BNP Paribas Financial Markets Raises Stock Position in Raymond James (NYSE:RJF)

BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its holdings in shares of Raymond James (NYSE:RJF - Free Report) by 28.4% during the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 494,123 shares of the financial services provider's stock after purchasing an additional 109,300 shares during the quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets owned about 0.24% of Raymond James worth $76,752,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Assetmark Inc. grew its position in Raymond James by 43.8% in the 4th quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 453 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Raymond James during the 4th quarter worth approximately $105,701,000. Franklin Resources Inc. grew its position in shares of Raymond James by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 568,070 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $73,940,000 after buying an additional 9,217 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Raymond James during the 4th quarter worth approximately $511,000. Finally, Proficio Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $21,334,000. 83.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Raymond James Stock Performance

RJF traded up $5.53 during trading on Monday, hitting $150.90. 399,800 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,298,195. The firm has a market cap of $30.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.02. The stock's fifty day moving average is $138.22 and its 200 day moving average is $152.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Raymond James has a one year low of $104.24 and a one year high of $174.32.

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The financial services provider reported $2.42 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.44 by ($0.02). Raymond James had a return on equity of 19.71% and a net margin of 14.06%. The business had revenue of $3.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.46 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.31 EPS. Raymond James's revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Raymond James will post 11.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Raymond James Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, April 1st were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, April 1st. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.33%. Raymond James's payout ratio is presently 19.25%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Raymond James

In other Raymond James news, insider James E. Bunn sold 3,650 shares of Raymond James stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $136.49, for a total transaction of $498,188.50. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 78,227 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $10,677,203.23. This trade represents a 4.46% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Raymond James from $180.00 to $150.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Raymond James from $198.00 to $173.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 3rd. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Raymond James from $149.00 to $161.00 and gave the company an "equal weight" rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 4th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Raymond James from $176.00 to $143.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Raymond James from $149.00 to $143.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $153.82.

Raymond James Company Profile

Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments.