UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

Commission File Number: 001-09305

 

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

501 North Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63102-2188

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(314) 342-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.     Yes ☐     No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.     Yes ☐     No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“the Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐    No ☒

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, $0.15 par value per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the close of business on June 30, 2017, was $3.3 billion.¹

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.15 par value per share, as of the close of business on February 15, 2018 was 71,850,904.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of shareholders, to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.

 

 

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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PART I

Certain statements in this report may be considered forward-looking. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements cover, among other things, statements made about general economic, political, regulatory, and market conditions, the investment banking and brokerage industries, our objectives and results, and also may include our belief regarding the effect of various legal proceedings, management expectations, our liquidity and funding sources, counterparty credit risk, or other similar matters. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including those factors discussed below under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A as well as those discussed in “External Factors Impacting Our Business” included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of this report.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our future results. We undertake no obligation to publicly release any revisions to the forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Stifel Financial Corp. is a Delaware corporation and a financial holding company headquartered in St. Louis. We were organized in 1983. Our principal subsidiary is Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”), a full-service retail and institutional wealth management and investment banking firm. Stifel is the successor to a partnership founded in 1890. Our other subsidiaries include Century Securities Associates, Inc. (“CSA”), an independent contractor broker-dealer firm; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. (“KBW”), Miller Buckfire & Co. LLC (“Miller Buckfire”), and Eaton Partners, LLC (“Eaton Partners”), broker-dealer firms; Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (“SNEL”), our European subsidiary; Stifel Bank & Trust (“Stifel Bank”), a retail and commercial bank; Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. (collectively, “Stifel Trust”), our trust companies; and 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC (“1919”) and Ziegler Capital Management, LLC (“ZCM”), asset management firms. Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “the Company,” “our company,” “we,” and “our,” as used herein, refer to Stifel Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries.

With a 127-year operating history, we have built a diversified business serving private clients, institutional investors, and investment banking clients located across the country. Our principal activities are:

Our core philosophy is based upon a tradition of trust, understanding, and studied advice. We attract and retain experienced professionals by fostering a culture of entrepreneurial, long-term thinking. We provide our private, institutional, and corporate clients quality, personalized service, with the theory that if we place clients’ needs first, both our clients and our company will prosper. Our unwavering client and employee focus have earned us a reputation as one of the nation’s leading wealth management and investment banking firms.

We have grown our business both organically and through opportunistic acquisitions. Over the past several years, we have grown substantially, primarily by completing and successfully integrating a number of acquisitions, including our acquisition of the capital markets business of Legg Mason (“LM Capital Markets”) from Citigroup in December 2005 and the following acquisitions:

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Business Segments

We operate in the following segments: Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and Other. For a discussion of the financial results of our segments, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Segment Analysis.”

Narrative Description of Business

As of December 31, 2017, we employed over 7,100 associates, including 2,244 financial advisors, of which 112 are independent contractors. Through our broker-dealer subsidiaries, we provide securities-related financial services to customers from the United States and Europe. Our customers include individuals, corporations, municipalities, and institutions. We have customers throughout the United States, with a growing presence in the United Kingdom and Europe. No single client accounts for a material percentage of any segment of our business. Our inventory, which we believe is of modest size and intended to turn over quickly, exists to facilitate order flow and support the investment strategies of our clients. The inventory of securities held to facilitate customer trades and our market-making activities is sensitive to market movements. Furthermore, our balance sheet is highly liquid, without material holdings of securities that are difficult to value or remarket. We believe that our broad platform, fee-based revenues, and strong distribution network position us well to take advantage of current trends within the financial services sector.

GLOBAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT

We provide securities transaction, brokerage, and investment services to our clients through the consolidated Stifel branch system. We have made significant investments in personnel and technology to grow the Private Client Group over the past ten years.

Consolidated Stifel Branch System

At December 31, 2017, the Private Client Group had a network of 2,132 financial advisors located in 355 branch offices in 45 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, we have 112 independent contractors.

Our financial advisors provide a broad range of investments and services to our clients, including financial planning services. We offer equity securities; taxable and tax-exempt fixed income securities, including municipal, corporate, and government agency securities; preferred stock; and unit investment trusts. We also offer a broad range of externally managed fee-based products. In addition, we offer insurance and annuity products and investment company shares through agreements with numerous third-party distributors. We encourage our financial advisors to pursue the products and services that best fit their clients’ needs and that they feel most comfortable recommending. Our private clients may choose from a traditional, commission-based structure or fee-based money management programs. In most cases, commissions are charged for sales of investment products to clients based on an established commission schedule. In certain cases, varying discounts may be given based on relevant client or trade factors determined by the financial advisor.

Our independent contractors, who operate in our CSA business, provide the same types of financial products and services to its private clients as does Stifel. Under their contractual arrangements, these independent contractors may also provide accounting services, real estate brokerage, insurance, or other business activities for their own account. Independent contractors are responsible for all of their direct costs and are paid a larger percentage of commissions to compensate them for their added expenses. CSA is an introducing broker-dealer and, as such, clears its transactions through Stifel.

Customer Financing

Client securities transactions are effected on either a cash or margin basis. When securities are purchased on a margin basis, the customer deposits less than the full cost of the security in their account. We make a loan to the customer for the balance of the purchase price. Such loans are collateralized by the purchased securities. The amounts of the loans are subject to the margin requirements of Regulation T of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) margin requirements, and our internal policies, which usually are more restrictive than Regulation T or FINRA requirements. In permitting customers to purchase securities on margin, we are subject to the risk of a market decline, which could reduce the value of our collateral below the amount of the customers’ indebtedness.

We offer securities-based lending through Stifel Bank, which allows clients to borrow money against the value of qualifying securities for any suitable purpose other than purchasing, trading, or carrying marketable securities or refinancing margin debt. The loan requirements are subject to Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Regulation U”) and our internal policies, which are typically more restrictive than Regulation U. We establish approved lines and advance rates against qualifying securities and monitor limits daily and, pursuant to such guidelines, require customers to deposit additional collateral or reduce debt positions, when necessary. Factors considered in the review of securities-based lending are the amount of the loan, the degree of concentrated or restricted positions, and the overall evaluation of the portfolio to ensure proper diversification, or, in the case of concentrated positions, appropriate liquidity of the underlying collateral or potential hedging strategies. Underlying collateral for securities-based loans is reviewed with respect to the liquidity of the proposed collateral positions, valuation of securities, historic trading range, volatility analysis, and an evaluation of industry concentrations.

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Asset Management

Our asset management business offers specialized investment management solutions for institutions, private clients, and investment advisors. Revenues for this segment are primarily generated by the investment advisory fees related to asset management services provided for individual and institutional investment portfolios, along with mutual funds. Investment advisory fees are earned on assets held in managed or non-discretionary asset-based programs. These fees are computed based on balances either at the beginning of the quarter, the end of the quarter, or average daily assets. Fees from private client investment portfolios and institutional fees are typically based on asset values at the end of the period. Asset balances are impacted by both the performance of the market and sales and redemptions of client accounts/funds. Rising markets have historically had a positive impact on investment advisory fee revenues as existing accounts increase in value, and individuals and institutions may commit incremental funds in rising markets. No single client accounts for a material percentage of this segment’s total business.

Stifel Bank

In April 2007, we completed the acquisition of First Service, a St. Louis-based full-service bank, which now operates as Stifel Bank & Trust and is reported in the Global Wealth Management segment. Since the closing of the bank acquisition, we have grown retail and commercial bank assets from $145.6 million on acquisition date to $15.0 billion at December 31, 2017. Through Stifel Bank, we offer retail and commercial banking services to private and corporate clients, including personal loan programs, such as fixed and variable mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, personal loans, loans secured by CDs or savings, and securities-based loans, as well as commercial lending programs, such as small business loans, commercial real estate loans, lines of credit, credit cards, term loans, and inventory and receivables financing, in addition to other banking products. We believe Stifel Bank not only helps us serve our private clients more effectively by offering them a broader range of services, but also enables us to better utilize our private client cash balances held which are swept to Stifel Bank, which is its primary source of funding.

INSTITUTIONAL GROUP

The Institutional Group segment includes research, equity and fixed income institutional sales and trading, investment banking, public finance, and syndicate.

Research

Our research department publishes research across multiple industry groups and provides our clients with timely, insightful, and actionable research, aimed at improving investment performance.

Institutional Sales and Trading

Our equity sales and trading team distributes our proprietary equity research products and communicates our investment recommendations to our client base of institutional investors, executes equity trades, sells the securities of companies for which we act as an underwriter, and makes a market in securities. In our various sales and trading activities, we take a focused approach to serving our clients by maintaining inventory to facilitate order flow and support the investment strategies of our institutional fixed income clients, as opposed to seeking trading profits through proprietary trading. Our equity sales and trading teams are located in various cities in the United States, as well as Geneva, Zurich, London, and Madrid.

The fixed income institutional sales and trading group is comprised of taxable and tax-exempt sales departments. Our institutional sales and trading group executes trades with diversification across municipal, corporate, government agency, and mortgage-backed securities.

Investment Banking

Our investment banking activities include the provision of financial advisory services principally with respect to mergers and acquisitions and the execution of public offerings and private placements of debt and equity securities. The investment banking group focuses on middle-market companies as well as on larger companies in targeted industries where we have particular expertise, which include real estate, financial services, healthcare, aerospace/defense and government services, telecommunications, transportation, energy, business services, consumer services, industrial, technology, and education.

Our syndicate department coordinates marketing, distribution, pricing, and stabilization of our managed equity and debt offerings. In addition, the department coordinates our underwriting participations and selling group opportunities managed by other investment banking firms.

Public Finance

Our public finance group acts as an underwriter and dealer in bonds issued by states, cities, and other political subdivisions and acts as manager or participant in offerings managed by other firms.

OTHER SEGMENT

The Other segment includes interest income from stock borrow activities, unallocated interest expense, interest income and gains and losses from investments held, compensation expense associated with the expensing of restricted stock awards with no continuing

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service requirements as a result of recent acquisitions and to actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Regulation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017, amortization of stock-based awards for certain administrative employees, and all unallocated overhead costs associated with the execution of orders; processing of securities transactions; custody of client securities; receipt, identification, and delivery of funds and securities; compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; internal financial accounting and controls; and general administration and acquisition charges.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

We have developed a business continuity plan which is designed to permit continued operation of business-critical functions in the event of disruptions to our St. Louis, Missouri, headquarters facility as well as other critical functional areas of the firm. Several critical business functions are supported by outside vendors who maintain backup and recovery in line with our internal needs and capabilities. We periodically participate in testing of these backup and recovery functions. Likewise, the business functions we support internally can be supported without the St. Louis headquarters through a combination of redundant computer facilities in other east and west coast data centers and from certain branch locations which can connect to our third-party securities processing vendor through its primary or redundant facilities. Systems have been designed so that we can route critical processing activity and functions to alternate locations, which can be staffed with relocated personnel as appropriate.

GROWTH STRATEGY

We believe our strategy for growth will allow us to increase our revenues and to expand our role with clients as a valued partner. In executing our growth strategy, we take advantage of the consolidation among mid-tier firms, which we believe provides us opportunities in our global wealth and institutional group segments. We do not create specific growth or business plans for any particular type of acquisition, focus on specific firms, or geographic expansion, nor do we establish quantitative goals, such as intended numbers of new hires or new office openings; however, our corporate philosophy has always been to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, while maintaining sufficient levels of capital. We intend to pursue the following strategies with discipline:

COMPETITION

We compete with other securities firms, some of which offer their customers a broader range of brokerage services, have substantially greater resources, and may have greater operating efficiencies. In addition, we face increasing competition from other financial institutions, such as commercial banks, online service providers, and other companies offering financial services. The Financial

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Modernization Act, signed into law in late 1999, lifted restrictions on banks and insurance companies, permitting them to provide financial services once dominated by securities firms. In addition, consolidation in the financial services industry may lead to increased competition from larger, more diversified organizations.

As we enter our 128^th year in business, we continue to rely on the expertise acquired in our market area, our personnel, and our equity capital to operate in the competitive environment.

REGULATION

Financial Holding Company Regulation

Under U.S. law, we are a bank holding company that has elected to be a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”). Consequently, our company and its business activities are subject to the supervision, examination, and regulation of the Federal Reserve Board. The BHCA and other federal laws subject bank and financial holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations. Supervision and regulation of bank holding companies, financial holding companies, and their subsidiaries are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and other clients of banking subsidiaries, the deposit insurance fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), and the banking system as a whole, but not for the protection of stockholders or other creditors.

As a financial holding company, we are permitted: (1) to engage in other activities that the Federal Reserve Board, working with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature, incidental to an activity that is financial in nature, or complementary to a financial activity and that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally, or (2) to acquire shares of companies engaged in such activities. We may not, however, directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares, or substantially all of the assets, of a bank holding company or a bank without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.

In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, we must remain “well capitalized” and “well managed” under applicable regulations. Failure to meet one or more of the requirements would mean, depending on the requirements not met, that we could not undertake new activities, make acquisitions other than those permitted generally for bank holding companies, or continue certain activities.

Rules and Regulations Resulting From the Dodd-Frank Act

The financial services industry in the U.S. is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. During our fiscal year 2010, the U.S. government enacted financial services reform legislation known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). Because of the nature of our business and our business practices, we presently do not expect the Dodd-Frank Act to have a significant direct impact on our operations as a whole. However, because some of the implementing regulations have yet to be adopted by various regulatory agencies, the specific impact on some of our businesses remains uncertain.

CFPB Oversight

In July 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) began operations and was given rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and was provided broad powers to supervise and enforce federal consumer protection laws. The CFPB has supervisory and enforcement powers under several consumer protection laws, including the: (i) Equal Credit Opportunity Act; (ii) Truth in Lending Act; (iii) Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act; (iv) Fair Credit Reporting Act; (v) Fair Debt Collection Act; (vi) Consumer Financial Privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices under Section 1031 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The CFPB has authority to promulgate regulations, issue orders, draft policy statements, conduct examinations, and bring enforcement actions. The creation of the CFPB has led to enhanced enforcement of consumer protection laws. To the extent that, as a result of such heightened scrutiny and oversight, we become the subject of any enforcement activity, we may be required to pay fines, incur penalties, or engage in certain remediation efforts.

Stress Tests

In October 2012, the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC jointly issued final rules requiring certain bank holding companies, state member banks, and savings and loan companies with total assets between $10 billion and $50 billion to conduct annual company-prepared stress tests, report the results to their primary regulator and the Federal Reserve (who is our company’s primary regulator), and publish a summary of the results. Stress tests must be conducted using certain scenarios (baseline, adverse, and severely adverse) prescribed by the Federal Reserve. We are subject to stress testing requirements as of December 31, 2017, and will be submitting our stress test in 2018.

The Volcker Rule

We are subject to the Volcker Rule, which generally prohibits, subject to exceptions, insured depository institutions, bank holding companies, and their affiliates (together, “Banking Entities”) from engaging in “proprietary trading” or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in a hedge fund or private equity fund (“covered funds”). Banking Entities engaged in proprietary trading and/or investments in covered funds must establish a Volcker Rule-specific compliance program. We are required to adopt a program, which

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is designed to be effective in ensuring compliance with the Volcker Rule, however, in connection with their examinations, regulators will assess the sufficiency and adequacy of our program. The Volcker Rule also limits investments in, and relationships with, covered funds. The conformance period for compliance with the rule with respect to investments in certain illiquid funds has been extended, and Banking Entities may still apply for an additional five-year extension with respect to investments in certain illiquid funds. We maintain a number of private equity investments, some of which meet the definition of covered funds under the Volcker Rule. The extension of the conformance deadline provides us with additional time (up to July 2022) to realize the value of these investments in due course and implement any additional actions necessary for conformance with the rule.

U.S. Capital Rules and Basel III

Our company, as a bank and financial holding company, is subject to regulation, including capital requirements, by the Federal Reserve. Stifel Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve and the Missouri Division of Finance. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our company’s and Stifel Bank’s financial statements.

The OCC, the Federal Reserve, and the FDIC released final U.S. rules implementing the Basel III capital framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain Dodd-Frank Act and other capital provisions and updated the prompt corrective action framework to reflect the new regulatory capital minimums (the “U.S. Basel III Rules”). The U.S. Basel III Rules: (i) increase the quantity and quality of regulatory capital; (ii) establish a capital conservation buffer; and (iii) make changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The U.S. Basel III Rules became effective for our company and Stifel Bank on January 1, 2015, subject to applicable phase-in periods. Based on our current analyses, our company and Stifel Bank are well-capitalized. However, the increased capital requirements could restrict our ability to grow or require us to raise additional capital. As a result, our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects could be adversely affected. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” within this Form 10-K for more information.

Money Market Reform

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to the rules that govern money market mutual funds. The amendments make structural and operational reforms to address risks of excessive withdrawals over relatively short time frames by investors from money market funds, while preserving the benefits of the funds. We do not sponsor any money market funds. We utilize funds sponsored by third parties in limited circumstances for our own investment purposes as well as to offer our clients as one of several cash sweep alternatives.

Municipal Advisor Regulation

The SEC issued final rules regarding the mandatory registration of “municipal advisors” as required under the Dodd-Frank Act. These final rules for municipal advisors, which became effective in July 2014: (i) impose a fiduciary duty on municipal advisors when advising municipal entities; (ii) may result in the need for new written representations by issuers; and (iii) may limit the manner in which we, in our capacity as an underwriter or in our other professional roles, interact with municipal issuers. Our municipal finance business became subject to additional regulation and oversight by the SEC by virtue of our registration with the SEC as a municipal advisor in 2014.

Moreover, in December 2015, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (the “MSRB”) received approval from the SEC on new MSRB Rule G-42 (regarding duties of non-solicitor municipal advisors) and related amendments to MSRB Rule G-8 (regarding books and records to be made by municipal advisors, among others), all of which became effective in June 2016. Additional rulemaking by the MSRB may cause further changes to the manner in which state and local governments are able to interact with outside finance professionals. These rules may impact the nature of our interactions with public finance clients, as well as potentially have a negative short-term impact on the volume of public finance financing transactions while the industry attempts to adapt to the new regulatory landscape. However, we do not expect these rules to have a materially adverse impact on our public finance results of operations, which are included in our Institutional Group segment.

Fiduciary Duty Standard

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC was charged with considering whether broker-dealers should be subject to a standard of care similar to the fiduciary standard applicable to registered investment advisers. The SEC is currently considering whether to issue a proposed standard applicable to broker-dealers, but has not yet done so.  

The U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) regulation (the “DOL Rule”) expanding the definition of who is deemed an "investment advice fiduciary" to an employee benefit plan that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or an individual retirement account, or other account, (“IRA”) that is subject to section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) became effective on June 9, 2017. The DOL Rule significantly broadens the circumstances under which certain of our entities and their affiliates may be deemed to be “fiduciaries” when providing investment advice or recommendations with respect to the assets of an employee benefit plan or an IRA. When acting as a fiduciary to an ERISA plan, such persons are subject to a number of duties, including the duty to act solely in the interests of plan participants and beneficiaries, and are personally liable to the ERISA

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plan for breaches of these duties. When acting as a fiduciary to an ERISA plan or an IRA, such persons are also subject to certain “prohibited transaction rules” under ERISA and the Code, which significantly limit the types of transactions they can engage in, and the types of compensation they can receive, with respect to such ERISA plan or IRA.

Also effective June 9, 2017, the DOL issued two new prohibited transaction exemptions—the Best Interest Contract Exemption (the “BIC Exemption”) and the Class Exemption for Principal Transactions in Certain Assets (the “Principal Transactions Exemption”)—and amended and partially revoked certain pre-existing exemptions such persons previously relied on. The new exemptions permit them to receive compensation that would otherwise violate the prohibited transaction rules so long as they provide advice that meets the exemptions’ currently applicable conditions. The DOL has delayed the applicability of certain additional conditions of these exemptions to July 1, 2019, and is currently studying the rule’s impacts and considering whether any changes are needed.  

We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the DOL Rule on these businesses, but because ERISA plans and IRAs comprise a significant portion of such businesses, we expect that compliance with the DOL Rule and reliance on the BIC Exemption and the Principal Transactions Exemption will continue to require us to incur increased legal, compliance, and information technology costs. Moreover, we may face enhanced legal risks, particularly if the delayed conditions of the new exemptions become applicable in their current form.

Finally, the state laws that apply to state registered broker-dealers may be changing.  For example, in 2017, Nevada enacted a law that would require broker-dealers to adhere to certain fiduciary standards specified under Nevada law. We continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of these rules and potential rulemakings on our business and continue to expect increased legal, compliance, and information technology costs in response to developments in this area.

Subsidiary Regulation

The securities industry in the United States is subject to extensive regulation under federal and state laws. The SEC is the federal agency generally charged with the administration of the federal securities laws impacting the securities industry. Much of the regulation of broker-dealers, however, has been delegated to self-regulatory organizations (“SRO”), principally FINRA and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, and securities exchanges. SROs adopt rules (which are subject to approval by the SEC) that govern the industry and conduct periodic examinations of member broker-dealers. Securities firms are also subject to regulation by state securities commissions in the states in which they are registered. A number of changes have been proposed to the rules and regulations that govern our securities business, and other rules and regulations have been adopted, which may result in changes in the way we conduct our business.

As a result of federal and state registration and SRO memberships, broker-dealers are subject to overlapping schemes of regulation that cover all aspects of their securities businesses. Such regulations cover matters including capital requirements; uses and safekeeping of clients’ funds; conduct of directors, officers, and employees; recordkeeping and reporting requirements; supervisory and organizational procedures intended to ensure compliance with securities laws and to prevent improper trading on material nonpublic information; employee-related matters, including qualification and licensing of supervisory and sales personnel; limitations on extensions of credit in securities transactions; clearance and settlement procedures; requirements for the registration, underwriting, sale, and distribution of securities; and rules of the SROs designed to promote high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. A particular focus of the applicable regulations concerns the relationship between broker-dealers and their customers. As a result, many aspects of the broker-dealer customer relationship are subject to regulation, including, in some instances, “suitability” determinations as to certain customer transactions, limitations on the amounts that may be charged to customers, timing of proprietary trading in relation to customers’ trades, and disclosures to customers.

Additional legislation, changes in rules promulgated by the SEC and by SROs, and changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and rules often directly affect the method of operation and profitability of broker-dealers. The SEC and the SROs conduct regular examinations of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and also initiate targeted and other specific inquiries from time to time, which generally include the investigation of issues involving substantial portions of the securities industry. The SEC and the SROs may conduct administrative proceedings, which can result in censures, fines, suspension, or expulsion of a broker-dealer, its officers, or employees. The principal purpose of regulation and discipline of broker-dealers is the protection of customers and the securities markets rather than the protection of creditors and stockholders of broker-dealers.

