SF

Stifel raised Home Depot’s price target to $340 but kept a Hold rating. The firm said Home Depot’s premium valuation requires a meaningful housing and home-improvement recovery to support further upside. RBC Capital raised Home Depot’s target to $343, citing supply-chain investments and a strong store network. Home Depot (HD) stock gained overnight as investors positioned ahead of earnings, with the retailer set to report second-quarter (Q2) results before Tuesday’s market open. Stifel raised its price target, citing the company’s relative strength but flagged the need for a broader home-improvement recovery. Stifel raised Home Depot’s price target to $340 from $320 while maintaining a ‘Hold’ recommendation, signaling confidence in the retailer’s relative position, but Stifel still sees reasons for investors to remain cautious. See what 10M+ investors are talking about. Get the Stocktwits Daily Rip for what retail is watching right now, free to your inbox Stifel said Home Depot trades at a premium to rival Lowe’s Companies Inc. (LOW), reflecting what analysts view as stronger operating positioning and additional opportunities tied to professional customers. The company’s Pro business serves contractors and other industry customers, making it an important part of the longer-term investment case. Home Depot trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 24, while Lowe’s is at a multiple of 18.2, according to Koyfin data. Stifel believes Home Depot may need a substantial improvement in the broader home-improvement market before investors become comfortable assigning the stock a higher valuation multiple. A stronger housing and renovation environment could provide the catalyst needed to support further upside. Home Depot stock edged 0.6% higher overnight, ahead of Tuesday. Last week, RBC Capital also lifted its price target on HD to $343 from $340 while retaining a ‘Sector Perform’ rating. The firm highlighted Home Depot’s investments in its distribution network and its valuable store footprint as advantages that could help the retailer capture additional markeshare. RBC added that Home Depot’s physical presence and efforts to improve its supply chain could allow the company to compete more effectively as smaller or less-efficient players exit or lose ground. However, the firm cautioned that investors may already be pricing in a relatively quick rebound in housing activity. That leaves less room for disappointment if the recovery develops more slowly than the market currently anticipates. According to Fiscal Ai data, analysts see Home Depot posting $47.23 billion in Q2 revenue with earnings of $4.73 per share. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock remained in ‘extremely bullish’ territory. The stock saw an 840% surge in message volume over the past week with a 0.3% gain in watchers. A user said, “Much of this earnings comes down to whether or not the Pro segment is making up for the drop in housing renovation projects.” HD stock has dropped nearly 2% year-to-date. Also See: Why Did EYPT, STLA, ENVX Stocks Plunge To 52-Week Lows Today? For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com. Shivani Kumaresan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this article. StockTwits' news team content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. For more, see our editorial policy. This article was originally published on StockTwits. Related: Chinese Tech Giants Pivot Away From Gaming To Fuel Artificial Intelligence Race SpaceX Guides Intact Starship To Christmas Island After 24 Days At Sea Ahead Of Next Flight Test Apple Overhauls EU App Store Policies to Settle Long-Standing Antitrust Dispute

The brokerage lowered its price target to $26 from $32, with the new level representing around 42% upside from current levels. Intuitive Machines ended the quarter ended June 30 with a record backlog of about $1.8 billion. According to Koyfin data, the stock has a consensus 12-month price target of $31.67. Intuitive Machines (LUNR) was in the spotlight on Friday after the space infrastructure company received an upgrade from Stifel following its surging backlog despite second-quarter earnings that came in below Wall Street’s estimates. LUNR stock gained around 5% in pre-market trading and is on track to gain for a fourth straight session. See what 10M+ investors are talking about. Get the Stocktwits Daily Rip for what retail is watching right now, free to your inbox Stifel upgraded Intuitive Machines to ‘Buy’ from ‘Hold,’ according to The Fly, adding that the company’s “backlog surge” is important, after the company reported a second-quarter (Q2) revenue and earnings miss. Despite posting a record quarterly revenue of $206.2 million, more than four times the $50.3 million reported a year earlier, it missed Wall Street’s estimate of about $221.1 million, according to Fiscal.ai. The company’s loss widened to $0.29 per share from $0.22 a year earlier and missed the expected $0.10 per share loss. However, Intuitive Machines ended the quarter with a record backlog of about $1.8 billion, up $1.5 billion from the end of 2025. It has also secured $300 million in awards so far this quarter from commercial, civil, and national-security customers. Stifel cited the upgrade to the company’s order acceleration and the stock’s attractive valuation. The brokerage lowered the price target to $26 from $32, but it still represents around 42% upside from current levels. According to Koyfin, the stock has a consensus 12-month price target of $31.67. Seven of nine analysts covering the stock have a ‘Buy’ rating, one ‘Hold’ rating, and one ‘Sell’ rating. Intuitive Machines maintained its full-year 2026 revenue outlook of $900 million to $1 billion and expects positive adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and tax. It ended the quarter with $367 million in cash. Retail sentiment surrounding LUNR on Stocktwits remained ‘extremely bullish’ over the past 24 hours, amid a 320% jump in message volumes. One user said the stock could climb to $50. Another user said a revaluation of the stock “could be on the horizon,” given the backlog growth. LUNR shares have gained around 13% so far in 2026. Also read: AST SpaceMobile Gets FCC Nod To Test 800 MHz Satellite Connectivity – A Look At The Key Highlights For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com. Arnab Paul has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this article. StockTwits' news team content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. For more, see our editorial policy. This article was originally published on StockTwits. Related: NVDA Discloses $21B Stake In SpaceX — Elon Musk’s Rocket Firm Becomes Nvidia’s No. 2 Holding Berkshire Hathaway Makes Alphabet Its No. 3 Holding After 48M Share Buy Berkshire Hathaway Makes Alphabet Its No. 3 Holding After 48M Share Buy

