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RJF vs SF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Raymond James Financial (RJF) vs. Stifel Financial (SF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both RJF and SF are diversified financial-services firms pairing large wealth-management franchises with investment banking and capital markets.
- Raymond James operates at meaningfully greater scale, with Private Client Group assets under administration of roughly $1.86 trillion versus Stifel's client assets of about $539 billion.
- Both stocks have posted strong multi-year returns but pulled back in recent weeks, reflecting a temporary cooling of sentiment toward the capital-markets sector.
- Raymond James trades at a modestly higher earnings multiple, while Stifel screens cheaper on a price-to-earnings (P/E) basis but carries more concentrated deal-related sensitivity.
- Both firms recently reported record or near-record quarterly results, supported by recovering investment banking pipelines and resilient wealth-management fee income.
- Relative positioning hinges on a trade-off between Raymond James' scale and stability versus Stifel's lower valuation and higher operating leverage to a deal-making recovery.
Introduction
Raymond James Financial and Stifel Financial are two of the most closely followed names in the mid-cap financial-services space, and they are frequently compared because they share a similar blueprint: a wealth-management platform that generates recurring fee income, paired with an investment bank that benefits when merger and acquisition (M&A) activity and capital markets conditions improve. For investors and traders evaluating this corner of the market, the relevant question is how each company balances stability against growth. This stock comparison examines recent performance, business drivers, and market positioning to clarify where the two diverge — and which characteristics may matter most in the current environment.
RJF Overview and Recent Performance
RJF — Raymond James Financial — is a diversified financial-services company built around its Private Client Group (PCG), alongside Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Bank segments. Its wealth platform remains the core engine: in its most recent fiscal quarter, PCG assets under administration reached a record of about $1.86 trillion, with domestic net new asset growth continuing to compound. The firm has also expanded through acquisitions, including asset manager Clark Capital and capital-markets specialist GreensLedge, broadening both its fee-based asset base and its advisory capabilities.
In recent market activity, RJF shares have pulled back by a high-single-digit percentage over the past month even as the company reported record quarterly net revenues and a year-over-year rise in earnings per share (EPS, or profit attributable to each common share). Sentiment has been shaped by record results balanced against rising expenses, legal costs tied to a cash-sweep lawsuit, and sensitivity to capital-markets volatility. Over a longer horizon, however, the stock has delivered a roughly 60%-plus three-year total shareholder return (TSR, which includes dividends), underscoring durable long-term momentum despite the near-term cooling.
SF Overview and Recent Performance
SF — Stifel Financial — is a diversified financial-services firm organized around Global Wealth Management and an Institutional Group spanning investment banking, equities, and fixed income. Its wealth business holds roughly $539 billion in total client assets, and it has built a reputation for advisor satisfaction, earning a top ranking in J.D. Power's 2026 study for a fourth consecutive year. Recent strategic moves include acquiring advisor teams from B. Riley and taking a minority stake in treasury platform Meow, while divesting its Stifel Independent Advisors business.
In recent weeks, SF shares have been volatile, rallying sharply after a strong quarterly earnings report lifted the stock back toward the low-$80s following an earlier 2026 drawdown. The firm reported year-over-year revenue growth and a rebound in investment banking, along with an annualized return on tangible common equity (ROTCE, a profitability measure that excludes intangible assets) in the mid-20s percentage range. Its three-year TSR has exceeded 100%, yet the year-to-date picture remains negative, illustrating the tension between strong fundamentals and shifting short-term sentiment.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two is scale versus valuation. RJF is the larger and more diversified operation, with a wealth platform several times the size of SF's and a forward P/E in the mid-teens. SF, by comparison, trades at a low-teens earnings multiple, making it the cheaper name on a relative-performance basis but also the one with more concentrated exposure to investment-banking cycles and legal overhangs, including an ERISA lawsuit tied to its 401(k) plan.
On growth drivers, both benefit from recovering M&A pipelines and resilient fee-based assets. Raymond James leans on its enormous advisor network and acquisitions to compound assets; Stifel leans on advisor recruiting, venture and fund banking, and margin expansion in its Institutional Group. Risk factors also differ: Raymond James faces elevated expenses and cash-sweep litigation, while Stifel contends with deposit-cost pressure and weaker near-term index inclusion after being removed from the Russell 1000 Dynamic Index. Net-net, RJF offers stability and scale, while SF offers a lower valuation with greater leverage to an upturn in deal activity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward RJF at present. The case rests on greater trend consistency, a larger and more recurring fee-income base, record asset levels, and a steadier record of compounding shareholder returns — qualities that tend to score well in systematic models focused on stability and relative positioning. That said, SF's lower valuation and higher operating leverage to a capital-markets recovery could make it the more responsive name if deal-making momentum strengthens. The conclusion is probabilistic rather than definitive: AI-driven analysis would likely favor RJF on stability grounds, while acknowledging that SF presents a higher-risk, higher-reward profile tied to the investment-banking cycle.
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 RJF is a Buy and SF is a Buy.
RJF's RSI Indicator ascends 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 20 of the 29 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 69%.
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 45 of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
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 29 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
Following a +0.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RJF advanced for three days, in 210 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 44 of 63 cases where RJF's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 70%.
RJF moved below its 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
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 58 (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 Valuation Rating of 83 (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 (2.444). P/E Ratio (13.927) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-2.345). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.791) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.269) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.197) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
SF's RSI Indicator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for SF moved out of oversold territory on October 22, 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 26 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 26 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 85%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SF as a result. In 56 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SF just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where SF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 48 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
Following a +0.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SF advanced for three days, in 243 of 364 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
SF moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for SF moved below the 200-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SF 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 64%.
SF 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 SF entered a downward trend on November 02, 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 11 (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 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SF’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 83 (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 (2.022) is normal, around the industry mean (3.132). P/E Ratio (12.039) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.756). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.833) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (8.982) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.116) is also within normal values, averaging (16.899).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 87 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than 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.
RJF | SF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 27 | 68 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 83 Overvalued | 83 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 27 | 57 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 9 | 11 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 87 | |
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.
RJF's Valuation (83) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as SF (83). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to SF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Profit vs Risk Rating (27) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as SF (57). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to SF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's SMR Rating (9) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as SF (11). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to SF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Price Growth Rating (49) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as SF (58). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to SF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's P/E Growth Rating (58) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as SF (87). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to SF’s over the last 12 months.
| RJF | SF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 85% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 65% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 69% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 61% | 2 days ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 59% | 30 days ago 67% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 64% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 38% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 64% |
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).
RJF’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while SF’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- RJF’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- SF’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
RJF’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SF’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- RJF’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- SF’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
RJF (@Investment Managers) experienced а +3.56% price change this week, while SF (@Investment Banks/Brokers) price change was +6.99% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was -1.02%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -4.60%, and the average quarterly price growth was -5.52%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was -5.39%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -22.29%, and the average quarterly price growth was -27.51%.
Reported Earning Dates
RJF is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
SF is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Managers (-1.02% 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.
@Investment Banks/Brokers (-5.39% 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.
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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.
SF and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SF has been closely correlated with RJF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SF jumps, then RJF could also see price increases.