- Here’s Why Piper Sandler Raised PT on Ameriprise Financial (AMP)
May 10, 2026
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) is one of the Most Undervalued High Quality Stocks to Buy Now. On May 4, Piper Sandler analyst Crispin Love raised the firm’s price target on the stock from $460 to $471, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the shares. Earlier, on April 26, Ryan Krueger from KBW reiterated a Hold rating on the stock with a price target of $515.
The ratings follow Ameriprise’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings, released on April 23. During the quarter, the company reported $4.77 billion in revenue, reflecting 10.79% year-over-year growth and topping expectations by $75.36 million. The non-GAAP EPS of $11.26 also exceeded the consensus by $1.05. Management attributed the performance to its Advice & Wealth Management segment, which grew pretax adjusted operating earnings by 20% to reach $951 million. Moreover, the assets under management also grew 12% year-over-year to reach $1.7 trillion.
Analyst Crispin from Piper Sandler noted that the company posted strong results driven by revenue growth and strong operating margins of 28%. Both metrics topped the firm’s expectations, hence the firm increased its price target.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) operates as a diversified financial services company. Its segments include Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, Retirement & Protection Solutions, and Corporate & Other.
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- A Look At Ameriprise Financial’s (AMP) Valuation After Q1 2026 Results And New Advisor Addition
May 10, 2026
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Ameriprise Financial (AMP) is back in focus after Q1 2026 results showed higher net income and revenue, and the firm also added Strickoff Financial Services with nearly $140 million in client assets.
See our latest analysis for Ameriprise Financial.
The Q1 2026 update and new advisor additions come after a mixed run for the stock, with a 30 day share price return of 6.2% and a 90 day share price return decline of 15.5%. The 5 year total shareholder return of 94.6% points to stronger long term compounding, despite the recent year to date share price return decline of 7.07%.
If Ameriprise’s recent moves have you thinking about where else capital is flowing, it may be worth scanning 18 top founder-led companies
With Q1 2026 growth in revenue and net income, along with advisor expansion, yet a year-to-date share price decline and a sizeable implied discount to analyst targets, is there a genuine opportunity here, or is the market already pricing in future growth?
Most Popular Narrative: 15% Undervalued
Ameriprise’s most followed narrative pegs fair value around $539.82, comfortably above the last close at $458.84. This puts recent Q1 strength into sharper context.
Continued investment in technology and adviser platforms, including the PracticeTech system, leading to higher adviser productivity and client satisfaction, potentially resulting in increased earnings and improved operational efficiency.
Read the complete narrative.
Analysts are not just guessing. Their model leans heavily on steady revenue expansion, slightly slimmer margins, and a different earnings multiple than the market is using today. The tension between those assumptions and the current price is what makes this narrative worth a closer look.
Result: Fair Value of $539.82 (UNDERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.
However, the story can change quickly if market volatility drives higher asset outflows or if adviser recruiting costs rise enough to squeeze already tight margin assumptions.
Find out about the key risks to this Ameriprise Financial narrative.
Next Steps
Curious whether the mix of risks and rewards around Ameriprise lines up with your own expectations? Act while the data is fresh and weigh both sides by reviewing the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign.
Looking for more investment ideas?
If Ameriprise has sharpened your focus, do not stop here. The next step is lining up other candidates so you can compare quality, risk, and income potential side by side.
Story Continues
Target consistent income by scanning companies that show up in the 12 dividend fortresses and see which yields might suit your portfolio approach. Spot potential value opportunities early by reviewing the 51 high quality undervalued stocks and compare how their fundamentals stack up against Ameriprise. Prioritize capital protection by filtering for the 71 resilient stocks with low risk scores so you are not missing stocks with steadier risk profiles.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include AMP.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- Coastal Wealth Appoints Former Ameriprise Complex Director Michael Swinehart as Head of Wealth Management & Financial Planning
May 7, 2026
22-year industry veteran to lead financial planning and wealth management growth, strengthening outcomes for clients and families across 350+ advisor network
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Coastal Wealth, a MassMutual-affiliated independent wealth management firm, today announced the appointment of Michael Swinehart as Head of Wealth Management and Financial Planning. In this newly created role, Swinehart will lead the growth of financial planning and wealth management services across Coastal Wealth's network of more than 350 advisors, with responsibility for net flow growth, AUM expansion, book-of-business acquisition, and advisor development.Michael Swinehart, Head of Wealth Management and Financial Planning, Coastal Wealth
Swinehart joins Coastal Wealth from Ameriprise Financial, where he spent 22 years rising from financial advisor to Complex Director. In his most recent role, he oversaw Ameriprise's Las Vegas and Arizona operations, transforming an underperforming branch into one of the firm's top offices nationwide. He is a member of the Ameriprise Hall of Fame*, a distinction earned by less than 3% of the firm's professionals.
