tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Stifel Financial (SF)
:SF
Advertisement

Stifel Financial (SF) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
289 Followers

Top Page

SF

Stifel Financial

(NYSE:SF)

Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$132.00
▲(14.08% Upside)
Stifel Financial's overall stock score reflects a strong earnings call performance and positive technical indicators, which are the most significant factors. The company's financial performance is moderate, with strengths in cash flow and a stable balance sheet, but challenges in profitability metrics. Valuation is less attractive due to a high P/E ratio. Corporate events further bolster the score with strong asset and deposit growth.
Positive Factors
Capital Markets and Recruitment
Looking ahead, a continued pickup in capital markets activity and positive recruiting trends are expected to provide a tailwind to the stock.
Client Assets
Client assets increased to $501B, reflecting a rise in equity market levels and successful recruiting efforts.
Recruitment and Growth
Recruiting momentum continued to accelerate, with 2Q representing the strongest quarter since 2015, and a healthy pipeline of larger teams should provide a tailwind over the coming quarters.
Negative Factors
Client Cash Decline
A 5% decline in client cash outpaced peers and previous declines, contributing to a negative outlook for the shares.
Client Money Markets
Client money markets and insured product balances fell 1% month-over-month, driven by a decrease in sweep deposits and lower Smart Rate balances.
Investment Banking Revenue
Investment banking guidance indicates a 10% decline in revenue compared to the previous year, partly due to market volatility.

Stifel Financial (SF) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Stifel Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionStifel Financial Corp., a financial services and bank holding company, provides retail and institutional wealth management, and investment banking services to individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and Other. The company provides private client services, including securities transaction and financial planning services; institutional equity and fixed income sales, trading and research, and municipal finance services; investment banking services, such as mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements; and retail and commercial banking services comprising personal and commercial lending programs, as well as deposit accounts. It also participates in and manages underwritings for corporate and public finance; and offers financial advisory and securities brokerage services. The company was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
How the Company Makes MoneyStifel Financial generates revenue through multiple key streams. Primarily, it earns income from Wealth Management services, which include commissions from trading, advisory fees from managed accounts, and performance-based fees. The Institutional Group contributes to revenue through trading and underwriting services, while the Investment Banking segment generates fees from advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements. Additionally, Stifel has strategic partnerships and alliances that enhance its service offerings, and it benefits from a network of offices and advisors that expand its market reach. Overall, the company's diversified revenue model helps mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations and provides steady income across various economic conditions.

Stifel Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 22, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Stifel Financial's second quarter demonstrated strong performance in revenue growth and wealth management, with successful acquisitions and strategic shifts. However, challenges such as a modest decline in advisory revenue and increased non-compensation expenses highlight areas for improvement. The company's strategic focus and market positioning suggest a positive outlook for the second half of the year.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record-Breaking Second Quarter Revenue
Stifel Financial reported a record net revenue of over $1.28 billion, marking a 6% year-over-year growth, despite a challenging start to the quarter.
Strong Performance in Global Wealth Management
Global Wealth Management posted its strongest second quarter ever with record client asset levels of $517 billion and higher net interest income. Stifel ranked #1 in the J.D. Power Advisor Satisfaction Study for the third consecutive year.
Institutional Business Resilience
The Institutional segment saw a 7% year-over-year revenue increase, with record fixed income revenue and a late quarter pickup in investment banking activities.
Successful Acquisition of Bryan Garnier
Stifel completed the acquisition of Bryan Garnier, a European boutique investment bank, to strengthen its focus on advisory and investment banking in Europe.
Growth in Bank M&A Advisory
Stifel advised on 84% of total disclosed bank and thrift deal value in 2025, indicating a strong market share in bank M&A advisory.
Expansion and Recruitment Success
Stifel experienced its strongest recruiting quarter since 2015, adding 82 new advisers, including significant teams from B. Riley.
Negative Updates
Modest Decline in Advisory Revenue
Despite overall revenue growth, advisory revenue saw a modest decline, highlighting a challenge in maintaining growth across all segments.
Higher Non-Compensation Expenses
Non-compensation expenses increased by 7% year-over-year, and the company incurred $28 million in severance and restructuring charges in European operations.
Challenges in the European Market
Stifel's European operations faced challenges, leading to a strategic shift away from sales and trading towards advisory and investment banking.
Company Guidance
During Stifel Financial's Second Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided several insights into its performance and future outlook. Key metrics highlighted included a net revenue of over $1.28 billion, a record for the second quarter, with a core EPS of $1.71 and a return on tangible common equity of 22%. Global Wealth Management achieved record client asset levels at $517 billion, with $206 billion in fee-based assets. The Institutional Group reported total revenue of $420 million, a 7% increase year-over-year, driven by investment banking revenues totaling $233 million. The company added 82 new advisers, contributing $51 million in trailing 12-month production, and completed the acquisition of Bryan Garnier, bolstering its European operations. The firm maintained a compensation ratio of 58% and an operating pretax margin of 20.3%. Stifel's balance sheet remains strong with a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 10.8%, and its tax rate for the quarter was 25.4%. Looking ahead, Stifel expects continued growth in Global Wealth Management and investment banking, supported by strategic acquisitions and efficiency initiatives, while also exploring advances in AI to enhance productivity.

Stifel Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Stifel Financial's financial health is moderate, with strengths in cash flow management and a stable balance sheet. However, the income statement shows areas of concern, particularly in profitability metrics like EBIT and net profit margins. The company should focus on stabilizing revenue growth and enhancing operational efficiency to strengthen financial performance.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Stifel Financial's income statement shows mixed results. The gross profit margin is solid, indicating efficient cost management. However, the recent negative EBIT margin in TTM reflects operational challenges. Net profit margin has declined, suggesting pressure on profitability. Revenue growth is inconsistent, with a recent decline in TTM compared to the previous year.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet is relatively strong, with a reasonable debt-to-equity ratio indicating controlled leverage. The equity ratio is stable, reflecting a solid capital structure. However, return on equity has seen a downward trend, which can be concerning for long-term profitability potential.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals positive trends, with a strong free cash flow to net income ratio, indicating efficient cash generation. Operating cash flow has increased, showcasing robust cash management. However, the free cash flow growth rate is inconsistent, highlighting potential volatility in cash generation.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue6.27B5.95B5.10B4.54B4.68B3.70B
Gross Profit3.41B4.94B4.27B4.33B1.33B849.82M
EBITDA1.05B1.18B788.15M955.33M1.24B0.00
Net Income620.80M731.38M522.54M662.15M824.86M503.47M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets40.38B39.90B37.73B37.20B34.05B26.60B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.03B3.00B3.36B1.67B4.08B4.51B
Total Debt3.03B1.54B2.00B1.17B1.17B1.17B
Total Liabilities34.85B34.21B32.43B31.87B29.01B22.37B
Stockholders Equity5.54B5.69B5.29B5.33B5.03B4.24B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow808.23M416.65M447.35M1.08B683.92M1.59B
Operating Cash Flow888.95M490.44M499.33M1.16B872.09M1.66B
Investing Cash Flow-2.96B-2.31B1.04B-4.32B-6.97B-1.69B
Financing Cash Flow1.35B980.10M-254.58M3.19B5.79B1.20B

Stifel Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price115.71
Price Trends
50DMA
110.29
Positive
100DMA
100.81
Positive
200DMA
102.83
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.37
Positive
RSI
53.33
Neutral
STOCH
57.63
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 115.71 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 113.35, above the 50-day MA of 110.29, and above the 200-day MA of 102.83, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.37 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.33 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 57.63 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SF.

Stifel Financial Risk Analysis

Stifel Financial disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Stifel Financial reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Stifel Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$5.32B19.4650.41%3.52%10.40%91.75%
78
Outperform
$13.80B33.0920.38%1.19%23.39%29.86%
77
Outperform
$12.26B28.8929.16%1.03%23.24%55.76%
77
Outperform
$11.82B21.9411.11%1.59%8.76%10.32%
76
Outperform
$5.82B27.7517.91%1.75%10.46%50.47%
68
Neutral
$18.05B11.7310.24%3.73%9.66%1.70%
68
Neutral
$13.23B24.305.75%2.39%1.00%46.98%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SF
Stifel Financial
115.71
33.71
41.11%
EVR
Evercore Partners
318.14
86.87
37.56%
JEF
Jefferies
64.97
10.22
18.67%
LAZ
Lazard
56.82
11.25
24.69%
PIPR
Piper Sandler
331.51
77.24
30.38%
HLI
Houlihan Lokey
197.46
50.45
34.32%

Stifel Financial Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Stifel Financial Reports Strong Asset and Deposit Growth
Positive
Aug 28, 2025

On August 28, 2025, Stifel Financial Corp. reported its operating results for July 31, 2025. The company experienced significant growth in total client assets and fee-based client assets, increasing by 9% and 14% year-over-year, respectively. Treasury deposits surged by 87%, offsetting declines in client money market and insured product balances, while bank loans rose by 1%, driven by increased fund banking and residential lending. This performance highlights Stifel’s strong market position and resilience in asset and deposit growth.

Financial Disclosures
Stifel Financial Reports May 2025 Operating Results
Neutral
Jun 26, 2025

On June 26, 2025, Stifel Financial Corp. reported its operating results for May 31, 2025, highlighting a 3% increase in total client assets and a 4% rise in fee-based assets due to recruiting and market appreciation. Despite a slight decline in client money market and insured product levels, investment banking activity showed signs of recovery after being affected by market volatility in April, with expectations of a 10% decrease in investment banking revenue for the quarter compared to the same period in 2024.

Executive/Board Changes
Stifel Financial Announces Co-President Victor Nesi’s Retirement
Neutral
Jun 11, 2025

On June 6, 2025, Stifel Financial Corp. announced the retirement of Victor Nesi, Co-President and Head of the Institutional Group, effective July 1, 2025. Nesi, who has been with the company since 2009, will join the Board of Directors upon his retirement. Under his leadership, the Institutional Group saw significant growth, with revenues increasing from $391 million in 2008 to $2.2 billion in 2021. His strategic vision and leadership have positioned the group for continued success, and he leaves behind a seasoned leadership team to carry forward the firm’s culture and momentum.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Stifel Financial Holds Annual Shareholders Meeting
Neutral
Jun 4, 2025

On June 4, 2025, Stifel Financial Corp. held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where eleven directors were elected to serve until the 2026 annual meeting. Additionally, shareholders approved the executive compensation and ratified KPMG LLP as the independent public accounting firm for 2025. The meeting saw a significant shareholder turnout, with 97,820,030 shares represented, indicating strong engagement in corporate governance matters.

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: Aug 29, 2025