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PFG vs RJF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Principal Financial Group (PFG) vs. Raymond James Financial (RJF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Different business models: PFG is a retirement, insurance, and asset-management provider, while RJF is a diversified wealth-management, capital-markets, and banking firm.
- Recent momentum has diverged: PFG has trended higher on strong earnings and capital returns, while RJF has pulled back in recent weeks despite record revenues.
- Valuation is comparable: Both trade at forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios in the low-to-mid teens, though their earnings drivers differ materially.
- Risk profiles differ: RJF is more sensitive to capital-markets activity, while PFG faces pressure from fee-sensitive asset-management outflows.
- Capital returns remain a shared strength: Both companies maintain active share-repurchase and dividend programs.
- For more context, explore PFG Major News and PFG Today's Price Move, along with RJF Major News and RJF Today's Price Move.
- Interested in automated trading signals for these names? Visit the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the financial-services sector often weigh diversified retirement and insurance franchises against wealth-management and capital-markets firms. This stock comparison examines PFG (Principal Financial Group) and RJF (Raymond James Financial), two established players with different revenue engines and growth drivers. Principal generates earnings from retirement plans, specialty benefits, life insurance, and asset management, while Raymond James leans on its Private Client Group, investment banking, and a growing bank segment. The contrast in relative performance and market positioning makes this pairing relevant for investors weighing capital-markets exposure against more rate- and market-sensitive fee businesses, as well as for those tracking momentum and valuation in financial stocks.
PFG Overview and Recent Performance
Principal Financial Group operates across retirement and income solutions, specialty benefits, life insurance, and asset management, with assets under management (AUM) of roughly $770 billion and assets under administration (AUA) near $1.8 trillion as of its most recent quarter. In recent weeks, PFG shares have trended higher, supported by double-digit growth in non-GAAP operating earnings per share (EPS) and margin expansion. Management has guided to approximately 9%–12% core EPS growth for the year, citing strength in retirement transfer deposits, record specialty-benefits sales, and disciplined pricing.
Sentiment has been shaped by favorable underwriting results and improved mortality trends in the benefits segment, alongside continued share buybacks and a rising dividend. The primary headwind remains concentrated net cash outflows in investment management, which partially offset fee-based growth. Analysts have raised price targets in recent weeks, though some view the stock as fairly valued after its strong run.
RJF Overview and Recent Performance
Raymond James Financial is a diversified financial-services company centered on its Private Client Group (PCG), which generates the majority of revenue through asset-management and administrative fees, plus a capital-markets segment and a bank business. The firm recently posted record quarterly net revenues, with PCG assets under administration reaching a record level and domestic net new assets remaining strong. Investment banking revenues have rebounded as merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has recovered.
Despite these fundamentals, RJF shares have pulled back in recent weeks, giving back part of their earlier gains, while longer-term momentum remains intact. Recent leadership changes in banking and asset-management units and an ongoing cash-sweep legal matter have contributed to a more cautious near-term tone. Strategic moves such as the Clark Capital acquisition and the GreensLedge investment have expanded the firm's wealth and capital-markets capabilities, and analysts maintain a broadly constructive, if mixed, rating stance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two is revenue mix. PFG is anchored in retirement, insurance, and benefits, where earnings are influenced by underwriting quality, mortality, and long-term fee flows. RJF is anchored in wealth management, where fee-based assets and advisor recruiting drive growth, supplemented by more cyclical investment-banking and brokerage revenue.
On relative performance, PFG has shown steadier recent upward momentum, while RJF has consolidated after an earlier advance. Risk factors also diverge: RJF carries sensitivity to capital-markets volatility and deal flow, plus a legal overhang, whereas PFG's key watch item is fee-sensitive asset-management outflows. Both return capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. From a market-positioning standpoint, RJF offers greater optionality to an improving M&A cycle, while PFG offers more stability from diversified, recurring insurance and retirement income streams.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, momentum, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor PFG in the current environment. The stock's steadier recent uptrend, improving earnings trajectory, and consistent capital returns suggest more stable relative positioning, whereas RJF's near-term pullback and legal uncertainty introduce greater variability. That said, RJF's record revenues and exposure to a recovering capital-markets cycle could support renewed momentum if deal activity accelerates. The AI's assessment reflects probabilities and relative strength rather than a definitive forecast, and positioning could shift as trends 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 PFG is a Buy and RJF is a Buy.
PFG in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on November 09, 2026
PFG moved above its 50-day moving average on November 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 38 of 50 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PFG as a result. In 54 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PFG just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where PFG's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The 10-day moving average for PFG crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
Following a +4.58% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PFG advanced for three days, in 200 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 150 of 279 cases where PFG Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PFG moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 46 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 23 of the 46 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 50%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 39 of 62 cases where PFG's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PFG 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 57%.
PFG broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. PFG’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to 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 Valuation Rating of 78 (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 (1.956) is normal, around the industry mean (2.412). P/E Ratio (15.577) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-2.386). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.410) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.030) settles around the average of (0.270) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.647) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable 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 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. PFG’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 80, placing this stock worse than average.
RJF's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator 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 23 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on RJF as a result. In 52 of 75 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
RJF moved above its 50-day moving average on November 09, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for RJF crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 10, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 9 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
Following a +3.26% 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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
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 58%.
RJF broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for RJF entered a downward trend on October 27, 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 27 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 80, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 49 (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 60 (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 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 (2.466) is normal, around the industry mean (2.412). P/E Ratio (13.927) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-2.386). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.791) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.270) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.197) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
PFG | RJF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 26 | 29 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 78 Overvalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 27 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 100 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 25 | 49 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 17 | 60 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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.
PFG's Valuation (78) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as RJF (84) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry. This means that PFG’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Profit vs Risk Rating (27) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is significantly better than the same rating for PFG (100) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry. This means that RJF’s stock grew significantly faster than PFG’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's SMR Rating (9) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is significantly better than the same rating for PFG (100) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry. This means that RJF’s stock grew significantly faster than PFG’s over the last 12 months.
PFG's Price Growth Rating (25) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is in the same range as RJF (49) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry. This means that PFG’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
PFG's P/E Growth Rating (17) in the Life Or Health Insurance industry is somewhat better than the same rating for RJF (60) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry. This means that PFG’s stock grew somewhat faster than RJF’s over the last 12 months.
| PFG | RJF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 55% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 64% | 1 day ago 69% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | N/A |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 57% | 6 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 58% |
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).
PFG’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while RJF’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- PFG’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
PFG’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RJF’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- PFG’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- RJF’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
PFG (@Investment Managers) experienced а -2.23% price change this week, while RJF (@Investment Managers) price change was -0.92% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -2.51%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.71%, and the average quarterly price growth was -1.65%.
Reported Earning Dates
PFG is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
RJF is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-2.51% 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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PFG and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PFG has been loosely correlated with EQH. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if PFG jumps, then EQH could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To PFG | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFG | 100% | -1.12% | ||
| EQH - PFG | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.59% | ||
| CRBG - PFG | 58% Loosely correlated | +0.58% | ||
| RJF - PFG | 58% Loosely correlated | -0.58% | ||
| CG - PFG | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.39% | ||
| BBUC - PFG | 54% Loosely correlated | -1.24% | ||
More | ||||
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.