Our U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the Securities Investor Protection Act and are members of Securities Investors Protection Corporation (“SIPC”), whose primary function is to provide financial protection for the customers of failing brokerage firms. SIPC provides protection for customers up to $500,000, of which a maximum of $250,000 may be in cash.

Stifel Bank is a Federal Reserve member Bank, its deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the maximum authorized limit. It is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as the Missouri Division of Finance.

Stifel Trust is subject to regulation by the OCC. This regulation focuses on, among other things, ensuring the safety and soundness of Stifel Trust’s fiduciary services.

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Several of our wholly owned subsidiaries, including Choice Financial Partners, Inc., Thomas Weisel Global Growth Partners LLC, ZCM, 1919 Investment Counsel, Stifel, and CSA are registered as investment advisers with the SEC and, therefore, are subject to its regulation and oversight.

Non-U.S. Regulation

Our non-U.S. subsidiaries are subject to applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Our European subsidiary, SNEL, is subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. The FCA exercises broad supervisory and disciplinary powers that include the power to temporarily or permanently revoke authorization to conduct a regulated business upon breach of the relevant regulations, suspend approved persons, and impose fines (where applicable) on both regulated businesses and their approved persons. SNEL operates representative offices in Geneva and Zurich, Switzerland and has a branch office in Madrid, Spain. In addition to the FCA, these offices are subject to the local regulations of their respective jurisdictions. SNEL holds a number of FCA-passporting rights to engage in Markets in Financial Instruments Directive-related business in Europe.

The FCA will be enforcing additional European Union issued regulations such as the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (“MIFID II”) and the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (“MIFIR”), for which implementation is scheduled for 2018. Principal areas of impact related to these regulatory texts will involve emergence and oversight of organized trade facilities (“OTF’s”) for trading OTC non-equity products, customer type re-assessment, investor protection, enhanced conflict of interest and execution policies, transparency obligations and extended transaction reporting requirements. We will continue to monitor all applicable developments in the ongoing implementation of MIFID II.

Capital Requirements

Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) promulgated by the SEC. The Uniform Net Capital Rule is designed to measure the general financial integrity and liquidity of a broker-dealer and the minimum net capital deemed necessary to meet the broker-dealer’s continuing commitments to its customers and other broker-dealers. Broker-dealers may be prohibited from expanding their business and declaring cash dividends. A broker-dealer that fails to comply with the Uniform Net Capital Rule may be subject to disciplinary actions by the SEC and SROs, such as FINRA, including censures, fines, suspension, or expulsion. For further discussion of our net capital requirements, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Public Company Regulation

As a public company whose common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Chicago Stock Exchange (“CHX”), we are subject to corporate governance requirements established by the SEC, NYSE, and CHX, as well as federal and state law. Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”), we are required to meet certain requirements regarding business dealings with members of the Board of Directors, the structure of our Audit and Compensation Committees, ethical standards for our senior financial officers, implementation of an internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting, and additional responsibilities regarding financial statements for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and their assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting. Compliance with all aspects of the Act, particularly the provisions related to management's assessment of internal controls, has imposed additional costs on our company, reflecting internal staff and management time, as well as additional audit fees since the Act went into effect.

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Executive Officers

Information regarding our executive officers and their ages as of February 15, 2018, is as follows: 

Ronald J. Kruszewski has been Chief Executive Officer and Director of our company and Stifel since September 1997 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of our company and Stifel since April 2001. Prior thereto, Mr. Kruszewski served as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Baird Financial Corporation and Managing Director of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, a securities broker-dealer firm, from 1993 to September 1997.

Thomas W. Weisel was elected Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of our company in August 2010 after the completion of the merger between our company and Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. Prior thereto, Mr. Weisel served as Chairman and CEO of Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc., a firm he founded, from 1998 to June 2010. Prior to founding Thomas Weisel Partners, Mr. Weisel was a founder, in 1971, of Robertson, Coleman, Siebel & Weisel that became Montgomery Securities in 1978, where he was Chairman and CEO until September 1998. Mr. Weisel served as a director on the NASDAQ Stock Market board of directors from 2002 to 2006.

James M. Zemlyak was named to the Office of the President in June 2014. Mr. Zemlyak has been Chief Financial Officer of our company and Stifel since February 1999. Mr. Zemlyak served as Director of our company from February 1999 to June 2017. Mr. Zemlyak served as our company’s Treasurer from February 1999 to January 2012. Mr. Zemlyak has been Chief Operating Officer of Stifel since August 2002 and Executive Vice President of Stifel since December 1, 2005. Mr. Zemlyak also served as Chief Financial Officer of Stifel from February 1999 to October 2006. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Zemlyak served as Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Baird Financial Corporation from 1997 to 1999 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated from 1994 to 1999.

Richard J. Himelfarb has served as Senior Vice President of our company and Executive Vice President and Director of Stifel since December 2005. Mr. Himelfarb served as Director of our company from December 2005 to June 2017. Mr. Himelfarb was designated Chairman of Investment Banking in July 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Himelfarb served as Executive Vice President and Director of Investment Banking from December 2005 through July 2009. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Himelfarb served as a director of Legg Mason, Inc. from November 1983 and Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. from January 2005. Mr. Himelfarb was elected Executive Vice President of Legg Mason and Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. in July 1995, having previously served as Senior Vice President from November 1983.

Thomas B. Michaud has served as Senior Vice President of our company and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., one of our broker-dealer subsidiaries, since February 15, 2013, the completion of the merger between our company and KBW, Inc. Mr. Michaud served as Director of our company from February 2013 to June 2017. Prior thereto, Mr. Michaud served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of KBW, Inc. since October 2011 and as Vice Chairman and director since its formation in August 2005. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer from August 2005 until October 2011.

Victor J. Nesi was named to the Office of the President in June 2014. Mr. Nesi has served as Director of Investment Banking and Director of our Institutional Group since July 2009. Mr. Nesi served as Director of our company from August 2009 to June 2017. Mr. Nesi has more than 20 years of banking and private equity experience, most recently with Merrill Lynch, where he headed the global private equity business for the telecommunications and media industry. From 2005 to 2007, he directed Merrill Lynch’s investment banking group for the Americas region. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 1996, Mr. Nesi spent seven years as an investment banker at Salomon Brothers and Goldman Sachs.

Ben A. Plotkin has been Vice Chairman and Senior Vice President of our company since August 2007 and Executive Vice President of Stifel since February 2007. Mr. Plotkin has served as Executive Vice President of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., one of our broker-dealer subsidiaries, since February 15, 2013, the completion of the merger between our company and KBW, Inc. Mr. Plotkin served as Director of our company from August 2007 to June 2017. Mr. Plotkin also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ryan Beck & Company, Inc. from 1997 until its acquisition by our company in 2007. Mr. Plotkin was elected Executive Vice

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President of Ryan Beck in 1990. Mr. Plotkin became a Senior Vice President of Ryan Beck in 1989 and was appointed First Vice President of Ryan Beck in December of 1987. Mr. Plotkin joined Ryan Beck in May of 1987 as a Director and Vice President in the Investment Banking Division.

Mark P. Fisher has served as Senior Vice President since July 2010 and General Counsel since May 2014. Mr. Fisher served as General Counsel of Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. from May 2005 until the merger between our company and Thomas Weisel Partners Group, Inc. in July 2010. From January 1998 until May 2005, Mr. Fisher practiced corporate and securities law at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP.

James M. Marischen has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of our company since January 2014. During 2015, Mr. Marischen was named our Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Marischen served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Stifel Bank & Trust from February 2008 to January 2014. Prior to joining our company in 2008, Mr. Marischen worked in public accounting at KPMG LLP.

David D. Sliney has been a Senior Vice President of our company since May 2003. In 1997, Mr. Sliney began a Strategic Planning and Finance role with Stifel and has served as a Director of Stifel since May 2003. Mr. Sliney is also responsible for our company’s Operations and Technology departments. Mr. Sliney joined Stifel in 1992, and between 1992 and 1995, Mr. Sliney worked as a fixed income trader and later assumed responsibility for the firm’s Equity Syndicate Department.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our internet address is www.stifel.com. We make available, free of charge, through a link to the SEC web site, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as proxy statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

Additionally, we make available on our web site under “Investor Relations – Corporate Governance,” and in print upon request of any shareholder, a number of our corporate governance documents. These include: Audit Committee charter, Compensation Committee charter, Risk Management/Corporate Governance Committee charter, Corporate Governance Guidelines, Complaint Reporting Process, and the Code of Ethics for Employees. Within the time period required by the SEC and the NYSE, we will post on our web site any modifications to any of the available documents. The information on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this report.

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the following factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results of operations. Although the risks described below are those that management believes are the most significant, these are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently do not deem to be material also may materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results of operations. We may amend or supplement these risk factors from time to time in other reports we file with the SEC.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Damage to our reputation could damage our businesses.

Maintaining our reputation is critical to our attracting and maintaining customers, investors, and employees. If we fail to deal with, or appear to fail to deal with, various issues that may give rise to reputational risk, we could significantly harm our business prospects. These issues include, but are not limited to, any of the risks discussed in this Item 1A, appropriately dealing with potential conflicts of interest, legal and regulatory requirements, ethical issues, money laundering, cybersecurity and privacy, record keeping, sales and trading practices, failure to sell securities we have underwritten at the anticipated price levels, and the proper identification of the legal, reputational, credit, liquidity, and market risks inherent in our products. A failure to deliver appropriate standards of service and quality, or a failure or perceived failure to treat customers and clients fairly, can result in customer dissatisfaction, litigation, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, all of which can lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs, and reputational harm. Further, negative publicity regarding us, whether or not true, may also result in harm to our prospects.

We are affected by domestic and international macroeconomic conditions that impact the global financial markets.

We are engaged in various financial services businesses. As such, we are generally affected by domestic and international macroeconomic and political conditions, including levels of economic output, interest and inflation rates, employment levels, consumer confidence levels, and fiscal and monetary policy. These conditions may directly and indirectly impact a number of factors in the global financial markets that may be detrimental to our operating results, including the levels of trading, investing, and origination activity in the securities markets, security valuations, the absolute and relative level and volatility of interest and currency rates, real estate values, the actual and perceived quality of issuers and borrowers, and the supply of and demand for loans and deposits.

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At times over the last several years, we have experienced operating cycles during weak and uncertain U.S. and global economic conditions, including low levels of economic output, artificially maintained levels of historically low interest rates, relatively high rates of unemployment, and significant uncertainty with regards to fiscal and monetary policy both domestically and abroad. These conditions led to several factors in the global financial markets that from time to time negatively impacted our net revenue and profitability. While global financial markets have shown signs of improvement, uncertainty remains. A period of sustained downturns and/or volatility in the securities markets, prolonged continuation of the artificially low level of short-term interest rates, a return to increased dislocations in the credit markets, reductions in the value of real estate, and other negative market factors could significantly impair our revenues and profitability. We could experience a decline in commission revenue from a lower volume of trades we execute for our clients, a decline in fees from reduced portfolio values of securities managed on behalf of our clients, a reduction in revenue from capital markets and advisory transactions due to lower activity, increased credit provisions and charge-offs, losses sustained from our customers’ and market participants’ failure to fulfill their settlement obligations, reduced net interest earnings, and other losses. These periods of reduced revenue and other losses could be accompanied by periods of reduced profitability, because certain of our expenses, including but not limited to our interest expense on debt, rent, facilities, and salary expenses, are fixed, and our ability to reduce them over short periods of time is limited.

Concerns about the European Union (“EU”), including Britain’s June 2016 referendum to exit the EU, and the stability of the EU’s sovereign debt, has caused uncertainty and disruption for financial markets globally. Continued uncertainties loom over the outcome the EU’s financial support programs, and the possibility exists that other EU member states may experience similar financial troubles in the future or may choose to follow Britain’s lead and leave the EU. Any negative impact on economic conditions and global markets from further EU sovereign debt matters could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and liquidity.

Our businesses and earnings are affected by the fiscal and other policies adopted by various regulatory authorities of the United States, non-U.S. governments, and international agencies. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Federal Reserve policies determine, in large part, the cost of funds for lending and investing and the return earned on those loans and investments. The market impact from such policies can also materially decrease the value of certain of our financial assets, most notably debt securities. Changes in Federal Reserve policies are beyond our control, and consequently, the impact of these changes on our activities and results of our operations are difficult to predict.

U.S. state and local governments also continue to struggle with budget pressures caused by the ongoing less than optimal economic environment and ongoing concerns regarding municipal issuer credit quality. If these trends continue or worsen, investor concerns could potentially reduce the number and size of transactions in which we participate and, in turn, reduce investment banking revenues. In addition, such factors could adversely affect the value of the municipal securities we hold in our trading securities portfolio.

Lack of liquidity or access to capital could impair our business and financial condition.

Maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity, or the amount of capital that is readily available for investment, spending, or to meet our contractual obligations is essential to our business. Our inability to maintain adequate levels of capital in the form of cash and readily available access to the credit and capital markets could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition. If liquidity from our brokerage or banking operations is inadequate or unavailable, we may be required to scale back or curtail our operations, including limiting our efforts to recruit additional financial advisors or selling assets at prices that may be less favorable to us. Some potential conditions that could negatively affect our liquidity include the inability of our subsidiaries to generate cash in the form of dividends from earnings, changes imposed by regulators to our liquidity or capital requirements in our subsidiaries that may prevent the upstream of dividends in the form of cash to the parent company, limited or no accessibility to credit markets for secured and unsecured borrowings by our primary broker-dealer subsidiary and diminished access to the capital markets for our company, and other commitments or restrictions on capital as a result of adverse legal settlements, judgments, or regulatory sanctions.

The availability of outside financing, including access to the credit and capital markets, depends on a variety of factors, such as conditions in the debt and equity markets, the general availability of credit, the volume of securities trading activity, the overall availability of credit to the financial services sector, and our credit ratings. Our cost and availability of funding may be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads. Additionally, lenders may from time to time curtail, or even cease to provide, funding to borrowers as a result of any future concerns about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically.

Furthermore, as a bank holding company, we may become subject to a prohibition or to limitations on our ability to repurchase our stock. The Federal Reserve and the SEC (via FINRA) have the authority, and under certain circumstances the duty, to prohibit or to limit the payment of dividends by the subsidiaries to us for the subsidiaries they supervise.

See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources,” in this Form 10-K for additional information on liquidity and how we manage our liquidity risk.

A downgrade in our credit ratings could have a material adverse effect on our operations, earnings, and financial condition.

If our credit rating was downgraded, or if rating agencies indicate that a downgrade may occur, our business, financial position, and results of operations could be adversely affected, perceptions of our financial strength could be damaged, and as a result, adversely affect our relationships with clients. Such a reduction in our credit rating could also adversely affect our liquidity and competitive

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position, increase our incremental borrowing costs, limit our access to the capital markets, trigger obligations under certain financial agreements, or decrease the number of investors, clients, and counterparties willing or permitted to do business with or lend to us, thereby curtailing our business operations and reducing profitability.

We may not be able to successfully obtain additional outside financing to fund our operations on favorable terms, or at all. The impact of a credit rating downgrade to a level below investment grade would result in our breaching provisions in our credit agreements, and may result in decreased levels of available credit or a request for immediate payment.

Our ability to attract and retain qualified financial advisors and other associates is critical to the continued success of our business.

Our ability to develop and retain our client base depends on the reputation, judgment, business generation capabilities, and skills of our senior professionals, particularly our executive team, as well as employees and financial advisors. To compete effectively, we must attract, retain, and motivate qualified associates, including successful financial advisors, investment bankers, trading professionals, portfolio managers, and other revenue-producing or specialized personnel. Competitive pressures we experience could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

The cost of retaining skilled professionals in the financial services industry has escalated considerably. Employers in the industry are increasingly offering guaranteed contracts, upfront payments, and increased compensation. These can be important factors in a current employee’s decision to leave us as well as a prospective employee’s decision to join us. As competition for skilled professionals in the industry remains intense, we may have to devote significant resources to attracting and retaining qualified personnel. In particular, our financial results may be adversely affected by the costs we incur in connection with any upfront loans or other incentives we may offer to newly recruited financial advisors and other key personnel.

To the extent we have compensation targets, we may not be able to retain our employees, which could result in increased recruiting expense or result in our recruiting additional employees at compensation levels that are not within our target range. In particular, our financial results may be adversely affected by the costs we incur in connection with any upfront loans or other incentives we may offer to newly recruited financial advisors and other key personnel. If we were to lose the services of any of our investment bankers, senior equity research, sales and trading professionals, asset managers, or executive officers to a competitor or otherwise, we may not be able to retain valuable relationships and some of our clients could choose to use the services of a competitor instead of our services. If we are unable to retain our senior professionals or recruit additional professionals, our reputation, business, results of operations, and financial condition will be adversely affected. Further, new business initiatives and efforts to expand existing businesses generally require that we incur compensation and benefits expense before generating additional revenues.

Moreover, companies in our industry whose employees accept positions with competitors frequently claim that those competitors have engaged in unfair hiring practices. We have been subject to several such claims in the past and may be subject to additional claims in the future as we seek to hire qualified personnel, some of whom may currently be working for our competitors. Some of these claims may result in material litigation. We could incur substantial costs in defending ourselves against these claims, regardless of their merits. Such claims could also discourage potential employees who currently work for our competitors from joining us.

We are exposed to market risk.

We are, directly and indirectly, affected by changes in market conditions. Market risk generally represents the risk that values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by changes in market conditions. For example, changes in interest rates could adversely affect our net interest spread, the difference between the yield we earn on our assets and the interest rate we pay for deposits and other sources of funding, which, in turn, impacts our net interest income and earnings. Changes in interest rates could affect the interest earned on assets differently than interest paid on liabilities. In our brokerage operations, a rising interest rate environment generally results in our earning a larger net interest spread. Conversely, in those operations, a falling interest rate environment generally results in our earning a smaller net interest spread. If we are unable to effectively manage our interest rate risk, changes in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Market risk is inherent in the financial instruments associated with our operations and activities, including trading account assets and liabilities, loans, deposits, securities, short-term borrowings, corporate debt, and derivatives. Market conditions that change from time to time, thereby exposing us to market risk, include fluctuations in interest rates, equity prices, relative exchange rates, and price deterioration or changes in value due to changes in market perception or actual credit quality of an issuer.

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In addition, disruptions in the liquidity or transparency of the financial markets may result in our inability to sell, syndicate, or realize the value of security positions, thereby leading to increased concentrations. The inability to reduce our positions in specific securities may not only increase the market and credit risks associated with such positions, but also increase the level of risk-weighted assets on our balance sheet, thereby increasing capital requirements, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our exposure to and approaches to managing market risk.

We are exposed to credit risk.

We are generally exposed to the risk that third parties that owe us money, securities, or other assets do not meet their performance obligations due to bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure, or other reasons.

We actively buy and sell securities from and to clients and counterparties in the normal course of our broker-dealer businesses, exposing us to credit risk. Although generally collateralized by the underlying security to the transaction, we still face the risk associated with changes in the market value of collateral through settlement date. We also hold certain securities and derivatives in our trading accounts. Deterioration in the actual or perceived credit quality of the underlying issuers of securities, or the non-performance of issuers and counterparties to certain derivative contracts, could result in trading losses.

We borrow securities from, and lend securities to, other broker-dealers, and may also enter into agreements to repurchase and agreements to resell securities as part of investing and financing activities. A sharp change in the security market values utilized in these transactions may result in losses if counterparties to these transactions fail to honor their commitments.

We manage the risk associated with these transactions by establishing and monitoring credit limits and by monitoring collateral and transaction levels daily. A significant deterioration in the credit quality of one of our counterparties could lead to concerns in the market about the credit quality of other counterparties in the same industry, thereby exacerbating our credit risk exposure. We may require counterparties to deposit additional collateral or substitute collateral pledged. In the case of aged securities failed to receive, we may, under industry regulations, purchase the underlying securities in the market and seek reimbursement for any losses from the counterparty.

Also, we permit our clients to purchase securities on margin. During periods of steep declines in securities prices, the value of the collateral securing client margin loans may fall below the amount of the purchaser’s indebtedness. If the clients are unable to provide additional collateral for these margin loans, we may incur losses on those margin transactions. This may cause us to incur additional expenses defending or pursuing claims or litigation related to counterparty or client defaults.

We deposit our cash in depository institutions as a means of maintaining the liquidity necessary to meet our operating needs, and we also facilitate the deposit of cash awaiting investment in depository institutions on behalf of our clients. A failure of a depository institution to return these deposits could severely impact our operating liquidity, could result in significant reputational damage, and adversely impact our financial performance.

We also incur credit risk by lending to businesses and individuals, including but not limited to, commercial and industrial loans, commercial and residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, and margin and non-purpose loans collateralized by securities. We incur credit risk through our investments.

Our credit risk and credit losses can increase if our loans or investments are concentrated among borrowers or issuers engaged in the same or similar activities, industries, geographies, or to borrowers or issuers who, as a group, may be uniquely or disproportionately affected by economic or market conditions. The deterioration of an individually large exposure, for example due to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, severe weather event, or economic event, could lead to additional loan loss provisions and/or charge-offs, or credit impairment of our investments, and subsequently have a material impact on our net income and regulatory capital.

Declines in the real estate market or sustained economic downturns may cause us to write down the value of some of the loans in Stifel Bank’s portfolio, foreclose on certain real estate properties, or write down the value of some of our securities portfolio. Credit quality generally may also be affected by adverse changes in the financial performance or condition of our debtors or deterioration in the strength of the U.S. economy.

See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our exposure to and approaches to managing credit risk.

Our business depends on fees earned from the management of client accounts by our primary broker-dealer and asset management subsidiaries.

We have grown our asset management business in recent years, including with the acquisitions of ZCM in 2013, 1919 Investment Counsel in 2014, and Barclays in 2015, which has increased the risks associated with this business relative to our overall operations. Asset management fees often are primarily comprised of base management and incentive fees. Management fees are primarily based on assets under management (“AUM”). AUM balances are impacted by net inflow/outflow of client assets and changes in market values. Below-market investment performance by the funds and portfolio managers could result in a loss of managed accounts and

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could result in reputational damage that might make it more difficult to attract new investors and thus further impact our business and financial condition. If we were to experience the loss of managed accounts, our fee revenue would decline. In addition, in periods of declining market values, our asset values under management may resultantly decline, which would negatively impact our fee revenues.

Our underwriting, market-making, trading, and other business activities place our capital at risk.

