Why Is Raymond James Financial (RJF) Down 2.9% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Raymond James Financial, Inc. reported a decline in adjusted earnings for Q3 fiscal 2025, primarily due to a legal reserve increase, while investment banking and trading segments showed solid performance [3][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 fiscal 2025 were $2.18, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.37, and down 9% from the prior year [3]. - Net income available to common shareholders was $435 million or $2.12 per share, down from $491 million or $2.31 per share in the prior-year quarter [5]. - Quarterly net revenues increased to $3.40 billion, up 9% year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.36 billion [6]. Segment Performance - The Private Client Group saw a 36% growth in net revenues, while Asset Management and Capital Markets reported increases of 10% and 15%, respectively [6]. - The Bank segment's net revenues rose by 10%, but the "Others" category experienced a significant decline of 68% [6]. Expenses and Provisions - Non-interest expenses rose by 10% year over year to $2.85 billion, attributed to increases across all cost components [7]. - The company recorded a bank loan provision for credit losses of $15 million, contrasting with a provision benefit of $10 million in the previous year [7]. Asset Management - As of June 30, 2025, client assets under administration reached $1.64 trillion, an 11% increase from the prior year, while financial assets under management grew by 15% to $263.2 billion [8]. Balance Sheet Strength - Total assets stood at $84.82 billion, a 2% increase from the prior quarter, with total equity stable at $12.18 billion [9]. - Book value per share increased to $60.90 from $54.08 a year ago, and the total capital ratio improved to 24.3% from 23.6% [9]. Share Repurchase Activity - In the reported quarter, the company repurchased shares worth $451 million at an average price of $137 per share [11]. Future Outlook - For fiscal 2025, management anticipates non-compensation expenses to be $2.1 billion, reflecting about 10% growth from the previous year's adjusted figure [12]. - The company expects a 9% sequential increase in asset management and related administrative fees for the fiscal fourth quarter [13]. - The effective tax rate for fiscal 2025 is estimated to be approximately 24% [14]. Market Position - Raymond James Financial has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of an in-line return in the coming months [17]. - The company is part of the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, where peers like Morgan Stanley have shown positive performance trends [18].