"For years, we've invested in the operations and support of our advisors' wealth management businesses. Now we're overinvesting in growth: net flows, AUM, book-of-business acquisition, and financial planning training. Mike is the leader who will make that happen." Jeremy Straub, CEO and Founder of Coastal Wealth
The appointment marks a strategic investment by Coastal Wealth in the wealth management capabilities available to its advisor network. Swinehart will focus initially on developing a comprehensive financial planning training program for newer advisors while working with experienced practitioners to expand their wealth management capabilities.
"Coastal Wealth offers something I haven't found anywhere else: the infrastructure and support of an enterprise-level firm combined with the independence and entrepreneurial energy that the best advisors need. I've seen what works at scale across different models and markets, and I'm excited to help our advisors build practices that deliver real, lasting value to the families they serve." Michael Swinehart, Head of Wealth Management & Financial Planning at Coastal Wealth
By strengthening the financial planning and wealth management capabilities of its advisor network, Coastal Wealth aims to deliver more comprehensive, personalized guidance to the clients and families those advisors serve.
Coastal Wealth's existing wealth management support teams, including those led by Reed and Sam, will report to Swinehart as the firm consolidates its wealth management growth functions under unified leadership.
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About Coastal Wealth: Coastal Wealth is a MassMutual-affiliated wealth management firm with more than 350 financial advisors across offices in Florida and Georgia. The firm provides advisors with enterprise-level support, technology, and resources while preserving the independence that drives exceptional client outcomes. For more information, visit mycoastalwealth.com.
High-resolution headshot and company logo available upon request. Contact: Grace Staten, gstaten@mycoastalwealth.com
*An internal lifetime achievement recognition awarded by Ameriprise Financial to a select group of advisors based on long–term performance and leadership
CRN202905-11068329
Contact: Grace Staten | 413920@email4pr.com | 904 998 7300Coastal WealthCision
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- Judge Halts Review of Advisors' Devices in LPL/Ameriprise Dispute
May 7, 2026
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.
A judge overseeing the ongoing LPL Financial/Ameriprise legal battle ruled that the advisors at the center of the dispute, who left Ameriprise for LPL, don’t have to submit their personal devices to a “forensic review” for allegedly stolen client data.
In the order this week, Judge Jinsook Ohta wrote that arbitration hearings on the merits of the accusations about Ameriprise’s client data are scheduled for Oct. 6. As a result, she argued that while the court first agreed to a forensic search to “preserve the status quo” by isolating any information on the advisors’ devices and creating a forensic copy, the arbitration’s date in several months makes the point moot.
“The Court therefore no longer finds it equitable to impose a forensic review process—agreed to only by LPL and Ameriprise—on the financial advisors regarding their various electronic devices,” Ohta wrote, ordering that mandate for a “forensic review, imaging and deletion of disputed client information” from advisors’ personal devices be excised.
Ameriprise initially filed a lawsuit against LPL Financial in the summer of 2024, alleging that LPL directed recruits leaving Ameriprise for the IBD to take client information, subjecting them to “regulatory, and in some cases, even criminal exposure,” in a “widespread” misuse of client information. LPL responded by accusing Ameriprise of “remarkable hypocrisy,” while touting its support for advisors’ rights.
Ameriprise argued that the advisors who left should have their personal devices reviewed for allegedly stolen client data, and LPL and Ameriprise agreed to have a third-party forensic examiner investigate the claims.
However, some advisors objected, arguing they were never party to the agreements between the firms. LPL supported the advisors’ opposition, while Ameriprise claimed the advisors were coordinating with LPL to “either delay or disrupt” the agreement.
Ohta originally struck down the advisors’ attempt to intervene in the case to pause the data review, but the decision was overturned in a federal appeals court.
After the appeal, some advisors at the heart of the case called for Ohta to compel arbitration and stay the case, while LPL simultaneously submitted a motion to amend the stipulated order to remove the personal device search requirement (which Ameriprise opposed). With Ohta partially affirming LPL’s request this week, the judge ruled the other two motions as moot.
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In the order, Ohta also noted that the arbitration proceedings had continued apace. When LPL and Ameriprise first agreed to the forensic searches, the firms were the only parties listed in the arbitration.
Now, Ohta wrote, Ameriprise has added, “all 30 financial advisors” affected by the forensic search order to the arbitration and “is in the process of pursuing relief against them directly in the arbitral forum” (although Ohta noted that Ameriprise had dropped nine advisors from the arbitration proceedings).
Ameriprise declined to comment, and LPL did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication.
Earlier this week, an attorney representing LPL Financial responded to a court request asking that the firm delete both an Excel spreadsheet with client information, as well as the “underlying data for individuals listed on the Bulk Upload Tool who did not become LPL customers.”
