Stifel Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

  • October 23, 2024
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  • Stifel Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported net revenues of $1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with $1.0 billion a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $149.2 million, or $1.34 per diluted common share, compared with $58.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders was $166.3 million, or $1.50 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2024.

Ronald J. Kruszewski, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said “The third quarter represented our second highest quarterly net revenue, an increase of 17%, while earnings per share increased 150%. Through the first three quarters of 2024, net revenue was up 13% to a record $3.6 billion, driven by continued growth in Global Wealth, improvement in our Institutional business, and the stabilization of net interest income. Our financial results illustrate the strength of the Stifel franchise and our ability to capitalize on improving market conditions. Momentum in our business continues to build and we anticipate further upside to both the top and bottom lines in the fourth quarter and in 2025.”

Highlights

  • The Company reported net revenues of $1.2 billion, the second best revenue quarter in its history, driven by higher investment banking revenues, asset management revenues, and transactional revenues, partially offset by lower net interest income.
  • Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders of $1.50 per diluted common share was negatively impacted by elevated provisions for legal matters of $0.10 per diluted common share (after-tax).
  • Investment banking revenues increased 66% over the year-ago quarter, driven by higher capital raising and advisory revenues.
    • Capital raising revenues increased 114% over the year-ago quarter.
    • Advisory revenues increased 41% over the year-ago quarter.
  • Record asset management revenues, up 15% over the year-ago quarter.
  • Record client assets of $496.3 billion, up 20% over the year-ago quarter.
  • Recruited 28 financial advisors during the quarter, including 13 experienced employee advisors.
  • Non-GAAP pre-tax margin of 19.2% as the Company maintained its focus on expense discipline, while continuing to invest in the business.
  • Annualized return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) (5) of 20%.
  • Tangible book value per common share (7) of $33.62, up 12% from prior year.
Financial Summary (Unaudited)
(000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023 9m 2024 9m 2023
GAAP Financial Highlights:      
Net revenues $ 1,224,668   $ 1,045,051   $ 3,605,638   $ 3,202,565  
Net income (1) $ 149,185   $ 58,840   $ 459,413   $ 332,091  
Diluted EPS (1) $ 1.34   $ 0.52   $ 4.16   $ 2.91  
Comp. ratio   58.6 %   58.7 %   58.8 %   58.7 %
Non-comp. ratio   23.7 %   30.8 %   22.8 %   25.7 %
Pre-tax margin   17.7 %   10.5 %   18.4 %   15.6 %
Non-GAAP Financial Highlights:      
Net revenues $ 1,225,351   $ 1,045,028   $ 3,606,330   $ 3,202,539  
Net income (1)(2) $ 166,270   $ 67,413   $ 506,186   $ 364,937  
Diluted EPS (1) (2) $ 1.50   $ 0.60   $ 4.58   $ 3.20  
Comp. ratio (2)   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %
Non-comp. ratio (2)   22.8 %   30.2 %   22.1 %   24.9 %
Pre-tax margin (3)   19.2 %   11.8 %   19.9 %   17.1 %
ROCE (4)   13.7 %   5.8 %   14.4 %   10.4 %
ROTCE (5)   19.5 %   8.5 %   20.7 %   15.1 %
Global Wealth Management (assets and loans in millions)  
Net revenues $ 827,116   $ 768,558   $ 2,418,751   $ 2,283,934  
Pre-tax net income $ 301,703   $ 298,449   $ 891,624   $ 914,462  
Total client assets $ 496,298   $ 412,458      
Fee-based client assets $ 190,771   $ 150,982      
Bank loans (6) $ 20,633   $ 20,435      
Institutional Group        
Net revenues $ 372,401   $ 256,888   $ 1,114,498   $ 867,025  
Equity $ 222,459   $ 144,764   $ 646,570   $ 508,371  
Fixed Income $ 149,942   $ 112,124   $ 467,928   $ 358,654  
Pre-tax net income/ (loss) $ 41,797   ($ 27,804 ) $ 127,719   ($ 5,671 )
Global Wealth Management
 

Global Wealth Management reported record net revenues of $827.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with $768.6 million during the third quarter of 2023. Pre-tax net income was $301.7 million compared with $298.4 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Highlights

  • Recruited 28 financial advisors during the quarter, including 13 experienced employee advisors, with total trailing 12 month production of $10.5 million.
  • Client assets of $496.3 billion, up 20% over the year-ago quarter.
  • Fee-based client assets of $190.8 billion, up 26% over the year-ago quarter.

