St. Petersburg, Fla., Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On February 19, 2026, the Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on shares of its common stock of $0.54 per share, payable April 15, 2026 to shareholders of record on April 1, 2026. About Raymond James Financial, Inc. Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other s ...

Market Overview - Wall Street is experiencing significant disruption concerns due to AI, leading to a sell-off in various sectors, particularly software companies, which has resulted in sharp losses in U.S. stocks this week [1][2]. Software Sector - The S&P 500 Software & Services index has lost approximately $2 trillion in value since its peak in October, with half of this loss occurring in the past two weeks due to fears that AI could disrupt traditional subscription and enterprise tools [2]. - Notable declines in the Nasdaq 100 include Atlassian down 47%, Intuit down 40%, and Workday down 33% [4]. - The U.S. software sector is facing its worst drawdown in over three years, impacting alternative asset managers with exposure to software-related loans, with firms like Ares, Blackstone, and KKR seeing declines between 13% and 24% this year [5]. Financial Brokerage, Data Analytics & Legal Services - The financial industry, especially brokerages and data analytics firms, has been negatively affected after Altruist introduced AI-enabled tax planning features, raising fears about the viability of their business models [6]. - Shares of brokers such as LPL Financial and Charles Schwab fell over 7%, while S&P Global's shares dropped more than 25% in February, marking its worst month since 2009 [7]. Real Estate Services - Commercial real estate and investment managers have suffered as investors shift away from high-fee, labor-intensive business models perceived as vulnerable to AI disruption, with CBRE Group and Jones Lang LaSalle each dropping about 12% [8]. Insurance Sector - Insurance stocks have experienced a significant decline, with the S&P 500 insurance index falling 3.9% on a single day, its largest drop since mid-October, following the release of an AI-powered comparison tool by Insurify [10]. - Shares of Willis Towers Watson have decreased by 15% this week, while Aon and Arthur J. Gallagher fell by 9% and 15%, respectively [11]. Trucking & Logistics - The trucking and logistics sector saw unexpected declines, with stocks like Landstar System and C.H. Robinson dropping sharply after Algorhythm Holdings reported a significant increase in freight volumes without a corresponding rise in operational headcount [13].

Group 1 - The January consumer price index (CPI) report shows a month-over-month inflation increase of 0.2%, which is lower than the expected 0.3% gain, while the core CPI increased by 0.3% [1][3][57] - Year-over-year inflation rates are reported at 2.4% for the headline CPI and 2.5% for the core CPI, indicating a slight acceleration in core inflation [2][50] - The report reflects potential distortions due to data collection issues from the government shutdown in previous months, which may affect the comparability of the data [3][26] Group 2 - The market reaction to the CPI report has been muted, with stocks showing little change, indicating that investors are digesting the data amid a volatile market backdrop, particularly in the tech sector [4][59] - There is heightened sensitivity in the market regarding AI-related disruptions, affecting various sectors, including technology and logistics, leading to significant sell-offs in stocks perceived to be at risk [5][90][91] - The CPI data suggests a mixed economic environment, with some sectors experiencing price increases while others, like energy and used cars, see declines, reflecting a complex inflation landscape [11][51][52] Group 3 - Analysts note that January often sees price resets, which can lead to temporary inflation spikes, but the current data does not appear to reflect such resets significantly [7][10] - The report indicates a drag from lower energy prices, which has curbed the headline inflation figure, while certain sectors like transportation services have shown notable price increases [11][12] - The overall economic outlook remains cautious, with expectations that inflation will gradually decrease, allowing for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts later in the year [16][20][30] Group 4 - The CPI report highlights specific categories with significant price movements, such as personal care and food away from home seeing increases, while gasoline and dairy products experienced declines [51][52] - The discussion around tariffs and their impact on inflation continues, with potential policy changes from the White House that could alleviate some inflationary pressures [23][38] - The market is currently characterized by a cautious approach, with investors closely monitoring economic indicators and their implications for future Federal Reserve actions [60][64]

