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LAZ vs RJF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Lazard, Inc. (LAZ) vs. Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different business DNA: LAZ is a global advisory and asset management franchise, while RJF runs a diversified wealth management, capital markets, and banking platform.
- Diverging momentum: LAZ has lagged the sector over recent months, while RJF posted double-digit gains over the trailing three months before a recent pullback.
- Earnings quality differs: Lazard's recent results were pressured by higher costs and softer advisory revenue, whereas Raymond James delivered record revenues and earnings growth.
- Capital returns: LAZ offers a comparatively higher dividend yield, while RJF combines a rising dividend with an active share buyback program.
- Analyst positioning: Street consensus leans "Hold" on LAZ and "Buy" on RJF, reflecting differing views on near-term earnings visibility.
Introduction
Lazard, Inc. and Raymond James Financial, Inc. are two prominent names in financial services, yet they operate through markedly different models. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing a merger-and-acquisition (M&A)-sensitive advisory firm against a diversified wealth and banking powerhouse. Recent market activity has produced a noticeable gap in relative performance between the two, driven by divergent earnings trends, cost pressures, and growth catalysts. For traders assessing relative performance and market positioning, understanding how these companies generate revenue—and how each responds to shifting interest rates, deal activity, and client asset flows—provides a clearer framework for evaluating which profile may be better suited to current conditions.
LAZ Overview and Recent Performance
LAZ, or Lazard, Inc., is an independent financial advisory and asset management firm best known for its M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and restructuring counsel to corporations and governments. Its revenue is heavily tied to the deal cycle: the Financial Advisory segment contributed the majority of operating revenues, while a growing Asset Management arm—with assets under management (AUM) near $285 billion—provides some diversification.
Recent weeks have been challenging for the stock. Over the trailing six months, shares declined roughly 14%, underperforming the broader financial services industry. The most recent quarterly results missed expectations on adjusted earnings per share (EPS), reflecting lower Financial Advisory revenue and higher compensation and non-compensation expenses that compressed the adjusted operating margin. Management continues to advance its "Lazard 2030" growth plan, anchored by the pending Campbell Lutyens acquisition in private capital advisory, but near-term profitability remains under pressure as deal activity recovers unevenly.
RJF Overview and Recent Performance
RJF, or Raymond James Financial, Inc., operates a more diversified model spanning a Private Client Group (PCG, its wealth management arm), Capital Markets, Asset Management, and a banking segment. This breadth generates revenue from fee-based advisory assets, brokerage, investment banking, and net interest income, reducing reliance on any single cycle.
Recent market activity has favored the shares, which gained more than 17% over a three-month stretch, outpacing peers and the S&P 500, before a modest pullback. In its latest fiscal quarter, the company reported record net revenues and strong adjusted EPS growth, supported by record PCG assets under administration of roughly $1.86 trillion and healthy net new asset flows. Strategic moves—including the Clark Capital acquisition and the GreensLedge investment—have extended its wealth and capital markets capabilities, while disciplined buybacks and a recently raised dividend underscore shareholder-friendly capital management.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these stocks is revenue diversification. RJF spreads exposure across recurring wealth fees, banking spread income, and capital markets, which supports steadier earnings across cycles. LAZ, by contrast, remains more cyclical, with advisory fees tied to M&A volumes that have recovered unevenly and remain sensitive to financing costs and valuation gaps.
Growth drivers also differ. Lazard's catalysts center on restructuring, private capital advisory expansion, and asset management inflows, while Raymond James leans on advisor recruiting, client asset growth, and bank loan growth. On risk factors, LAZ faces elevated compensation ratios and margin pressure; RJF faces net interest margin compression and technology spending. On valuation, Raymond James trades near a mid-teens forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, while Lazard's valuation reflects lower near-term earnings visibility and a higher dividend yield.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor RJF in the current environment. The stock has shown more consistent recent trend strength, backed by record revenues, rising client assets, and a steadier, more diversified earnings base. LAZ carries meaningful optionality if M&A activity accelerates, but its recent earnings misses and margin compression suggest weaker near-term trend consistency. This assessment reflects probabilistic, data-driven positioning rather than a definitive prediction, and relative standing could shift as market conditions evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is LAZ is a Hold and RJF is a Buy.
LAZ in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026
LAZ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 27 of 35 cases where LAZ's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LAZ's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 16, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LAZ as a result. In 64 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LAZ just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where LAZ's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 49 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +4.94% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LAZ advanced for three days, in 206 of 289 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 41 of 52 cases where LAZ's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 79%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LAZ declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 72%.
The Aroon Indicator for LAZ entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 36 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LAZ’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.983) is normal, around the industry mean (3.638). P/E Ratio (16.910) is within average values for comparable stocks, (8.944). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.000) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.054) settles around the average of (7.191) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.200) is also within normal values, averaging (16.763).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 97 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LAZ’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
RJF's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for RJF moved out of oversold territory on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 29 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 25 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 86%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 2 days, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for RJF just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where RJF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 25 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
Following a +1.47% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RJF advanced for three days, in 210 of 354 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
RJF may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 09, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on RJF as a result. In 47 of 76 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
The 10-day moving average for RJF crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RJF declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
The Aroon Indicator for RJF entered a downward trend on October 21, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RJF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 84 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.358) is normal, around the industry mean (2.389). P/E Ratio (13.318) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-4.339). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.791) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.014) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.197) is also within normal values, averaging (15.798).
LAZ | RJF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 17 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 85 Overvalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 97 | 31 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 36 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 61 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 62 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
RJF's Valuation (84) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as LAZ (85). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to LAZ’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Profit vs Risk Rating (31) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is significantly better than the same rating for LAZ (97). This means that RJF’s stock grew significantly faster than LAZ’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's SMR Rating (9) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as LAZ (36). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to LAZ’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Price Growth Rating (58) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as LAZ (61). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to LAZ’s over the last 12 months.
LAZ's P/E Growth Rating (43) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (62). This means that LAZ’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
| LAZ | RJF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 86% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 79% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 54% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 2 days ago 62% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 72% | 4 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 77% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 72% | 2 days ago 59% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
LAZ’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while RJF’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- LAZ’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- RJF’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
LAZ’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RJF’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- LAZ’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 3 bearish.
- RJF’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
LAZ (@Investment Banks/Brokers) experienced а +7.82% price change this week, while RJF (@Investment Managers) price change was -0.99% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was -5.17%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -16.77%, and the average quarterly price growth was -12.77%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.59%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.52%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.19%.
Reported Earning Dates
LAZ is expected to report earnings on Oct 22, 2026.
RJF is expected to report earnings on Oct 28, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Banks/Brokers (-5.17% weekly)These banks specialize in underwriting (helping companies with debt financing or equity issuances), IPOs, facilitating mergers and other corporate reorganizations and acting as a broker or financial advisor for institutions. They might also trade securities on their own accounts. Investment banks potentially thrive on expanding its network of clients, since that could help them increase profits. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and CME Group Inc are some of the largest investment banking companies.
@Investment Managers (-1.59% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
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LAZ and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LAZ has been closely correlated with EVR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if LAZ jumps, then EVR could also see price increases.
RJF and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, RJF has been closely correlated with SF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if RJF jumps, then SF could also see price increases.
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