We may incur losses and be subject to reputational harm to the extent that, for any reason, we are unable to sell securities that we have underwritten at the anticipated price levels. As an underwriter, we also are subject to heightened standards regarding liability for material misstatements or omissions in prospectuses and other offering documents relating to offerings in which we are involved. As a market-maker, we may own positions in specific securities, and these undiversified holdings concentrate the risk of market fluctuations and may result in greater losses than would be the case if our holdings were more diversified. In addition, despite risk mitigation policies, we may incur losses as a result of positions we hold in connection with our market-making or underwriting activities. While it is not typical, from time to time and as part of our underwriting processes, we may carry significant positions in securities of a single issuer or issuers engaged in a specific industry. Sudden changes in the value of these positions could impact our financial results.

We have made, and to the limited extent permitted by applicable regulations, may continue to make principal investments in private equity funds and other illiquid investments. There is risk that we may be unable to realize our investment objectives by sale or other disposition at attractive prices or that we may otherwise be unable to complete a desirable exit strategy. In particular, these risks could arise from changes in the financial condition or prospects of the portfolio companies in which investments are made, changes in economic conditions, or changes in laws, regulations, fiscal policies, or political conditions. It could take a substantial period of time to identify attractive investment opportunities and then to realize the cash value of such investments through resale. Even if a private equity investment proves to be profitable, it may be several years or longer before any profits can be realized in cash.

The soundness of other financial institutions and intermediaries affects us.

We face the risk of operational failure, termination, or capacity constraints of any of the clearing agents, exchanges, clearing houses, or other financial intermediaries that we use to facilitate our securities transactions. As a result of the consolidation over the years among clearing agents, exchanges, and clearing houses, our exposure to certain financial intermediaries has increased and could affect our ability to find adequate and cost-effective alternatives should the need arise. Any failure, termination, or constraint of these intermediaries could adversely affect our ability to execute transactions, serve our clients, and manage our exposure to risk.

Our ability to engage in routine trading and funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, funding, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Defaults by, or even rumors or questions about the financial condition of, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, have historically led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us. Losses arising in connection with counterparty defaults may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We have experienced increased pricing pressures in areas of our business, which may impair our future revenue and profitability.

Our business continues to experience increased pricing pressures on trading margins and commissions in fixed income and equity trading. In the fixed income market, regulatory requirements have resulted in greater price transparency, leading to increased price competition and decreased trading margins. In the equity market, we have experienced increased pricing pressure from institutional clients to reduce commissions, and this pressure has been augmented by the increased use of electronic and direct market access trading, which has created additional competitive downward pressure on trading margins. We believe that price competition and pricing pressures in these and other areas will continue as institutional investors continue to reduce the amounts they are willing to pay, including by reducing the number of brokerage firms they use, and some of our competitors seek to obtain market share by reducing fees, commissions, or margins.

Growth of our business could increase costs and regulatory risks.

Integrating acquired businesses, providing a platform for new businesses, and partnering with other firms involve a number of risks and present financial, managerial, and operational challenges. We may incur significant expenses in connection with further expansion of our existing businesses, or recruitment of financial advisors, or in connection with strategic acquisitions or investments, if and to the extent they arise from time to time. Our overall profitability would be negatively affected if investments and expenses associated with such growth are not matched or exceeded by the revenues that are derived from such investment or growth.

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Expansion may also create a need for additional compliance, documentation, risk management, and internal control procedures, and often involves the hiring of additional personnel to monitor such procedures. To the extent such procedures are not adequate to appropriately monitor any new or expanded business, we could be exposed to a material loss or regulatory sanction.

Moreover, to the extent we pursue strategic acquisitions, we may be unable to complete such acquisitions on acceptable terms, or be unable to successfully integrate the operations of any acquired business into our existing business. Such acquisitions could be of significant size and/or complexity. This effort, together with difficulties we may encounter in integrating an acquired business, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, we may need to raise equity capital or borrow to finance such acquisitions, which could dilute our shareholders or increase our leverage. Any such borrowings might not be available on terms as favorable to us as our current borrowings, or perhaps at all.

The growth of Stifel Bank may expose us to increased credit risk, operational risk, regulatory risk, and sensitivity to market interest rates along with increased regulation, examinations, and supervision by regulators.

We have experienced growth in the investment portfolio, which includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, and the loan portfolio of Stifel Bank, which is funded by affiliated customer deposits. Although our stock-secured loans are collateralized by assets held in our clients’ brokerage accounts, we are exposed to some credit and operational risk associated with these loans. With the increase in deposits and resulting liquidity, we have been able to expand our investment portfolio. In addition, Stifel Bank has significantly grown its mortgage and commercial lending businesses. Although we believe we have conservative underwriting policies in place, there are inherent risks associated with the mortgage banking business. For further discussion of our segments, including our Stifel Bank reporting unit, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Segment Analysis.”

As a result of the high percentage of our assets and liabilities that are in the form of interest-bearing or interest-related instruments, we are more sensitive to changes in interest rates, in the shape of the yield curve, or in relative spreads between market interest rates.

The monetary, tax, and other policies of the government and its agencies, including the Federal Reserve, have a significant impact on interest rates and overall financial market performance. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the national supply of bank credit and market interest rates. The actions of the Federal Reserve influence the rates of interest that we charge on loans and that we pay on borrowings and interest-bearing deposits, which may also affect the value of our on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial instruments. We cannot predict the nature or timing of future changes in monetary, tax, and other policies or the effect that they may have on our activities and results of operations.

In addition, Stifel Bank is heavily regulated at the state and federal level. This regulation is to protect depositors, federal deposit insurance funds, consumers, and the banking system as a whole, but not our shareholders. Federal and state regulations can significantly restrict our businesses, and we are subject to various regulatory actions, which could include fines, penalties, or other sanctions for violations of laws and regulatory rules if we are ultimately found to be out of compliance.

We face intense competition.

We are engaged in intensely competitive businesses. We compete on the basis of a number of factors, including the quality of our financial advisors and associates, our products and services, pricing (such as execution pricing and fee levels), location, and reputation in relevant markets. Over time, there has been substantial consolidation and convergence among companies in the financial services industry, which has significantly increased the capital base and geographic reach of our competitors. See the section entitled “Competition” of Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information about our competitors.

We compete directly with national full-service broker-dealers, investment banking firms, and commercial banks, and to a lesser extent, with discount brokers and dealers and investment advisors. In addition, we face competition from more recent entrants into the market and increased use of alternative sales channels by other firms. We also compete indirectly for investment assets with insurance companies, real estate firms, hedge funds, and others. This competition could cause our business to suffer.

To remain competitive, our future success also depends, in part, on our ability to develop and enhance our products and services. An inability to develop new products and services, or enhance existing offerings, could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, the continued development of internet, networking, or telecommunication technologies or other technological changes could require us to incur substantial expenditures to enhance or adapt our services or infrastructure.

We are exposed to operational risk.

Our diverse operations expose us to risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems external events, including technological or connectivity failures either at the exchanges in which we do business or between our data centers, operations processing sites, or our branches. Our businesses depend on our ability to process and monitor, on a daily basis, a large number of complex transactions across numerous and diverse markets. The inability of our systems to accommodate an increasing volume of transactions could also constrain our ability to expand our businesses. Our financial, accounting, data processing, or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, adversely affecting our ability to process these transactions or provide these services. Operational risk exists in every activity, function, or unit of our business, and can take the form of internal or external fraud, employment and hiring practices,

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an error in meeting a professional obligation, or failure to meet corporate fiduciary standards. It is not always possible to deter employee misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in all cases. If our employees engage in misconduct, our businesses would be adversely affected. Operational risk also exists in the event of business disruption, system failures, or failed transaction processing. Third parties with which we do business could also be a source of operational risk, including with respect to breakdowns or failures of the systems or misconduct by the employees of such parties. In addition, as we change processes or introduce new products and services, we may not fully appreciate or identify new operational risks that may arise from such changes. Increasing use of automated technology has the potential to amplify risks from manual or system processing errors, including outsourced operations.

Our business contingency plan in place is intended to ensure we have the ability to recover our critical business functions and supporting assets, including staff and technology, in the event of a business interruption. Despite the diligence we have applied to the development and testing of our plans, due to unforeseen factors, our ability to conduct business may, in any case, be adversely affected by a disruption involving physical site access, catastrophic events, including weather-related events, events involving electrical, environmental, or communications malfunctions, as well as events impacting services provided by others that we rely upon which could impact our employees or third parties with whom we conduct business.

See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our exposure to and approaches to managing operational risk.

Our businesses depend on technology.

Our businesses rely extensively on electronic data processing and communications systems. In addition to better serving clients, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables us to reduce costs. Adapting or developing our technology systems to meet new regulatory requirements, client needs, and competitive demands is critical for our business. Introduction of new technology presents challenges on a regular basis. There are significant technical and financial costs and risks in the development of new or enhanced applications, including the risk that we might be unable to effectively use new technologies or adapt our applications to emerging industry standards.

Our continued success depends, in part, upon our ability to: (1) successfully maintain and upgrade the capability of our technology systems; (2) address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that satisfy their demands; and (3) retain skilled information technology employees. Failure of our technology systems, which could result from events beyond our control, or an inability to effectively upgrade those systems or implement new technology-driven products or services, could result in financial losses, liability to clients, violations of applicable privacy and other applicable laws, and regulatory sanctions.

Any cyber-attack or other security breach of our technology systems, or those of our clients or other third-party vendors we rely on, could subject us to significant liability and harm our reputation.

Our operations rely heavily on the secure processing, storage and transmission of sensitive and confidential financial, personal and other information in our computer systems and networks. There have been several highly publicized cases involving financial services companies reporting the unauthorized disclosure of client or other confidential information in recent years, as well as cyber-attacks involving the theft, dissemination and destruction of corporate information or other assets, in some cases as a result of failure to follow procedures by employees or contractors or as a result of actions by third parties. Like other financial services firms, we are regularly the target of attempted cyber-attacks, including unauthorized access, mishandling or misuse of information, computer viruses or malware, denial-of-service attacks, phishing or other forms of social engineering, and other events, and we seek to continuously monitor and develop our systems to protect our technology infrastructure and data from misappropriation or corruption. Cyber-attacks can originate from a variety of sources, including third parties affiliated with foreign governments, organized crime or terrorist organizations. Third parties may also attempt to place individuals within our company or induce employees, clients or other users of our systems to disclose sensitive information or provide access to our data, and these types of risks may be difficult to detect or prevent. Although cyber security incidents among financial services firms are on the rise, we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches. However, the techniques used in these attacks are increasingly sophisticated, change frequently and are often not recognized until launched. Although we seek to maintain a robust suite of authentication and layered information security controls, including our cyber threat analytics, data encryption and tokenization technologies, anti-malware defenses and vulnerability management program, any one or combination of these controls could fail to detect, mitigate or remediate these risks in a timely manner. Despite our implementation of protective measures and endeavoring to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to human error, natural disasters, power loss, spam attacks, unauthorized access, distributed denial of service attacks, computer viruses and other malicious code, and other events that could result in significant liability and damage to our reputation, and have an ongoing impact on the security and stability of our operations.

We also rely on numerous third party service providers to conduct other aspects of our business operations, and we face similar risks relating to them. While we regularly conduct security assessments on these third party vendors, we cannot be certain that their information security protocols are sufficient to withstand a cyber-attack or other security breach. In addition, in order to access our products and services, our customers may use computers and other devices that are beyond our security control systems.

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Notwithstanding the precautions we take, if a cyber-attack or other information security breach were to occur, this could jeopardize the information we confidentially maintain, or otherwise cause interruptions in our operations or those of our clients and counterparties, exposing us to liability. As attempted attacks continue to evolve in scope and sophistication, we may be required to expend substantial additional resources to modify or enhance our protective measures, to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures or to communicate about cyber-attacks to our customers. Though we have insurance against some cyber-risks and attacks, we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that exceed our policy limits or are not covered under any of our current insurance policies. A technological breakdown could also interfere with our ability to comply with financial reporting and other regulatory requirements, exposing us to potential disciplinary action by regulators. Further, successful cyber-attacks at other large financial institutions or other market participants, whether or not we are affected, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in financial institutions that could negatively affect us, including harming the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures or the financial system in general, which could result in reduced use of our financial products and services.

Further, in light of the high volume of transactions we process, the large number of our clients, partners and counterparties, and the increasing sophistication of malicious actors, a cyber-attack could occur and persist for an extended period of time without detection. We expect that any investigation of a cyber-attack would take substantial amounts of time, and that there may be extensive delays before we obtain full and reliable information. During such time we would not necessarily know the extent of the harm or how best to remediate it, and certain errors or actions could be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and remediated, all of which would further increase the costs and consequences of such an attack.

We may also be subject to liability under various data protection laws. In providing services to clients, we manage, utilize and store sensitive or confidential client or employee data, including personal data. As a result, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations designed to protect this information, such as U.S. federal, state and international laws governing the protection of personally identifiable information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number. If any person, including any of our associates, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to client or employee data, or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates such data, we could be subject to significant monetary damages, regulatory enforcement actions, fines and/or criminal prosecution. In addition, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or employee data, whether through system failure, employee negligence, fraud or misappropriation, could damage our reputation and cause us to lose clients and related revenue. Potential liability in the event of a security breach of client data could be significant. Depending on the circumstances giving rise to the breach, this liability may not be subject to a contractual limit or an exclusion of consequential or indirect damages.

See Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K for additional information regarding our exposure to and approaches to managing these types of operational risk.

We are exposed to risks of legal proceedings, which may result in significant losses to us that we cannot recover. Claimants in these proceedings may be customers, employees, or regulatory agencies, among others, seeking damages for mistakes, errors, negligence, or acts of fraud by our employees.

Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability, arising in the normal course of business. Participants in the financial services industry face an increasing amount of litigation and arbitration proceedings. Dissatisfied clients regularly make claims against broker-dealers and their employees for, among others, negligence, fraud, unauthorized trading, suitability, churning, failure to supervise, breach of fiduciary duty, employee errors, intentional misconduct, unauthorized transactions by financial advisors or traders, improper recruiting activity, and failures in the processing of securities transactions. The risks associated with potential litigation often may be difficult to assess or quantify, and the existence and magnitude of potential claims often remain unknown for substantial periods of time.

These types of claims expose us to the risk of significant loss. Acts of fraud are difficult to detect and deter, and while we believe our supervisory procedures are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of applicable laws, rules, and regulations, we cannot assure investors that our risk management procedures and controls will prevent losses from fraudulent activity. In our role as underwriter and selling agent, we may be liable if there are material misstatements or omissions of material information in prospectuses and other communications regarding underwritten offerings of securities. At any point in time, the aggregate amount of existing claims against us could be material. While we do not expect the outcome of any existing claims against us to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, we cannot assure you that these types of proceedings will not materially and adversely affect our company. We do not carry insurance that would cover payments regarding these liabilities, except for insurance against certain fraudulent acts of our employees. In addition, our bylaws provide for the indemnification of our officers, directors, and employees to the maximum extent permitted under Delaware law. In the future, we may be the subject of indemnification assertions under these documents by our officers, directors, or employees who have or may become defendants in litigation. These claims for indemnification may subject us to substantial risks of potential liability.

In highly volatile markets, the volume of claims and amount of damages sought in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial institutions has historically increased. These risks include potential liability under securities or other laws for alleged materially false or misleading statements made in connection with securities offerings and other transactions, issues related to the suitability of our investment advice based on our clients’ investment objectives (including auction rate securities), the inability to sell

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or redeem securities in a timely manner during adverse market conditions, contractual issues, employment claims, and potential liability for other advice we provide to participants in strategic transactions. Substantial legal liability could have a material adverse financial effect or cause us significant reputational harm, which, in turn, could seriously harm our business and our prospects.

In addition to the foregoing financial costs and risks associated with potential liability, the costs of defending individual litigation and claims continue to increase over time. The amount of outside attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the defense of litigation and claims could be substantial and might materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in this Form 10-K for a discussion of our legal matters and Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K for a discussion regarding our approach to managing legal risk.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates that may vary from actual results, and new accounting standards could adversely affect future reported results.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions may require management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Our financial instruments, including certain trading assets and liabilities, available-for-sale securities, investments, including certain loans, intangible assets, and private equity investments, among other items, require management to make a determination of their fair value in order to prepare our consolidated financial statements. Where quoted market prices are not available, we may make fair value determinations based on internally developed models or other means, which ultimately rely to some degree on our judgment. Some of these instruments and other assets and liabilities may have no direct observable inputs, making their valuation particularly subjective, being based on significant estimation and judgment. In addition, sudden illiquidity in markets or declines in prices of certain securities may make it more difficult to value certain items, which may lead to the possibility that such valuations will be subject to further change or adjustment and could lead to declines in our earnings in subsequent periods.

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. In addition, accounting standard setters and those who interpret the accounting standards may change or even reverse their previous interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in our restating prior period financial statements. For a further discussion of some of our significant accounting policies and standards, see the “Critical Accounting Estimates” discussion within Item 7, and Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in this Form 10-K.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

The Company has calculated an estimate of the impact of the Tax Legislation in its year end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Tax Legislation and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result has recorded $42.4 million as an additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The provisional amount related to the re-measurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future.  In addition, the Tax Legislation includes a one-time mandatory repatriation transition tax on the net accumulated earnings and profits of a U.S. taxpayer’s foreign subsidiaries. We have performed an initial earnings and profits analysis and have determined that there was no income tax effect in the current period, which we consider to be a provisional analysis.  In accordance with SAB 118, any subsequent adjustments to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.

Our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk.

We seek to manage, monitor, and control our operational, legal, and regulatory risk through operational and compliance reporting systems, internal controls, management review processes, and other mechanisms; however, there can be no assurance that our procedures will be effective. Our banking and trading processes seek to balance our ability to profit from banking and trading positions with our exposure to potential losses. While we use limits and other risk mitigation techniques, those techniques and the judgments that accompany their application cannot anticipate unforeseen economic and financial outcomes or the specifics and timing of such outcomes. Our risk management methods may not predict future risk exposures. In addition, some of our risk management

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methods are based on an evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, and other matters that are based on assumptions that may no longer be accurate. A failure to adequately manage our growth, or to effectively manage our risk, could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.

Financial services firms are subject to numerous actual or perceived conflicts of interest, which are under growing scrutiny by U.S. federal and state regulators. Our risk management processes include addressing potential conflicts of interest that arise in our business. Management of potential conflicts of interest has become increasingly complex as we expand our business activities. A perceived or actual failure to address conflicts of interest could affect our reputation, the willingness of clients to transact business with us, or give rise to litigation or regulatory actions. Therefore, there can be no assurance that conflicts of interest will not arise in the future that could result in material harm to our business and financial condition.

For more information on how we monitor and manage market and certain other risks, see Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in this Form 10-K.

We are exposed to risk from international markets.

We do business in other parts of the world and, as a result, are exposed to a number of risks, including economic, market, litigation, and regulatory risks, in non-U.S. markets. Our businesses and revenues derived from non-U.S. operations are subject to risk of loss from currency fluctuations, social or political instability, changes in governmental policies or policies of central banks, downgrades in the credit ratings of sovereign countries, expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets, and unfavorable legislative and political developments. Action or inaction in any of these operations, including failure to follow proper practices with respect to regulatory compliance and/or corporate governance, could harm our operations and/or our reputation. We also invest or trade in the securities of corporations located in non-U.S. jurisdictions. Revenues from the trading of non-U.S. securities also may be subject to negative fluctuations as a result of the above factors. The impact of these fluctuations could be magnified, because generally non-U.S. trading markets are smaller, less liquid, and more volatile than U.S. trading markets.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Financial services firms have been subject to regulatory changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act and increased regulatory scrutiny over the last several years, increasing the risk of financial liability and reputational harm resulting from adverse regulatory actions.

Financial services firms over the last several years have been operating in an onerous regulatory environment, which could become more stringent in light of recent well-publicized failures of regulators to detect and prevent fraud. The industry has experienced increased scrutiny from various regulators, including the SEC, the Fed, the OCC and the CFPB, in addition to stock exchanges, FINRA and state attorneys general. Penalties and fines imposed by regulatory authorities have increased substantially in recent years. We may be adversely affected by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws, rules and regulations.

As a result of the demand by the public for changes in the way the financial services industry is regulated, including a call for more stringent legislation and regulation in the United States and abroad. The Dodd-Frank Act enacted sweeping changes and an unprecedented increase in the supervision and regulation of the financial services industry (see Item 1, “Regulation,” in this report for a discussion of such changes). The ultimate impact that the Dodd-Frank Act and implementing regulations will have on us, the financial industry and the economy at large cannot be quantified until all of the implementing regulations called for under the legislation have been finalized and fully implemented. Nevertheless, it is apparent that these legislative and regulatory changes could affect our revenue, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, impact the value of our assets, require us to alter at least some of our business practices, impose additional compliance costs, and otherwise adversely affect our businesses.

The Dodd-Frank Act impacts the manner in which we market our products and services, manage our business and operations, and interact with regulators, all of which could materially impact our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act that have or may impact our businesses include: the establishment of a fiduciary standard for broker-dealers; regulatory oversight of incentive compensation; the imposition of capital requirements on financial holding companies; prohibition of proprietary trading; restrictions on investments in covered funds; and, to a lesser extent, greater oversight over derivatives trading. There is also increased regulatory scrutiny (and related compliance costs) as we continue to grow and surpass certain consolidated asset thresholds established under the Dodd-Frank Act, which have the effect of imposing enhanced standards and requirements on larger institutions. These include, but are not limited to, Stifel Bank’s oversight by the CFPB. The CFPB has had an active enforcement agenda and any action taken by the CFPB could result in requirements to alter or cease offering affected products and services, make such products and services less attractive, impose additional compliance measures, or result in fines, penalties or required remediation. To the extent the Dodd-Frank Act impacts the operations, financial condition, liquidity and capital requirements of unaffiliated financial institutions with whom we transact business, those institutions may seek to pass on increased costs, reduce their capacity to transact, or otherwise present inefficiencies in their interactions with us. We are also required to comply with the Volcker Rule’s provisions. Although we have not historically engaged in significant levels of proprietary trading, due to our underwriting and market-making activities and our investments in covered funds, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience increased operational and compliance costs and changes to our private equity investments. Any changes to regulations or

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changes to the supervisory approach may also result in increased compliance costs to the extent we are required to modify our existing compliance policies, procedures and practices.

Broker-dealers and investment advisors are subject to regulations covering all aspects of the securities business, including, but not limited to: sales and trading methods; trade practices among broker-dealers; use and safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities; capital structure of securities firms; anti-money laundering efforts; recordkeeping; and the conduct of directors, officers and employees. Any violation of these laws or regulations could subject us to the following events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and prospects: civil and criminal liability; sanctions, which could include the revocation of our subsidiaries’ registrations as investment advisors or broker-dealers; the revocation of the licenses of our financial advisors; censures; fines; or a temporary suspension or permanent bar from conducting business.