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend on shares of its common stock of $0.34 per share, payable September 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2026. The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend on the outstanding shares of its 6.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), 6.125% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and 4.50% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series D (the “Series D Preferred Stock”). The declared cash dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, and Series D Preferred Stock is for the period from June 16, 2026, up to, but excluding, September 15, 2026. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.390625 per depositary share, or $390.625 per share of the Series B Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.3828125 per depositary share, or $382.8125 per share of the Series C Preferred Stock outstanding. The declared cash dividend equated to approximately $0.281250 per depositary share, or $281.250 per share of the Series D Preferred Stock outstanding. The cash dividends are payable on September 15, 2026 to shareholders of record on September 1, 2026. The Company’s Series B Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrB”, the Company’s Series C Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrC”, and the Company’s Series D Preferred Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF PrD.” Stifel Company Information Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a diversified financial services firm providing wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services to individuals, institutions, and municipalities. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm operates more than 400 offices across the United States and in major global financial centers. As a firm where success meets success, Stifel works closely with retail and institutional clients aiming to transform opportunities into achievement. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit https://www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases. Stifel Investor Relations ContactJoel Jeffrey, Senior Vice President(212) 271-3610 [email protected]

Find your next quality investment with Simply Wall St's easy and powerful screener, trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Stifel Financial (SF) stock is in focus after the company reported second quarter 2026 results that exceeded revenue and earnings expectations, highlighting stronger wealth management trends, a rebound in investment banking, and ongoing share repurchases. See our latest analysis for Stifel Financial. Investors have reacted positively to Stifel Financial's stronger quarter, with a 1-month share price return of 16.67% and a 7-day gain of 4.74% lifting the stock to $80.82. A 3-year total shareholder return of 104.32% points to substantial longer term wealth creation, even as the year to date share price return is still down 5.52%. If this earnings driven move has you thinking about where else momentum and quality might intersect, it could be worth scanning 18 top founder-led companies Bulls see Stifel Financial’s record quarter, AI driven productivity gains, and buybacks as support for a higher multiple, while bears worry about an 18% premium to intrinsic value. Which side fits the current valuation? Stifel Financial’s most followed narrative pegs fair value at $85.88, slightly above the $80.82 last close. This frames the current rally as still leaving some headroom. Read the complete narrative. Curious what justifies a higher fair value than today’s price? The narrative leans heavily on compounding earnings, steadier revenue progress, and a richer profit profile over time. According to this widely followed view, a discount rate of 8.22% and a moderate valuation multiple on future earnings are doing much of the heavy lifting in the $85.88 estimate. Those inputs sit against Stifel Financial’s current P/E in the low teens and a share price that is still below the latest consensus target of $87.75, while its own internal DCF view points to a different conclusion with a future cash flow value of $68.48. For readers weighing the bull and bear arguments, the key trade off is clear: supportive analyst style assumptions around earnings growth and margins against a market price that already embeds a premium to that DCF output. Whether that 5.9% narrative discount to fair value is enough of a margin will come down to how comfortable you are with those growth, profitability, and discount rate inputs holding over time. Result: Fair Value of $85.88 (UNDERVALUED) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, Stifel Financial’s narrative also leans on markets staying supportive for client activity, while legal costs and any weaker loan demand could challenge the current optimism. Find out about the key risks to this Stifel Financial narrative. While the popular narrative tags Stifel Financial as 5.9% undervalued at a fair value of $85.88, the Simply Wall St DCF model points in the opposite direction. On that approach, SF’s current $80.82 share price sits above an intrinsic value estimate of $68.48, suggesting limited upside and less room for error. That kind of gap leaves a simple question: which set of assumptions feels more realistic to you? For a closer look at how the cash flow assumptions stack up, including discount rate and growth inputs, Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value. Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Stifel Financial for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 49 high quality undervalued stocks. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match - so you never miss a potential opportunity. If the split views on Stifel Financial leave you undecided, now is a good time to examine the underlying data yourself and test the assumptions. To see what is driving optimism and to pressure test your own stance against those factors, take a closer look at the 4 key rewards. If Stifel Financial has sharpened your focus, do not stop here. Use the Simply Wall St screener to uncover other stocks that could fit your approach. Target income you can actually measure by reviewing companies in the 9 dividend fortresses. Chase quality at a sensible entry point by assessing opportunities in the screener containing 19 high quality undiscovered gems. Protect your downside first by filtering for companies in the 79 resilient stocks with low risk scores. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SF. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