Net revenues increased 8% from a year ago:

  • Transactional revenues increased 16% over the year-ago quarter reflecting an increase in client activity.
  • Asset management revenues increased 15% over the year-ago quarter due to higher asset values and net new assets.
  • Net interest income decreased 11% from the year-ago quarter driven by changes in deposit mix, partially offset by higher yields on the investment portfolio and lending growth.

Total Expenses:

  • Compensation expense as a percent of net revenues increased to 48.7% primarily as a result of higher compensable revenues.
  • Provision for credit losses decreased from the year-ago quarter primarily as a result of lower provisions in the real estate sector compared to the year-ago quarter, partially offset by growth in the loan portfolio.
  • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percent of net revenues increased to 14.8% primarily as a result of higher litigation-related expenses, partially offset by revenue growth over the year-ago quarter.
Summary Results of Operations
(000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023
Net revenues $ 827,116   $ 768,558  
Transactional revenues   192,727     165,547  
Asset management   382,309     333,088  
Net interest income   240,825     269,431  
Investment banking   6,217     3,895  
Other income   5,038     (3,403 )
Total expenses $ 525,413   $ 470,109  
Compensation expense   403,205     359,325  
Provision for credit losses   5,287     9,992  
Non-comp. opex   116,921     100,792  
Pre-tax net income $ 301,703   $ 298,449  
Compensation ratio   48.7 %   46.8 %
Non-compensation ratio   14.8 %   14.4 %
Pre-tax margin   36.5 %   38.8 %
Institutional Group
 

Institutional Group reported net revenues of $372.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with $256.9 million during the third quarter of 2023. Institutional Group reported pre-tax net income of $41.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared with pre-tax net loss of $27.8 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Highlights

Investment banking revenues increased 66% from a year ago:

  • Advisory revenues increased from the year-ago quarter driven by higher levels of completed advisory transactions.
  • Fixed income capital raising revenues more than doubled over the year-ago quarter primarily driven by higher bond issuances.
  • Equity capital raising revenues increased significantly over the year-ago quarter driven by higher volumes.

Fixed income transactional revenues increased 17% from a year ago:

  • Fixed income transactional revenues increased from the year-ago quarter driven by improved client engagement and volatility.

Equity transactional revenues increased 4% from a year ago:

  • Equity transactional revenues increased from the year-ago quarter primarily driven by an increase in equities trading commissions.

Total Expenses:

  • Compensation expense as a percent of net revenues decreased to 60.3% primarily as a result of higher revenues.
  • Non-compensation operating expenses as a percent of net revenues decreased to 28.5% primarily as a result of revenue growth and expense discipline.
Summary Results of Operations
(000s) 3Q 2024 3Q 2023
Net revenues $ 372,401   $ 256,888  
Investment banking   236,965     142,991  
Advisory   136,857     97,272  
Fixed income capital raising   49,364     24,670  
Equity capital raising   50,744     21,049  
Fixed income transactional   78,974     67,439  
Equity transactional   48,824     46,930  
Other   7,638     (472 )
Total expenses $ 330,604   $ 284,692  
Compensation expense   224,556     192,638  
Non-comp. opex.   106,048     92,054  
Pre-tax net income/(loss) $ 41,797   ($ 27,804 )
Compensation ratio   60.3 %   75.0 %
Non-compensation ratio   28.5 %   35.8 %
Pre-tax margin   11.2 %   (10.8 %)
Other Matters
 

Highlights

  • During the third quarter, the Company’s 4.25% Senior Notes matured resulting in the retirement of the $500.0 million outstanding balance.
  • The Company repurchased $20.2 million of its outstanding common stock during the third quarter.
  • Weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased primarily as a result of share repurchases. The Company has repurchased 3.7 million shares under its share repurchase program since the third quarter of 2023.
  • The Board of Directors declared a $0.42 quarterly dividend per share payable on September 17, 2024 to common shareholders of record on September 3, 2024.
  • The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on the outstanding shares of the Company’s preferred stock payable on September 17, 2024 to shareholders of record on September 3, 2024.
  3Q 2024 3Q 2023
Common stock repurchases    
Repurchases (000s) $20,222 $118,810
Number of shares (000s) 249 1,886
Average price $81.23 $63.00
Period end shares (000s) 102,313 103,120
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (000s) 110,994 113,195
Effective tax rate 26.8% 37.7%
Stifel Financial Corp. (8)    
Tier 1 common capital ratio 15.0% 13.9%
Tier 1 risk based capital ratio 17.9% 16.9%
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio 11.3% 10.8%
Tier 1 capital (MM) $4,159 $3,914
Risk weighted assets (MM) $23,184 $23,219
Average assets (MM) $36,813 $36,356
Quarter end assets (MM) $38,935 $37,878
Agency Rating Outlook
Fitch Ratings BBB+ Stable
S&P Global Ratings BBB Stable
 

