Key Takeaways SEI Investments raised its dividend to $0.52 per share, up 6.1%, continuing 24 years of consistent hikes.The board added $600M to SEIC's buyback program, lifting total authorization to $773.2M.SEIC holds $792.8M in cash against $43.8M in debt, supporting sustained capital returns.SEI Investments Company’s (SEIC) board of directors has announced a semi-annual cash dividend of 52 cents per share, representing an increase of 6.1% from the prior payout. The dividend will be paid out on Jan. 12, 20 ...

About SEISEI (NASDAQ:SEIC) is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services within the financial services industry. SEI tailors its solutions and services to help clients more effectively deploy their capital—whether that's money, time, or talent—so they can better serve their clients and achieve their growth objectives. As of Sept. 30, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.8 trillion in assets. For more information, visit seic.com. | Inve ...

Board Appoints Independent Director Carl A. Guarino as Chairman as Part of Planned Transition ® OAKS, Pa., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SEI (NASDAQ: SEIC) today celebrates the extraordinary career of Alfred P. West, Jr., the company's founder and Executive Chairman of the Board, who resigned from his role as a director and board chair as part of a planned transition effective Jan. 1, 2026. The Board has appointed Carl A. Guarino, an independent director of SEI's Board, as Chairman effective Jan. 1, 2026. W ...

Core Insights - The acquisition of Stratos Wealth Holdings by SEI is aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing operational capabilities, leveraging SEI's resources to capitalize on market opportunities [1][2][4][6] - The deal is expected to facilitate a greater volume of acquisitions, with plans to announce 15 simultaneous acquisitions in January [4][5] - SEI's investment in Stratos will enhance its asset management capabilities and provide a more robust platform for financial advisors [16][18] Company Overview - SEI has acquired Stratos Wealth Holdings for approximately $441 million, which includes a controlling stake in the U.S. business and plans to acquire the Mexico-based business next year [5][6] - Stratos manages about $37 billion in client assets and has over 350 advisors, positioning it as a significant player in the registered investment advisor (RIA) space [6] Strategic Goals - The partnership with SEI is intended to provide Stratos with the necessary capital and resources to pursue larger and more numerous transactions in the RIA market [7][12][14] - SEI aims to integrate Stratos's operations with minimal disruption while enhancing the value offered to Stratos advisors through improved technology and investment management capabilities [21][22] Market Positioning - The acquisition aligns with the growing demand for financial advice, as the industry faces a shortage of financial advisors, which is expected to increase the sustainability of advisor income [16] - Stratos's focus on Main Street investors complements SEI's existing ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) business, allowing for a broader service offering [18][19] Integration and Collaboration - SEI plans to leverage its extensive resources, including over 5,000 employees, to support Stratos in scaling its operations and enhancing service delivery [22] - There is a focus on collaboration between Stratos and SEI's existing capabilities, particularly in the OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) space, to better serve clients [20][24]

Core Insights - Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) has entered a multi-year partnership with Brex, aiming to unlock $5.6 billion in annual commercial card payment volume [1][8] - The collaboration will enable Fifth Third to utilize Brex's API-driven infrastructure for its new Commercial Card, enhancing services for Commercial Banking clients [1][4] Group 1: Partnership Details - Fifth Third will deploy Brex's platform across all markets, providing businesses with advanced financial tools to improve efficiency and competitiveness [2] - The partnership addresses long-standing issues in commercial finance, such as poor visibility into spending and manual processes, by offering AI-driven solutions [3][4] - Clients will benefit from features like corporate card issuance, automated expense management, and secure real-time payments [4] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The partnership is expected to increase fee income through higher commercial card usage and improve client retention and acquisition [5] - It supports long-term deposit growth and cross-sell opportunities, enhancing the bank's overall revenue profile [5] - This move aligns with Fifth Third's broader expansion strategy, which includes recent acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen its market position [6] Group 3: Market Performance - Over the past six months, FITB's shares have increased by 15.4%, compared to a 19.5% growth in the industry [7]