The Bulk Upload Tool was at the center of a since-dropped aspect of the lawsuit, in which LPL claimed Ameriprise had defamed the former firm by alleging clients’ data had been breached in some advisors’ move to LPL. Ameriprise had called for LPL to ensure that any non-LPL client data was entirely scrubbed from their systems.
According to the attorney, LPL deleted both the spreadsheet and the underlying data for customers whose information was provided to LPL but did not become LPL customers. The firm began the process in January of last year, and the data deletions were concluded earlier this year.
“LPL believes that all deletions are complete and does not expect that any additional work is necessary; however, if LPL were to learn of additional information, it would delete such information, after copy and segregation, in accordance with the requirements of the Stipulated Order and the process outlined in this declaration,” the attorney wrote.
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- Advisor Practice With $140 Million in Assets Joins Ameriprise Financial for Enhanced Client Experience and Long-Term Continuity
May 7, 2026
Strickoff Financial Services joins The Atlantic Group, an established Ameriprise practice based in Boca Raton, Fla., as part of a long-term succession and transition plan
MINNEAPOLIS, May 07, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Strickoff Financial Services, LLC, led by Kive Strickoff, CPA, AIF®, recently joined the branch channel of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) from Commonwealth Financial Network where the team managed nearly $140 million in client assets. Strickoff, along with his long-time client service associates Rhonda Sossner and Colleen Barbato, have joined The Atlantic Group, a well-established Ameriprise financial advisory practice led by founding partners Andrew Lerner, APMA™, AWMA™, CFP®, ChFC®, and Logan Shalmi APMA™ in Boca Raton, Fla.
The move reflects a deliberate decision by Strickoff to thoughtfully position his practice, and his clients, for the long term. As a solo practitioner, he sought a firm and team that shared his planning-focused, client-first philosophy while offering the scale, resources and continuity needed to support his clients well into the future.
Through the Ameriprise External Practice Acquisition Program, local Ameriprise field leadership worked with Strickoff to identify a practice that shared his values and service standards. Ameriprise leaders facilitated introductions with several highly qualified advisory teams, and The Atlantic Group ultimately emerged as the best fit for Strickoff, his team and the clients they serve.
"The decision to transition my practice was not one I took lightly," said Strickoff. "After meeting with local leadership and engaging in a thoughtful evaluation process, it became clear that Ameriprise and The Atlantic Group shared my values around client care, continuity and long-term growth. The resources, culture, and people ultimately set the firm apart."
Among the reasons Strickoff chose Ameriprise and The Atlantic Group:
A shared commitment to putting clients first: "The Atlantic Group leads with integrity, purpose and a client-first mentality. Their focus on long-term relationships and personalized advice closely mirrors how I’ve always served my clients." Depth and sophistication in financial planning: "I was drawn to the strong alignment around financial planning at both the firm and team level. The Atlantic Group’s planning-focused philosophy, supported by the sophisticated financial planning capabilities of Ameriprise, will allow me to guide my clients with even more clarity and efficiency." Integrated technology: "I’ve been impressed with the technology at Ameriprise. The firm has clearly invested heavily in integrated, cutting-edge tech that helps streamline operations, reduce complexity and elevate the overall client experience." Collaborative culture and long-term continuity: "I’m excited to align with such a collaborative, growth-minded team like The Atlantic Group. My clients now have an expanded network of trusted professionals with the resources and support of a strong firm behind them, and that gives me tremendous peace of mind about the future."
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"The synergies with Kive and his team were evident right away," said Logan Shalmi. "We share a deep commitment to comprehensive planning, service excellence and doing what’s right for clients, and we’re excited to welcome Kive, Rhonda and Colleen to Ameriprise and the team."
The Atlantic Group transitioned from Oppenheimer to Ameriprise in October 2025. Today, the practice consists of 11 financial advisors – including Lerner, Shalmi, Lance Ross, APMA®, Hector Garcia Aguilar, CFP®, AWMA®, APMA®, David S. Gordon, APMA® and Mark Zuckerman – who participated as purchasers in this recent external practice acquisition, along with nine support staff members who manage more than $1.8 billion in combined client assets.
The team is supported locally by Ameriprise Branch Manager Drew Granauro, Ameriprise Complex Director Daniel Landrau and Ameriprise Regional Vice President Michael Rearden.
Ameriprise has continued to attract experienced, productive financial advisors, with approximately 1,700 joining the firm in the last 5 years.1 To find out why experienced financial advisors are joining Ameriprise, visit ameriprise.com/why.
About the Ameriprise External Practice Acquisition Program
Whether advisors are looking to grow by acquisition, plan for succession or transition their practice, Ameriprise Financial offers comprehensive, hands-on support through a dedicated team of specialists. Advisors benefit from proven processes, deep industry experience and end-to-end guidance designed to support both business goals and client continuity.
