Stifel Financial Corp. (SF) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

Stifel Financial Corp. (SF) Financial Services Profile

Stifel Financial Corp. provides wealth management and investment banking services to individuals, corporations, and institutions. With a history dating back to 1890, Stifel operates across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada, offering a range of financial solutions and competing with firms like Evercore Inc. and Ally Financial Inc.

What Is the Investment Thesis for SF?

With a P/E ratio of 8.69 and a profit margin of 13.5%, the company demonstrates financial stability. A key value driver is its Global Wealth Management segment, which benefits from increasing assets under management and recurring fee income. Growth catalysts include strategic acquisitions and expansion into new geographic markets. However, potential risks include market volatility, regulatory changes, and increased competition from firms like Evercore Inc. and Ally Financial Inc. The company's beta of 1.10 suggests moderate volatility relative to the market.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

SF Key Highlights

Market capitalization of $12.1B reflects Stifel's significant presence in the financial services sector.

• P/E ratio of 8.69 indicates a potentially undervalued stock compared to its earnings.
• Profit margin of 13.5% demonstrates efficient operations and profitability.
• Gross margin of 86.1% highlights the company's ability to generate revenue from its services.
• Dividend yield of 2.05% provides an attractive income stream for investors.

Who Are SF's Competitors?

SF is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are SF's Key Strengths?

Diversified revenue streams across multiple financial services segments.

• Established brand reputation and long operating history.
• Strong capital base and financial stability.
• Experienced management team.

What Are SF's Weaknesses?

Exposure to market volatility and economic cycles.

• Dependence on regulatory environment and compliance costs.
• Potential for reputational risk from misconduct or compliance failures.
• Competition from larger, more established financial institutions.

What Could Drive SF Stock Higher?

Potential acquisitions of smaller wealth management firms to expand market share.

• Increasing demand for wealth management services from an aging population.
• Strategic investments in digital platforms to improve client experience.
• Expansion into new geographic markets to diversify revenue streams.

What Are the Key Risks for SF?

Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.67 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).

• Market volatility and economic downturn impacting investment returns.
• Regulatory changes and increased compliance costs.
• Competition from larger, more established financial institutions.
• Reputational risk from misconduct or compliance failures.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for SF?

• Expansion of Wealth Management Services: Stifel can capitalize on the growing demand for wealth management services by expanding its offerings and targeting new client segments. By enhancing its financial planning and advisory services, Stifel can attract high-net-worth individuals and institutions, increasing its assets under management and generating higher fee income. This expansion can be achieved through strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.
• Strategic Acquisitions: Stifel has a history of successful acquisitions, which have expanded its market presence and service capabilities. Pursuing further strategic acquisitions of smaller wealth management firms and investment banks can provide access to new markets and client bases. These acquisitions can also enhance Stifel's expertise in specific sectors and service areas. The timeline for these acquisitions is ongoing, with potential deals being evaluated regularly.
• Geographic Expansion: Stifel currently operates in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada. Expanding its presence in other international markets, such as Asia and South America, can provide access to new growth opportunities. These markets have a growing middle class and increasing demand for financial services. Stifel can establish a presence in these markets through partnerships, joint ventures, or acquisitions. This expansion is a long-term strategy with a timeline of 3-5 years.
• Enhancement of Digital Platforms: Investing in digital platforms and technologies can improve client experience and operational efficiency. The financial services industry is increasingly adopting digital solutions, such as online portals and mobile apps. By enhancing its digital platforms, Stifel can attract younger clients and provide more convenient access to its services. This investment is an ongoing process, with continuous updates and improvements to its digital infrastructure.
• Increased Focus on Investment Banking: Stifel's investment banking division can benefit from increased activity in mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements. The global investment banking market is expected to grow, driven by economic growth and corporate restructuring. By focusing on specific sectors and developing expertise in these areas, Stifel can attract more deals and generate higher revenue. This focus is an ongoing effort, with continuous monitoring of market trends and deal opportunities.

What Threats Does SF Face?