Regulatory actions brought against us may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other results, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. There is no assurance that regulators will be satisfied with the policies and procedures implemented by our company and its subsidiaries. In addition, from time to time, the Company and its affiliates may become subject to additional findings with respect to supervisory, compliance or other regulatory deficiencies, which could subject us to additional liability, including penalties, and restrictions on our business activities. Among other things, these restrictions could limit our ability to make investments, complete acquisitions, expand into new business lines, pay dividends and/or engage in share repurchases. See Item 1, “Regulation,” in this report for additional information regarding our regulatory environment and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risk Management,” in this report regarding our approaches to managing regulatory risk.

Changes in regulations resulting from the DOL Rule, including the DOL fiduciary standard, may adversely affect our businesses.

The DOL Rule became effective on June 9, 2017, with the BIC Exemption and the Principal Transactions Exemption subject to a transition period through January 2018. The DOL has delayed the applicability of certain additional conditions of these exemptions to July 1, 2019, and is currently studying the rule’s impacts and considering whether any changes are needed.  

Although we have undertaken a comprehensive plan to comply with the DOL Rule given that qualified accounts, particularly IRA accounts, comprise a significant portion of our business, we expect that compliance with the DOL Rule and reliance on the BIC Exemption and the Principal Transactions Exemption will require us to continue to incur increased legal, compliance and information technology costs. We anticipate that if the DOL Rule is amended, a rule imposing heightened standards on broker-dealers is adopted by the SEC, or fiduciary rules are adopted at the state level, we will be required to incur additional costs in order to review and possibly modify our compliance plan and approach. Implementation of the DOL Rule, any amendments to the rule, and any rules addressing similar matters will negatively impact our results including the impact of increased costs related to compliance, legal and information technology. In addition, we expect that our legal risks will increase, in part, as a result of the new contractual rights required to be given to IRA and non-ERISA plan clients under the BIC Exemption and Principal Transactions Exemption.

The Basel III regulatory capital standards imposed additional capital and other requirements on us that could decrease our competitiveness and profitability.

In July 2013, the OCC, the FRB, and the FDIC released final U.S. Basel III Rules, which implemented the global regulatory capital reforms of Basel III and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The U.S. Basel III rules increase the quantity and quality of regulatory capital, establish a capital conservation buffer, and make selected changes to the calculation of risk-weighted assets. The rule became effective for us January 1, 2015, subject to a transition period for several aspects of the rule, including the new minimum capital ratio requirements, the capital conservation buffer, and the regulatory capital adjustments and deductions. The increased capital requirements stipulated under the U.S. Basel III Rules could restrict our ability to grow during favorable market conditions or require us to raise additional capital. As a result, our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects could be adversely affected.

Failure to comply with regulatory capital requirements primarily applicable to our company, Stifel Bank, or our broker-dealer subsidiaries would significantly harm our business.

Our company and Stifel Bank are subject to various regulatory and capital requirements administered by the federal banking regulators. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, our company and Stifel Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our company and Stifel Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our company’s and Stifel Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components of our capital, risk weightings of assets, off-balance sheet transactions, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require our company and Stifel Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1, Tier 1 leverage, Total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to average assets, and capital conservation buffers (as defined in the regulations). Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could harm either our company or Stifel Bank’s operations and our financial condition.

As a financial holding company, we depend on dividends, distributions, and other payments from our subsidiaries to fund payments of our obligations, including, among others, debt service. We are subject to the SEC’s uniform net capital rule (Rule 15c3-1) and the net

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capital rule of FINRA, which may limit our ability to make withdrawals of capital from our broker-dealer subsidiaries. The uniform net capital rule sets the minimum level of net capital a broker-dealer must maintain and also requires that a portion of its assets be relatively liquid. FINRA may prohibit a member firm from expanding its business or paying cash dividends if resulting net capital falls below its requirements. Regulatory capital requirements applicable to some of our significant subsidiaries may impede access to funds our company needs to make payments on any such obligations.

See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K for further information on regulations and capital requirements.

We operate in a highly regulated industry in which future developments could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

The securities industry is subject to extensive regulation, and broker-dealers and investment advisors are subject to regulations covering all aspects of the securities business, including but not limited to, sales and trading methods, trade practices among broker-dealers, use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities, capital structure of securities firms, anti-money laundering efforts, record keeping, and the conduct of directors, officers, and employees. If laws or regulations are violated, we could be subject to one or more of the following: civil liability, criminal liability, sanctions which could include the revocation of our subsidiaries’ registrations as investment advisors or broker-dealers, the revocation of the licenses of our financial advisors, censures, fines, or a temporary suspension or permanent bar from conducting business. Any of those events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and prospects.

We are subject to financial holding company regulatory reporting requirements, including the maintenance of certain risk-based regulatory capital levels that could impact various capital allocation decisions of one or more of our businesses. However, due to our strong current capital position, we do not anticipate that these capital level requirements will have any negative impact on our future business activities. See the section entitled “Business – Regulation” of Item 1 of this Form 10-K for additional information.

As a financial holding company, we are regulated by the Federal Reserve. Stifel Bank is regulated by the Federal Reserve and the Missouri Division of Finance. This oversight includes, but is not limited to, scrutiny with respect to affiliate transactions and compliance with consumer regulations. The economic and political environment over the past several years has caused increased focus on the regulation of the financial services industry, including many proposals for new rules. Any new rules issued by our regulators could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We also may be adversely affected as a result of changes in federal, state, or foreign tax laws, or by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations.

The SEC has proposed certain measures that would establish a new framework to replace the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to how mutual funds collect and pay fees to cover the costs of selling and marketing their shares. Any adoption of such measures would be phased in over a number of years. These measures are neither final nor undergoing implementation throughout the financial services industry. The impact of changes such as those currently proposed cannot be predicted at this time. As this regulatory trend continues, it could adversely affect our operations and, in turn, our financial results.

Asset management businesses have experienced a number of highly publicized regulatory inquiries, which have resulted in increased scrutiny within the industry and new rules and regulations for mutual funds, investment advisors, and broker-dealers. As some of our wholly owned subsidiaries are registered as investment advisors with the SEC, increased regulatory scrutiny and rulemaking initiatives may result in augmented operational and compliance costs, or the assessment of significant fines or penalties against our asset management business, and may otherwise limit our ability to engage in certain activities. It is not possible to determine the extent of the impact of any new laws, regulations, or initiatives that may be proposed, or whether any of the proposals will become law. Conformance with any new laws or regulations could make compliance more difficult and expensive and affect the manner in which we conduct business. For example, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC was charged with considering whether broker-dealers should be subject to a standard of care similar to the fiduciary standard applicable to registered investment advisors. It is not clear whether the SEC will determine that a heightened standard of conduct is appropriate for broker-dealers; however, any such standard, if mandated, would likely require us to review our product and service offerings and implement certain changes, as well as require that we incur additional regulatory costs in order to ensure compliance.

In addition, the U.S. and foreign governments have recently taken regulatory actions impacting the investment management industry, and may continue to take further actions, including expanding current or enacting new standards, requirements, and rules that may be applicable to us and our subsidiaries. For example, several states and municipalities in the United States have recently adopted “pay-to-play” rules, which could limit our ability to charge advisory fees. Such “pay-to-play” rules could affect the profitability of that portion of our business. Additionally, the use of “soft dollars,” where a portion of commissions paid to broker-dealers in connection with the execution of trades also pays for research and other services provided to advisors, is periodically reexamined and may in the future be limited or modified. A substantial portion of the research relied on by our investment management business in the investment decision-making process is generated internally by our investment analysts and external research, including external research paid for with soft dollars. This external research generally is used for information-gathering or verification purposes, and includes broker-provided research, as well as third-party-provided databases and research services. If the use of soft dollars is limited, we may have to bear some of these additional costs. Furthermore, new regulations regarding the management of hedge funds and the

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use of certain investment products may impact our investment management business and result in increased costs. For example, many regulators around the world adopted disclosure and reporting requirements relating to the hedge fund businesses or other businesses, and changes to the laws, rules, and regulations in the United States related to the over-the-counter swaps and derivatives markets require additional registration, recordkeeping, and reporting obligations.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK

The market price of our common stock may continue to be volatile.

The market price of our common stock has been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile and subject to fluctuations. Stocks of financial institutions have, from time to time, experienced significant downward pressure in connection with economic conditions or events and may again experience such pressures in the future. Changes in the stock market generally or as it concerns our industry, as well as geopolitical, economic, and business factors unrelated to us, may also affect our stock price. Significant declines in the market price of our common stock or failure of the market price to increase could harm our ability to recruit and retain key employees, including those who have joined us from companies we have acquired, reduce our access to debt or equity capital, and otherwise harm our business or financial condition. In addition, we may not be able to use our common stock effectively as consideration in connection with future acquisitions.

Our current shareholders may experience dilution in their holdings if we issue additional shares of common stock as a result of future offerings or acquisitions where we use our common stock.

As part of our business strategy, we may seek opportunities for growth through strategic acquisitions in which we may consider issuing equity securities as part of the consideration. Additionally, we may obtain additional capital through the public sale of debt or equity securities. If we sell equity securities, the value of our common stock could experience dilution. Furthermore, these securities could have rights, preferences, and privileges more favorable than those of the common stock. Moreover, if we issue additional shares of common stock in connection with equity compensation, future acquisitions, or as a result of financing, an investor’s ownership interest in our company will be diluted.

The issuance of any additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or that represent the right to receive common stock, or the exercise of such securities, could be substantially dilutive to holders of our common stock. Holders of our shares of common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series, and therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our shareholders. The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales or issuance of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of our company, which could decrease the market value of our common stock.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law contain provisions that are intended to deter abusive takeover tactics by making them unacceptably expensive to prospective acquirers and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. We believe these provisions protect our shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make our company immune from takeovers. However, these provisions apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in the best interests of our company and our shareholders.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following table sets forth the location, approximate square footage, and use of each of the principal properties used by our company during the year ended December 31, 2017. We own our executive offices in St. Louis, Missouri. We lease or sublease a majority of these properties under operating leases. Such leases expire at various times through 2028. 

We also maintain operations in 391 leased offices in various locations throughout the United States and in certain foreign countries, primarily for our broker-dealer business. We lease 355 private client offices. In addition, Stifel Bank leases one location for its administrative offices and operations. Our Institutional Group segment leases 36 offices in the United States and certain foreign locations. We believe that, at the present time, the space available to us in the facilities under our current leases and co-location arrangements are suitable and adequate to meet our needs and that such facilities have sufficient productive capacity and are appropriately utilized.

Leases for the branch offices of our independent contractor firms are the responsibility of the respective independent financial advisors.

See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding our lease obligations.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Our company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive, or indeterminate damages. Our company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other reviews, investigations, and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory organizations regarding our business, which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, and other relief. We are contesting allegations in these claims, and we believe that there are meritorious defenses in each of these lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory investigations. In view of the number and diversity of claims against our company, the number of jurisdictions in which litigation is pending, and the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other claims, we cannot state with certainty what the eventual outcome of pending litigation or other claims will be.

We have established reserves for potential losses that are probable and reasonably estimable that may result from pending and potential legal actions, investigations, and regulatory proceedings. In many cases, however, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or reasonably possible or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, particularly where proceedings may be in relatively early stages or where plaintiffs are seeking substantial or indeterminate damages. Matters frequently need to be more developed before a loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated.

In our opinion, based on currently available information, review with outside legal counsel, and consideration of amounts provided for in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. However, resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material effect on the results of operations in any future period, depending upon the ultimate resolution of those matters and depending upon the level of income for such period. For matters where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, based on currently available information, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Broyles, et al. v. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. et al. Matter

In December 2013, Stone & Youngberg, LLC (“Stone & Youngberg”) was named in an Amended Complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana alleging fraud on the part of Stone & Youngberg in connection with the 2007 formation of the Collybus CDO, which was manufactured by Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) and purchased by Commonwealth Advisors (“CA”) on behalf of several CA funds, (the “fund plaintiffs”), as well as in connection with, among other things, Stone & Youngberg’s facilitation of subsequent trades of Collybus CDO securities by CA on behalf of the CA funds during 2007 and 2008. In

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the Amended Complaint, the fund plaintiffs allege that they lost over $200.0 million during the financial crisis through mismanagement of the CA funds.

In addition to the claims asserted against Stone & Youngberg, the Amended Complaint seeks to hold our company and Stifel liable for Stone & Youngberg’s alleged wrongdoing under theories of successor and alter ego liability, arising out of our company’s purchase of the membership interests of Stone & Youngberg in 2011 and the subsequent operation of that business.

In a related action, approximately one dozen individual investors (the “individual plaintiffs”) brought a direct action against the Company and other defendants, seeking recessionary damages of approximately $90 million. The court ruled that the individual plaintiffs had no standing to pursue these claims because the CA funds are separately pursuing claims. The individual plaintiffs appealed that decision to the Fifth Circuit.

During December 2017, the fund plaintiffs, the individual plaintiffs, our company and our subsidiaries, including Stone & Youngberg, entered into a settlement agreement that resolved all outstanding litigation related to this matter.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFTEY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

 

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and Chicago Stock Exchange under the symbol “SF.” The closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 15, 2018, was $62.83. As of that date, our common stock was held by approximately 33,100 shareholders. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low trades for our common stock: 

During the third quarter of 2017, we announced that our board of directors has authorized a dividend program under which the Company intends to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of its common stock. The Company did not pay cash dividends during 2016.

Cash dividends per share of common stock paid during the year are reflected below. The dividends were declared during the quarter of payment.

We recently announced our intention to increase our quarterly cash dividend to $0.12 per share starting in the first quarter of 2018.

The payment of dividends on our common stock is subject to several factors, including operating results, financial requirements of our company, and the availability of funds from our subsidiaries. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the capital restrictions placed on our broker-dealer subsidiaries and Stifel Bank.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Information about securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is contained in Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2017. There were also no purchases made by or on behalf of Stifel Financial Corp. or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), of our common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2017.

We have on ongoing authorization from the Board of Directors to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2017, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this plan was 7.1 million.

Stock Performance Graph

Five-Year Shareholder Return Comparison

The graph below compares the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of a Peer Group Index, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”), and the NYSE ARCA Securities Broker Dealer Index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2017. The NYSE ARCA Securities Broker Dealer Index consists of eighteen firms in the brokerage sector. The Broker-Dealer Index includes our company. The stock price information shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

The material in this report is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filings.

The following table and graph assume that $100.00 was invested on December 31, 2012, in our common stock, the Peer Group Index, the S&P 500 Index, and the NYSE ARCA Securities Broker Dealer Index, with reinvestment of dividends. 

 

 

 

*Compound Annual Growth Rate

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The Peer Group Index consists of the following companies that serve the same markets as us and which compete with us in one or more markets: 

 

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data (presented in thousands, except per share amounts) is derived from our consolidated financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 

 

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Our Canadian subsidiary, Stifel Nicolaus Canada, Inc. (“SN Canada”) ceased business operations as of September 30, 2013. The results of SN Canada, previously reported in the Institutional Group segment, are classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The following items should be considered when comparing the data from year to year: 1) the merger with KBW on February 15, 2013; 2) the acquisitions of the U.S. institutional fixed income sales and trading business and the hiring of the European institutional fixed income sales and trading team from Knight Capital Group in July 2013; 3) the expensing of stock awards issued as retention as part of the acquisitions of the KBW and Knight Capital Fixed Income business during 2013; 4) the recognition of a U.S. tax benefit in connection with discontinuing the business operations of SN Canada in 2013; 5) the acquisitions of De La Rosa, Oriel, and 1919 Investment Counsel and the expensing of stock awards issued as retention as part of the Oriel and 1919 Investment Counsel acquisitions during 2014; 6) the acquisitions of Sterne and Barclays during 2015; 7) the acquisitions of Eaton Partners and ISM and the expensing of stock awards issued as retention as part of the Barclays acquisition during 2016; and 8) the acquisition of City Securities; the actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) to maximize tax savings; merger-related charges; litigation-related expenses associated with previously disclosed legal matters; the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets as a result of the enacted Tax Legislation; and the favorable impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance associated with stock-based compensation during 2017. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” made part hereof, for a discussion of these items and other items that may affect the comparability of data from year to year.

 

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of our company should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” in this report refer to Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Executive Summary

We operate as a financial services and bank holding company. We have built a diversified business serving private clients, institutional investors, and investment banking clients located across the country. Our principal activities are: (i) private client services, including securities transaction and financial planning services; (ii) institutional equity and fixed income sales, trading, and research, and municipal finance; (iii) investment banking services, including mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements; and (iv) retail and commercial banking, including personal and commercial lending programs.

Our core philosophy is based upon a tradition of trust, understanding, and studied advice. We attract and retain experienced professionals by fostering a culture of entrepreneurial, long-term thinking. We provide our private, institutional, and corporate clients quality, personalized service, with the theory that if we place clients’ needs first, both our clients and our company will prosper. Our unwavering client and employee focus have earned us a reputation as one of the nation’s leading wealth management and investment banking firms. We have grown our business both organically and through opportunistic acquisitions.

We plan to maintain our focus on revenue growth with a continued appreciation for the development of quality client relationships. Within our private client business, our efforts will be focused on recruiting experienced financial advisors with established client relationships. Within our capital markets business, our focus continues to be on providing quality client management and product diversification. In executing our growth strategy, we will continue to seek out opportunities that allow us to take advantage of the consolidation among middle-market firms, whereby allowing us to increase market share in our private client and institutional group businesses.

Stifel Financial Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is principally engaged in retail brokerage; securities trading; investment banking; investment advisory; retail, consumer, and commercial banking; and related financial services. Our major geographic area of concentration is throughout the United States, with a growing presence in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our principal customers are individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions.

Our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and productive employees is critical to the success of our business. Accordingly, compensation and benefits comprise the largest component of our expenses, and our performance is dependent upon our ability to attract, develop, and retain highly skilled employees who are motivated and committed to providing the highest quality of service and guidance to our clients.

On January 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition of City Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, City Securities Corporation, (“City Securities”), an independent investment bank focused primarily on offering wealth management and public finance services across the Midwest. Purchase consideration consisted of cash and common stock.

On October 30, 2017, our company entered into a definitive agreement with B.C. Ziegler & Company to acquire its wealth management business, Ziegler Wealth Management, which has 57 private client advisors in 12 branches across five states that manage approximately $4.8 billion in client assets. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018.

During the third quarter of 2017, we announced that our board of directors has authorized a dividend program under which the Company intends to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of its common stock. In connection with the dividend program, the board declared quarterly cash dividends on the Company’s common stock of $0.10 per share, payable September 15, 2017 and December 15, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2017 and December 1, 2017, respectively. We recently announced our intention to increase our quarterly cash dividend to $0.12 per share starting in the first quarter of 2018.

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Results for the year ended December 31, 2017

For the year ended December 31, 2017, net revenues increased 13.6% to a record $2.9 billion compared to $2.6 billion during the comparable period in 2016. This represents our 22^nd consecutive year of record net revenues. Net income available to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased 123.5% to $173.5 million, or $2.14 per diluted common share, compared to $77.6 million, or $1.00 per diluted common share, in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, our Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group segments posted record net revenues and pre-tax income.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was impacted by 1) actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 to maximize tax savings; 2) merger-related charges; 3) litigation-related expenses associated with previously disclosed legal matters; 4) the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets as a result of the enacted Tax Legislation; and 5) the favorable impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance during 2017 associated with stock-based compensation.

Our revenue growth for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income; higher asset management and service fees as a result of increased assets under management; and an increase in investment banking revenues. The increase in revenue growth over the comparable period in 2016 was offset by a decrease in brokerage revenues and other income. In addition, our revenue growth was positively impacted by the acquisitions of Eaton Partners and ISM during 2016 and City Securities in 2017.

External Factors Impacting Our Business

Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of economic conditions and financial market activity. Overall market conditions are a product of many factors, which are beyond our control and mostly unpredictable. These factors may affect the financial decisions made by investors, including their level of participation in the financial markets. In turn, these decisions may affect our business results. With respect to financial market activity, our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors, including the demand for investment banking services as reflected by the number and size of equity and debt financings and merger and acquisition transactions, the volatility of the equity and fixed income markets, the level and shape of various yield curves, the volume and value of trading in securities, and the value of our customers’ assets under management. The municipal underwriting market is challenging as state and local governments reduce their debt levels. Investors are showing a lack of demand for longer-dated municipals and are reluctant to take on credit or liquidity risks. Investor confidence has been dampened by continued uncertainty surrounding the U.S. fiscal and debt ceiling, debt concerns in Europe, and sluggish employment growth.

Our overall financial results continue to be highly and directly correlated to the direction and activity levels of the United States equity and fixed income markets. At December 31, 2017, the key indicators of the markets’ performance, the NASDAQ, the S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 28.2%, 19.4%, and 25.1% higher than their December 31, 2016, closing prices, respectively.

As a participant in the financial services industry, we are subject to complicated and extensive regulation of our business. The recent economic and political environment has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives, both enacted and proposed, that could substantially intensify the regulation of the financial services industry and may significantly impact us.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages): 

 

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NET REVENUES

The following table presents consolidated net revenues for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages): 

Year Ended December 31, 2017, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2017, net revenues increased 13.6% to a record $2.9 billion from $2.6 billion in 2016. This represents our 22^nd consecutive year of record net revenues.  The primary factors impacting the growth in revenues were the strength of the investment banking franchise, the growth of our balance sheet that contributed to higher net interest income, and the increase in our fee-based accounts. The growth in our revenue was negatively impacted by the challenging environment for our brokerage business.

Commissions – Commission revenues are primarily generated from agency transactions in OTC and listed equity securities, insurance products, and options. In addition, commission revenues also include distribution fees for promoting and distributing mutual funds.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, commission revenues decreased 7.0% to $678.9 million from $730.0 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower volumes caused by the shift to fee-based accounts as a result of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule, lower volumes, and lower volatility experienced by our Institutional Group.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2017, principal transactions revenues decreased 16.5% to $396.8 million from $475.4 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in trading volumes, low interest rates, a flattening yield curve, and low volatility.

Investment banking – Investment banking revenues include: (i) capital-raising revenues representing fees earned from the underwriting of debt and equity securities, and (ii) advisory fees related to corporate debt and equity offerings, municipal debt offerings, merger and acquisitions, private placements, and other investment banking advisory fees.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, investment banking revenues increased 41.7%, to $726.8 million from $513.0 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in capital raising revenues and advisory fees.