Find winning stocks in any market cycle. Join 7 million investors using Simply Wall St's investing ideas for FREE. Stifel Financial’s stock has more than doubled over the past three years, yet the valuation checks are split, with the intrinsic value estimate from the Excess Returns model pointing to a premium while earnings-based multiples still make the shares look relatively undemanding. The 104.3% return over three years sets a high bar for fresh buyers, as a lot of good news may already be reflected in Stifel Financial’s share price. Recent growth in client assets and revenue can support higher earnings expectations, while any disappointment in profitability or capital deployment plans may weigh on what investors are willing to pay for the stock. A value score of 3 out of 6 gives Stifel Financial a mixed picture rather than a clear bargain or clear overvaluation across the broader checks. The issue now is whether the current price of Stifel Financial already fully reflects its recent performance and growth profile, or if there is still room for valuation upside from here. Stifel Financial delivered 9.4% returns over the last year. See how this stacks up to the rest of the Capital Markets industry. The Excess Returns model looks at how much profit Stifel Financial earns on its equity compared with the return shareholders require. For Stifel Financial, the inputs suggest the company is generating returns above that hurdle rate, but not at a level that points to a large margin of safety at today’s price. The model uses a Book Value of $34.45 per share and a Stable EPS of $4.65 per share, based on the median return on equity from the past 5 years, against a Cost of Equity of $3.41 per share. That leaves an Excess Return of $1.24 per share, supported by an average return on equity of 11.17% and a Stable Book Value assumption of $41.66 per share from analyst estimates. Putting these together results in an intrinsic value estimate of $68.48 per share, which indicates that, under this model, Stifel Financial is around 18.0% overvalued relative to its current share price. The recent record Q2 2026 results help explain why the market price sits above the Excess Returns estimate. On this model, Stifel Financial stock appears overvalued at current levels. Our Excess Returns analysis suggests Stifel Financial may be overvalued by 18.0%. Discover 49 high quality undervalued stocks or create your own screener to find better value opportunities. Head to the Valuation section of our Company Report for more details on how we arrive at this Fair Value for Stifel Financial. P/E is a good fit for Stifel Financial because earnings are a key focus for investors in capital markets companies. On this measure, Stifel Financial trades on a P/E of 13.4x, compared with a peer average of 16.2x and a broader capital markets industry average of 39.3x, so the stock sits at a clear discount to both direct peers and the wider group. The tailored fair P/E ratio for Stifel Financial, which reflects its growth profile, margins, risk and size, is 15.5x. That is above the current 13.4x, indicating the market is pricing the stock below what this framework suggests for a company with these characteristics. The gap suggests investors are not paying up fully for the current earnings level, even after record Q2 2026 revenue and earnings were reported. On the P/E multiple, Stifel Financial stock appears undervalued relative to what its earnings profile and peer group would usually command. See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown. Simply Wall St Narratives take the valuation puzzle around Stifel Financial and translate it into specific assumptions about future growth, margins and earnings that would need to hold for the stock to be worth materially more or less than today’s price. These narratives sit on the company’s Community page. Each narrative links a fair value estimate to a particular story about Stifel Financial's potential catalysts and risks, so you can track over time which scenario appears to be unfolding. Community views on Stifel Financial sit on a wide spectrum, from buyback and adviser growth optimism to concerns about costs and balance sheet risk. Bull case: 6% undervalued Read the full Bull Case to see why Stifel Financial could be undervalued Bear case: 8% overvalued Read the full Bear Case to see why Stifel Financial could be overvalued Do you think there's more to the story for Stifel Financial? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying! For Stifel Financial, the Excess Returns intrinsic value estimate points to the stock being overvalued, while the P/E comparison suggests it is undervalued versus peers and its tailored fair multiple. That split largely comes down to the intrinsic view focusing on the cost of equity and capital intensity, while the market multiple leans on how much investors are willing to pay for the current earnings profile. With the broader checks looking mixed rather than strongly cheap or expensive, the key question from here is whether Stifel Financial can sustain earnings quality and capital deployment in a way that convinces the market to keep paying up for the stock. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SF. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

In the past week, Stifel Financial Corp. reported second-quarter 2026 results showing revenue of US$1,638.78 million and net income of US$226.48 million, with basic earnings per share from continuing operations of US$1.41. For the first half of 2026, profits grew faster than sales and the firm continued returning capital to shareholders by repurchasing 2,419,000 shares for US$177.04 million under its long-running buyback program. We’ll now examine how this earnings acceleration, particularly in investment banking, reshapes Stifel Financial’s investment narrative and future potential. Explore 26 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. To own Stifel, you need to believe its mix of wealth management and investment banking can convert solid client relationships into resilient fee and commission income, while disciplined costs protect margins. The latest results show profits rising faster than revenue, but the key near term catalyst remains investment banking activity, which can be sensitive to capital markets conditions. The biggest current risk is that market volatility and policy uncertainty reduce client activity and deal flow; this update does not remove that concern. The second quarter earnings release is most relevant here, with revenue of