• Increased competition from fintech companies and online brokers.
• Rising interest rates and inflation impacting investment returns.
• Regulatory changes and increased compliance costs.
• Economic downturn and market volatility reducing client assets and transaction volumes.

What Are SF's Competitive Advantages?

• Established brand reputation and long operating history since 1890.
• Diversified revenue streams across wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking.
• Extensive network of financial advisors and institutional clients.
• Strong capital base and financial stability.

What Does SF Do?

Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Stifel Financial Corp. has evolved into a diversified financial services and bank holding company. Initially focused on regional brokerage services, the company expanded its offerings to include retail and institutional wealth management, investment banking, and commercial banking services. Stifel operates through three segments: Global Wealth Management, which provides securities transaction and financial planning services; Institutional Group, offering equity and fixed income sales, trading, research, and municipal finance services; and Other, encompassing various corporate activities. The company's services extend to individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada. Stifel's investment banking division is involved in mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements. Additionally, the company manages underwritings for corporate and public finance, and offers financial advisory and securities brokerage services. Stifel's growth strategy involves both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, enhancing its market presence and service capabilities.

What Products and Services Does SF Offer?

• Provides retail and institutional wealth management services.
• Offers investment banking services, including M&A advisory and underwriting.
• Engages in equity and fixed income sales and trading.
• Provides municipal finance services.
• Offers retail and commercial banking services.
• Manages underwritings for corporate and public finance.
• Provides financial advisory and securities brokerage services.

How Does SF Make Money?

• Generates revenue through fees from wealth management services.
• Earns revenue from investment banking activities, such as M&A advisory and underwriting.
• Receives commissions from securities transactions.
• Earns interest income from lending activities.

What Industry Does SF Operate In?

Stifel Financial Corp. operates in the competitive financial services industry, which is characterized by evolving regulatory landscapes and increasing demand for wealth management and investment banking services. The industry is influenced by macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates and market volatility. Stifel competes with firms like Evercore Inc. and Ally Financial Inc. The market for wealth management is expected to grow, driven by an aging population and increasing affluence. Stifel's diversified service offerings and geographic reach position it to capitalize on these trends.

Who Are SF's Key Customers?

• Individual investors seeking wealth management services.
• Corporations requiring investment banking advice and capital raising.
• Municipalities seeking financing for public projects.
• Institutions investing in equities and fixed income securities.

Stifel Financial Corp. Financial Trajectory

Stifel Financial Corp. (SF) reported $1.64B in revenue for Q2 FY2026, a decline of 1.6% compared to the prior quarter. The company recorded net income of $226.5M, with diluted EPS of $2.05. Revenue has contracted over three consecutive quarters, which investors in this large-cap Financial Services stock should monitor closely. Across the four most recent quarters, SF averaged $2.16 in diluted EPS.

Company Profile

Stifel Financial Corp. operates in the Investment - Banking & Investment Services industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Saint Louis, US. The company is led by CEO Ronald James Kruszewski. SF has traded publicly since 1983.

How Stifel Financial Corp. Is Valued

Stifel Financial Corp. carries a market capitalization of $12.1B, placing it in the large-cap category. Analyst price targets span from $90.00 to $90.00, with a consensus of $90.00. At the current price of $79.69, that implies approximately 13% upside potential. Relative to its peer group, SF's quantitative score of 68/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 72/100.

Return on equity for Stifel Financial Corp. stands at 16.1%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 2.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. SF trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 8.69, below the Financial Services sector average of ~17.50x. Its free cash flow yield is 3.4%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 4.44 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 11.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

Stifel Financial Corp.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.67 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.

Stifel Financial Corp. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 6 of its last 8 reported quarters — a consistent record of delivering on expectations. Reported results have landed about 7.2% below estimates on average.

Over the past six months, Stifel Financial Corp. insiders filed 28 SEC Form 4 transactions — 10 sales and 18 purchases. On net that is roughly 20K shares acquired (about $372K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.

SF Financials

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SF Analyst Consensus

SF MoonshotScore

Latest Stifel Financial Corp. Analysis

Stifel Financial Corp. Financial Services Stock: Key Questions Answered

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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