Capital-raising revenues increased 42.8% to $366.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $256.4 million in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, equity capital-raising revenues increased 41.2% to $203.4 million from $144.1 million in 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, fixed income capital-raising revenues increased 44.9% to $162.7 million from $112.3 million in 2016.

Advisory fees increased 40.5% to $360.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $256.6 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of completed advisory transactions during 2017, as well as contributions made from Eaton fund placement franchise.

Asset management and service fees – Asset management and service fees include fees for asset-based financial services provided to individuals and institutional clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts. Asset management and service fees are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, asset management and service fee revenues increased 20.5% to $702.1 million from $582.8 million in 2016. The increase is primarily a result of an increase in the number and value of fee-based accounts and an increase of interest rates on fees earned on client cash. See “Asset management and service fees” in the Global Wealth Management segment discussion for information on the changes in asset management and service fees revenues.

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Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income decreased 19.8% to $37.5 million from $46.8 million during 2016. The decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in loan origination fees from Stifel Bank, and lower investment gains.

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2015

Except as noted in the following discussion of variances, the underlying reasons for the increase in revenue can be attributed principally to the increase in asset management business and the growth of Stifel Bank in our Global Wealth Management segment and the increased number of revenue producers in our Institutional Group segment. The increase in revenues over 2015 is also attributed to the acquisitions of Barclays on December 4, 2015, Eaton Partners on January 4, 2016, and ISM on May 3, 2016, as well as the retained businesses from the Sterne Agee acquisition in 2015 (certain businesses were disposed of in July 2016). The results of operations of the acquired companies are included in our results prospectively from the date of their respective acquisition.

Commissions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commission revenues decreased 2.6% to $730.0 million from $749.5 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in mutual fund and equity transactions.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, principal transactions revenues increased 22.1% to $475.4 million from $389.3 million in 2015. The increase from 2015 is primarily attributable to higher institutional fixed income brokerage revenues as a result of increased volumes.

Investment banking – For the year ended December 31, 2016, investment banking revenues increased 2.0%, to $513.0 million from $503.1 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in advisory fees, which was positively impacted by the Eaton Partners acquisition, partially offset by a decrease in capital-raising revenues.

Capital-raising revenues decreased 16.6% to $256.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $307.6 million in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2016, equity capital-raising revenues decreased 18.8% to $144.1 million from $177.5 million in 2015. For the year ended December 31, 2016, fixed income capital-raising revenues decreased 13.7% to $112.3 million from $130.1 million in 2015.

Advisory fees increased 31.3% to $256.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $195.5 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of completed advisory transactions during 2016.

Asset management and service fees – For the year ended December 31, 2016, asset management and service fee revenues increased 18.0% to $582.8 million from $493.8 million in 2015. The increase is primarily a result of an increase in the number and value of fee-based accounts. The growth of asset management and service fee revenues from the prior year were also attributable to the acquisition of Barclays in December 2015. See “Asset management and service fees” in the Global Wealth Management segment discussion for information on the changes in asset management and service fees revenues.

Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income decreased 24.8% to $46.8 million from $62.2 million in 2015. Other income primarily includes investment gains and losses and mortgage loan originations fees from Stifel Bank. The decrease in other income from 2015 is attributable to a gain recognized on the sale on a portion of an investment in 2015 that was not recurring. This was offset by a gain recognized on the extinguishment of $15.0 million of debentures during the third quarter of 2016.

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NET INTEREST INCOME

The following tables present average balance data and operating interest revenue and expense data, as well as related interest yields for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates): 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2016

Net interest income – Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of these assets and liabilities, as well as by fluctuations in interest rates and portfolio management strategies. For the year ended December 31, 2017, net interest income increased 69.0% to $384.4 million from $227.5 million in 2016.

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For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest revenue increased 54.4% to $454.4 million from $294.3 million in 2016, principally as a result of a $157.8 million increase in interest revenue generated from the growth in interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. The average interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank increased to $13.6 billion during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $9.6 billion during 2016 at average interest rates of 2.93% and 2.50%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest expense increased 4.7% to $70.0 million from $66.9 million in 2016. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense paid on the interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank.

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2015

Net interest income – For the year ended December 31, 2016, net interest income increased 70.1% to $227.5 million from $133.7 million in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest revenue increased 64.3% to $294.3 million from $179.1 million in 2015, principally as a result of a $105.5 million increase in interest revenue generated from the growth in interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. The average interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank increased to $9.6 billion during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $5.1 billion in 2015 at average interest rates of 2.50% and 2.66%, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest expense increased 47.3% to $66.9 million from $45.4 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to our July 2016 issuance of $200.0 million senior notes, the write-off of debt issuance costs as a result of the redemption of our company’s $150.0 million 5.375% senior notes in July 2016, and the December 2015 issuance of $300.0 million of 3.50% senior notes. The increase in interest expense is also attributable to an increase in interest expense paid on the interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

The following table presents consolidated non-interest expenses for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages): 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2016

Except as noted in the following discussion of variances, the underlying reasons for the increase in non-interest expenses can be attributed principally to our continued expansion, both organically and through our acquisitions, and increased administrative overhead to support the growth in our segments.

Compensation and benefits – Compensation and benefits expenses, which are the largest component of our expenses, include salaries, bonuses, transition pay, benefits, amortization of stock-based compensation, employment taxes, and other employee-related costs. A significant portion of compensation expense is comprised of production-based variable compensation, including discretionary bonuses, which fluctuates in proportion to the level of business activity, increasing with higher revenues and operating profits. Other compensation costs, including base salaries, stock-based compensation amortization, and benefits, are more fixed in nature.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, compensation and benefits expense increased 13.5% to $2.0 billion from $1.7 billion in 2016. The increase is principally due to the following: 1) increased variable compensation as a result of increased revenue production, 2) an increase in fixed compensation for additional administrative support staff, and 3) an increase in deferred compensation expense as a result of the acceleration of the vesting of certain outstanding debenture awards and the modification of certain outstanding restricted stock units. These, and other actions described below, were taken by the Company in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 to maximize tax savings.

Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 66.9% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 67.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2017, occupancy and equipment rental expense decreased 3.7% to $222.7 million from $231.3 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily due to lower equipment costs and rent expense.

Communications and office supplies – Communications expense includes costs for telecommunication and data transmission, primarily for obtaining third-party market data information. For the year ended December 31, 2017, communications and office

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supplies expense decreased 4.4% to $133.5 million from $139.6 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in quote equipment, telecommunication costs, and office supplies as a result of cost saving initiatives.

Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2017, commissions and floor brokerage expense decreased 0.4% to $44.1 million from $44.3 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in trading volumes.

Other operating expenses – Other operating expenses primarily include license and registration fees, litigation-related expenses, which consist of amounts we reserve and/or payout for legal and regulatory matters, travel and entertainment, promotional, and professional service expenses.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses increased 2.1% to $297.6 million from $291.6 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the provision for loan losses, FDIC insurance expense, and license expense, offset partially by a decrease in legal, travel, and professional service expense.  

Provision for income taxes – For the year ended December 31, 2017, our provision for income taxes was $86.7 million, representing an effective tax rate of 32.2%, compared to $61.1 million in 2016, representing an effective tax rate of 42.8%.

The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily impacted by 1) actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Legislation that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 to maximize tax savings; 2) the favorable impact of the adoption of new accounting guidance during 2017 associated with stock-based compensation; and 3) the revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets as a result of the enacted Tax Legislation.

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2015

Except as noted in the following discussion of variances, the underlying reasons for the increase in non-interest expenses can be attributed principally to our continued expansion, both organically and through our acquisitions, and increased administrative overhead to support the growth in our segments.

Compensation and benefits – For the year ended December 31, 2016, compensation and benefits expense increased 10.0% to $1.7 billion from $1.6 billion in 2015. The increase is principally due to the following: 1) increased variable compensation as a result of increased revenue production, and 2) an increase in fixed compensation for additional administrative support staff.

Compensation and benefits expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, includes a non-cash charge of $58.6 million (pre-tax) related to the expensing of certain restricted stock awards granted to employees of Barclays. During 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors removed the continuing service requirements associated with restricted stock units that were granted to certain employees of Barclays in December 2015. As a result of the modification, the awards were expensed at date of modification. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of the grant of the awards.

Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 67.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 67.3% for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2016, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 11.5% to $231.3 million from $207.5 million in 2015. The increase is primarily due to the increase in rent and depreciation expense.

Communications and office supplies – For the year ended December 31, 2016, communications and office supplies expense increased 6.9% to $139.6 million from $130.7 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in quote and communication equipment expense.

Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 4.2% to $44.3 million from $42.5 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in trade execution costs.

Other operating expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other operating expenses increased 21.3% to $291.6 million from $240.5 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in legal and FDIC insurance expense, as well as the provision for loan losses at Stifel Bank. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we increased our legal reserves for previously disclosed legal matters. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in this Form 10-K for a discussion of our legal matters.

Provision for income taxes – For the year ended December 31, 2016, our provision for income taxes was $61.1 million, representing an effective tax rate of 42.8%, compared to $49.2 million in 2015, representing an effective tax rate of 34.8%.

Certain settlements or judgments associated with the Company’s disclosed matters are not deductible for tax purposes to the extent they constitute penalties. The previously disclosed settlement was not deductible and negatively impacted the Company’s provision for income taxes during 2016.

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SEGMENT PERFORMANCE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Our reportable segments include Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and Other.

Our Global Wealth Management segment consists of two businesses, the Private Client Group and Stifel Bank. The Private Client Group includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of our broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the United States. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, as well as offering banking products to their private clients through Stifel Bank, which provides residential, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as FDIC-insured deposit accounts to customers of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and to the general public.

The success of our Global Wealth Management segment is dependent upon the quality of our products, services, financial advisors, and support personnel, including our ability to attract, retain, and motivate a sufficient number of these associates. We face competition for qualified associates from major financial services companies, including other brokerage firms, insurance companies, banking institutions, and discount brokerage firms. Segment revenue growth, operating income, and segment pre-tax operating margin are used to evaluate and measure segment performance by our management team in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

The Institutional Group segment includes institutional sales and trading. It provides securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with an emphasis on the sale of equity and fixed income products. This segment also includes the management of and participation in underwritings for both corporate and public finance (exclusive of sales credits generated through the private client group, which are included in the Global Wealth Management segment), merger and acquisition, and financial advisory services.

The success of our Institutional Group segment is dependent upon the quality of our personnel, the quality and selection of our investment products and services, pricing (such as execution pricing and fee levels), and reputation. Segment operating income and segment pre-tax operating margin are used to evaluate and measure segment performance by our management team in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

The Other segment includes interest income from stock borrow activities, unallocated interest expense, interest income and gains and losses from investments held, amortization of stock-based awards, compensation expense associated with the expensing of restricted stock awards with no continuing service requirements in conjunction with recent acquisitions and the actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Regulation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017, and all unallocated overhead cost associated with the execution of orders; processing of securities transactions; custody of client securities; receipt, identification, and delivery of funds and securities; compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; internal financial accounting and controls; and general administration and acquisition charges.

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Results of Operations – Global Wealth Management

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Global Wealth Management segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages): 

 

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2017, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2016

NET REVENUES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Global Wealth Management net revenues increased 16.6% to a record $1.8 billion from $1.6 billion in 2016. The increase in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017, over 2016, is primarily attributable to an increase in net interest revenues, as a result of the growth of interest-earning assets at Stifel Bank; the growth in asset management and service fees; and an increase in principal transaction revenues. The increase in net revenues was partially offset by a decrease in commission revenues, investment banking revenues, and other income. Net revenues were also negatively impacted by the sale of the Sterne Agee independent contractor business during the third quarter of 2016.

Commissions – For the year ended December 31, 2017, commission revenues decreased 3.4% to $474.6 million from $491.2 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in agency transactions in insurance products, OTC and listed equity securities, and mutual funds as a result of lower trading volumes impacting the environment for both us and the industry, as clients are migrating their assets to fee-based accounts.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2017, principal transactions revenues increased 4.1% to $186.7 million from $179.4 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in corporate debt products as a result of higher trading volumes and the current interest rate environment. The increase is partially offset by a decrease in corporate equity and municipal debt products and a decrease in trading profits from 2016.

Asset management and service fees – For the year ended December 31, 2017, asset management and service fees increased 20.6% to $701.8 million from $581.9 million in 2016. The increase is primarily a result of an increase in assets under management in our fee-based accounts and, to a lesser extent, from the increase in fed funds rates that benefit our client cash deposits held at third-party banks. Fee-based account revenues are primarily billed based on values as of the prior period end.

The value of assets in fee-based accounts at December 31, 2017, increased 24.7% to $87.6 billion from $70.2 billion at December 31, 2016.

Interest revenue – For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest revenue increased 59.0% to $444.5 million from $279.6 million in 2016. The increase is primarily due to the growth of the interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below for a further discussion of the changes in net interest income.

Investment banking – Investment banking, which represents sales credits for investment banking underwritings, decreased 4.1% to $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $42.2 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate debt sales credits as compared to 2016. The decrease is partially offset by an increase in corporate equity sales credits from 2016.

Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income decreased 8.5% to $18.2 million from $19.9 million 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in mortgage fee revenues from loan originations at Stifel Bank.

Interest expense – For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest expense increased 42.9% to $44.1 million from $30.8 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to higher interest expense on the interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank. See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below for a further discussion of the changes in net interest income.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Global Wealth Management non-interest expenses increased 5.5% to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion in 2016.

Compensation and benefits – For the year ended December 31, 2017, compensation and benefits expense increased 4.8% to $912.0 million from $870.6 million in 2016. The increase is principally due to increased variable compensation as a result of increased production. Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 50.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 55.7% in 2016. The compensation and benefits ratio for the year ended December 31, 2017 was positively impacted by the sale of the Sterne Agee independent contractor business during the third quarter of 2016, which had a different pay structure than our legacy private client business.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2017, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 4.4% to $101.9 million from $97.6 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to higher occupancy costs and an increase in maintenance expense, partially offset by a decrease in data processing expenses.

Communications and office supplies – For the year ended December 31, 2017, communications and office supplies expense increased 6.0% to $58.7 million from $55.3 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to higher communication and quote equipment, partially offset by a decline in telecommunications expenses.

Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2017, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 4.2% to $20.2 million from $19.3 million in 2016.

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Other operating expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses increased 13.8% to $102.6 million from $90.2 million in 2016. The increase in other operating expenses is primarily attributable to an increase in the provision for loan losses and FDIC insurance at Stifel Bank, partially offset by a decrease in travel costs.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, income before income taxes increased 45.7% to $626.9 million from $430.3 million in 2016.  Profit margins (income before income taxes as a percent of net revenues) have increased to 34.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 27.5% in 2016. The improvement in profit margin from 2016 is a result of an increase in revenues, as well as our focus on expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2015

NET REVENUES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Global Wealth Management net revenues increased 13.5% to $1.6 billion from $1.4 billion in 2015. The increase in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016, over 2015, is primarily attributable to an increase in net interest revenues, as a result of the growth of interest-earning assets at Stifel Bank; the growth in asset management and service fees, as a result of the acquisitions of Sterne Agee in June 2015 and Barclays in December 2015; and an increase in principal transaction revenues. The increase in net revenues was partially offset by a decrease in other income and commission revenues.

Commissions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commission revenues decreased 2.6% to $491.2 million from $504.2 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in agency transactions in mutual funds and insurance products as a result of lower trading volumes impacting the environment for both us and the industry, as clients are migrating their assets to fee-based accounts.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, principal transactions revenues increased 20.8% to $179.4 million from $148.5 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in fixed income products as a result of higher trading volumes and the current interest rate environment.

Asset management and service fees – For the year ended December 31, 2016, asset management and service fees increased 18.1% to $581.9 million from $492.8 million in 2015. The increase is primarily a result of an increase in assets under management in our fee-based accounts. Fee-based account revenues are billed based on values as of the prior period end.

The value of assets in fee-based accounts at December 31, 2016, increased 12.0% to $70.2 billion from $62.7 billion at December 31, 2015. Asset management and service fee revenues were positively impacted by the acquisition of Barclays in December 2015.

Interest revenue– For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest revenue increased 69.7% to $279.6 million from $164.8 million in 2015. The increase is primarily due to the growth of the interest-earning assets of Stifel Bank. See “Net Interest Income – Stifel Bank” below for a further discussion of the changes in net revenues.

Investment banking – Investment banking decreased 3.4% to $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $43.7 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in corporate equity sales credits from 2015.

Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income decreased 40.9% to $19.9 million from $33.7 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to the recognition of a gain on the sale on a portion of an investment in 2015 that was not recurring, offset by an increase in mortgage fees from loan originations at Stifel Bank.

Interest expense – For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest expense increased 196.5% to $30.8 million from $10.4 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to higher interest expense on the interest-bearing liabilities of Stifel Bank, which is driven by an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances during 2016.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Global Wealth Management non-interest expenses increased 13.9% to $1.1 billion from $995.2 million in 2015.

Compensation and benefits – For the year ended December 31, 2016, compensation and benefits expense increased 11.4% to $870.6 million from $781.6 million in 2015. The increase is principally due to increased variable compensation as a result of increased production and fixed compensation for the additional administrative support staff.  Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 55.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 56.7%  in 2015.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2016, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 19.0% to $97.6 million from $82.0 million in 2015. The increase is primarily due to an increase in rent expense as a result of our acquisition of Barclays in 2015.

Communications and office supplies – For the year ended December 31, 2016, communications and office supplies expense increased 18.2% to $55.3 million from $46.8 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to higher communication and quote equipment and internet expenses as a result of the continued expansion of the segment.

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Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commissions and floor brokerage expense increased 11.0% to $19.3 million from $17.4 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in clearing fees.

Other operating expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other operating expenses increased 34.0% to $90.2 million from $67.3 million in 2015. The increase in other operating expenses is primarily attributable to an increase in FDIC insurance, the provision for loan losses as a result of a growth in the loan portfolio at Stifel Bank, higher travel expenses, and an increase in legal expenses and professional service fees.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, income before income taxes increased 12.6% to $430.3 million from $382.1 million in 2015. Profit margins (income before income taxes as a percent of net revenues) were impacted by an increase in revenues offset by higher operating expenses..

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The information required by Securities Act Guide 3 – Statistical Disclosure By Bank Holding Company is presented below:

The following tables present average balance data and operating interest revenue and expense data for Stifel Bank, as well as related interest yields for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates): 

 

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Net interest income – Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning assets and interest paid on funding sources. Net interest income is affected by changes in the volume and mix of these assets and liabilities, as well as by fluctuations in interest rates and portfolio management strategies.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest revenue for Stifel Bank of $397.8 million was generated from weighted-average interest-earning assets of $13.6 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.93%. For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest revenue for Stifel Bank of $239.9 million was generated from weighted-average interest-earning assets of $9.6 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.50%. For the year ended December 31, 2015, interest revenue for Stifel Bank of $134.5 million was generated from weighted-average interest-earning assets of $5.1 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.66%. Interest-earning assets principally consist of residential, consumer, and commercial loans, securities, and federal funds sold.

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Interest expense represents interest on customer money market accounts, time deposits, FHLB advances, and other borrowings. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities at Stifel Bank during the year ended December 31, 2017, was $12.9 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.17%. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities at Stifel Bank during the year ended December 31, 2016, was $9.2 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.16%. The average balance of interest-bearing liabilities at Stifel Bank during the year ended December 31, 2015, was $4.8 billion at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.18%.

The growth in Stifel Bank has been primarily funded by the growth in deposits associated with brokerage customers of Stifel and, to a lesser extent, with FHLB advances. At December 31, 2017, the balance of Stifel brokerage customer deposits at Stifel Bank was $13.4 billion compared to $11.5 billion at December 31, 2016.

The following table sets forth an analysis of the effect on net interest income of volume and rate changes for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

Increases and decreases in interest revenue and interest expense result from changes in average balances (volume) of interest-earning bank assets and liabilities, as well as changes in average interest rates. The effect of changes in volume is determined by multiplying the change in volume by the previous year’s average yield/cost. Similarly, the effect of rate changes is calculated by multiplying the change in average yield/cost by the previous year’s volume. Changes applicable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately.

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The following tables provide a summary of the amortized cost and fair values of the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

 

 

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Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we consider a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria in our assessment, including the extent and duration of the impairment; recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs; the payment structure of the security; external credit ratings and the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments; the value of underlying collateral; current market conditions; and our company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until its value recovers or the securities mature.

If we determine that impairment on our debt securities is other-than-temporary and we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings. If we have not made a decision to sell the security and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in earnings. The remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We determine the credit component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted based on the purchase yield. The non-credit component represents the difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of expected future cash flows. Based on the evaluation, we did not recognize any credit-related OTTI during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

We estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used in estimating the expected cash flows include default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely based on the collateral underlying the securities and are influenced by factors such as collateral type, loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, and borrower characteristics.

We believe the gross unrealized losses of $38.9 million related to our investment portfolio, as of December 31, 2017, are attributable to changes in market interest rates. We, therefore, do not expect to incur any credit losses related to these securities. In addition, we have no intent to sell these securities with unrealized losses, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost. Accordingly, we have concluded that the impairment on these securities is not other-than-temporary.

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The maturities and related weighted-average yields of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands, except rates): 

 

We did not hold securities from any single issuer that exceeded ten percent of our shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2017.

The following table presents the balance and associated percentage of each major loan category in Stifel Bank’s loan portfolio held for investment for the periods indicated (in thousands): 

 The maturities of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands): 

 

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The sensitivity of loans with maturities in excess of one year at December 31, 2017, is as follows (in thousands): 

 Changes in the allowance for loan losses at Stifel Bank were as follows (in thousands): 

 The following is a breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by type for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates): 

 

 

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A loan is determined to be impaired usually when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain. At the time a loan is determined to be impaired, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”) and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed. At December 31, 2017, we had $29.2 million of impaired loans, net of discounts, which included $9.1 million in troubled debt restructurings. At December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we had $26.9 million, $0.9 million, $4.9 million, and $1.5 million of impaired loans, respectively, which included $9.7 million, $0.2 million, $1.0 million, and $0.4 million of trouble debt restructurings, respectively. The specific allowance on impaired loans at December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $9.1 million, $3.4 million, $0.2 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

The gross interest income related to impaired loans, which would have been recorded had these loans been current in accordance with their original terms, and the interest income recognized on these loans during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013, were insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

See the section entitled “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” herein regarding our policies for establishing loan loss reserves, including placing loans on non-accrual status.