US$1,638.78 million and net income of US$226.48 million, helped by stronger investment banking. For the first half, profits grew faster than sales and the company continued its long running buyback, repurchasing 2,419,000 shares for US$177.04 million, which matters for investors focused on per share metrics and capital return as a support for the investment case. Yet, against this progress, the risk that legal and regulatory issues could still pressure expenses and margins is something investors should be aware of if... Read the full narrative on Stifel Financial (it's free!) Stifel Financial's narrative projects $6.5 billion revenue and $1.2 billion earnings by 2029. This requires 4.5% yearly revenue growth and an earnings increase of about $355 million from $844.9 million today. Uncover how Stifel Financial's forecasts yield a $85.88 fair value, a 6% upside to its current price. Some of the lowest estimate analysts paint a much tougher backdrop, even assuming revenue around US$5.8 billion and earnings of about US$1.4 billion by 2029, so if you are weighing today’s strong investment banking driven quarter against that more cautious view on balance sheet and credit risks, it is worth recognising how far apart reasonable opinions can be and considering how both narratives might shift after this latest report. Explore 3 other fair value estimates on Stifel Financial - why the stock might be worth 15% less than the current price! Don't just follow the ticker - dig into the data and build a conviction that's truly your own. A great starting point for your Stifel Financial research is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards that could impact your investment decision. Our free Stifel Financial research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Stifel Financial's overall financial health at a glance. The market won't wait. These fast-moving stocks are hot now. Grab the list before they run: Invest in the nuclear renaissance through our list of 90 elite nuclear energy infrastructure plays powering the global AI revolution. Outshine the giants: these 17 early-stage AI stocks could fund your retirement. We've uncovered the 9 dividend fortresses yielding 5%+ that don't just survive market storms, but thrive in them. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include SF. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

Stifel Financial (SF) had the kind of quarter that generally makes for an effortless earnings tale. Revenue exceeded expectations. Profits outpaced sales growth. Investment banking bounced back, wealth management revenue hit a record, and the firm bought back $177 million of its own stock. But Stifel CEO Ron Kruszewski gave investors a more meaningful takeaway. The company previously said it would have to hire fewer staff due to its artificial intelligence adoption. But Stifel is finding that the technology is helping advisers, bankers, and analysts discover more opportunities, making talented professionals more valuable rather than replacing them. That’s important because wealth-management stocks have occasionally fallen on expectations that AI may automate financial advice and squeeze fees. Stifel’s results suggest a different outcome: AI may wipe out regular jobs but make trusted advisors more productive. Shares jumped 2.2% to $79.31 on July 22 following the release. Stifel's net revenue came in at $1.45 billion in the second quarter, up 13% year over year and about $20 million above consensus estimates. Adjusted earnings jumped 25% to $1.42 a share, above the $1.33 projection, Investing.com reported. GAAP net income available to common shareholders climbed 49% to $217.2 million, while diluted EPS rose to $1.34. Related: Stifel resets AMD price target for rest of 2026 That makes a difference. The adjusted number excludes merger-related and other specific costs, while the GAAP number is the company’s reported bottom line, according to Business Insider. Both metrics demonstrated meaningful profit growth, driven by higher revenues and lower expense ratios. Global Wealth Management posted record net revenue of $956.5 million, up 13%, Business Insider noted. Client assets were $580.1 billion, and fee-based assets climbed to $239.8 billion, up 16%. Those data don't show advisers have unlimited pricing power. But they do reflect clients still trusting human advisers with sizable investments as automated investing and generative AI get more sophisticated. “AI is making information more abundant. That only increases the value of judgment, trust, and relationships,” Kruszewski said during the earnings call. The AI story provides the intrigue, but investment banking drove much of the financial acceleration in the quarter. Revenue from Stifel’s Institutional Group rose 15% to $480.7 million. Investment-banking revenue increased 42%, with advisory revenue up 24% and equity capital raising up 121%. Pipelines for investment banking remain healthy across health care, industrials, technology, energy, and financial services, management said. That diversification is important, since Stifel's advisory business is sometimes viewed too narrowly as a gamble on bank mergers. Management said bank deal activity remains weak, while other industry groups are gaining better momentum. More Wall Street: Wall Street sends strong 4-word verdict on the stock market Wall Street’s $200 billion IPO wave threatens sell-off Wall Street flees software plays for triple-digit chipmaker boom Higher revenue also resulted in operating leverage. Stifel’s adjusted pretax margin increased to 21.7% from 20.3%, and its adjusted compensation ratio dropped to 57% from 58%. The annualized return on tangible common equity was 23.6%. There, the thesis of AI has to come out eventually. The technology story only matters from a financial perspective if advisers get more clients, bankers consider more opportunities, and compliance teams work harder without costs scaling at the same rate. In the quarter, Stifel repurchased 2.4 million shares for $177 million at an average price of $73.20. The corporation still has the authority to purchase an additional 7.8 million shares. Kruszewski said similar financial services and advisory firms typically trade at 15 to 18 times adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, compared with Stifel, which trades at about eight times that measure. That comparison is a management assessment, not an independent market consensus. It does explain the corporation's choice, after all. If management believes the market is undervaluing the business, it can buy back stock, borrow more, invest in its advisors and technology, or make acquisitions at higher valuations. At