the positive highlights outweigh the lowlights, suggesting a strong position for future growth.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Net Inflows and FUM
SJP achieved net inflows that were double what they were in the first half of 2024, with FUM standing at a record GBP 198.5 billion at the end of June.
Strong Financial Results
Growth in the underlying cash result of 17% was driven by improving new business flows, rising FUM, and cost control.
Successful Implementation of Key Programs
SJP is on track to implement simpler charges and is releasing provisions held against historic ongoing servicing, returning this to shareholders through a buyback.
Improved Adviser and Client Engagement
No significant changes in adviser headcount or departures, with continued strong client engagement and support.
Positive Client Retention Rates
Client retention improved to above 95%, attributed to strong adviser-client relationships and improved brand perception.
Negative Updates
Provision Release and Methodology Changes
The provision release was influenced by FCA guidance and experience changes, indicating ongoing adjustments and uncertainties.
Challenges with New Charging Structure Transition
Concerns about the transition to a new charging structure potentially causing disruption, though extensive testing has been conducted.
Market Uncertainty and Economic Conditions
Ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and potential impacts on client behavior and confidence.
Company Guidance
In the recent call, St. James's Place (SJP) provided key insights into its strong financial performance and strategic direction. Notably, the company achieved net inflows that were double the amount from the first half of 2024, and its funds under management (FUM) reached a record GBP 198.5 billion by the end of June 2025. The underlying cash result grew by 17%, attributed to improved new business flows, rising FUM, and effective cost control. SJP is on track to implement a new charging structure within a month, aimed at simplifying charges, and continues to make progress on its strategic programs, including a revised approach to reviewing historical servicing. As a result, part of the provision held against potential liabilities will be returned to shareholders through a buyback. The company remains committed to doubling its underlying cash result by 2030, emphasizing its confidence in sustained growth and success.

St. James's Place Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financial quality is mixed. The balance sheet is relatively solid with moderate leverage (debt-to-equity ~0.49) and a strong profitability rebound in 2024 (ROE ~31%), but revenue/earnings are volatile and cash generation is a clear weakness with materially negative operating and free cash flow in 2024.
Income Statement
54
Neutral
Revenue has been volatile, including a decline in 2024 (down 3.6%) after modest growth in 2023, which limits confidence in the growth trajectory. Profitability is mixed: net income returned to a solid profit in 2024 after a small loss in 2023, but net margins remain thin (about 1.5% in 2024) versus stronger levels earlier in the period. Operating profitability also looks inconsistent year-to-year, suggesting earnings quality and underlying performance can swing materially.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
Leverage appears moderate with debt-to-equity around 0.49 in 2024 (and generally in a mid-range historically), which provides balance sheet flexibility. Equity has grown versus 2023, and returns on equity are strong in 2024 (about 31%), rebounding from negative levels in 2023. The key weakness is variability in shareholder returns across years, indicating that profitability (and therefore balance sheet strength) may be sensitive to business/market conditions.
Cash Flow
38
Negative
Cash generation is a clear weak spot recently: operating cash flow and free cash flow were both materially negative in 2024, following another large cash outflow in 2022, pointing to inconsistent cash conversion. While there were strong cash inflows in 2021 and positive operating cash flow in 2023, the pattern is lumpy and raises risk around the sustainability of distributions and reinvestment capacity. Overall, cash flow volatility detracts from financial quality despite occasional strong years.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue17.02B25.86B18.89B-7.48B17.76B8.08B
Gross Profit3.20B25.86B2.72B-21.25B2.50B2.13B
EBITDA974.00M0.00496.30M49.40M890.10M457.90M
Net Income512.60M398.40M-10.10M406.80M286.70M262.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets203.80B194.88B172.29B151.64B155.65B129.79B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments370.10M5.66B285.40M6.43B7.83B6.72B
Total Debt401.60M624.00M371.90M280.40M557.10M474.60M
Total Liabilities202.43B193.60B171.31B150.38B154.53B128.68B
Stockholders Equity1.37B1.27B983.40M1.26B1.12B1.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow384.30M-664.40M-3.50M-1.07B1.41B-150.90M
Operating Cash Flow384.80M-655.70M18.60M-1.05B1.43B-124.10M
Investing Cash Flow-12.60M-17.00M-35.20M232.50M-25.10M-49.20M
Financing Cash Flow-470.40M132.30M-209.50M-580.50M-231.60M-179.80M

St. James's Place Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price1516.50
Price Trends
50DMA
1420.09
Positive
100DMA
1361.00
Positive
200DMA
1260.93
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
32.50
Negative
RSI
58.17
Neutral
STOCH
74.10
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:STJ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 1516.5 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1488.85, above the 50-day MA of 1420.09, and above the 200-day MA of 1260.93, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 32.50 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 58.17 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 74.10 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:STJ.