Deposits consist of money market and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and demand deposits. The average balances of deposits and the associated weighted-average interest rates for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands, except percentages): 

 

Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 at December 31, 2017, were as follows (in thousands): 

 

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VI. Short-Term Borrowings

The following is a summary of our short-term borrowings for the periods indicated (in thousands, except rates):

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Results of Operations – Institutional Group

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Institutional Group segment for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages): 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2017, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2016

NET REVENUES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Institutional Group net revenues increased 9.5% to a record $1.1 billion from $1.0 billion in 2016. The increase in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017, was primarily attributable to an increase in fixed income and equity capital raising revenues and advisory fees, partially offset by a decrease in fixed income and equity brokerage revenues.

Commissions – For the year ended December 31, 2017, commission revenues decreased 14.4% to $204.3 million from $238.8 million in 2016.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2017, principal transactions revenues decreased 29.0% to $210.1 million from $296.0 million in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, fixed income brokerage revenues decreased 29.0% to $214.9 million from $302.5 million in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, equity brokerage revenues decreased 14.1% to $199.5 million from $232.3 million in 2016. The decrease in brokerage revenues (commissions and principal transactions) is primarily attributable to low volatility, flat yield curve, and a decline in volumes.

Investment banking – For the year ended December 31, 2017, investment banking revenues increased 45.8% to $686.3 million from $470.8 million in 2016. The increase is attributable to higher capital raising and advisory fees.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, capital-raising revenues increased 52.0% to $325.7 million from $214.2 million in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, equity capital markets capital-raising revenues increased 76.6% to $182.7 million from $103.4 million in 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of transactions over 2016, as a result of improving economic growth.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, fixed income capital markets capital-raising revenues increased 29.1% to $143.0 million from $110.8 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the public finance activity from 2016.

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For the year ended December 31, 2017, advisory fees increased 40.5% to $360.6 million from $256.6 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of advisory transactions over the comparable periods in 2016, as well as the contributions made from the Eaton fund placement franchise.

Interest income – For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest income decreased 8.4% to $15.2 million from $16.6 million in 2016. The decrease in interest income is primarily attributable to lower interest on our inventory positions.

Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2017, other income increased 46.9% to $10.4 million from $7.1 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in investment gains from 2016.

Interest expense – For the year ended December 31, 2017, interest expense increased 2.5% to $15.5 million from $15.2 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in inventory interest expense from 2016.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, Institutional Group non-interest expenses increased 5.0% to $892.8 million from $850.0 million in 2016.

Compensation and benefits – For the year ended December 31, 2017, compensation and benefits expense increased 9.4% to $665.5 million from $608.2 million in 2016. The increase is principally due to an increase in variable compensation as a result of higher production, partially offset by a decrease in fixed compensation. Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 59.9% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to 60.0% in 2016.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2017, occupancy and equipment rental expense decreased 5.8% to $48.2 million from $51.2 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to equipment costs and rent expense.

Communications and office supplies – For the year ended December 31, 2017, communications and office supplies expense decreased 5.5% to $60.5 million from $64.0 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in telecommunication expenses and lower quote equipment expenses.

Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2017, commissions and floor brokerage expense decreased 4.0% to $24.0 million from $25.0 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower clearing expenses given the decline in fixed income trading volumes.

Other operating expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses decreased 7.0% to $94.6 million from $101.7 million in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decline in legal expenses, subscription costs, and professional service fees from 2016.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

For the year ended December 31, 2017, income before income taxes for the Institutional Group segment increased 32.8% to $218.0 million from $164.1 million in 2016. Profit margins (income before income taxes as a percentage of net revenues) have increased to 19.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, from 16.2% in 2016. The improvement in profit margin from 2016 is a result of an increase in revenues, as well as our focus on expense management.

Year Ended December 31, 2016, Compared With Year Ended December 31, 2015

NET REVENUES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Institutional Group net revenues increased 4.0% to $1.0 billion from $975.6 million in 2015. The increase in net revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily attributable to an increase in advisory fees and fixed income brokerage revenues. The increase was offset by a decrease in capital-raising revenues and lower equity brokerage revenues. Net revenues during 2016 were positively impacted by the acquisitions of Eaton Partners in January 2016 and ISM in May 2016.

Commissions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commission revenues decreased 1.1% to $238.8 million from $241.5 million in 2015.

Principal transactions – For the year ended December 31, 2016, principal transactions revenues increased 21.0% to $296.0 million from $244.6 million in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, equity brokerage revenues decreased 1.2% to $232.3 million from $235.2 million in 2015. The decrease is a result of declines in volume.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, fixed income institutional brokerage revenues increased 20.5% to $302.5 million from $251.0 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an improvement in fixed income trading volumes, as a result of the acquisition of the Sterne fixed income business in June 2015.

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Investment banking – For the year ended December 31, 2016, investment banking revenues increased 2.9% to $470.8 million from $457.4 million in 2015. The increase is attributable to higher advisory fees, which was positively impacted by the acquisition of Eaton Partners in January 2016, offset by lower capital-raising revenues in 2016.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, advisory fees increased 33.3% to $256.6 million from $192.6 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in the number of advisory transactions over the comparable periods in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, capital-raising revenues decreased 19.1% to $214.2 million from $264.9 million in 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, equity capital markets capital-raising revenues decreased 31.6% to $103.4 million from $151.2 million in 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of transactions over 2015.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, fixed income capital markets capital-raising revenues decreased 2.6% to $110.8 million from $113.7 million in 2015.

Interest income – For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest income increased 10.3% to $16.6 million from $15.1 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in dividend payments on our inventory positions.

Other income – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other income decreased 73.4% to $7.1 million from $26.6 million in 2015. The decrease in other income is primarily attributed to lower investment gains in 2016. During 2015, we recognized a gain on the sale of certain assets that didn’t recur in 2016.

Interest expense – For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest expense increased 56.8% to $15.2 million from $9.7 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to higher inventory levels during 2016.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Institutional Group non-interest expenses increased 1.9% to $850.0 million from $834.6 million in 2015.

Compensation and benefits – For the year ended December 31, 2016, compensation and benefits expense increased 1.9% to $608.2 million from $596.6 million in 2015. The increase is principally due to the growth of the business and fixed compensation for the additional administrative support staff. Compensation and benefits expense as a percentage of net revenues was 60.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 61.1% in 2015.

Occupancy and equipment rental – For the year ended December 31, 2016, occupancy and equipment rental expense increased 2.8% to $51.2 million from $49.8 million in 2015. The increase is primarily due to an increase in rent expense.

Communications and office supplies – For the year ended December 31, 2016, communications and office supplies expense decreased 0.2% to $64.0 million from $64.2 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower supply expense, offset by higher communication expense.

Commissions and floor brokerage – For the year ended December 31, 2016, commissions and floor brokerage expense decreased 0.5% to $25.0 million from $25.1 million in 2015. The decrease is primarily attributable to lower clearing expenses.

Other operating expenses – For the year ended December 31, 2016, other operating expenses increased 2.8% to $101.7 million from $98.9 million in 2015. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in legal expenses, offset by lower travel expenses.

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

For the year ended December 31, 2016, income before income taxes for the Institutional Group segment increased 16.4% to $164.1 million from $141.0 million in 2015. Profit margins (income before income taxes as a percentage of net revenues) have increased to 16.2% for the year ended December 31, 2016, from 14.5% in 2015 as a result of an increase in revenues offset by a slight increase in operating expenses.

Results of Operations – Other Segment

The following table presents consolidated financial information for the Other segment for the periods presented (in thousands, except percentages): 

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The other segment includes expenses related to the Company’s acquisition strategy, litigation-related expenses associated with previously disclosed matters, the investments made in the Company’s infrastructure and control environment, and actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Legislation”) that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 to maximize tax savings. The expenses relating to the Company’s acquisition strategy, which are included in the other segment, consists of stock-based compensation and costs directly related to acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses that are not representative of the costs of running our company’s ongoing business.

The following table shows the expenses that are part of the other segment related to 1) the actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Legislation that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017; 2) anticipated merger-related charges; and 3) litigation-related expenses associated with previously disclosed legal matters.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, compensation and benefits expense increased 59.1% to $167.8 million from $105.5 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to the acceleration of the vesting of certain outstanding debenture awards and the modification of certain outstanding restricted stock units. These, and other actions described below, were taken by the Company in response to the Tax Legislation.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses decreased 24.8% to $61.8 million from $82.2 million in 2016. The decrease is principally due to lower acquisition-related expenses as a result of fully integrating our acquired businesses onto our platform.

The expenses not associated with the activities described above in the other segment are as follows:

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, compensation and benefits expense increased 50.7% to $213.6 million from $141.7 million in 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase direct compensation and deferred compensation expense of our administrative and back-office personnel.  

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses increased 4.4% to $125.6 million from $120.3 million in 2016. The increase is primarily due to our continued efforts in building out our infrastructure.

Analysis of Financial Condition

Our company’s consolidated statements of financial condition consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, trading inventory, bank loans, investments, goodwill, loans and advances to financial advisors, bank deposits, and payables. Total assets of $21.4 billion at December 31, 2017, were up 11.8% over December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to the growth of our investment portfolio, which consists of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, and increases in bank loans as a result of our continued focus to grow the balance sheet at Stifel Bank. Our broker-dealer subsidiary’s gross assets and liabilities, including trading inventory, stock loan/borrow, receivables and payables from/to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations and clients, fluctuate with our business levels and overall market conditions.

As of December 31, 2017, our liabilities were comprised primarily of senior notes of $1.0 billion, Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $745.0 million, borrowings of $256.0 million, deposits of $13.4 billion at Stifel Bank, and payables to customers of $828.2 million at our broker-dealer subsidiaries, as well as accounts payable and accrued expenses of $308.9 million, and accrued employee compensation of $494.0 million. To meet our obligations to clients and operating needs, we had $696.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017. We also had client brokerage receivables of $1.4 billion at Stifel and $6.9 billion in loans at Stifel Bank.

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Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $216.6 million to $696.3 million at December 31, 2017, from $912.9 million at December 31, 2016. Operating activities provided cash of $662.3 million primarily due to net income recognized in 2017 adjusted for non-cash activities and an increase in operating liabilities, offset by an increase in operating assets. Investing activities used cash of $2.6 billion due to the growth of our investment portfolio, growth of the loan portfolio, fixed asset purchases, and business acquisitions, partially offset by proceeds from the sale and maturity of securities in our investment portfolio and the sale of investments. Financing activities provided cash of $1.8 billion primarily due to an increase in bank deposits, proceeds received from FHLB advances, and proceeds from the issuance of senior notes, partially offset by repayments of our short-term borrowings, a decrease in securities loaned, share repurchases, and dividends paid on our common and preferred stock. In addition, new accounting guidance associated with stock-based compensation requires cash payments to taxing authorities when withholding shares from an employee's award for tax-withholding purposes to be classified as a financing activity on the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s senior management establishes the liquidity and capital policies of our company. The Company’s senior management reviews business performance relative to these policies, monitors the availability of alternative sources of financing, and oversees the liquidity and interest rate sensitivity of our company’s asset and liability position.

Our assets, consisting mainly of cash or assets readily convertible into cash, are our principal source of liquidity. The liquid nature of these assets provides for flexibility in managing and financing the projected operating needs of the business. These assets are financed primarily by our equity capital, corporate debt, debentures to trusts, client credit balances, short-term bank loans, proceeds from securities lending, and other payables. We currently finance our client accounts and firm trading positions through ordinary course borrowings at floating interest rates from various banks on a demand basis, securities lending, and repurchase agreements, with company-owned and client securities pledged as collateral. Changes in securities market volumes, related client borrowing demands, underwriting activity, and levels of securities inventory affect the amount of our financing requirements.

Our bank assets consist principally of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, retained loans, and cash and cash equivalents. Stifel Bank’s current liquidity needs are generally met through deposits from brokerage clients and equity capital. We monitor the liquidity of Stifel Bank daily to ensure its ability to meet customer deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements, and support asset growth.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $21.4 billion in assets, $10.4 billion of which consisted of cash or assets readily convertible into cash as follows (in thousands, except average days to conversion): 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of collateral by asset class is as follows (in thousands):

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Liquidity Available From Subsidiaries

Liquidity is principally available to our company from Stifel and Stifel Bank.

Stifel is required to maintain net capital equal to the greater of $1 million or two percent of aggregate debit items arising from client transactions. Covenants in the Company’s committed financing facilities require the excess net capital of Stifel, our principal broker-dealer subsidiary, to be above a defined amount. At December 31, 2017, Stifel’s excess net capital exceeded the minimum requirement, as defined.  There are also limitations on the amount of dividends that may be declared by a broker-dealer without FINRA approval. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the capital restrictions placed on our broker-dealer subsidiaries.

Stifel Bank may pay dividends to the parent company without prior approval by its regulator as long as the dividend does not exceed the sum of Stifel Bank’s current calendar year and the previous two calendar years’ retained net income and Stifel Bank maintains its targeted capital to risk-weighted assets ratios.

Although we have liquidity available to us from our other subsidiaries, the available amounts are not as significant as the amounts described above and, in certain instances, may be subject to regulatory requirements.

Capital Management

We have an ongoing authorization from the Board of Directors to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2017, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this plan was 7.1 million. We utilize the share repurchase program to manage our equity capital relative to the growth of our business and help to meet obligations under our employee benefit plans.

Liquidity Risk Management

Our businesses are diverse, and our liquidity needs are determined by many factors, including market movements, collateral requirements, and client commitments, all of which can change dramatically in a difficult funding environment. During a liquidity crisis, credit-sensitive funding, including unsecured debt and some types of secured financing agreements, may be unavailable, and the terms (e.g., interest rates, collateral provisions, and tenor) or availability of other types of secured financing may change. We manage liquidity risk by diversifying our funding sources across products and among individual counterparties within those products.

As a holding company, whereby all of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries, our cash flow and our ability to service our debt, including the notes, depend upon the earnings of our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities. Our subsidiaries have no obligation to pay any amounts due on the notes or to provide us with funds to pay our obligations, whether by dividends, distributions, loans, or other payments.

Our liquidity requirements may change in the event we need to raise more funds than anticipated to increase inventory positions, support more rapid expansion, develop new or enhanced services and products, acquire technologies, or respond to other unanticipated liquidity requirements. We primarily rely on financing activities and distributions from our subsidiaries for funds to implement our business and growth strategies. Net capital rules, restrictions under our borrowing arrangements of our subsidiaries, as well as the earnings, financial condition, and cash requirements of our subsidiaries, may each limit distributions to us from our subsidiaries.

The availability of outside financing, including access to the capital markets and bank lending, depends on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the financial services sector, and our credit rating. Our cost and availability of funding may be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads. As a result of any future concerns about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically, lenders may from time to time curtail, or even cease to provide, funding to borrowers.

Our liquidity management policies are designed to mitigate the potential risk that we may be unable to access adequate financing to service our financial obligations without material business impact. The principal elements of our liquidity management framework are: (a) daily monitoring of our liquidity needs at the holding company and significant subsidiary level, (b) stress testing the liquidity positions of Stifel and Stifel Bank, and (c) diversification of our funding sources.

Monitoring of liquidity – Senior management establishes our liquidity and capital policies. These policies include senior management’s review of short- and long-term cash flow forecasts, review of monthly capital expenditures, the monitoring of the availability of alternative sources of financing, and the daily monitoring of liquidity in our significant subsidiaries. Our decisions on the allocation of capital to our business units consider, among other factors, projected profitability and cash flow, risk, and impact on future liquidity needs. Our treasury department assists in evaluating, monitoring, and controlling the impact that our business activities have on our financial condition, liquidity, and capital structure, as well as maintains our relationships with various lenders. The objectives of these policies are to support the successful execution of our business strategies while ensuring ongoing and sufficient liquidity.

Liquidity stress testing (Firmwide) – A liquidity stress test model is maintained by the Company that measures liquidity outflows across multiple scenarios at the major operating subsidiaries and details the corresponding impact to our holding company and the overall consolidated firm. Liquidity stress tests are utilized to ensure that current exposures are consistent with the Company’s

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established liquidity risk tolerance and, more specifically, to identify and quantify sources of potential liquidity strain. Further, the stress tests are utilized to analyze possible impacts on the Company’s cash flows, liquidity position, profitability, and solvency. The outflows are modeled over a 30-day liquidity stress timeframe and include the impact of idiosyncratic and macro-economic stress events.

The assumptions utilized in the Company’s liquidity stress tests include, but are not limited to, the following:

At December 31, 2017, the Company maintained sufficient liquidity to meet current and contingent funding obligations as modeled in its liquidity stress test model.

Liquidity stress testing (Stifel Bank) – Stifel Bank performs three primary stress tests on its liquidity position. These stress tests are based on the following company-specific stresses: (1) the amount of deposit run-off that Stifel Bank could withstand over a one-month period of time based on its on-balance sheet liquidity and available credit, (2) Stifel Bank’s ability to fund operations if all available credit were to be drawn immediately, with no additional available credit, and (3) Stifel Bank’s ability to fund operations under a regulatory prompt corrective action. The goal of these stress tests is to determine Stifel Bank’s ability to fund continuing operations under significant pressures on both assets and liabilities.

Under all stress tests, Stifel Bank considers cash and highly liquid investments as available to meet liquidity needs. In its analysis, Stifel Bank considers agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and commercial mortgage-backed securities as highly liquid. In addition to being able to be readily financed at modest haircut levels, Stifel Bank estimates that each of the individual securities within each of the asset classes described above could be sold into the market and converted into cash within three business days under normal market conditions, assuming that the entire portfolio of a given asset class was not simultaneously liquidated. At December 31, 2017, available cash and highly liquid investments comprised approximately 20% of Stifel Bank’s assets, which was well in excess of its internal target.

In addition to these stress tests, Stifel Bank management performs a daily liquidity review. The daily analysis provides Stifel Bank management with all major fluctuations in liquidity. The analysis also tracks the proportion of deposits that Stifel Bank is sweeping from its affiliated broker-dealer, Stifel. On a monthly basis, liquidity key performance indicators and compliance with liquidity policy limits are reported to the Board of Directors. Stifel Bank has not violated any internal liquidity policy limits.

Funding Sources

The Company pursues a strategy of diversification of secured and unsecured funding sources (by product and by investor) and attempts to ensure that the tenor of the Company’s liabilities equals or exceeds the expected holding period of the assets being financed. The Company funds its balance sheet through diverse sources. These sources may include the Company’s equity capital, long-term debt, repurchase agreements, securities lending, deposits, committed and uncommitted credit facilities, FHLB advances, and federal funds agreements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – We held $696.3 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017, compared to $912.9 million at December 31, 2016. Cash and cash equivalents provide immediate sources of funds to meet our liquidity needs.

Securities Available-for-Sale – We held $3.8 billion in available-for-sale investment securities at December 31, 2017, compared to $3.2 billion at December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2017, the weighted-average life of the investment securities portfolio was approximately 1.7 years. These investment securities provide increased liquidity and flexibility to support our company’s funding requirements.

We monitor our investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment based on a number of criteria, including the size of the unrealized loss position, the duration for which the security has been in a loss position, credit rating, the nature of the investments, and current market conditions. For debt securities, we also consider any intent to sell the security and the likelihood we will be required to

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sell the security before its anticipated recovery. We continually monitor the ratings of our security holdings and conduct regular reviews of our credit-sensitive assets.

Deposits – Deposits have become our largest funding source. Deposits provide a stable, low-cost source of funds that we utilize to fund asset growth and to diversify funding sources. We have continued to expand our deposit-gathering efforts through our existing private client network and through expansion. These channels offer a broad set of deposit products that include demand deposits, money market deposits, and certificates of deposit (“CDs”).

As of December 31, 2017, we had $13.4 billion in deposits compared to $11.5 billion at December 31, 2016. The growth in deposits is primarily attributable to the increase in brokerage deposits held by the bank. Our core deposits are comprised of non-interest-bearing deposits, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, and CDs.

Short-term borrowings – Our short-term financing is generally obtained through short-term bank line financing on an uncommitted, secured basis and securities lending arrangements. We borrow from various banks on a demand basis with company-owned and customer securities pledged as collateral. The value of customer-owned securities used as collateral is not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We also have an unsecured, committed bank line available.

Our uncommitted secured lines of credit at December 31, 2017, totaled $1.0 billion with six banks and are dependent on having appropriate collateral, as determined by the bank agreements, to secure an advance under the line. The availability of our uncommitted lines is subject to approval by the individual banks each time an advance is requested and may be denied. Our peak daily borrowing on our uncommitted secured lines was $444.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. There are no compensating balance requirements under these arrangements. Any borrowings on secured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized to finance certain fixed income securities. At December 31, 2017, our uncommitted secured lines of credit of $256.0 million were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $292.7 million.

The Federal Home Loan advances of $745.0 million as of December 31, 2017, are floating-rate advances. The weighted average interest rates during the year ended December 31, 2017, on these advances is 1.07%. The advances are secured by Stifel Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio and investment portfolio. The interest rates reset on a daily basis. Stifel Bank has the option to prepay these advances without penalty on the interest reset date.

Unsecured short-term borrowings – On April 26, 2017, we amended our existing Credit Agreement, whereby increasing our revolving credit facility to $200.0 million. The credit facility expires in March 2020. The applicable interest rate under the revolving credit facility is calculated as a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.00%, as defined.

We can draw upon this line as long as certain restrictive covenants are maintained. Under our amended and restatement Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain compliance with a minimum consolidated tangible net worth covenant, as defined, and a maximum consolidated total capitalization ratio covenant, as defined. In addition, Stifel, our broker-dealer subsidiary, is required to maintain compliance with a minimum regulatory excess net capital covenant, as defined, and Stifel Bank, our bank subsidiary, is required to maintain its status as well-capitalized, as defined.

Our revolving credit facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation, payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to similar obligations, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency, and judgment defaults. At December 31, 2017, we had no advances on our revolving credit facility and were in compliance with all covenants.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and other secured financing – Stifel Bank has borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of $4.1 billion at December 31, 2017, and a $25.0 million federal funds agreement for the purpose of purchasing short-term funds should additional liquidity be needed. At December 31, 2017, outstanding FHLB advances were $745.0 million. Stifel Bank is eligible to participate in the Federal Reserve’s discount window program; however, Stifel Bank does not view borrowings from the Federal Reserve as a primary means of funding. The credit available in this program is subject to periodic review, may be terminated or reduced at the discretion of the Federal Reserve, and is secured by securities. Stifel Bank has borrowing capacity of $2.0 billion with the Federal Reserve’s discount window at December 31, 2017. Stifel Bank receives overnight funds from excess cash held in Stifel brokerage accounts, which are deposited into a money market account. These balances totaled $13.4 billion at December 31, 2017. At December 31, 2017, there was $17.3 billion in client money market and FDIC-insured product balances.

