Core Viewpoint - Stifel Financial Corp. announced a three-for-two stock split and an increase in its common stock dividend, reflecting strong market performance and growth prospects [1][2][3]. Stock Split Details - The Board of Directors declared a three-for-two stock split in the form of a 50% stock dividend, effective February 26, 2026, for shareholders of record as of February 12, 2026 [1]. - Post-split, the company will have approximately 155 million shares outstanding, up from about 103 million [1]. Dividend Information - A cash dividend of $0.51 per share was declared, representing an 11% increase, marking the ninth consecutive annual increase in the common stock dividend [2]. - Following the stock split, the quarterly dividend for 2026 will equate to $0.34 per common share [2]. Management Commentary - The Chairman & CEO of Stifel Financial Corp. stated that the stock split and dividend increase are intended to reward existing and long-term investors, reflecting the board's confidence in the company's ability to drive long-term shareholder value [3]. Preferred Stock Dividends - The Board also declared cash dividends for its Series B, C, and D Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stocks, payable on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record on March 2, 2026 [4]. - The declared cash dividends are approximately $0.390625 per share for Series B, $0.3828125 per share for Series C, and $0.281250 per share for Series D [4]. Company Overview - Stifel Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services firm providing wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services [5]. - Founded in 1890 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the firm operates over 400 offices across the United States and in major global financial centers [5].

Core Viewpoint - Stifel Financial Corp. is set to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on January 28, 2026, before market opening, followed by a conference call to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be released before the market opens on January 28, 2026 [1]. - A conference call will be held at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time on the same day to review the results [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - Interested parties can listen to the call by dialing (800) 330-6710 and referencing participant ID 7359166 [2]. - A live audio webcast and a presentation highlighting the results will be available on Stifel's website [2]. - A replay of the call will be accessible approximately one hour after the call concludes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Stifel Financial Corp. is a diversified financial services firm offering wealth management, commercial and investment banking, trading, and research services [3]. - The company was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, operating over 400 offices in the U.S. and major global financial centers [3]. - Stifel aims to transform opportunities into achievements for both retail and institutional clients [3].

Core Insights - 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC has announced the hiring of Philip G. Bickel and Josefa A. Palma as Principals and Portfolio Managers in the New York office [1][2] Company Overview - 1919 Investment Counsel manages approximately $26.0 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, including $3.2 billion in responsible investing strategies [5] - The firm serves a diverse client base, including individuals, families, corporations, foundations, charitable trusts, and educational institutions [5] - 1919 has a long-standing reputation for delivering personalized client experiences since its founding in 1919 and has been recognized as one of the top registered investment advisory firms by Barron's, Forbes, and Financial Advisor Magazine [5][6] New Hires - Philip G. Bickel brings over 14 years of experience in investment management, specializing in customized portfolio solutions for high-net-worth and institutional clients [3] - Josefa A. Palma also has over 14 years of experience in investment management and client advisory, having co-chaired the Global Equity Fund Strategy Investment Committee at her previous firm [4] - Both new hires are expected to enhance the firm's ability to deliver tailored investment portfolios aligned with clients' long-term wealth objectives [2][5]

Core Viewpoint - Stifel Financial (SF) is highlighted as a strong candidate for investors due to its consistent performance in beating earnings estimates and its favorable positioning for future earnings reports [1]. Earnings Performance - Stifel has a proven track record of exceeding earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 4.52% over the last two quarters [2]. - In the last reported quarter, Stifel achieved earnings of $1.95 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.85 per share by 5.41% [3]. - For the previous quarter, the company reported earnings of $1.71 per share against an expectation of $1.65 per share, resulting in a surprise of 3.64% [3]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent changes in earnings estimates for Stifel have been favorable, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [6]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have historically produced positive surprises nearly 70% of the time [7]. - Stifel currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.22%, suggesting that analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [9]. Importance of Earnings ESP - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions [8]. - A positive Earnings ESP combined with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) indicates a high probability of another earnings beat for Stifel [9]. - It is crucial for investors to check a company's Earnings ESP prior to quarterly releases to enhance the chances of successful investment decisions [10].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Stifel Financial (SF) - Stifel Financial currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong potential for momentum investing [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), which is associated with a history of outperforming the market [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, SF shares increased by 1.48%, outperforming the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, which rose by 0.84% [6] - In the last month, SF's price change was 2.59%, compared to the industry's 2.09% [6] - Over the past quarter, SF shares have risen by 17.31%, and over the last year, they are up 25.43%, while the S&P 500 has only moved 6.77% and 21.08%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - SF's average 20-day trading volume is 649,518 shares, which serves as a baseline for price-to-volume analysis [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for SF has increased, while none have decreased, raising the consensus estimate from $7.40 to $7.41 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has moved upwards with no downward revisions during the same period [10] Conclusion - Given the strong momentum indicators and positive earnings outlook, SF is positioned as a solid momentum pick with a Momentum Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [12]

