Buy the Dip in These Top Financial Management Stocks: AAMI, AB

Core Insights - September is typically a weak month for the stock market, but it presents opportunities for investors willing to take on risk, particularly in Acadian Asset Management and AllianceBernstein, which have recently dipped below their 52-week highs [1][2] Financial Performance - Acadian Asset Management reported a record AUM of $151.1 billion, while AllianceBernstein reached an all-time high AUM of $829 billion, driven by strong global equity inflows [5] - Acadian's EPS estimates for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 have increased by 17% and 26%, respectively, with an expected annual earnings surge of 35% this year and a projected 21% increase in FY26 to $4.50 per share [6][7] - AllianceBernstein's FY25 EPS estimates have risen by 4% in the last two months, with FY26 revisions up by 7%, forecasting a 2% expansion in FY25 and an 11% increase next year to $3.69 per share [7] Valuation Metrics - Both Acadian and AllianceBernstein are trading at forward P/E multiples of 11X, significantly lower than the broader Zacks finance sector's 19X and the S&P 500's 24X, indicating attractive valuation [8] Investment Outlook - Acadian Asset Management holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to rebound from its 52-week high of $51 per share, while AllianceBernstein has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) and is projected to return to its one-year peak of $43 per share, offering a 7.71% annual dividend yield [11]