Core Viewpoint - The artificial intelligence (AI) landscape is becoming increasingly volatile, shifting from a broad market uplift to specific stock declines, particularly affecting technology and related sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Enthusiasm for AI has driven a bull market in the U.S., particularly benefiting technology companies and those involved in data center infrastructure [2]. - Concerns regarding AI's disruptive potential are causing investors to reassess valuations in various industries, including software and wealth management [3]. - Major companies like Amazon and Microsoft are facing pressure on their share prices due to scrutiny over their significant AI capital expenditures [4]. Group 2: Stock Performance - The S&P 500 software and services index has seen a decline of 15% since the end of January 2026, influenced by AI-related news [4]. - Shares of U.S. brokerages and insurance companies have dropped significantly, with firms like LPL Financial and Charles Schwab each falling by at least 7% following the introduction of AI features by competitors [5]. - Microsoft shares are down 16% and Amazon over 11% this year, reflecting concerns about their high capital spending on AI [7]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Some investors view the current market as a buying opportunity, with the forward price-to-earnings ratio for the software and services index falling to 22.7 times, the lowest in nearly three years [9]. - JPMorgan equity strategists recommend increasing exposure to higher-quality, "AI-resilient" software companies, suggesting a potential rebound in the market [9]. - Economic "moats" are highlighted as a means for investors to identify strong companies amidst the volatility, as indiscriminate selling creates investable opportunities [9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The S&P 500 is projected to see earnings rise over 14% in 2026, with expectations of further interest rate easing by the Federal Reserve [11]. - However, AI-driven volatility is complicating stock selection, with S&P 500 constituents that are down averaging a 10.6% decline, compared to a 5.9% decline for the same period last year [12].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Summary of Raymond James Financial Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF) - **Core Businesses**: Wealth management, capital markets, and asset management - **Client Assets**: Approximately $1.7 trillion in client assets with over $30 billion in net new assets in the last year [3][5] Macro Environment - **Market Context**: Entering the fourth year of a bull market, with expectations for increased IPOs and M&A activity as the Fed cuts rates [5] - **Economic Indicators**: - Unemployment near historical lows - Inflation under control - Strong consumer sentiment - Projected earnings growth for S&P 500 at 12% to 15% [6] Strategic Priorities - **Cultural Values**: Emphasis on client-first approach, long-term decision-making, integrity, and advisor independence [7][9] - **Investment in Technology**: Over $1 billion annually to enhance advisor capabilities and client relationships [20] - **Value Proposition**: "The Power of Personal" focusing on human relationships in a technology-driven environment [10] Competitive Landscape - **Recruitment Success**: Record recruitment year with advisors producing over $400 million, a 21% increase from the previous year [12] - **Long-term Strategy**: Focus on culture and platform rather than upfront financial incentives for advisors [13][14] Financial Performance and Guidance - **Operating Metrics**: - Adjusted operating margin target of about 20% - Compensation ratio target of 65% or lower [15] - **Loan Growth**: 13% growth in loans, primarily driven by securities-based lending [34] - **Credit Quality**: Strong credit quality with no early signs of stress in the portfolio [35] Capital Markets and M&A Activity - **M&A Outlook**: Increased activity expected as private equity firms look to sell long-held investments; optimistic about the pipeline despite a soft first fiscal quarter [44][46] - **Product Gaps**: Opportunities identified in depository and biotech sectors for market share growth [47][48] Capital Allocation Strategy - **Prioritization Framework**: 1. Organic growth through advisor recruitment 2. Strategic acquisitions that align culturally and strategically 3. Ongoing dividends targeting 20%-30% of earnings 4. Share buybacks as a last priority [50][52] Asset Management Insights - **Internal vs. External Sales**: Majority of assets sold externally, but internal sales to wealth management channels are significant [39] - **Focus on Relationships**: Emphasis on deep personal relationships with clients as a key driver for asset management success [42][43] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: Optimistic outlook for the US economy and Raymond James's growth trajectory, with a strong focus on maintaining cultural values and investing in technology to enhance advisor-client relationships [6][11]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1][2] - The investment group targets dividend yields up to 10% and offers research on REITs, ETFs, closed-end funds, preferreds, and dividend champions [2] - The current earnings season presents opportunities to capitalize on market reactions, particularly for companies with reliable business models like Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) [2] Group 2 - The investment approach emphasizes defensive stocks with a medium- to long-term horizon, aiming for high-yield and dividend growth [2] - The service provides a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore top ideas within its income-focused portfolios [1]

Core Viewpoint - Silvercorp Metals Inc. is a mining company focused on silver, lead, and zinc production, primarily operating in China, with a cost-effective mining approach [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Silvercorp Metals competes with firms like Pan American Silver and Hecla Mining [1] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $2.42 billion [3] Group 2: Stock Performance - The current trading price of SVM is $10.99, reflecting a price change of $0.21, or an increase of approximately 1.99% [3] - The stock has fluctuated between $10.55 and $11.18 during the day, with a yearly high of $14 and a low of $3.15, indicating significant volatility [3] Group 3: Analyst Ratings - Roth Capital set a price target of $11 for SVM, indicating a potential increase of about 1.99% from the current price [4][5] - The stock has received a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating from six brokerages, with an average one-year target price of $9.50 [2] - BMO Capital Markets and Raymond James Financial have reiterated an "outperform" rating for Silvercorp Metals [2]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of a new AI-powered tax planning tool has led to significant declines in shares of financial services firms, indicating potential disruption in the industry. Group 1: Market Reaction - Shares of financial services firms experienced a sharp decline, with LPL Financial falling nearly 11% and both Charles Schwab and Raymond James Financial dropping over 9% [1] - Morgan Stanley's shares also decreased by 4%, reflecting widespread concern about the impact of AI on the financial services sector [1] Group 2: AI Tool Overview - Altruist introduced an AI platform named Hazel, which assists advisors in creating personalized tax strategies by analyzing various client data sources, including 1040s, paystubs, and account statements [2] - The tool applies deep tax logic to its analysis, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of tax planning for financial advisors [2]