Core Viewpoint - The market is experiencing a consolidation phase with potential for both upward and downward movements, influenced by price earnings ratios and economic conditions [3]. Market Predictions - The S&P 500 is projected to range between 6,500 and 7,500, with current levels near 7,000, indicating optimism but also caution regarding big tech cyclical growth [2][3]. Investment Opportunities - Defensive sectors such as waste management and food, beverage, and tobacco are seen as potential hedges against big tech exposure, with specific companies like Republic Services and Philip Morris highlighted [4]. - Healthcare and biotech are expected to benefit significantly from AI advancements, providing a defensive mode around their products [5]. - Growth opportunities are identified in software, which appears more favorable compared to other internet names [5]. Economic Insights - Capital spending on AI has been crucial in supporting the economy, particularly in 2025, amidst concerns of a K-shaped economy that is politically unsustainable [6][7]. - The consumer sector, accounting for approximately 68% of GDP, is under scrutiny, with capital expenditures and AI potentially counterbalancing consumer weaknesses [6]. - Unemployment trends are being monitored as indicators of broader economic health, with implications for inflation risks [7][8].

Core Insights - Starbucks is planning to close five more stores in New York City, continuing a trend that began in the fall, with rival Luckin Coffee eyeing these locations for potential expansion [1][5][6] - The closures are attributed to leases not being renewed, following a significant reduction of 34 stores in September due to six consecutive quarters of declining sales [2][5][15] - Luckin Coffee has opened nine stores in NYC within seven months and is actively negotiating for more locations, potentially quadrupling its presence in the city [5][6][13] Company Actions - Starbucks has closed a total of 42 stores in New York City over the year, marking the highest number of closures among chain retailers in the US [12][15] - The company is undergoing a $1 billion restructuring plan, which includes closing 400 stores nationwide and laying off 900 corporate staff [15] - Starbucks is focusing on reopening select locations, such as a shop at 1585 Broadway, but no new openings are planned beyond this [9] Market Dynamics - The abrupt closures of Starbucks stores have significantly impacted the real estate market, as the chain was previously considered a desirable tenant [11][12] - The closures reflect a broader trend where Starbucks has reduced its NYC store count by about 20% since 2019, from 351 to 286 stores [15] - The shift in consumer behavior post-COVID, with fewer customers visiting stores regularly, has contributed to the decline in profitability for many locations [16]

Core Insights - Stifel Financial Corp. reported record highs in total client assets and fee-based client assets for November 2025, with increases of 8% and 14% year-over-year respectively, attributed to strong recruiting and market gains [2] Selected Operating Data - Total client assets reached $553.606 billion, up from $513.931 billion a year ago, reflecting an 8% increase and a 1% increase from the previous month [2] - Fee-based client assets amounted to $224.662 billion, a 14% increase from $197.333 billion year-over-year and a 1% increase from the previous month [2] - Private Client Group fee-based client assets were $196.548 billion, also showing a 14% year-over-year increase from $172.527 billion and a 1% increase from the previous month [2] - Net bank loans, including loans held for sale, totaled $21.963 billion, marking a 6% increase from $20.727 billion year-over-year and a 1% increase from the previous month [2] - Client money market and insured product balances decreased by 10% year-over-year to $25.738 billion, but increased by 1% from the previous month [2] - Treasury deposits surged to $8.734 billion, a 96% increase from $4.451 billion a year ago and a 9% increase from the previous month [2]

Core Viewpoint - Stifel Financial (SF) is identified as a promising momentum stock with a Momentum Style Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating potential for short-term gains [3][12]. Momentum Style Score - The Zacks Momentum Style Score evaluates stocks based on price changes and earnings estimate revisions, helping investors identify strong momentum candidates [2][9]. - Stifel Financial's recent performance metrics suggest it is well-positioned within the momentum investing framework [3]. Price Performance - Over the past week, Stifel Financial shares increased by 2.86%, outperforming the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, which rose by 2.16% [6]. - In a longer time frame, shares have appreciated by 11.67% over the past quarter and 22.59% over the last year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which gained only 2.16% and 12.81% respectively [7]. Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for Stifel Financial is 774,737 shares, indicating a healthy trading activity that can signal bullish trends [8]. Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, three earnings estimates for Stifel Financial have been revised upwards, raising the consensus estimate from $7.23 to $7.40 [10]. - For the next fiscal year, three estimates have also moved higher with no downward revisions, suggesting positive earnings momentum [10].

Core Insights - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (KBW) has appointed Stephen Glagola as Managing Director and Senior Equity Research Analyst focusing on digital asset companies, based in San Francisco [1] - Glagola has extensive experience in the digital assets ecosystem, previously covering bitcoin miners and AI data centers at Jones Trading [2] - His prior role included 11 years at TD Cowen, where he specialized in Cryptocurrency and was recognized as an Equity Research "Rising Star" by Business Insider in 2021 [3] Company Overview - KBW is a leading independent authority in financial services, established in 1962, with expertise in research, corporate finance, and trading in equities securities [5] - The firm is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. and operates in both the U.S. and Europe [5] Industry Context - The appointment of Glagola highlights the growing importance of digital assets within KBW's Fintech team, reflecting the sector's expected growth and integration into mainstream financial infrastructure [4]