Growth through acquisition: The firm helps Ameriprise advisors grow by acquisition, guiding them through the process and providing financing to eligible advisors. Succession planning & selling a practice: Whether sunsetting or selling their practice, Ameriprise helps advisors transition in a way that makes sense for them and their business. Our succession strategy specialists help advisors find the right successor who shares their values, service standards and long-term vision for clients.
About the Ameriprise Ultimate Advisor Partnership
The Ameriprise Ultimate Advisor Partnership offers a differentiated experience for advisors that helps them accelerate growth while delivering an excellent client experience. Combined with the company’s culture of support and independence, the Ultimate Advisor Partnership enables advisors to scale their businesses, deepen client relationships and drive referrals for future growth.
About Ameriprise Financial
At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 130 years.2 With extensive investment advice, global asset management capabilities and insurance solutions, and a nationwide network of more than 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs.
1 Ameriprise Financial Q4 2025 Earnings Release. 2 Company founded June 29, 1894
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.
Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
©2026 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260507151735/en/
Contacts
Allison Harries, Media Relations
612.678.7035
allison.h.harries@ampf.com
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- Advisor Practice With $140 Million in Assets Joins Ameriprise Financial for Enhanced Client Experience and Long-Term Continuity
May 7, 2026 · businesswire.com
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Strickoff Financial Services, LLC, led by Kive Strickoff, CPA, AIF®, recently joined the branch channel of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) from Commonwealth Financial Network where the team managed nearly $140 million in client assets. Strickoff, along with his long-time client service associates Rhonda Sossner and Colleen Barbato, have joined The Atlantic Group, a well-established Ameriprise financial advisory practice led by founding partners Andrew Lerner,.
- ADVISOR PRACTICE WITH $140 MILLION IN ASSETS JOINS AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL FOR ENHANCED CLIENT EXPERIENCE AND LONG-TERM CONTINUITY
May 7, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--STRICKOFF FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, LED BY KIVE STRICKOFF, CPA, AIF®, RECENTLY JOINED THE BRANCH CHANNEL OF AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, INC. (NYSE:AMP) FROM COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL NETWORK WHERE THE TEAM MANAGED NEARLY $140 MILLION IN CLIENT ASSETS. STRICKOFF, ALONG WITH HIS LONG-TIME CLIENT SERVICE ASSOCIATES RHONDA SOSSNER AND COLLEEN BARBATO, HAVE JOINED THE ATLANTIC GROUP, A WELL-ESTABLISHED AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL ADVISORY PRACTICE LED BY FOUNDING PARTNERS ANDREW LERNER,.
- Why Ameriprise Financial Services (AMP) is a Top Momentum Stock for the Long-Term
May 7, 2026 · zacks.com
Wondering how to pick strong, market-beating stocks for your investment portfolio? Look no further than the Zacks Style Scores.
- Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights BlackRock, Ameriprise and SEI Investments
May 7, 2026
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 7, 2026 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses BlackRock BLK, Ameriprise AMP and SEI Investments SEIC.
Industry: Investment Management
Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2916016/3-investment-management-stocks-to-watch-despite-industry-woes
The Zacks Investment Management industry faces pressure from rising technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-related expenses, which may weigh on near-term profitability despite long-term efficiency gains. The ongoing shift toward low-cost passive products continues to compress fees and intensify competition, prompting firms to pursue mergers and partnerships to gain scale. In addition, recent private credit concerns could moderate near-term flows into higher-fee alternative strategies.
About the Industry
The Zacks Investment Management industry comprises companies that manage securities and funds for clients to meet specified investment goals. The companies earn by charging service fees or commissions. Investment managers, also called asset managers, manage hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity, venture capital and other financial investments for third parties.
By appointing an investment manager for one’s assets, investors get more diversification options than if they manage their assets independently. Investment managers invest their clients’ assets in different asset classes, depending on their needs and risk-taking abilities. Hence, the diversification, which investors get by appointing asset managers to manage their assets, helps reduce the impacts of volatility and ensures steady returns over time.
3 Themes Influencing the Investment Management Industry
Increased Demand for Passive Investing to Pressure Margins: Over the past decade, investors have increasingly moved toward low-cost passive funds and index-based products. Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are designed to replicate market performance rather than outperform it, which allows providers to charge only a fraction of the fees that active managers traditionally earn.
As more investors have been allocating capital to low-cost passive vehicles, revenue per dollar of assets has declined across the industry. As a result, even though total AUM has continued to grow, supported by market appreciation and inflows across asset classes, managers are earning less on each incremental dollar of assets, compressing operating margins and limiting earnings growth.