Public Offering of Senior Notes – On July 15, 2014, we sold in a registered underwritten public offering, $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.250% senior notes due July 2024 (the “2014 Notes”). Interest on the 2014 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. We may redeem the 2014 Notes in whole or in part, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Proceeds from the 2014 Notes issuance of $295.6 million, after discounts, commissions, and expenses, were used for general corporate purposes. In July 2016, we issued an additional $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% senior notes due 2024. In July 2014, we received a BBB- rating on the 2014 Notes.

On December 1, 2015, we sold in a registered underwritten public offering, $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior notes due December 2020 (the “2015 Notes”). Interest on the 2015 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. We may redeem

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the 2015 Notes in whole or in part, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. Proceeds from the 2015 Notes issuance of $297.0 million, after discounts, commissions, and expenses, were used for general corporate purposes. In December 2015, we received a BBB- rating on the 2015 Notes.

On October 4, 2017, we completed the pricing of a registered underwritten public offering of $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.20% senior notes due October 2047. Interest on the senior notes is payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. On or after October 15, 2022, we may redeem some or all of the senior notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued interest thereon to the redemption date. On October 27, 2017, we completed the sale of an additional $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of Notes pursuant to the over-allotment option. In October 2017, we received a BBB- rating on the 2017 Notes.

Public Offering of Preferred Stock – On July 11, 2016, we completed an underwritten registered public offering of $150 million perpetual 6.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. Proceeds from the issuance were used for general corporate purposes.

Credit Rating

We believe our current rating depends upon a number of factors, including industry dynamics, operating and economic environment, operating results, operating margins, earnings trends and volatility, balance sheet composition, liquidity and liquidity management, our capital structure, our overall risk management, business diversification, and our market share and competitive position in the markets in which we operate. Deteriorations in any of these factors could impact our credit rating. A reduction in our credit rating could adversely affect our liquidity and competitive position, increase our incremental borrowing costs, limit our access to the capital markets, or trigger our obligations under certain financial agreements. As such, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional outside financing to fund our operations on favorable terms, or at all.

We believe our existing assets, a significant portion of which are liquid in nature, together with the funds from operations, available informal short-term credit arrangements, and our ability to raise additional capital will provide sufficient resources to meet our present and anticipated financing needs.

Use of Capital Resources – On January 3, 2017, we completed the acquisition of City Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, City Securities, an independent investment bank focused primarily on offering wealth management and public finance services across the Midwest. Purchase consideration consisted of cash and common stock.

On October 30, 2017, our company entered into a definitive agreement with B.C. Ziegler & Company to acquire its wealth management business, Ziegler Wealth Management, which has 57 private client advisors in 12 branches across five states that manage approximately $4.8 billion in client assets. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018.

During the third quarter of 2017, we announced that our board of directors has authorized a dividend program under which the Company intends to pay a regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of its common stock. In connection with the dividend program, the board declared quarterly cash dividends on the Company’s common stock of $0.10 per share, September 15, 2017 and December 15, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2017 and December 1, 2017, respectively. We recently announced its intention to increase our quarterly cash dividend to $0.12 per share starting in the first quarter of 2018.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased $13.0 million, or 0.3 million shares, at an average price of $43.83 per share.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our company’s note receivable from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 

 

We have paid $61.8 million in the form of upfront notes to financial advisors for transition pay during the year ended December 31, 2017. As we continue to take advantage of the opportunities created by market displacement and as competition for skilled professionals in the industry increases, we may decide to devote more significant resources to attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

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We utilize transition pay, principally in the form of upfront demand notes, to aid financial advisors, who have elected to join our firm, to supplement their lost compensation while transitioning their customers’ accounts to the Stifel platform. The initial value of the notes is determined primarily by the financial advisors’ trailing production and assets under management. These notes are generally forgiven over a five- to ten-year period based on production. The future estimated amortization expense of the upfront notes, assuming current-year production levels and static growth for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and thereafter, is $81.7 million, $67.4 million, $51.9 million, $41.7 million, $35.8 million, and $75.5 million, respectively. These estimates could change if we continue to grow our business through expansion or experience increased production levels.

We maintain several incentive stock award plans that provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, stock units, and debentures to our employees. Historically, we have granted stock units to our employees as part of our retention program. In response to the Tax Legislation that was enacted in December 2017, the Company offered certain employees the opportunity to participate in the conversion of certain restricted stock units into restricted stock pursuant to a Modification Award Agreement. A restricted stock unit or restricted stock award represents the right to receive a share of common stock from our company at a designated time in the future without cash payment by the employee and is issued in lieu of cash incentive, principally for deferred compensation and employee retention plans. The restricted stock units or restricted stock awards generally vest over the next one to ten years after issuance and are distributed at predetermined future payable dates once vesting occurs. At December 31, 2017, the total number of restricted stock units and restricted stock outstanding was 16.5 million, of which 12.3 million were unvested. At December 31, 2017, there was approximately $251.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost for restricted stock units and restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.

The future estimated compensation expense of the unvested restricted stock units and restricted stock, assuming current year forfeiture levels and static growth for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and thereafter, is $50.8 million, $56.9 million, $55.5 million, $39.2 million, $24.0 million, and $24.9 million, respectively. These estimates could change if our forfeitures change from historical levels.

Net Capital Requirements – We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to capital requirements, which may limit distributions to our company from our subsidiaries. Distributions from our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to net capital rules. These subsidiaries have historically operated in excess of minimum net capital requirements. However, if distributions were to be limited in the future due to the failure of our subsidiaries to comply with the net capital rules or a change in the net capital rules, it could have a material and adverse effect to our company by limiting our operations that require intensive use of capital, such as underwriting or trading activities, or limit our ability to implement our business and growth strategies, pay interest on and repay the principal of our debt, and/or repurchase our common stock. Our non-broker-dealer subsidiary, Stifel Bank, is also subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Our broker-dealer subsidiaries and Stifel Bank have consistently operated in excess of their capital adequacy requirements.

At December 31, 2017, Stifel had net capital of $273.0 million, which was 18.6% of aggregate debit items and $243.6 million in excess of its minimum required net capital. At December 31, 2017, all of our broker-dealer subsidiaries’ net capital exceeded the minimum net capital required under the SEC rule. At December 31, 2017, SNEL’s capital and reserves were in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FCA. At December 31, 2017, Stifel Bank was considered well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for details of our regulatory capital requirements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, we make assumptions, judgments, and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our assumptions, judgments, and estimates on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On a regular basis, we evaluate our assumptions, judgments, and estimates. We also discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

We believe that the assumptions, judgments, and estimates involved in the accounting policies described below have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements. These areas are key components of our results of operations and are based on complex rules that require us to make assumptions, judgments, and estimates, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Historically, our assumptions, judgments, and estimates relative to our critical accounting policies and estimates have not differed materially from actual results.

For a full description of these and other accounting policies, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, trading securities owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives.

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Trading securities owned and pledged and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition, with unrealized gains and losses reflected on the consolidated statements of operations.

The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, or an exit price. The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and less judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted have less pricing observability and are measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, the characteristics specific to the transaction, and overall market conditions generally.

When available, we use observable market prices, observable market parameters, or broker or dealer quotes (bid and ask prices) to derive the fair value of financial instruments. In the case of financial instruments transacted on recognized exchanges, the observable market prices represent quotations for completed transactions from the exchange on which the financial instrument is principally traded.

A substantial percentage of the fair value of our trading securities and other investments owned, trading securities pledged as collateral, and trading securities sold, but not yet purchased, are based on observable market prices, observable market parameters, or derived from broker or dealer prices. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary from product to product. Where available, observable market prices and pricing or market parameters in a product may be used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. In certain markets, observable market prices or market parameters are not available for all products, and fair value is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular product. These techniques involve some degree of judgment.

For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination of fair value requires us to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among the factors we consider in determining the fair value of investments are the cost of the investment, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of investments. In instances where a security is subject to transfer restrictions, the value of the security is based primarily on the quoted price of a similar security without restriction but may be reduced by an amount estimated to reflect such restrictions. The fair value of these investments is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term, and the differences could be material.

We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into a three-level classification in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures.” Fair value measurements of financial instruments that use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1, and fair value measurements of financial instruments that have no direct observable levels are generally categorized as Level 3. All other fair value measurements of financial instruments that do not fall within the Level 1 or Level 3 classification are considered Level 2. The lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of a financial instrument is used to categorize the instrument and reflects the judgment of management.

Level 3 financial instruments have little to no pricing observability as of the report date. These financial instruments do not have active two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. We have identified Level 3 financial instruments to include certain asset-backed securities, consisting of collateral loan obligation securities, that have experienced low volumes of executed transactions, certain corporate bonds and equity securities where there was less frequent or nominal market activity, investments in private equity funds, and auction rate securities for which the market has been dislocated and largely ceased to function. Our Level 3 asset-backed securities are valued using cash flow models that utilize unobservable inputs. Level 3 corporate bonds are valued using prices from comparable securities. Equity securities with unobservable inputs are valued using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs require significant management judgment. Auction rate securities are valued based upon our expectations of issuer redemptions and using internal models.

Investments in Partnerships

Investments in partnerships and other investments include our general and limited partnership interests in investment partnerships and direct investments in non-public companies. These interests are carried at estimated fair value. The net assets of investment partnerships consist primarily of investments in non-marketable securities. The underlying investments held by such partnerships and direct investments in non-public companies are valued based on estimated fair value ultimately determined by us in our capacity as general partner or investor and, in the case of an investment in an unaffiliated investment partnership, are based on financial statements prepared by an unaffiliated general partner. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuation, fair values of these non-marketable investments may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for these investments, and the differences could be material. Increases and decreases in estimated fair value are recorded based on underlying information of these non-public company investments, including third-party transactions evidencing a change in value, market comparable, operating

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cash flows and financial performance of the companies, trends within sectors and/or regions, underlying business models, expected exit timing and strategy, and specific rights or terms associated with the investment, such as conversion features and liquidation preferences. In cases where an estimate of fair value is determined based on financial statements prepared by an unaffiliated general partner, such financial statements are generally unaudited other than audited year-end financial statements. Upon receipt of audited financial statements from an investment partnership, we adjust the fair value of the investments to reflect the audited partnership results if they differ from initial estimates. We also perform procedures to evaluate fair value estimates provided by unaffiliated general partners. At December 31, 2017, we had commitments to invest in affiliated and unaffiliated investment partnerships of $3.2 million. These commitments are generally called as investment opportunities are identified by the underlying partnerships. These commitments may be called in full at any time.

The investment partnerships in which we are general partner may allocate carried interest and make carried interest distributions, which represent an additional allocation of net realized and unrealized gains to the general partner if the partnerships’ investment performance reaches a threshold as defined in the respective partnership agreements. These allocations are recognized in revenue as realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments in partnerships. Our recognition of allocations of carried interest gains and losses from the investment partnerships in revenue is not adjusted to reflect expectations about future performance of the partnerships.

As the investment partnerships realize proceeds from the sale of their investments, they may make cash distributions as provided for in the partnership agreements. Distributions that result from carried interest may subsequently become subject to claw back if the fair value of private equity partnership assets subsequently decreases in fair value. To the extent these decreases in fair value and allocated losses exceed our capital account balance, a liability is recorded by us. These liabilities for claw back obligations are not required to be paid to the investment partnerships until the dissolution of such partnerships, and are only required to be paid if the cumulative amounts actually distributed exceed the amount due based on the cumulative operating results of the partnerships.

We earn fees from the investment partnerships that we manage or of which we are a general partner. Such management fees are generally based on the net assets or committed capital of the underlying partnerships. We have agreed, in certain cases, to waive management fees, in lieu of making a cash contribution, in satisfaction of our general partner investment commitments to the investment partnerships. In these cases, we generally recognize our management fee revenues at the time when we are allocated a special profit interest in realized gains from these partnerships.

Contingencies

We are involved in various pending and potential legal proceedings related to our business, including litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings. Some of these matters involve claims for substantial amounts, including claims for punitive damages. We have, after consultation with outside legal counsel and consideration of facts currently known by management, recorded estimated losses in accordance with Topic 450 (“Topic 450”), “Contingencies,” to the extent that claims are probable of loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The determination of these reserve amounts requires us to use significant judgment, and our final liabilities may ultimately be materially different. This determination is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are subject to potentially significant revision as more information becomes available and due to subsequent events. In making these determinations, we consider many factors, including, but not limited to, the loss and damages sought by the plaintiff or claimant, the basis and validity of the claim, the likelihood of a successful defense against the claim, and the potential for, and magnitude of, damages or settlements from such pending and potential litigation and arbitration proceedings, and fines and penalties or orders from regulatory agencies. See Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in Part I of this report for information on our legal, regulatory, and arbitration proceedings.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We regularly review the loan portfolio and have established an allowance for loan losses for inherent losses estimated to have occurred in the loan portfolio through a provision for loan losses charged to income. In providing for the allowance for loan losses, we consider historical loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, will not be collectible. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

Once a loan is determined to be impaired, when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”), and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed. Loans placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments are collected and the collectability of future principal and interest payments is reasonably assured. Loan losses are

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charged against the allowance when we believe the uncollectability of a loan balance is certain. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan loss.

Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for non-homogeneous loans, and a specific allowance is established for individual loans determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of the impaired loan to the present value of its expected cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our derivative instruments are carried on the consolidated statement of financial condition at fair value. We utilize these derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our company’s goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by offsetting the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain assets and liabilities, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. The use of derivative instruments does expose our company to credit and market risk. We manage credit risk through strict counterparty credit risk limits and/or collateralization agreements. At inception, we determine if a derivative instrument meets the criteria for hedge accounting under Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Ongoing effectiveness evaluations are made for instruments that are designated and qualify as hedges. If the derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, no assessment of effectiveness is needed.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

The provision for income taxes and related tax reserves is based on our consideration of known liabilities and tax contingencies for multiple taxing authorities. Known liabilities are amounts that will appear on current tax returns, amounts that have been agreed to in revenue agent revisions as the result of examinations by the taxing authorities, and amounts that will follow from such examinations but affect years other than those being examined. Tax contingencies are liabilities that might arise from a successful challenge by the taxing authorities taking a contrary position or interpretation regarding the application of tax law to our tax return filings. Factors considered in estimating our liability are results of tax audits, historical experience, and consultation with tax attorneys and other experts.

Topic 740 (“Topic 740”), “Income Taxes,” clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and prescribed recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, Topic 740 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Under the provisions of Topic 805, “Business Combinations,” we record all assets and liabilities acquired in purchase acquisitions, including goodwill and other intangible assets, at fair value. Determining the fair value of assets and liabilities requires certain estimates.

Goodwill for certain acquisitions is deductible for tax purposes. The amortization of goodwill for tax purposes creates a cash tax savings due to a reduction in the current taxes payable. We have recorded cash tax savings for the year ending December 31, 2017, of $9.1 million and anticipate cumulative future cash savings of $54.0 million as of result of the tax amortization of goodwill.

In accordance with Topic 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” indefinite-life intangible assets and goodwill are not amortized. Rather, they are subject to impairment testing on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. This test involves assigning tangible assets and liabilities as well as identified intangible assets and goodwill to reporting units and comparing the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, a further test is required to measure the amount of the impairment.

We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. We test for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below our company’s business segments. For both the annual and interim tests, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying

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amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, we are then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below carrying value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of the impairment. Additionally, if the carrying value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value and it is determined that it is more likely than not the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use for each of the reporting units. During 2017, the Company decided that it would change its annual impairment test date from July 31^st to October 1^st. The Company performed impairment testing on both July 31, 2017 and October 1, 2017 with no impairment charges resulting from the annual impairment tests.

The Company believes that changing its annual impairment test date to the beginning of the fourth fiscal quarter will allow it to have carrying amounts that are more readily available as of the last day of the prior fiscal quarter and give the Company a full quarter to assess if it has a potential impairment (qualitative assessment and/or Step 1) and complete the measurement (Step 2), if required.

The goodwill impairment test requires us to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. Assumptions, judgments, and estimates about future cash flows and discount rates are complex and often subjective. They can be affected by a variety of factors, including, among others, economic trends and market conditions, changes in revenue growth trends or business strategies, unanticipated competition, discount rates, technology, or government regulations. In assessing the fair value of our reporting units, the volatile nature of the securities markets and industry requires us to consider the business and market cycle and assess the stage of the cycle in estimating the timing and extent of future cash flows. In addition to discounted cash flows, we consider other information, such as public market comparables and multiples of recent mergers and acquisitions of similar businesses. Although we believe the assumptions, judgments, and estimates we have made in the past have been reasonable and appropriate, different assumptions, judgments, and estimates could materially affect our reported financial results.

Identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the effect of new accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Information concerning our off-balance sheet arrangements is included in Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Such information is hereby incorporated by reference.

Dilution

As of December 31, 2017, there were 11,934 shares of our common stock issuable on outstanding options, with an average-weighted exercise price of $29.33, and 16,458,098 outstanding restricted stock unit and restricted stock grants. A restricted stock unit represents the right to receive a share of common stock from our company at a designated time in the future without cash payment by the employee and is issued in lieu of cash incentive, principally for deferred compensation and employee retention plans. The restricted stock units vest on an annual basis over the next one to ten years and are distributable, if vested, at future specified dates. Restricted stock awards are restricted as to sale or disposition. These restrictions lapse over the next one to five years. Of the outstanding restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, 4,178,802 shares are currently vested and 12,279,206 are unvested. Assuming vesting requirements are met, the Company anticipates that 2,157,255 shares under these awards will be distributed in 2018, 2,505,628 will vest in 2019, 2,255,616 will vest in 2020, and the balance of 9,539,599 will be distributed thereafter.

An employee will realize income as a result of an award of stock units at the time shares are distributed in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares at that time, and we are entitled to a corresponding tax deduction in the year of issuance. Unless an employee elects to satisfy the withholding in another manner, either by paying the amount in cash or by delivering shares of Stifel Financial Corp. common stock already owned by the individual for at least six months, we may satisfy tax withholding obligations on income associated with the grants by reducing the number of shares otherwise deliverable in connection with the awards. The reduction will be calculated based on a current market price of our common stock. Based on current tax law, we anticipate that the shares issued when the awards are paid to the employees will be reduced by approximately 35% to satisfy the maximum withholding obligations, so that approximately 65% of the total restricted stock units that are distributable in any particular year will be converted into issued and outstanding shares.

It has been our practice historically to satisfy almost all tax withholding obligations on income associated with the grants by reducing the number of shares otherwise deliverable in connection with the awards. We anticipate that practice will continue, as recently our Compensation Committee made a determination to satisfy tax withholding obligations through the cancellation of shares subject to an

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award. In addition, the plan pursuant to which we issue restricted stock units and restricted stock awards permits us to elect to settle certain awards entirely in cash, and we may elect to do so as those awards vest and become deliverable.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 

 

The amounts presented in the table above may not necessarily reflect our actual future cash funding requirements, because the actual timing of the future payments made may vary from the stated contractual obligation. In addition, due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authority. Therefore, $2.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligation table above. See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of income taxes.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Risk Management

Risks are an inherent part of our business and activities. Management of these risks is critical to our soundness and profitability. Risk management at our company is a multi-faceted process that requires communication, judgment, and knowledge of financial products and markets. Our senior management group takes an active role in the risk management process and requires specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment, monitoring, and control of various risks. The principal risks involved in our business activities are: market (interest rates and equity prices), credit, capital and liquidity, operational, and regulatory and legal. We have adopted policies and procedures concerning risk management, and our Board of Directors, in exercising its oversight of management’s activities, conducts periodic reviews and discussions with management regarding the guidelines and policies governing the processes by which risk assessment and risk management are handled.

Market Risk

The potential for changes in the value of financial instruments owned by our company resulting from changes in interest rates and equity prices is referred to as “market risk.” Market risk is inherent to financial instruments, and accordingly, the scope of our market risk management procedures includes all market risk-sensitive financial instruments.

We trade tax-exempt and taxable debt obligations, including U.S. treasury bills, notes, and bonds; U.S. government agency and municipal notes and bonds; bank certificates of deposit; mortgage-backed securities; and corporate obligations. We are also an active market-maker in over-the-counter equity securities. In connection with these activities, we may maintain inventories in order to ensure availability and to facilitate customer transactions.

Changes in value of our financial instruments may result from fluctuations in interest rates, credit ratings, equity prices, and the correlation among these factors, along with the level of volatility.

We manage our trading businesses by product and have established trading departments that have responsibility for each product. The trading inventories are managed with a view toward facilitating client transactions, considering the risk and profitability of each inventory position. Position limits in trading inventory accounts are established and monitored on a daily basis. We monitor inventory levels and results of the trading departments, as well as inventory aging, pricing, concentration, and securities ratings.

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We are also exposed to market risk based on our other investing activities. These investments consist of investments in private equity partnerships, start-up companies, venture capital investments, and zero coupon U.S. government securities and are included under the caption “Investments” on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk as a result of maintaining inventories of interest rate-sensitive financial instruments and from changes in the interest rates on our interest-earning assets (including client loans, stock borrow activities, investments, inventories, and resale agreements) and our funding sources (including client cash balances, stock lending activities, bank borrowings, and repurchase agreements), which finance these assets. The collateral underlying financial instruments at the broker-dealer is repriced daily, thus requiring collateral to be delivered as necessary. Interest rates on client balances and stock borrow and lending produce a positive spread to our company, with the rates generally fluctuating in parallel.

We manage our inventory exposure to interest rate risk by setting and monitoring limits and, where feasible, hedging with offsetting positions in securities with similar interest rate risk characteristics. While a significant portion of our securities inventories have contractual maturities in excess of five years, these inventories, on average, turn over several times per year.

Additionally, we monitor, on a daily basis, the Value-at-Risk (“VaR”) in our trading portfolios using a ten-day horizon and report VaR at a 99% confidence level. VaR is a statistical technique used to estimate the probability of portfolio losses based on the statistical analysis of historical price trends and volatility. This model assumes that historical changes in market conditions are representative of future changes, and trading losses on any given day could exceed the reported VaR by significant amounts in unusually volatile markets. Further, the model involves a number of assumptions and inputs. While we believe that the assumptions and inputs we use in our risk model are reasonable, different assumptions and inputs could produce materially different VaR estimates.

The following table sets forth the high, low, and daily average VaR for our trading portfolios during the year ended December 31, 2017, and the daily VaR at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 

 

Stifel Bank’s interest rate risk is principally associated with changes in market interest rates related to residential, consumer, and commercial lending activities, as well as FDIC-insured deposit accounts to customers of our broker-dealer subsidiaries and to the general public.