quarter end, the company had $480 million of expected excess capital, based on a 10% Tier 1 leverage target, after supporting $2.6 billion of loan growth and the buyback. Revenue and adjusted earnings topped estimates on Wall Street. Wealth management revenue and client assets were at all-time highs. Investment banking fees increased 42 percent. Stifel views AI as an aid to productivity, not as a replacement for advisers. Lower expense ratios mean better operating leverage. Buybacks were preferred by management at high acquisition values. Stifel’s quarter doesn’t end the AI and financial advice debate. It does change the standard of proof, however. Automation can build portfolios, compile market summaries, and process huge amounts of financial data. But wealthy clients often pay advisers for their judgment, accountability, and decision-making guidance during stressful times. Stifel believes that relationship will be enhanced with AI taking on lower-value tasks. The corporation needs to translate those productivity benefits into adviser production, margins, and organic asset growth. If the stock’s reaction is to hold water, then you need enough earnings momentum, which means investment banking has to hold up. For now, Stifel’s findings reveal a blind spot on Wall Street. Artificial intelligence need not replace costly professionals to revolutionize financial services. It can provide plenty of value simply by making it harder for the best ones to compete with. Related: 6 Signs You've Outgrown Your Financial Advisor This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jul 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Investing section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Net Revenue: $1.45 billion for Q2, a 13% increase year-over-year. Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share: $1.42, up 25% from the previous year. First Half Net Revenue: $2.9 billion, a 15% increase from the previous record. First Half Earnings Per Share: $2.87, up 28% from the prior record. Return on Tangible Common Equity: Approximately 24% for both the quarter and the first half of the year. Tangible Book Value Per Share: Increased 15% over the prior year. Global Wealth Management Revenue: Record $957 million, up 13% year-over-year. Total Client Assets: $580 billion, up 12% year-over-year. Fee-Based Assets: $240 billion, up 16% year-over-year. Loan Book Growth: Increased by $2.6 billion during the quarter. Institutional Revenue: $481 million, up 15% year-over-year. Investment Banking Revenue: $332 million, up 42% year-over-year. Advisory Revenue: $157 million, up 24% year-over-year. Capital Raising Revenue: $102 million, up 121% year-over-year. Fixed Income Underwriting Revenue: $64 million, up 18% year-over-year. Compensation Ratio: 57%, down from 57.5% in the first quarter. Non-Compensation Expenses: $309 million, up 11% year-over-year. Tier 1 Leverage Ratio: 11.2%. Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio: 17.3%. Share Repurchases: 2.4 million shares repurchased during the quarter. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 1 Warning Sign with SF. Is SF fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: July 22, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE:SF) reported a 13% increase in net revenue for the second quarter, reaching $1.45 billion, marking the second highest second quarter results in the company's history. The company achieved record net revenue of $2.9 billion for the first half of 2026, a 15% increase from the previous record. Return on tangible common equity was approximately 24% for both the quarter and the first half of the year. Stifel's global wealth management revenue reached a record $957 million, driven by transactional revenue and growth in net interest income and asset management revenue. The institutional business showed strong momentum, with investment banking revenue up 42% year-over-year, driven by increased capital raising and advisory revenue. Transactional revenue declined 19% year-over-year, primarily due to lower fixed income revenue. The effective tax rate was 24.4%, slightly below consensus but within guidance, indicating potential tax-related challenges. Non-compensation expenses increased by 11% year-over-year, driven by growth in the business, including higher investment banking gross-ups and credit provisions. The company faces ongoing competitive pressure in adviser recruiting, with transaction packages remaining elevated. The broader market remains volatile, with geopolitical uncertainty and secular forces such as artificial intelligence impacting the industry. Q: Can you unpack where you're seeing strength in terms of backlog momentum on the M&A or ECM side, and speak to the outlook for both middle market sponsors as well as your expectations for bank merger activity in the back half? A: Ronald Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO: While bank depository M&A is relatively muted, our optimism is driven by diversified platforms in healthcare, industrials, technology, and energy. The environment is strong, and there's potential upside if sponsor activity picks up. Capital raising has been strong, particularly in healthcare. Q: Can you speak to whether the 39% incremental margin is sustainable, and how AI informs your near and medium-term expectations for operating leverage? A: Ronald Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO: AI is proving to be an accelerator of our business rather than a replacement for human costs. It enhances productivity across wealth management, fixed income, equities, and investment banking. Incremental margins vary by business segment, with institutional and private client groups showing strong potential. Q: Given the market's fears about AI adviser threats, do you think there will be a wait-and-see moment in the recruitment market? A: Ronald Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO: AI will increase the value of advice by making talented people more productive. Despite market fears, recruitment packages are rising, indicating strong demand for experienced advisers. AI amplifies human judgment and relationships, rather than replacing them. Q: How do you ensure that advisers redeploy freed-up time from AI to be more productive, and is there a risk of fee pressure as advisers can do more? A: Ronald Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO: Advisers naturally allocate their time to more productive activities. Stifel's culture supports this by providing tools and allowing advisers to use them as they see fit. While there is always some fee pressure, the holistic financial advice we provide remains valuable. Q: Can you discuss the outlook for NII and the potential for NIM improvement? A: James Marischen, CFO: Loan growth is funded by attractively priced deposits, with yields on fund banking loans and venture loans being favorable. While there is potential for NIM expansion, it depends on the mix of assets and funding costs. We remain conservative in our projections. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

ST. LOUIS, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported net revenues of $1.45 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared with $1.28 billion a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $217.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted common share, compared with $145.7 million, or $0.89 per diluted common share (1) for the second quarter of 2025. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders was $229.3 million, or $1.42 per diluted common share for the second quarter of 2026. Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said “Stifel delivered an outstanding second quarter and a record first half, reflecting the strength, balance, and momentum of our franchise. In the first half of 2026, we executed on our strategy by: growing revenue, improving operating leverage, expanding our balance sheet, and deploying capital where it earns the best risk-adjusted returns. Just as importantly, Stifel was ranked No. 1 in Employee Advisor Satisfaction by J.D. Power for the fourth consecutive year, reinforcing the strength of our advisor-first culture. As we look ahead, Stifel remains well positioned to build on this momentum as our advice-driven business helps clients navigate an increasingly complex world.” Highlights The Company reported net revenues of $1.45 billion, the best second quarter in its history, driven by higher investment banking revenues, asset management revenues, commission revenues, and net interest income. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders of $1.42 per diluted common share. Investment banking revenues increased 42% over the year-ago quarter. Asset management revenues increased 13% over the year-ago quarter. Record client assets of $580.1 billion, up 12% over the year-ago quarter. Over the last twelve months, recruited trailing twelve-month production totaled approximately $30 million. Non-GAAP pre-tax margin of 21.7%. Annualized return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) (6) of 23.6%. Tangible book value per common share (9) of $25.52, up 15.0% from prior year. Global Wealth Management Global Wealth Management reported record net revenues of $956.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared with $845.6 million during the second quarter of 2025. Pre-tax net income was $361.8 million compared with $306.1 million in the second quarter of 2025. Highlights Ranked No. 1 in Overall Employee Advisor Satisfaction for the fourth straight year. Record client assets of $580.1 billion, up 12% over the year-ago quarter, which included $9.7 billion of client assets from the Stifel Independent Advisors business that was sold on February 2, 2026. Fee-based client assets of $239.8 billion, up 16% over the year-ago quarter, which included $4.6 billion of client assets from the Stifel Independent Advisors business that was sold on February 2, 2026. Over the last twelve months, recruited trailing twelve-month production totaled approximately $30 million. Net revenues increased 13% from a year ago: Transactional revenues increased 14% over the year-ago quarter, reflecting an increase in client activity. Asset management revenues increased 13% over the year-ago quarter, reflecting higher asset values due to improved market conditions and net new asset growth. Net interest income increased 8% over the year-ago quarter primarily driven by balance sheet growth, partially offset by lower interest rates. Total Expenses: Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 48.2% primarily attributable to revenue growth, partially offset by higher revenue-related compensation. Provision for credit losses was primarily impacted by loan growth in the retained portfolio and specific reserves on individual credits. Non-compensation operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 14.0% primarily attributable to revenue growth over the year-ago quarter, partially offset by an increase in the provision for credit losses. Institutional Group Institutional Group reported net revenues of $480.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared with $419.8 million during the second quarter of 2025. Pre-tax net income was $92.2 million compared with $61.0 million in the second quarter of 2025. Highlights Investment banking revenues increased 42% from a year ago: Advisory revenues increased 24% from the year-ago quarter, driven by higher levels of completed advisory transactions. Equity capital raising revenues increased 121% from the year-ago quarter, driven by higher volumes and larger deal sizes. Fixed income capital raising revenues increased 18% over the year-ago quarter primarily driven by higher bond issuances reflecting a more favorable financing environment. Fixed income transactional revenues decreased 26% from a year ago: Fixed income transactional revenues were impacted by lower realized trading gains during the quarter. Second quarter 2025 results benefited from a roughly $30 million gain in our aircraft business. Equity transactional revenues decreased 4% from a year ago: Equity transactional revenues were impacted by the restructuring of our European Equities business. Those actions resulted in a $9 million reduction in equity transactional revenues year over year. Total Expenses: Compensation expense as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 59.4% primarily attributable to revenue growth, partially offset by higher revenue-related compensation. Non-compensation operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 21.4% primarily attributable to revenue growth. Other Matters Highlights Total assets increased $5.0 billion, or 13%, over the year-ago quarter. The Company repurchased $177.0 million, or 2.4 million shares, of its outstanding common stock during the second quarter at an average price of $73.20. Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased primarily due to share repurchases. The Board of Directors declared a $0.34 quarterly dividend per share, payable on June 15, 2026, to common shareholders of record on June 1, 2026. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock, payable on June 15, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 1, 2026. Conference Call Information Stifel Financial Corp. will host its second quarter 2026 financial results conference call on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call may include forward-looking statements. All interested parties are invited to listen to Stifel’s Chairman and CEO, Ronald J. Kruszewski, by dialing (800) 330-6710 and referencing conference ID 4490542. A live audio webcast of the call, as well as a presentation highlighting the Company’s results, will be available through the Company’s web site, www.stifel.com. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay of the broadcast will be available through the above-referenced web site beginning approximately one hour following the completion of the call. Company Information Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a diversified financial services firm providing wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services to individuals, institutions, and municipalities. Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm operates more than 400 offices across the United States and in major global financial centers. As a firm where success meets success, Stifel works closely with retail and institutional clients aiming to transform opportunities into achievement. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com. For global disclosures, please visit www.stifel.com/investor-relations/press-releases. A financial summary follows. Financial, statistical and business-related information, as well as information regarding business and segment trends, is included in the financial supplement. Both the earnings release and the financial supplement are available online in the Investor Relations section at www.stifel.com/investor-relations. The information provided herein and in the financial supplement, including information provided on the Company’s earnings conference calls, may include certain non-GAAP financial measures. The definition of such measures or reconciliation of such measures to the comparable U.S. GAAP figures are included in this earnings release and the financial supplement, both of which are available online in the Investor Relations section at www.stifel.com/investor-relations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This earnings release contains certain statements that may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements in this earnings release not dealing with historical results are forward-looking and are based on various assumptions. The forward-looking statements in this earnings release are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the following possibilities: the ability to successfully integrate acquired companies or the branch offices and financial advisors; a material adverse change in financial condition; the risk of borrower, depositor, and other customer attrition; a change in general business and economic conditions; changes in the interest rate environment, deposit flows, loan demand, real estate values, and competition; changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; changes in legislation and regulation; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, geopolitical, and technological factors affecting the companies’ operations, pricing, and services; and other risk factors referred to from time to time in filings made by Stifel Financial Corp. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For information about the risks and important factors that could affect the Company’s future results, financial condition and liquidity, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Summary Results of Operations (Unaudited) Non-GAAP Financial Measures (11) GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (11) Footnotes Media Contact: Neil Shapiro (212) 271-3447 | Investor Contact: Joel Jeffrey (212) 271- 3610 | www.stifel.com/investor-relations

Interested in Stifel Financial Corporation? Here are five stocks we like better. Stifel posted record first-half results, with second-quarter net revenue of $1.45 billion, up 13% year over year, and adjusted EPS of $1.42, up 25%. Management said the firm is delivering on its 2026 plan to grow revenue, loans, deposits and operating leverage. Wealth management and investment banking were key growth engines. Global Wealth Management hit a record $957 million in revenue, while firmwide investment banking revenue rose 42% to $332 million, driven by stronger advisory and capital raising activity. The company is returning capital while maintaining strong balance sheet metrics. Stifel repurchased 2.4 million shares in the quarter and deployed more than $500 million through buybacks, dividends and reinvestment, while ending with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.2% and nearly $480 million of excess capital. MGM Buyout: The House Doesn't Always Win Stifel Financial (NYSE:SF) reported what executives described as the strongest first half in the company’s history, with second-quarter revenue and earnings rising from a year earlier as wealth management, investment banking and net interest income all contributed to growth. Chairman and CEO Ron Kruszewski said the firm is delivering on the plan it outlined at the start of 2026: growing revenue, expanding its loan book, increasing treasury deposits, improving operating leverage and deploying excess capital. “Six months into the year, we’re doing what we said we would do,” Kruszewski said on the company’s earnings call. → Buyback Boom: These 3 Companies Are Betting Billions on Their Own Stocks MarketBeat Week in Review – 03/16 - 03/20 Second-quarter net revenue totaled $1.45 billion, up 13% from a year earlier. Non-GAAP earnings per share were $1.42, up 25%. Kruszewski said both metrics represented the company’s second-highest second-quarter results ever. For the first half, Stifel generated record net revenue of $2.9 billion, up 15% from its prior record, and earnings per share of $2.87, up 28% from its prior record. Return on tangible common equity was approximately 24% for both the quarter and the first half, while tangible book value per share increased 15% from the prior year. Chief Financial Officer Jim Marischen said Global Wealth Management generated record net revenue of $957 million, up 13% year over year. Results were driven by transactional revenue, growth in net interest income and higher asset management revenue. → 3 Photonics Companies Making Quantum Tech Possible Stifel Financial: A Wealth Manager’s Stock for Wealth Investors Total client assets stood at $580 billion, while fee-based assets were $240 billion, up 12% and 16%, respectively, as Stifel benefited from stronger equity markets and net new asset growth. Excluding the impact of assets associated with the sale of SIA, total