Core Insights - Invesco Ltd. has partnered with LGT Capital Partners to enhance private markets access for U.S. wealth and retirement investors [1][9] - The partnership aims to create a multi-alternative private markets offering, focusing initially on U.S. wealth and retirement segments [3][9] - This collaboration is part of Invesco's strategy to grow its assets under management (AUM) and boost revenues [4][9] Company Background - LGT Capital has over 25 years of experience and manages investments for more than 700 institutional clients across 50 countries [2] - The firm has established strong capabilities in managing multi-alternative and evergreen portfolios [2] Strategic Goals - The partnership intends to leverage combined strengths to improve accessibility to private markets through robust portfolio solutions and enhanced investor education [3][4] - Invesco's CEO emphasized the potential of private markets to provide differentiated income and growth sources [4] Financial Performance - Invesco's shares have increased by 74.2% over the past six months, contrasting with a 4.2% decline in the industry [5] - Currently, Invesco holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Insights - Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) has initiated a new share repurchase program allowing for the buyback of up to $2 billion in shares, replacing the previous $1.5 billion plan announced in December 2024 [1][7] - The company has also increased its quarterly cash dividend by 8% to 54 cents per share, with the dividend payment scheduled for January 16, 2026 [2][7] - RJF's strong cash position of $11.4 billion and a manageable debt level of $700 million support the sustainability of its capital distribution strategy [3][4][7] Share Repurchase Program - The new share repurchase program has no expiration date and allows RJF to repurchase shares worth up to $2 billion [1][7] - As of December 2, 2025, approximately $105 million worth of shares were still available for repurchase under the previous plan [1] Dividend Announcement - The quarterly cash dividend of 54 cents per share reflects an 8% increase from the previous payout, continuing RJF's trend of regular dividend increases over the past decade [2][3] - The dividend will be paid to shareholders of record as of January 2, 2026 [2] Financial Position - RJF's annualized dividend yield stands at 1.26%, providing a steady income stream for investors, with a dividend payout ratio of 19% [3] - The company's cash and cash equivalents of $11.4 billion indicate a strong balance sheet, supporting its capital distribution strategy [3][4] Market Performance - Over the past six months, RJF's shares have increased by 10.7%, while the industry has seen a growth of 20.6% [5]

Core Insights - SEI Investments Co. (SEIC) has completed the first phase of its strategic collaboration with Stratos Wealth Holdings, initially announced in July 2025, involving an investment of approximately $527 million for a 57.5% stake in Stratos [1][4] Group 1: Collaboration Details - The newly formed entity, SEI-Eclipse Holding Company, LLC, acquired the U.S.-based Stratos business for about $441 million, which represents approximately 81% of the total transaction value [3] - The finalized deal now totals around $544 million for a 57.5% stake in SEI-Eclipse Holding Company, with existing Stratos equity holders retaining a 42.5% interest, subject to put/call rights [4][8] - The second phase of the deal, which involves acquiring the Mexico-based NSC business, is expected to be completed in 2026, pending regulatory approvals [5][8] Group 2: Operational Impact - Founder and CEO Jeff Concepcion will continue to lead Stratos, which will maintain its established brand while operating as an affiliated business of SEI Investments [6] - Stratos' current business operations and client service model will remain unchanged, with SEI Investments enhancing its offerings through resources in technology, custody, operations, and asset management [6] Group 3: Market Context - Ryan Hicke, CEO of SEI Investments, highlighted three core growth opportunities in wealth management: advice, asset management, and administration, emphasizing that Stratos enhances their ecosystem with an advice platform that respects advisor independence [7] - SEI Investments' shares have declined by 7.1% over the past six months, compared to a 14.1% decline in the industry [7]

Core Insights - SEI has completed the first stage of its strategic investment in Stratos Wealth Holdings, acquiring the U.S.-based Stratos business for approximately $441 million, which represents about 81% of the total transaction value [1] - The partnership aims to enhance the wealth management ecosystem by combining SEI's strengths in advice, asset management, and administration with Stratos' independent advisory platform [1] - Stratos operates a national network of over 350 financial advisors across 29 states, advising approximately $38 billion in client assets [1] Company Overview - SEI is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services, managing approximately $1.8 trillion in assets as of September 30, 2025 [1] - Stratos Wealth Holdings supports independent financial advisors through flexible affiliation models and provides practice management consulting, operations, IT, and compliance services [1] Transaction Details - SEI will pay a total cash consideration of approximately $544 million for 57.5% of the equity of SEI-Eclipse Holding Company, with certain legacy Stratos equity holders retaining 42.5% [1] - The second stage of the transaction, involving the purchase of the Mexico-based NSC business, is expected to close in 2026, subject to regulatory approval [1]

Key Takeaways AMG shares surged to a 52-week high backed by higher AUM and a shift toward alternative strategies.Affiliated Managers saw $17B in net inflows YTD as it pivoted toward alternative investments.New partnerships could add $24B to AUM, with alternatives now driving 55% of AMG's earnings.Shares of Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) touched a new 52-week high of $276.24 during yesterday’s trading session, before closing at $266.16. The stock has been hitting new highs since the announcement of the thir ...