St. James's Place Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
82
Outperform
£7.30B9.7022.59%2.99%6.00%-24.29%
77
Outperform
£7.15B20.018.30%5.37%4.78%-4.86%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
£515.29M7.1014.70%4.39%-7.52%50.23%
67
Neutral
£7.56B-11.89-49.24%7.48%-34.62%-19.20%
62
Neutral
£7.92B16.3741.51%1.06%-36.55%
61
Neutral
£7.36B-126.06-1.53%7.09%9.86%-134.41%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:STJ
St. James's Place
1,516.50
464.02
44.09%
GB:BEZ
Beazley
1,240.00
426.79
52.48%
GB:IPF
International Personal Finance
235.00
118.80
102.24%
GB:PHNX
Phoenix Group Holdings
754.50
281.69
59.58%
GB:SDR
Schroders
461.20
118.62
34.62%
GB:MNG
M&G Plc
310.10
119.06
62.32%

St. James's Place Corporate Events

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
St. James’s Place Confirms Total Voting Rights at 527.2 Million Shares
Neutral
Feb 2, 2026

St. James’s Place plc reported that as of 30 January 2026 its issued share capital comprises 527,166,135 ordinary shares of 15p each, all carrying voting rights, with no shares held in treasury. This announcement confirms the company’s total voting rights, providing shareholders and market participants with the denominator needed to assess and disclose any notifiable holdings or changes in interests under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:STJ) stock is a Buy with a £1950.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on St. James’s Place stock, see the GB:STJ Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
St. James’s Place Hits Record £220bn Assets on Strong Inflows and Investment Gains
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

St. James’s Place reported a strong 2025 performance, with gross inflows rising 19% to £21.9 billion and a high retention rate of 94.9% driving a 42% increase in net inflows to £6.2 billion. Combined with robust investment returns equivalent to 12.4% of opening funds under management, total assets under management reached a record £220.0 billion, up 16% year-on-year. Management said the Autumn Budget uncertainty boosted demand for advice, while the new, simpler charging structure was successfully embedded, contributing to elevated client engagement in the third quarter and a temporary slowdown early in the fourth. The firm also noted short‑term, tax-driven pension outflows as clients brought forward tax‑free cash withdrawals, but said outflows and engagement had normalised by late Q4 and into early 2026. With progress on historic service evidence reviews and its cost and efficiency programme, SJP positions these results as reinforcing its strategy to strengthen the business and extend its leadership in the UK wealth management market.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:STJ) stock is a Hold with a £1350.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on St. James’s Place stock, see the GB:STJ Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
St. James’s Place Confirms Total Voting Rights at Year-End 2025
Neutral
Jan 2, 2026

St. James’s Place plc has confirmed that as of 31 December 2025 its issued share capital comprised 527,112,135 ordinary shares of 15 pence each, all carrying voting rights, with no shares held in treasury. This total represents the company’s full voting rights base and serves as the reference figure shareholders must use when assessing whether their holdings trigger disclosure obligations under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s transparency rules, reinforcing the firm’s compliance with market reporting standards and providing clarity for investors on capital structure and reporting thresholds.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:STJ) stock is a Hold with a £1462.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on St. James’s Place stock, see the GB:STJ Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
St. James’s Place Announces Total Voting Rights and Capital Update
Neutral
Dec 1, 2025

St. James’s Place plc has announced its total voting rights and capital, revealing an issued share capital of 527,072,260 ordinary shares with voting rights as of November 28, 2025. This update is in line with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 5.6.1, and shareholders can use this figure to determine their notification requirements under FCA rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:STJ) stock is a Buy with a £15.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on St. James’s Place stock, see the GB:STJ Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
St. James’s Place Announces Total Voting Rights and Capital
Neutral
Nov 5, 2025

St. James’s Place plc has announced its total voting rights and capital as of October 31, 2025. The company’s issued share capital consists of 527,060,010 ordinary shares, each with voting rights, and no shares are held in Treasury. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:STJ) stock is a Buy with a £1590.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on St. James’s Place stock, see the GB:STJ Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 30, 2025