client assets and fee-based assets increased more than 14% and 19%, respectively, Marischen said. Stifel also continued to grow its balance sheet, increasing its loan book by $2.6 billion during the quarter. Marischen said that included an incremental $2 billion in fund banking loans. The company remains on pace to meet its full-year guidance of up to $4 billion of loan growth. → AI Data Centers Need Power, and These 2 Industrials Are Cashing In Based on loan growth and a stable net interest margin, Marischen said Stifel expects third-quarter net interest income in the range of $290 million to $300 million. Over the past year, combined wealth management and treasury deposits increased by approximately $3.3 billion, including a more than $1 billion increase in sweep deposits and a $3.8 billion increase in treasury deposits, partially offset by a decline in Stifel Smart Rate balances. Stifel’s Institutional Group posted revenue of $481 million, up 15% from a year earlier and the segment’s second-strongest second quarter in company history. First-half institutional revenue rose 21%, driven by a more than 43% increase in investment banking revenue. Firmwide investment banking revenue totaled $332 million in the second quarter, up 42% year over year. Advisory revenue increased 24% to $157 million, with strength in financials, industrials and technology. Capital raising revenue rose 121% to $102 million, supported by issuer engagement in healthcare, industrials, energy and financials. Fixed income underwriting revenue increased 18% to $64 million, driven by public finance activity and higher corporate issuance. Marischen said Stifel remains the No. 1 negotiated issue manager in public finance by deal count, with a 14% market share year to date. He said investment banking and advisory pipelines remain “very strong,” with active strategic dialogue and a reopened new issue market. Financial sponsor activity remains below historical levels, which executives said could provide upside if it recovers. Transactional revenue declined 19% year over year, primarily due to lower fixed income revenue. Marischen noted that the prior-year period benefited from a roughly $30 million gain in the company’s aircraft business. Excluding that gain, results would have been relatively comparable to a year ago. Equity transactional revenue fell 4%, reflecting the impact of Stifel’s European restructuring. Stifel continued to emphasize expense discipline. Marischen said the company lowered its compensation ratio to 57%, down 50 basis points sequentially from the first quarter and below consensus expectations. He attributed the improvement to the strong operating environment, the European reorganization and the sale of SIA. Assuming market conditions hold up, he said Stifel expects additional compensation flexibility in the second half and could land in the midpoint to lower half of its full-year compensation ratio guidance range of 56.5% to 57.5%. Non-compensation expenses totaled $309 million, up 11% year over year, with the increase tied largely to business growth, including higher investment banking gross-ups, credit provisions, advertising and data processing. The operating non-compensation ratio was 19.6%, within the company’s full-year guidance range of 18% to 20%. Stifel also deployed capital through business reinvestment, share repurchases and dividends. Kruszewski said those actions totaled more than $500 million in the second quarter. The company repurchased 2.4 million shares during the quarter and had 7.8 million shares remaining under its current authorization at quarter-end. Marischen said Stifel ended the quarter with a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.2% and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 17.3%, reflecting deliberate capital deployment into loan growth. Based on a 10% Tier 1 leverage target, the company had nearly $480 million of excess capital after funding loan growth and repurchases. Kruszewski spent part of the call addressing artificial intelligence, saying he does not view AI as a replacement for financial advisors or other professionals. Instead, he described it as a productivity accelerator that can help bankers evaluate more opportunities, research analysts uncover more insights and advisors spend more time with clients. “Markets sometimes confuse access to information with judgment,” Kruszewski said. “AI is making information more abundant. That only increases the value of judgment, trust, and relationships.” He said advisor recruiting remains highly competitive despite market concerns that AI could diminish the value of financial advice. Stifel was ranked No. 1 in employee advisor satisfaction by J.D. Power for the fourth consecutive year, a recognition Kruszewski said reflected the firm’s focus on supporting advisors. Looking ahead, Kruszewski said the broader market remains constructive, though volatility and geopolitical uncertainty remain risks. He said the economy is healthy, client dialogue is high and capital markets activity continues to broaden. In response to analyst questions, Kruszewski said he remains optimistic about investment banking momentum across Stifel’s diversified platform, including healthcare, industrials, technology and energy. He added that bank M&A activity remains muted relative to longer-term expectations, but active dialogue continues. On acquisitions, Kruszewski said Stifel remains disciplined and evaluates opportunities based on return on invested capital. Given current valuations in financial services, he said one of the most attractive uses of capital remains investing in Stifel’s own business and repurchasing shares when management sees a disconnect between the company’s outlook and its stock price. “We’re building a stronger, more valuable Stifel,” Kruszewski said. “While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in the first half of the year, we’re even more excited about where we’re headed.” Stifel Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1890, the firm has grown into a full‐service brokerage and investment banking organization serving individual investors, corporations and institutions. Through its principal subsidiary, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, the company delivers a broad array of financial products and services backed by research‐driven insights. The firm's main business activities are organized into two core segments: Private Client Group and Institutional Group. This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected]. The article "Stifel Financial Q2 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. View MarketBeat's top stocks for July 2026.