Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) Information


A Brief History of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF)

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) was founded in 1962 by Robert James in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company's inception marked the beginning of a journey to establish a premier financial services institution dedicated to client-first principles.

In 1964, Edward Raymond, a Harvard graduate and seasoned financial advisor, merged his company Raymond & Associates with Robert James' firm, resulting in the formation of Raymond James & Associates (RJA).

The 1970s and 1980s were a period of significant growth for the company. Key milestones during this time were:

  • 1973: Raymond James Financial established its first branch office.
  • 1983: RJF went public, listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol RJF.
  • 1987: The acquisition of the Canadian firm Goepel McDermid marked the company's first international expansion.

Throughout the 1990s, RJF continued its expansion with several strategic acquisitions:

  • 1993: Acquired Liberty Securities
  • 1999: Acquired Roney & Co., a Detroit-based brokerage firm

The 2000s proved to be transformative years for RJF as it embraced technological advancements and diversified its services. Notable achievements include:

  • 2001: Establishment of Raymond James Bank
  • 2008: Entered the Fortune 500 list for the first time

More recent developments further cemented RJF's standing in the financial services industry:

  • 2012: Acquired Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc., expanding its footprint and service offerings
  • 2016: Celebrated the 30th Anniversary of its listing on the NYSE
  • 2020: Acquired Charles Stanley Group, a UK-based wealth management firm, to bolster its international presence


Who Owns Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF)

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) is a diversified financial services company engaged primarily in investment and financial planning, in addition to capital markets and asset management. Understanding the ownership structure of Raymond James Financial offers insight into the key shareholders and stakeholders behind the company.

Institutional Investors

Institutional investors are significant stakeholders in RJF and they hold a substantial portion of the company's shares. These entities include mutual funds, pension plans, and insurance companies, which invest in RJF as part of their diversified portfolios.

  • Vanguard Group: As one of the largest asset management firms, Vanguard holds a notable percentage of RJF shares.
  • BlackRock: Another major asset management firm, BlackRock also owns a significant share of RJF stock.
  • State Street Corporation: A key institutional investor, State Street Corporation is among the top shareholders in RJF.
Insider Ownership

Insider ownership refers to the shares held by the company’s executives, board members, and other insiders. This group is crucial for the company's governance and strategic direction.

  • Paul C. Reilly: The Chairman and CEO of Raymond James Financial, Reilly holds a substantial number of shares, signifying his vested interest in the company’s success.
  • Other Executives and Board Members: Various other top executives and board members also hold shares, aligning their interests with those of the company and its shareholders.
Retail Investors

Retail investors are individual shareholders who buy and sell RJF stock through brokerage accounts. While individual investors may hold smaller amounts of shares compared to institutional investors, their collective ownership can still be significant.

  • Individual Shareholders: A diverse group of individual investors who believe in the long-term potential of Raymond James Financial.
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP): RJF employees participate in ESOP, which allows them to own shares in the company, thereby aligning employee interests with company performance.


Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) Mission Statement

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) is a diversified financial services company that is committed to helping individuals, corporations, and institutions achieve their unique financial goals. The company’s mission is built on several guiding principles that reflect its dedication to client satisfaction, ethical business practices, and community involvement.

The mission statement of Raymond James Financial, Inc. includes the following key elements:

  • Client Focused: RJF places a strong emphasis on understanding and prioritizing the needs of its clients. This approach ensures that the financial solutions provided are tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
  • Integrity: The company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all its business dealings. This principle underscores every interaction with clients, partners, and employees, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
  • Independence: RJF values independence and provides its financial advisors with the freedom to offer unbiased advice. This ensures that the recommendations are in the best interest of the clients rather than being influenced by external pressures.
  • Long-Term Perspective: The company takes a long-term view of both market conditions and client relationships. This perspective allows RJF to offer stable, reliable advice and build lasting partnerships with clients.
  • Community Involvement: RJF believes in giving back to the communities it serves. The company's commitment to social responsibility is evident through its various philanthropic activities and community engagement initiatives.

Through these guiding principles, Raymond James Financial, Inc. strives to deliver exceptional financial services while upholding its core values and ethical standards.



How Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) Works

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) is a diversified financial services company that operates through several key business segments. The company's primary focus is on providing a wide range of financial services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities. Below is a detailed description of how RJF operates, highlighting important aspects of its services and business structure.

Business Segments

RJF operates through several key business segments, each serving different client needs and market sectors. These segments include:

  • Private Client Group (PCG): This is one of the largest segments of RJF, catering primarily to individual investors. Services include financial planning, investment advisory, retirement planning, and wealth management. The PCG segment consists of a network of financial advisors who offer personalized advice to clients.
  • Capital Markets: This segment provides a range of services including equity research, investment banking, institutional sales, and trading. It serves corporate and institutional clients by offering services like mergers and acquisitions advisory, equity and debt underwriting, and market making.
  • Asset Management: RJF's asset management division manages investment funds and portfolios for clients. This includes mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and alternative investments. The goal is to provide clients with tailored investment solutions that align with their financial objectives.
  • Raymond James Bank: This segment offers traditional banking services such as loans, mortgages, and deposit accounts. The bank primarily focuses on serving the borrowing and cash management needs of RJF's clients.
Technology Integration

Raymond James places a strong emphasis on integrating advanced technology to enhance client experience and advisor efficiency. This includes:

  • Client Access Portal: A secure online platform where clients can view their account information, performance reports, and financial plans in real-time.
  • Advisor Tools: A suite of software and tools that help financial advisors provide better service, including financial planning software, performance tracking, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Corporate Culture and Values

Raymond James is known for its strong corporate culture, which emphasizes client-first values, integrity, and professional excellence. Some key aspects include:

  • Client-First Approach: The company prioritizes the needs and best interests of its clients, ensuring transparency and trust in all interactions.
  • Community Involvement: RJF actively participates in community service and philanthropic activities, encouraging employees to volunteer and support various causes.

Overall, Raymond James Financial, Inc. operates by combining personalized financial advice with a wide range of financial services, supported by advanced technology and a strong corporate culture. This multifaceted approach allows the company to address the diverse needs of its clients effectively.



How Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) Makes Money

Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) is a diversified financial services company that generates revenue through a variety of channels. Below are the primary ways RJF makes money, with important aspects highlighted for clarity:

  • Wealth Management: This is one of the core revenue streams for RJF. The company offers a range of services including financial planning, investment advisory, and brokerage services to individuals and institutions. They earn money through:
    • Advisory fees
    • Commissions on trades
    • Account management fees
  • Capital Markets: RJF engages in investment banking activities such as underwriting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and sales and trading. They make money through:
    • Underwriting fees from helping companies raise capital
    • Advisory fees from M&A activities
    • Commissions and spreads from sales and trading
  • Banking Services: RJF operates Raymond James Bank, providing various banking services. They generate income through:
    • Net interest income from loans and deposits
    • Fees from banking products such as mortgages and lines of credit
  • Asset Management: RJF offers asset management services to institutional and retail clients. They make money through:
    • Management fees based on a percentage of assets under management (AUM)
    • Performance-based fees
  • Insurance Services: RJF also provides insurance products including life insurance, annuities, and long-term care insurance. They earn revenue from:
    • Commissions on the sale of insurance products
    • Ongoing management fees for certain types of insurance policies
  • Alternative Investments: RJF offers alternative investment products such as private equity, real estate, and hedge funds. They generate income from:
    • Placement fees
    • Management and advisory fees

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