Conference Call Information

Stifel Financial Corp. will host its third quarter 2024 financial results conference call on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 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 (866) 409-1555 and referencing conference ID 7408307. 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 financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners and Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC business divisions; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; in Canada through Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc.; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. 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, 2023. 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)
 
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
(000s, except per share amounts) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 % Change 6/30/2024 % Change 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 % Change
Revenues:                
Commissions $ 183,445 $ 165,075 11.1   $ 183,317 0.1   $ 552,238 $ 499,983   10.5  
Principal transactions   137,089   114,841 19.4     153,574 (10.7 )   429,677   336,063   27.9  
Investment banking   243,182   146,887 65.6     233,281 4.2     690,412   525,591   31.4  
Asset management   382,616   333,127 14.9     380,757 0.5     1,130,849   968,960   16.7  
Other income   18,705   459 nm     16,180 15.6     39,835   (940 ) nm  
Operating revenues   965,037   760,389 26.9     967,109 (0.2 )   2,843,011   2,329,657   22.0  
Interest revenue   510,823   505,198 1.1     498,152 2.5     1,515,803   1,439,532   5.3  
Total revenues   1,475,860   1,265,587 16.6     1,465,261 0.7     4,358,814   3,769,189   15.6  
Interest expense   251,192   220,536 13.9     247,329 1.6     753,176   566,624   32.9  
Net revenues   1,224,668   1,045,051 17.2     1,217,932 0.6     3,605,638   3,202,565   12.6  
Non-interest expenses:                
Compensation and benefits   718,065   613,287 17.1     722,719 (0.6 )   2,120,479   1,880,144   12.8  
Non-compensation operating expenses   289,945   322,335 (10.0 )   268,319 8.1     822,916   821,724   0.1  
Total non-interest expenses   1,008,010   935,622 7.7     991,038 1.7     2,943,395   2,701,868   8.9  
Income before income taxes   216,658   109,429 98.0     226,894 (4.5 )   662,243   500,697   32.3  
Provision for income taxes   58,153   41,268 40.9     61,600 (5.6 )   174,869   140,645   24.3  
Net income   158,505   68,161 132.5     165,294 (4.1 )   487,374   360,052   35.4  
Preferred dividends   9,320   9,321 (0.0 )   9,321 (0.0 )   27,961   27,961   0.0  
Net income available to common shareholders $ 149,185 $ 58,840 153.5   $ 155,973 (4.4 ) $ 459,413 $ 332,091   38.3  
Earnings per common share:                
Basic $ 1.43 $ 0.55 160.0   $ 1.50 (4.7 ) $ 4.41 $ 3.09   42.7  
Diluted $ 1.34 $ 0.52 157.7   $ 1.41 (5.0 ) $ 4.16 $ 2.91   43.0  
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.42 $ 0.36 16.7   $ 0.42 0.0   $ 1.26 $ 1.08   16.7  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:          
Basic   103,966   106,068 (2.0 )   104,150 (0.2 )   104,135   107,580   (3.2 )
Diluted   110,994   113,195 (1.9 )   110,285 0.6     110,457   114,170   (3.3 )
Non-GAAP Financial Measures (9)
 
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(000s, except per share amounts) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 9/30/2024 9/30/2023
GAAP net income $ 158,505   $ 68,161   $ 487,374   $ 360,052  
Preferred dividend   9,320     9,321     27,961     27,961  
Net income available to common shareholders   149,185     58,840     459,413     332,091  
         
Non-GAAP adjustments:        
Merger-related (10)   17,950     13,771     43,925     46,301  
Restructuring and severance (11)   1,261         11,222      
Provision for income taxes (12)   (2,126 )   (5,198 )   (8,374 )   (13,455 )
Total non-GAAP adjustments   17,085     8,573     46,773     32,846  
Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders $ 166,270   $ 67,413   $ 506,186   $ 364,937  
         