This shift has also intensified competition and increased the importance of scale. Large firms with massive distribution networks and technology infrastructure can profitably operate ultra-low-cost index funds, but smaller or mid-sized managers struggle to match those fee levels. This dynamic has pushed consolidation in the industry and forced active managers to justify higher fees through differentiated strategies, such as alternatives, private markets or specialized thematic funds.
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Recent concerns around private credit could create an additional near-term challenge for AUM growth. Private credit has been one of the key areas managers have used to offset fee pressure from passive investing, since it typically carries higher fees and stronger margins than traditional public-market products. If investors become more cautious about private credit because of concerns around liquidity, valuations, borrower quality or potential credit losses, inflows into these higher-fee alternative strategies could slow. This would make it harder for asset managers to offset the ongoing fee compression in passive and traditional active products.
Rising Expenses to Hurt Profits: Industry players have constantly been trying to upgrade technology to keep up with evolving customer needs, which has resulted in an increase in technology-related costs. As firms spend aggressively on AI and new capabilities, costs are expected to stay elevated in the near term, before the benefits of such investments show up in earnings. Regulations to enhance transparency have increased compliance costs for investment managers for a long time now. Thus, elevated expenses are expected to hurt investment managers’ bottom line to an extent.
Mergers/Partnerships Likely to Help Expand Scale: In order to stay competitive, investment management firms have been engaging in M&As and partnerships. Thus, in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven and fee-compressed industry, consolidations benefit asset managers by driving scale, cutting costs, improving resilience, diversifying products and enhancing distribution.
By joining forces, larger asset managers can spread fixed costs across a bigger AUM base, thus lowering expense ratios and improving profit margins. As passive products and ETFs drive down fees for asset managers, scale is often the only way to stay profitable. Moreover, as M&As allow for diversification across asset classes like equities, fixed income and alternatives, and across client types and geographies, it will help firms reduce the reliance on one particular option to generate fees.
Combining resources will enable bigger investments in AI, risk analytics and digital platforms. As such, automation and shared infrastructure will help asset managers reduce costs and improve client experience.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dismal Prospects
The Zacks Investment Management industry is a 36-stock group within the broader Zacks Finance sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #187, which places it in the bottom 24% of more than 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates underperformance in the near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.
The industry’s positioning in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is because of the bleak earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. The aggregate earnings estimate revisions show that analysts are losing confidence in this group’s growth potential. Since May 2025-end, the industry’s most recent earnings estimates for the current year have been revised marginally lower.
Despite near-term industry challenges, we present a few stocks from the industry that you may want to keep on your radar for long-term gains. But before that, let us check out the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture.
Industry vs. Broader Sector
In the past two years, the Zacks Investment Management industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index and its sector. Stocks in the industry have collectively gained 8.4%, while the S&P 500 composite has rallied 44.5% and the Zacks Finance Sector has appreciated 32.8%.
Industry's Current Valuation
One might get a good sense of the industry’s relative valuation by looking at its price-to-tangible book ratio (P/TB), which is commonly used for valuing investment management companies because of large variations in their earnings from one quarter to the next.
The industry currently has a trailing 12-month P/TB of 4.86X. This compares with the highest level of 7.40X, the lowest level of 2.74X and the median of 4.57 over the past five years. The industry is trading at a significant discount compared with the market at large, as the trailing 12-month P/TB for the S&P 500 composite is 10.67X.
As finance stocks typically have a low P/TB ratio, comparing investment managers with the S&P 500 may not make sense to many investors. However, the comparison of the group’s P/TB ratio with that of its broader sector seems more meaningful.
Even when we compare the group’s P/TB ratio with the broader Finance sector, it seems the group is trading at a significant discount. The Zacks Finance sector’s trailing 12-month P/TB of 41.99X for the same period is significantly above the Zacks Investment Management industry’s ratio.
3 Investment Management Stocks to Watch
BlackRock: The New York, NY-based Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is the largest asset manager (by assets) in the United States. The company’s broad product diversification, its revenue mix and a steadily improving AUM balance have been aiding the top line. As of March 31, 2026, BlackRock had total AUM of $13.89 trillion.
Supported by a solid balance sheet and liquidity position, BlackRock has expanded via acquisitions, both domestic and overseas. Last year, its Aladdin platform entered a collaboration with OTCX to digitize dealer-to-client voice derivative trading and expand the option offerings for clients. Also, BlackRock acquired ElmTree Funds, HPS Investment Partners and Preqin. In 2024, it acquired Global Infrastructure Partners and the remaining 75% stake in SpiderRock.
These acquisitions represent a strategic expansion of the company’s Aladdin technology business into the rapidly growing private markets data segment. With a strong liquidity position, the company remains well-positioned to grow further through inorganic expansion efforts.
