Stifel Financial Corp (SF)

Stifel's stock experienced strong fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, exceeding analyst expectations, which led to a share price increase in early February 2026. The company announced a three-for-two stock split effective February 27, 2026, and an 11% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend to $0.51 per share. There were routine insider equity compensation transactions, and analyst sentiment was mixed but generally positive. Short interest in Stifel Financial declined in January 2026, signaling diminished bearish sentiment. Broader market sentiment and a pullback in financial services stocks also led to some declines in Stifel's share price. The stock reached an all-time high closing price on January 6, 2026.

Demand for Stifel's products and services can exhibit some seasonality. Client money market and insured product balances have shown seasonal declines in January and April. Investment banking activity can be influenced by market volatility. The overall performance of wealth management and institutional businesses is generally tied to broader market conditions and activity levels, with investment banking noted to be a cyclical business.

Stifel Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services holding company that operates primarily in the financial services sector, offering wealth management, investment banking, and institutional services. The company's business is structured around three main segments: Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and Other. Its major products and services include private client services, securities brokerage services, institutional equity and fixed income, investment banking services, retail and commercial banking services, asset management, and trust and estate services.

Stifel Financial Corp. has a significant presence both domestically and internationally. Its global headquarters are located in St. Louis, Missouri, with other major U.S. locations including Baltimore, Maryland, San Francisco, California, New York City, New York, and Washington D.C. Internationally, Stifel serves clients across Europe, Canada, Asia, and Latin America through its various subsidiaries. The company has approximately 9,000 employees in around 400 global locations as of 2023.

Stifel has maintained a positive reputation, being ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power study for employee advisor satisfaction for the third consecutive year as of July 2025. Forbes recognized Stifel teams and financial advisors on its Best-in-State lists in January and February 2026, respectively. However, the company's reputation has been impacted by significant legal and regulatory challenges, including a FINRA arbitration panel ordering Stifel to pay approximately $132 million and Stifel's subsidiaries agreeing to pay $2.3 million in fines and restitution to settle FINRA claims. A FINRA arbitration panel also denied Stifel's raiding claim and ordered the firm to pay over $7 million in legal fees.

Institutional investors hold a significant portion of Stifel Financial Corp. shares, with approximately 84.83% institutional ownership. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., FMR LLC, Wellington Management Group LLP, and State Street Global Advisors, Inc. Individual investors and smaller shareholders account for 8.82% of ownership, while insiders hold 6.35%. Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO, is the largest individual shareholder.