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding   110,994     113,195     110,457     114,170  
         
GAAP earnings per diluted common share $ 1.42   $ 0.60   $ 4.42   $ 3.15  
Non-GAAP adjustments   0.16     0.08     0.42     0.29  
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share $ 1.58   $ 0.68   $ 4.84   $ 3.44  
         
GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $ 1.34   $ 0.52   $ 4.16   $ 2.91  
Non-GAAP adjustments   0.16     0.08     0.42     0.29  
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted common share available to common shareholders $ 1.50   $ 0.60   $ 4.58   $ 3.20  
GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (9)
 
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(000s) 9/30/2024 9/30/2023 9/30/2024 9/30/2023
GAAP compensation and benefits $ 718,065   $ 613,287   $ 2,120,479   $ 1,880,144  
As a percentage of net revenues   58.6 %   58.7 %   58.8 %   58.7 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:        
Merger-related (10)   (6,101 )   (7,171 )   (17,398 )   (22,947 )
Restructuring and severance (11)   (1,261 )       (11,222 )    
Total non-GAAP adjustments   (7,362 )   (7,171 )   (28,620 )   (22,947 )
Non-GAAP compensation and benefits $ 710,703   $ 606,116   $ 2,091,859   $ 1,857,197  
As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %   58.0 %
         
GAAP non-compensation expenses $ 289,945   $ 322,335   $ 822,916   $ 821,724  
As a percentage of net revenues   23.7 %   30.8 %   22.8 %   25.7 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:        
Merger-related (10)   (11,166 )   (6,623 )   (25,835 )   (23,380 )
Non-GAAP non-compensation expenses $ 278,779   $ 315,712   $ 797,081   $ 798,344  
As a percentage of non-GAAP net revenues   22.8 %   30.2 %   22.1 %   24.9 %
Total adjustments $ 19,211   $ 13,771   $ 55,147   $ 46,301  
Footnotes
 
(1) Represents available to common shareholders.
(2) Reconciliations of the Company’s GAAP results to these non-GAAP measures are discussed within and under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
(3) Non-GAAP pre-tax margin is calculated by adding total non-GAAP adjustments and dividing it by non-GAAP net revenues. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and “GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation.”
(4) Return on average common equity (“ROCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to commons shareholders by average common shareholders’ equity.
(5) Return on average tangible common equity (“ROTCE”) is calculated by dividing annualized net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible shareholders’ equity or, in the case of non-GAAP ROTCE, calculated by dividing non-GAAP net income applicable to common shareholders by average tangible common equity. Tangible common equity, also a non-GAAP financial measure, equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets. Average deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets was $77.9 million and $67.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(6) Includes loans held for sale.
(7) Tangible book value per common share represents shareholders’ equity (excluding preferred stock) divided by period end common shares outstanding. Tangible common shareholders’ equity equals total common shareholders’ equity less goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the deferred taxes on goodwill and intangible assets.
(8) Capital ratios are estimates at time of the Company’s earnings release, October 23, 2024.
(9) The Company prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The Company may disclose certain “non-GAAP financial measures” in the course of its earnings releases, earnings conference calls, financial presentations and otherwise. The Securities and Exchange Commission defines a “non-GAAP financial measure” as a numerical measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that is subject to adjustments that effectively exclude, or include, amounts from the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company are provided as additional information to analysts, investors and other stakeholders in order to provide them with greater transparency about, or an alternative method for assessing the Company’s financial condition or operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for U.S. GAAP, and may be different from or inconsistent with non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Whenever the Company refers to a non-GAAP financial measure, it will also define it or present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, along with a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure it references and such comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
(10) Primarily related to charges attributable to integration-related activities, signing bonuses, amortization of restricted stock awards, debentures, and promissory notes issued as retention, additional earn-out expense, and amortization of intangible assets acquired. These costs were directly related to acquisitions of certain businesses and are not representative of the costs of running the Company’s on-going business.
(11) The Company recorded severance costs associated with workforce reductions in certain of its foreign subsidiaries.
(12) Primarily represents the Company’s effective tax rate for the period applied to the non-GAAP adjustments.

Media Contact: Neil Shapiro (212) 271-3447 | Investor Contact: Joel Jeffrey (212) 271-3610 | www.stifel.com/investor-relations


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