Over the last five years (2020-2025), the company’s AUM witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. Over the same period, its revenues (on a GAAP basis) saw a CAGR of 8.4%. The uptrend in revenues and AUM continued in the first quarter of 2026. Given its efforts to strengthen iShares and ETF operations, along with the company’s increased focus on the active equity business, AUM growth is expected to continue. As the company combines HPS Investment, Preqin and GIP data with its alternative asset management platform, eFront, it will drive solid revenue growth.
In the past year, shares of BlackRock have gained 14%. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been unchanged at $52.77 per share.
Ameriprise: Headquartered in Minneapolis, AMP provides financial planning and related services through its Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Retirement & Protection Solutions segments. As of March 31, 2026, the company’s total assets under management, administration and advisement were $1.67 trillion.
Over the last five years (ending 2025), the company’s net revenues (GAAP basis) saw a CAGR of 9.2%. The rise has been supported by AMP’s constant efforts to modify its product and service-offering capability, along with growth in its AUM/AUA balances. The company’s AUM/AUA saw a CAGR of 9% over the same time frame. The uptrend in AUM/AUA and revenues continued in the first quarter of 2026. Supported by its efforts to launch products, growth in the top line is expected to continue in the near term.
In order to remain profitable, Ameriprise has been restructuring its business. In 2021, the company acquired BMO Financial Group’s EMEA asset management operations, which bolstered its wealth and asset management businesses, and supported its global diversification efforts. The company’s federal savings bank — Ameriprise Bank — offers a range of banking and credit products to its wealth management clients. In 2019, Ameriprise divested the Ameriprise Auto & Home business. Driven by these initiatives, the company has been able to focus on core competencies and improve its market share.
Since Ameriprise’s operations are majorly dependent on the performance of the equity markets and client activities, it benefited significantly during 2020 and the first couple of months of 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak-induced market volatility. While markets began to normalize in second-quarter 2021, volatility increased again from 2022 due to several geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns. Although volatility is likely to persist for some time in the near term, aiding the company’s top-line growth, any significant change in client activity toward the negative side might hurt Ameriprise’s financials.
In the past year, AMP shares have lost 1.3%. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been revised 1.8% higher to $42.15. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
SEI Investments: Headquartered in Oaks, PA, this asset management company is a leading provider of wealth management business solutions. As of March 31, 2026, it administered $1.9 trillion in hedge funds, private equity, mutual funds and pooled or separately managed assets.
Though SEIC’s revenues declined in 2023, the metric witnessed a CAGR of 6.4% over the last five years (2020-2025). The company’s total assets under management, advisement and administration have also been increasing, with the metric witnessing a CAGR of 9.9% over the same time frame. Both metrics increased in the first quarter of 2026 as well. SEIC’s diversified products and revenue mix, expanding global presence and a solid total AUM balance reflect improving prospects.
SEIC has been focusing on high-growth areas of business, and, in sync with this, it sold its Family Office Service operations in July 2025. The acquisitions of LifeYield (enhancing multi-account tax management), Altigo (expanding in the alternatives investment space), Atlas Master Trust and National Pensions Trust (strengthening its position in the defined contribution market) are likely to continue supporting the top line.
In April 2026, the company announced an enhanced partnership with Carlyle to expand access to institutional-quality private market capabilities across wealth and retirement channels. In December 2025, SEIC completed the first and largest close of the Stratos acquisition for $440.8 million, which will advance its expansion into Advice, deepen insight into end-client and advisor needs, broaden distribution across RIA and broker-dealer channels, and create new opportunities to integrate its technology and investment capabilities into a rapidly growing advisory platform.
In the past year, SEIC shares have gained 12.7%. In the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been unchanged at $5.90. Currently, SEIC carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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- 3 Investment Management Stocks to Watch Despite Industry Woes
May 6, 2026
The Zacks Investment Management industry faces pressure from rising technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-related expenses, which may weigh on near-term profitability despite long-term efficiency gains. The ongoing shift toward low-cost passive products continues to compress fees and intensify competition, prompting firms to pursue mergers and partnerships to gain scale. In addition, recent private credit concerns could moderate near-term flows into higher-fee alternative strategies.
Nevertheless, steady inflows are supporting growth in assets under management (AUM) and firms like BlackRock BLK, Ameriprise Financial AMP and SEI Investments SEIC remain well-positioned to benefit from product innovation, diversified platforms and expanding client demand.
About the Industry
The Zacks Investment Management industry comprises companies that manage securities and funds for clients to meet specified investment goals. The companies earn by charging service fees or commissions. Investment managers, also called asset managers, manage hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity, venture capital and other financial investments for third parties. By appointing an investment manager for one’s assets, investors get more diversification options than if they manage their assets independently. Investment managers invest their clients’ assets in different asset classes, depending on their needs and risk-taking abilities. Hence, the diversification, which investors get by appointing asset managers to manage their assets, helps reduce the impacts of volatility and ensures steady returns over time.