Assets and Liabilities - Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2025, amount to $8,829 million, with $990 million in Level 1, $7,946 million in Level 2, and $11 million in Level 3[25] - Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2025, amount to $1,247 million, with $416 million in Level 1, $953 million in Level 2, and $2 million in Level 3[25] - The company reported a total of $8,950 million in assets at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2025[26] - The company’s total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2025, amount to $1,252 million[26] - Total trading assets as of December 31, 2025, are $1,530 million, which includes $92 million in Level 1 and $1,434 million in Level 2[25] - Total trading liabilities as of December 31, 2025, are $883 million, which includes $229 million in Level 1 and $654 million in Level 2[25] Securities and Investments - Available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2025, total $6,648 million, with $429 million in Level 1 and $6,219 million in Level 2[25] - The total available-for-sale securities amounted to $6,648 million as of December 31, 2025, down from $6,888 million on September 30, 2025[46] - The company reported unrealized losses of $477 million on total securities, with $185 million in losses for securities held for less than 12 months and $5,442 million for those held for 12 months or more[51] - The total amount of tax-exempt loans remained stable at $1,148 million, with no significant changes in credit quality indicators[94] - The company has unfunded commitments of $112 million as of December 31, 2025, primarily related to renewable energy tax credit investments[144] Loans and Credit Quality - The total loans held for investment increased to $53,715 million as of December 31, 2025, up from $51,603 million as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.1%[78] - Nonaccrual loans totaled $122 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $109 million as of September 30, 2025, indicating an increase of approximately 11.9%[83] - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) as a percentage of total loans held for investment decreased to 0.82% as of December 31, 2025, from 0.88% as of September 30, 2025[78] - The credit quality of the bank loan portfolio shows that as of December 31, 2025, 21,461 million in SBL loans were classified as "Pass," while 54 million were classified as "Special Mention," indicating a stable credit quality[94] - Total C&I loans classified as "Pass" amounted to $10,708 million, with 15 million classified as "Special Mention," suggesting a focus on maintaining credit quality[94] Revenue and Income - Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2025, were $4.176 billion, with net revenues of $3.735 billion after interest expense[169] - Non-interest revenues amounted to $3.169 billion for the same period, with asset management and related administrative fees contributing $1.999 billion[169] - Net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was $569 million, compared to $529 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting an increase of 7.6%[174] - The company reported a total of $746 million in C&I loans for 2025, compared to $744 million in 2024, indicating a stable performance in this segment[95] - The company reported a total of $49 million in tax-exempt loans for 2025, consistent with the previous year's figures, indicating stability in this segment[95] Capital and Shareholder Information - As of December 31, 2025, RJF's Tier 1 capital ratio was 23.2%, exceeding the required minimum of 8.5%[181] - RJF's total capital ratio as of December 31, 2025, was 24.3%, above the required minimum of 10.5%[181] - The Board of Directors authorized common stock repurchases of up to $2 billion in December 2025, replacing the previous authorization[161] - Common shares outstanding decreased from 203.3 million at the beginning of the period to 197.0 million at the end of the period for the three months ended December 31, 2025[160] - Dividends per common share declared increased to $0.54 for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $0.50 in 2024[163] Regulatory and Compliance - The effective income tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2025, was 22.7%, higher than the 21.3% effective tax rate for fiscal year 2025[135] - The estimated upper end of the range of reasonably possible aggregate loss for legal and regulatory matters was approximately $10 million as of December 31, 2025[154] - The company has outstanding commitments to extend credit totaling $64,092 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $62,422 million on September 30, 2025, indicating an increase of 2.68%[140] Miscellaneous - The company announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in GreensLedge Holdings LLC, expected to close in fiscal 2026, enhancing its securitization and advisory capabilities[146] - An agreement was reached to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, expected to close in fiscal 2026, which will operate as an independent boutique investment manager within the Asset Management segment[147] - The total amount of collateral received under reverse repurchase agreements was $4,354 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $4,003 million as of September 30, 2025[71] - The total amount of repurchase agreements increased to $368 million as of December 31, 2025, from $325 million as of September 30, 2025[67] - The company redeemed all 80,500 outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock on January 2, 2026, for an aggregate redemption value of $81 million[156]