3 Themes Influencing the Investment Management Industry
Increased Demand for Passive Investing to Pressure Margins: Over the past decade, investors have increasingly moved toward low-cost passive funds and index-based products. Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are designed to replicate market performance rather than outperform it, which allows providers to charge only a fraction of the fees that active managers traditionally earn. As more investors have been allocating capital to low-cost passive vehicles, revenue per dollar of assets has declined across the industry. As a result, even though total AUM has continued to grow, supported by market appreciation and inflows across asset classes, managers are earning less on each incremental dollar of assets, compressing operating margins and limiting earnings growth.
This shift has also intensified competition and increased the importance of scale. Large firms with massive distribution networks and technology infrastructure can profitably operate ultra-low-cost index funds, but smaller or mid-sized managers struggle to match those fee levels. This dynamic has pushed consolidation in the industry and forced active managers to justify higher fees through differentiated strategies, such as alternatives, private markets or specialized thematic funds.
Recent concerns around private credit could create an additional near-term challenge for AUM growth. Private credit has been one of the key areas managers have used to offset fee pressure from passive investing, since it typically carries higher fees and stronger margins than traditional public-market products. If investors become more cautious about private credit because of concerns around liquidity, valuations, borrower quality or potential credit losses, inflows into these higher-fee alternative strategies could slow. This would make it harder for asset managers to offset the ongoing fee compression in passive and traditional active products.
Rising Expenses to Hurt Profits: Industry players have constantly been trying to upgrade technology to keep up with evolving customer needs, which has resulted in an increase in technology-related costs. As firms spend aggressively on AI and new capabilities, costs are expected to stay elevated in the near term, before the benefits of such investments show up in earnings. Regulations to enhance transparency have increased compliance costs for investment managers for a long time now. Thus, elevated expenses are expected to hurt investment managers’ bottom line to an extent.
Mergers/Partnerships Likely to Help Expand Scale: In order to stay competitive, investment management firms have been engaging in M&As and partnerships. Thus, in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven and fee-compressed industry, consolidations benefit asset managers by driving scale, cutting costs, improving resilience, diversifying products and enhancing distribution.
By joining forces, larger asset managers can spread fixed costs across a bigger AUM base, thus lowering expense ratios and improving profit margins. As passive products and ETFs drive down fees for asset managers, scale is often the only way to stay profitable. Moreover, as M&As allow for diversification across asset classes like equities, fixed income and alternatives, and across client types and geographies, it will help firms reduce the reliance on one particular option to generate fees.
Combining resources will enable bigger investments in AI, risk analytics and digital platforms. As such, automation and shared infrastructure will help asset managers reduce costs and improve client experience.
Story Continues
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dismal Prospects
The Zacks Investment Management industry is a 36-stock group within the broader Zacks Finance sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #187, which places it in the bottom 24% of more than 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates underperformance in the near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.
The industry’s positioning in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is because of the bleak earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. The aggregate earnings estimate revisions show that analysts are losing confidence in this group’s growth potential. Since May 2025-end, the industry’s most recent earnings estimates for the current year have been revised marginally lower.
Despite near-term industry challenges, we present a few stocks from the industry that you may want to keep on your radar for long-term gains. But before that, let us check out the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture.
Industry vs. Broader Sector
In the past two years, the Zacks Investment Management industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Index and its sector. Stocks in the industry have collectively gained 8.4%, while the S&P 500 composite has rallied 44.5% and the Zacks Finance Sector has appreciated 32.8%.
2-Year Price Performance
Industry's Current Valuation
One might get a good sense of the industry’s relative valuation by looking at its price-to-tangible book ratio (P/TB), which is commonly used for valuing investment management companies because of large variations in their earnings from one quarter to the next.
The industry currently has a trailing 12-month P/TB of 4.86X. This compares with the highest level of 7.40X, the lowest level of 2.74X and the median of 4.57 over the past five years. The industry is trading at a significant discount compared with the market at large, as the trailing 12-month P/TB for the S&P 500 composite is 10.67X, which the chart below shows.
Price-to-Tangible Book Ratio (TTM)
As finance stocks typically have a low P/TB ratio, comparing investment managers with the S&P 500 may not make sense to many investors. However, the comparison of the group’s P/TB ratio with that of its broader sector seems more meaningful.
Even when we compare the group’s P/TB ratio with the broader Finance sector, it seems the group is trading at a significant discount. The Zacks Finance sector’s trailing 12-month P/TB of 41.99X for the same period is significantly above the Zacks Investment Management industry’s ratio, which the chart below shows.
Price-to-Tangible Book Ratio (TTM)
3 Investment Management Stocks to Watch
BlackRock: The New York, NY-based Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company is the largest asset manager (by assets) in the United States. The company’s broad product diversification, its revenue mix and a steadily improving AUM balance have been aiding the top line. As of March 31, 2026, BlackRock had total AUM of $13.89 trillion.
Supported by a solid balance sheet and liquidity position, BlackRock has expanded via acquisitions, both domestic and overseas. Last year, its Aladdin platform entered a collaboration with OTCX to digitize dealer-to-client voice derivative trading and expand the option offerings for clients. Also, BlackRock acquired ElmTree Funds, HPS Investment Partners and Preqin. In 2024, it acquired Global Infrastructure Partners and the remaining 75% stake in SpiderRock.
These acquisitions represent a strategic expansion of the company’s Aladdin technology business into the rapidly growing private markets data segment. With a strong liquidity position, the company remains well-positioned to grow further through inorganic expansion efforts.
Over the last five years (2020-2025), the company’s AUM witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. Over the same period, its revenues (on a GAAP basis) saw a CAGR of 8.4%. The uptrend in revenues and AUM continued in the first quarter of 2026. Given its efforts to strengthen iShares and ETF operations, along with the company’s increased focus on the active equity business, AUM growth is expected to continue. As the company combines HPS Investment, Preqin and GIP data with its alternative asset management platform, eFront, it will drive solid revenue growth.
In the past year, shares of BlackRock have gained 14%. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been unchanged at $52.77 per share.
Price & Consensus: BLK
Ameriprise: Headquartered in Minneapolis, AMP provides financial planning and related services through its Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Retirement & Protection Solutions segments. As of March 31, 2026, the company’s total assets under management, administration and advisement were $1.67 trillion.
Over the last five years (ending 2025), the company’s net revenues (GAAP basis) saw a CAGR of 9.2%. The rise has been supported by AMP’s constant efforts to modify its product and service-offering capability, along with growth in its AUM/AUA balances. The company’s AUM/AUA saw a CAGR of 9% over the same time frame. The uptrend in AUM/AUA and revenues continued in the first quarter of 2026. Supported by its efforts to launch products, growth in the top line is expected to continue in the near term.
In order to remain profitable, Ameriprise has been restructuring its business. In 2021, the company acquired BMO Financial Group’s EMEA asset management operations, which bolstered its wealth and asset management businesses, and supported its global diversification efforts. The company’s federal savings bank — Ameriprise Bank — offers a range of banking and credit products to its wealth management clients. In 2019, Ameriprise divested the Ameriprise Auto & Home business. Driven by these initiatives, the company has been able to focus on core competencies and improve its market share.
Since Ameriprise’s operations are majorly dependent on the performance of the equity markets and client activities, it benefited significantly during 2020 and the first couple of months of 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak-induced market volatility. While markets began to normalize in second-quarter 2021, volatility increased again from 2022 due to several geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns. Although volatility is likely to persist for some time in the near term, aiding the company’s top-line growth, any significant change in client activity toward the negative side might hurt Ameriprise’s financials.
In the past year, AMP shares have lost 1.3%. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been revised 1.8% higher to $42.15. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Price & Consensus: AMP
SEI Investments: Headquartered in Oaks, PA, this asset management company is a leading provider of wealth management business solutions. As of March 31, 2026, it administered $1.9 trillion in hedge funds, private equity, mutual funds and pooled or separately managed assets.
Though SEIC’s revenues declined in 2023, the metric witnessed a CAGR of 6.4% over the last five years (2020-2025). The company’s total assets under management, advisement and administration have also been increasing, with the metric witnessing a CAGR of 9.9% over the same time frame. Both metrics increased in the first quarter of 2026 as well. SEIC’s diversified products and revenue mix, expanding global presence and a solid total AUM balance reflect improving prospects.
SEIC has been focusing on high-growth areas of business, and, in sync with this, it sold its Family Office Service operations in July 2025. The acquisitions of LifeYield (enhancing multi-account tax management), Altigo (expanding in the alternatives investment space), Atlas Master Trust and National Pensions Trust (strengthening its position in the defined contribution market) are likely to continue supporting the top line.
In April 2026, the company announced an enhanced partnership with Carlyle to expand access to institutional-quality private market capabilities across wealth and retirement channels. In December 2025, SEIC completed the first and largest close of the Stratos acquisition for $440.8 million, which will advance its expansion into Advice, deepen insight into end-client and advisor needs, broaden distribution across RIA and broker-dealer channels, and create new opportunities to integrate its technology and investment capabilities into a rapidly growing advisory platform.
In the past year, SEIC shares have gained 12.7%. In the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has been unchanged at $5.90. Currently, SEIC carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Price & Consensus: SEIC
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BlackRock (BLK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (AMP) : Free Stock Analysis Report
SEI Investments Company (SEIC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
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