Our primary emphasis in interest rate risk management for Stifel Bank is the matching of assets and liabilities of similar cash flow and repricing time frames. This matching of assets and liabilities reduces exposure to interest rate movements and aids in stabilizing positive interest spreads. Stifel Bank has established limits for acceptable interest rate risk and acceptable portfolio value risk. To ensure that Stifel Bank is within the limits established for net interest margin, an analysis of net interest margin based on various shifts in interest rates is prepared each quarter and presented to Stifel Bank’s Board of Directors. Stifel Bank utilizes a third-party model to analyze the available data.

The following table illustrates the estimated change in net interest margin at December 31, 2017, based on shifts in interest rates of up to positive 200 basis points and negative 200 basis points: 

 

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The following GAP Analysis table indicates Stifel Bank’s interest rate sensitivity position at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

We maintain a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by hedging the maturity characteristics of Fed funds-based affiliated deposits, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. We manage the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. Our interest rate hedging strategies may not work in all market environments and, as a result, may not be effective in mitigating interest rate risk.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk as a consequence of making markets in equity securities. We attempt to reduce the risk of loss inherent in our inventory of equity securities by monitoring those security positions constantly throughout each day.

Our equity securities inventories are repriced on a regular basis, and there are no unrecorded gains or losses. Our activities as a dealer are client-driven, with the objective of meeting clients’ needs while earning a positive spread.

Credit Risk

We are engaged in various trading and brokerage activities, with the counterparties primarily being broker-dealers. In the event counterparties do not fulfill their obligations, we may be exposed to risk. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the counterparty or issuer of the instrument. We manage this risk by imposing and monitoring position limits for each counterparty, monitoring trading counterparties, conducting regular credit reviews of financial counterparties, reviewing security concentrations, holding and marking to market collateral on certain transactions, and conducting business through clearing organizations, which guarantee performance.

Our client activities involve the execution, settlement, and financing of various transactions on behalf of our clients. Client activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. Credit exposure associated with our private client business consists primarily of customer margin accounts, which are monitored daily and are collateralized. We monitor exposure to industry sectors and individual securities and perform analyses on a regular basis in connection with our margin lending activities. We adjust our margin requirements if we believe our risk exposure is not appropriate based on market conditions.

We have accepted collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities borrowed transactions, and customer margin loans. Under many agreements, we are permitted to sell or repledge these securities held as collateral and use these securities to enter into securities lending arrangements or to deliver to counterparties to cover short positions. At December 31, 2017, the fair value of securities accepted as collateral where we are permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $2.4 billion and the fair value of the collateral that had been sold or repledged was $233.7 million.

By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. Credit risk is equal to the fair value gain in a derivative, if the counterparty fails to perform. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes our company and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for our company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no repayment risk. We minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by senior management.

Stifel Bank extends credit to individual and commercial borrowers through a variety of loan products, including residential and commercial mortgage loans, home equity loans, construction loans, and non-real-estate commercial and consumer loans. Bank loans are generally collateralized by real estate, real property, or other assets of the borrower. Stifel Bank’s loan policy includes criteria to adequately underwrite, document, monitor, and manage credit risk. Underwriting requires reviewing and documenting the

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fundamental characteristics of credit, including character, capacity to service the debt, capital, conditions, and collateral. Benchmark capital and coverage ratios are utilized, which include liquidity, debt service coverage, credit, working capital, and capital to asset ratios. Lending limits are established to include individual, collective, committee, and board authority. Monitoring credit risk is accomplished through defined loan review procedures, including frequency and scope.

We are subject to concentration risk if we hold large positions, extend large loans to, or have large commitments with a single counterparty, borrower, or group of similar counterparties or borrowers (i.e., in the same industry). Securities purchased under agreements to resell consist of securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. Receivables from and payables to clients and stock borrow and lending activities, both with a large number of clients and counterparties, and any potential concentration are carefully monitored. Stock borrow and lending activities are executed under master netting agreements, which gives our company right of offset in the event of counterparty default. Inventory and investment positions taken and commitments made, including underwritings, may involve exposure to individual issuers and businesses. We seek to limit this risk through careful review of counterparties and borrowers and the use of limits established by our senior management group, taking into consideration factors including the financial strength of the counterparty, the size of the position or commitment, the expected duration of the position or commitment, and other positions or commitments outstanding.

Operational Risk

Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including, but not limited to, business disruptions, improper or unauthorized execution and processing of transactions, deficiencies in our technology or financial operating systems and inadequacies or breaches in our control processes including cyber security incidents (see Item 1A, Risk Factors in this report for a discussion of certain cyber security risks).

We operate different businesses in diverse markets and are reliant on the ability of our employees and systems to process a large number of transactions. These risks are less direct than credit and market risk, but managing them is critical, particularly in a rapidly changing environment with increasing transaction volumes. In the event of a breakdown or improper operation of systems or improper action by employees, we could suffer financial loss, regulatory sanctions, and damage to our reputation. In order to mitigate and control operational risk, we have developed and continue to enhance specific policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization and within such departments as Accounting, Operations, Information Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Internal Audit. These control mechanisms attempt to ensure that operational policies and procedures are being followed and that our various businesses are operating within established corporate policies and limits. Business continuity plans exist for critical systems, and redundancies are built into the systems as deemed appropriate.

Regulatory and Legal Risk

Legal risk includes the risk of large numbers of private client group customer claims for sales practice violations. While these claims may not be the result of any wrongdoing, we do, at a minimum, incur costs associated with investigating and defending against such claims. See further discussion on our legal reserves policy under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Item 7, Part II and “Legal Proceedings” in Item 3, Part I of this report. In addition, we are subject to potentially sizable adverse legal judgments or arbitration awards, and fines, penalties, and other sanctions for non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. We are generally subject to extensive regulation by the SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulators in the different jurisdictions in which we conduct business. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve. Stifel Bank is subject to regulation by the FDIC. As a result, we are subject to a risk of loss resulting from failure to comply with banking laws. We have comprehensive procedures addressing issues such as regulatory capital requirements, sales and trading practices, use of and safekeeping of customer funds, the extension of credit, including margin loans, collection activities, money laundering, and record keeping. We act as an underwriter or selling group member in both equity and fixed income product offerings. When acting as lead or co-lead manager, we have potential legal exposure to claims relating to these securities offerings. To manage this exposure, a committee of senior executives review proposed underwriting commitments to assess the quality of the offering and the adequacy of due diligence investigation.

Effects of Inflation

Our assets are primarily monetary, consisting of cash, securities inventory, and receivables from customers and brokers and dealers. These monetary assets are generally liquid and turn over rapidly and, consequently, are not significantly affected by inflation. However, the rate of inflation affects various expenses of our company, such as employee compensation and benefits, communications and office supplies, and occupancy and equipment rental, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of services we offer to our clients. Further, to the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has other adverse effects upon the securities markets, it may adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

 

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

INDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Stifel Financial Corp.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Stifel Financial Corp. (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 23, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of ASU 2016-09

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for excess tax benefits and deficiencies from share based payments in 2017 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.

New York, New York

February 23, 2018

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (continued)

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

⁽¹⁾ During the year ended December 31, 2017, we adopted new stock-based compensation guidance. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

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STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

NOTE 1 – Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Stifel Financial Corp. (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is principally engaged in retail brokerage; securities trading; investment banking; investment advisory; retail, consumer, and commercial banking; and related financial services. We have offices throughout the United States, with a growing presence in Europe. Our major geographic area of concentration is throughout the United States, with a growing presence in the United Kingdom and Europe. Our company’s principal customers are individual investors, corporations, municipalities, and institutions.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, principally Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”), Keefe Bruyette & Woods (“KBW”), and Stifel Bank & Trust (“Stifel Bank”). Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or “our company” in this report refer to Stifel Financial Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts. We consider significant estimates, which are most susceptible to change and impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions, and estimates, to be: valuation of financial instruments and investments in partnerships, accrual for contingencies, allowance for loan losses, derivative instruments and hedging activities, fair value of goodwill and intangible assets, provision for income taxes and related tax reserves, and forfeitures associated with stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain amounts from prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. The effect of these reclassifications on our company’s previously reported consolidated financial statements was not material.

Consolidation Policies

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stifel Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries. We also have investments or interests in other entities for which we must evaluate whether to consolidate by determining whether we have a controlling financial interest or are considered to be the primary beneficiary. In determining whether to consolidate these entities, we evaluate whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”). When we do not have a controlling interest in an entity, but we exert significant influence over the entity, we apply the equity method of accounting. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Voting Interest Entity – Voting interest entities are entities that have (i) total equity investment at risk sufficient to fund expected future operations independently, and (ii) equity holders who have the obligation to absorb losses or receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. We consolidate voting interest entities when we determine that there is a controlling financial interest, usually ownership of all, or a majority of, the voting interest.

Variable Interest Entity – VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. We are required to consolidate certain VIEs in which we have the power to direct the activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb significant losses or receive significant benefits. In other cases, we consolidate VIEs when we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is defined as the entity that has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests, that maintains control and receives benefits or will absorb losses that are not pro rata with its ownership interests.

The determination as to whether an entity is a VIE is based on the structure and nature of the entity. We also consider other characteristics, such as the ability to influence the decision-making relative to the entity’s activities and how the entity is financed. With the exception of entities eligible for the deferral codified in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-10, “Consolidation: Amendments for Certain Investment Funds” (“ASU 2010-10”) (generally asset managers and investment companies), ASC 810 states that a controlling financial interest in an entity is present when an enterprise has a variable interest, or combination of variable interests, that have both the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the rights to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity.

Entities meeting the deferral provision defined by ASU 2010-10 are evaluated under the historical VIE guidance. Under the historical guidance, a controlling financial interest in an entity is present when an enterprise has a variable interest, or combination of variable interests, that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE.

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We determine whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE by first performing a qualitative analysis of the VIE’s control structure, expected benefits and losses, and expected residual returns. This analysis includes a review of, among other factors, the VIE’s capital structure, contractual terms, which interests create or absorb benefits or losses, variability, related party relationships, and the design of the VIE. Where a qualitative analysis is not conclusive, we perform a quantitative analysis. We reassess our initial evaluation of an entity as a VIE and our initial determination of whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events. See Note 27 for additional information on VIEs.

 

 

NOTE 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider money market mutual funds and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are not restricted or segregated to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with banks, federal funds sold, money market mutual funds, and certificates of deposit. Cash and cash equivalents also include balances that Stifel Bank maintains at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Cash Segregated for Regulatory Purposes

Our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires our company to maintain cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of its clients. In accordance with Rule 15c3-3, our company has portions of its cash segregated for the exclusive benefit of clients at December 31, 2017.

Brokerage Client Receivables, Net

Brokerage client receivables include receivables of our company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries, which represent amounts due on cash and margin transactions and are generally collateralized by securities owned by clients. Brokerage client receivables, primarily consisting of floating-rate loans collateralized by customer-owned securities, are charged interest at rates similar to other such loans made throughout the industry. The receivables are reported at their outstanding principal balance net of allowance for doubtful accounts. When a brokerage client receivable is considered to be impaired, the amount of the impairment is generally measured based on the fair value of the securities acting as collateral, which is measured based on current prices from independent sources, such as listed market prices or broker-dealer price quotations. Securities owned by customers, including those that collateralize margin or other similar transactions, are not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

Securities borrowed require our company to deliver cash to the lender in exchange for securities and are included in receivables from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. For securities loaned, we generally receive collateral in the form of cash in an amount in excess of the market value of securities loaned. Securities loaned are included in payables to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We monitor the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or refunded as necessary. Fees received or paid are recorded in interest revenue or interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Substantially all of these transactions are executed under master netting agreements, which gives us right of offset in the event of counterparty default; however, such receivables and payables with the same counterparty are not set off in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Repurchase Agreements

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (“resale agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We obtain control of collateral with a market value equal to or in excess of the principal amount loaned and accrued interest under resale agreements. These agreements are short-term in nature and are generally collateralized by U.S. government securities, U.S. government agency securities, and corporate bonds. We value collateral on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained when necessary to minimize the risk associated with this activity.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. We make delivery of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and monitor the value of collateral on a daily basis. When necessary, we will deliver additional collateral.

Financial Instruments

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives. Other than those separately discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the remaining financial instruments are generally short-term in nature, and their carrying values approximate fair value.

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The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., “the exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We have categorized our financial instruments measured at fair value into a three-level classification in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” which established a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the transparency of inputs as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date. A quoted price for an identical asset or liability in an active market provides the most reliable fair value measurement, because it is directly observable to the market.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date. The nature of these financial instruments includes instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed.

Level 3 – Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the measurement date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

When available, we use observable market prices, observable market parameters, or broker or dealer prices (bid and ask prices) to derive the fair value of financial instruments. In the case of financial instruments transacted on recognized exchanges, the observable market prices represent quotations for completed transactions from the exchange on which the financial instrument is principally traded.

A substantial percentage of the fair value of our financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, are based on observable market prices, observable market parameters, or derived from broker or dealer prices. The availability of observable market prices and pricing parameters can vary from product to product. Where available, observable market prices and pricing or market parameters in a product may be used to derive a price without requiring significant judgment. In certain markets, observable market prices or market parameters are not available for all products, and fair value is determined using techniques appropriate for each particular product. These techniques involve some degree of judgment.

For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination of fair value requires us to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among the factors we consider in determining the fair value of investments are the cost of the investment, terms and liquidity, developments since the acquisition of the investment, the sales price of recently issued securities, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, earnings trends and consistency of operating cash flows, the long-term business potential of the issuer, the quoted market price of securities with similar quality and yield that are publicly traded, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of investments. In instances where a security is subject to transfer restrictions, the value of the security is based primarily on the quoted price of a similar security without restriction but may be reduced by an amount estimated to reflect such restrictions. The fair value of these investments is subject to a high degree of volatility and may be susceptible to significant fluctuation in the near term, and the differences could be material.

The degree of judgment used in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established, and the characteristics specific to the transaction. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no, pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment used in measuring fair value. See Note 5 for additional information on how we value our financial instruments.

Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities

Securities available for sale, which are carried at fair value, include U.S. government agency securities; state and municipal securities; agency, non-agency, and commercial mortgage-backed securities; corporate fixed income securities; and asset-backed securities, which primarily includes collateralized loan obligations.

Securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost based on our company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity include agency, commercial, and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, consisting of collateralized loan obligation securities and ARS, and corporate fixed income securities.

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We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. Accordingly, we consider a number of qualitative and quantitative criteria in our assessment, including the extent and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer and/or industry to which the issuer belongs, the payment structure of the security, external credit ratings and the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments, the value of underlying collateral, current market conditions, and our company’s ability and intent to hold the investment until its value recovers or the securities mature. We may determine that the decline in fair value of an investment is other-than-temporary if our analysis of these factors indicates that we will not recover our investment in the securities.

If we determine that impairment on our debt securities is other-than-temporary and we have made the decision to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of its amortized cost basis, we recognize the entire portion of the impairment in earnings. If we have not made a decision to sell the security and we do not expect that we will be required to sell the security prior to recovery of the amortized cost basis, we recognize only the credit component of OTTI in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining unrealized loss due to factors other than credit, or the non-credit component, is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. We determine the credit component based on the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows, discounted based on the purchase yield. The non-credit component represents the difference between the security’s fair value and the present value of expected future cash flows.

We estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model. Key assumptions used in estimating the expected cash flows include default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates. Assumptions used can vary widely based on the collateral underlying the securities and are influenced by factors such as collateral type, loan interest rate, geographical location of the borrower, and borrower characteristics.

Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as interest income in the consolidated statements of operations using the interest method. Realized gains and losses from sales of securities available for sale are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations in the period they are sold. For securities transferred from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity, carrying value also includes unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of transfer. Such unrealized gains or losses are accreted over the remaining life of the security with no impact on future net income.

Loan Classification

We classify loans based on our investment strategy and management’s assessment of our intent and ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity. Management’s intent and ability with respect to certain loans may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, including economic, liquidity, and capital conditions. The accounting and measurement framework for loans differs depending on the loan classification. The classification criteria and accounting and measurement framework for bank loans and loans held for sale are described below.

Bank Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Bank loans consist of commercial and residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans, stock-secured loans, home equity loans, construction loans, and consumer loans originated or acquired by Stifel Bank. Bank loans include those loans that management has the intent and ability to hold and are recorded at outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs, allowance for loan losses, deferred origination fees and costs, and purchased discounts. Loan origination costs, net of fees, and premiums and discounts on purchased loans are deferred and recognized over the contractual life of the loan as an adjustment of yield using the interest method. Bank loans are generally collateralized by real estate, real property, marketable securities, or other assets of the borrower. Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rates and the average daily asset balance. Discount accretion/premium amortization is recognized using the effective interest rate method, which is based upon the respective interest rate and expected lives of loans.

We regularly review the loan portfolio and have established an allowance for loan losses for inherent losses estimated to have occurred in the loan portfolio through a provision for loan losses charged to other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. In providing for the allowance for loan losses, we consider historical loss experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans that we intend to sell or for which we do not have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for sale. Loans held for sale consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential and multi-family real estate mortgage loans intended for sale. Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or market value on an individual loan basis. Declines in market value below cost and any gains or losses on the sale of these assets are recognized in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

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Market value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics or on sale contract prices. Deferred fees and costs related to these loans are not amortized but are recognized as part of the cost basis of the loan at the time it is sold. Because loans held for sale are reported at lower of cost or market value, an allowance for loan losses is not established for loans held for sale.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collectible. Factors considered in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

We consider a loan a trouble debt restructuring when an existing borrower is granted concessionary rates or terms, which would not otherwise be offered. The concessions granted do not reflect current market conditions for a new loan of similar risk to another borrower in similar financial circumstances.

Once a loan is determined to be impaired, when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (“non-accrual status”) and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed. Loans placed on non-accrual status are returned to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest payments are collected and the collectibility of future principal and interest payments is reasonably assured. Loan losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when we believe the uncollectibility of a loan balance is certain. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

Large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment measurements. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for non-homogeneous loans, and a specific allowance is established for individual loans determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of the impaired loan to the present value of its expected cash flow discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Investments

Our broker-dealer subsidiaries report changes in fair value of marketable and non-marketable securities in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of marketable investments is generally based on either quoted market or dealer prices. The fair value of non-marketable securities is based on management’s estimate using the best information available, which generally consists of quoted market prices for similar securities and internally developed discounted cash flow models.

Investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition contain investments in securities that are marketable and securities that are not readily marketable. These investments are not included in our broker-dealer trading inventory or available-for-sale or held-to-maturity portfolios and represent the acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments for our benefit.

Fixed Assets, Net

Office equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the lease. Buildings and building improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset of three to thirty-nine years. Depreciation expense is recorded in occupancy and equipment rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Office equipment, leasehold improvements, and property are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Office equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value of the related net assets acquired. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. We test for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below our company’s business segments. For both the annual and interim tests, we have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is not required. However, if we conclude otherwise, we are then required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its respective carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not deemed to be impaired. If the estimated fair value is below carrying value, however, further analysis is required to determine the amount of the impairment. Additionally, if the carrying value of a reporting unit is zero or a negative value

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and it is determined that it is more likely than not the goodwill is impaired, further analysis is required. The estimated fair values of the reporting units are derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use for each of the reporting units. During 2017, the Company decided that it would change its annual impairment test date from July 31st to October 1st. The Company performed impairment testing on both July 31, 2017 and October 1, 2017 with no impairment charges resulting from the annual impairment tests.

The Company believes that changing its annual impairment test date to the beginning of the fourth fiscal quarter will allow it to have carrying amounts that are more readily available as of the last day of the prior fiscal quarter and give the Company a full quarter to assess if it has a potential impairment (qualitative assessment and/or Step 1) and complete the measurement (Step 2), if required.

Identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives, are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be fully recoverable.

Loans and Advances to Financial Advisors and Other Employees, Net

We offer transition pay, principally in the form of upfront loans, to financial advisors and certain key revenue producers as part of our company’s overall growth strategy. These loans are generally forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards. We monitor and compare individual financial advisor production to each loan issued to ensure future recoverability. If the individual leaves before the term of the loan expires or fails to meet certain performance standards, the individual is required to repay the balance. In determining the allowance for doubtful receivables from former employees, management considers the facts and circumstances surrounding each receivable, including the amount of the unforgiven balance, the reasons for the terminated employment relationship, and the former employees’ overall financial situation.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We recognize all of our derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These instruments are recorded in other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition and in the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows as increases or decreases of other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our company’s policy is not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements. The accounting for changes in the fair value (i.e., gains and losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we must also designate the hedging instrument or transaction, based upon the exposure being hedged.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges (i.e., hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk), the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the present value of future cash flows of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and, at December 31, 2017, all of our derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges. See Note 14 for additional details.

Revenue Recognition

Customer securities transactions are recorded on a settlement date basis, with related commission revenues and expenses recorded on a trade date basis. Commission revenues are recorded as the amount charged to the customer, which, in certain cases, may include varying discounts. Principal securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. We typically distribute our proprietary equity research products to our client base of institutional investors at no charge. These proprietary equity research products are accounted for as a cost of doing business.

Investment banking revenues, which include underwriting fees, management fees, advisory fees, placement fees, and sales credits earned in connection with the distribution of the underwritten securities, are recorded when services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each engagement. Expenses associated with such transactions are deferred until the related revenue is recognized or the engagement is otherwise concluded. Investment banking revenues are presented net of related unreimbursed expenses. We have not recognized any incentive income that is subject to contingent repayments.

Asset management and service fees are recorded when earned, based on the period-end assets in the accounts, and consist of customer account service fees, per account fees (such as IRA fees), and wrap fees, net of external manager costs on managed accounts.

We earn fees from the investment partnerships that we manage or of which we are a general partner. Such management fees are generally based on the net assets or committed capital of the underlying partnerships. We have agreed, in certain cases, to waive management fees, in lieu of making a cash contribution, in satisfaction of our general partner investment commitments to the

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investment partnerships. In these cases, we generally recognize our management fee revenues at the time when we are allocated a special profit interest in realized gains from these partnerships.

Operating Leases

We lease office space and equipment under operating leases. We recognize rent expense related to these operating leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The lease term commences on the earlier of the date when we become legally obligated for the rent payments or the date on which we take possession of the property. For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition and amortize the deferred rent over the lease term as a reduction to occupancy and equipment rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of our company’s assets and liabilities. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefits, or that future deductibility is uncertain.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 23 for further information regarding income taxes.

Foreign Currency Translation

We consolidate our foreign subsidiaries, which have designated their local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated at year-end rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at an average rate for the period. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters,” gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” that provides for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for our company) and early adoption is permitted. The accounting update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act of 2017 is recognized. We are currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update, but the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements. The accounting update improves the transparency and understandability of information conveyed to financial statement users by better aligning companies’ hedging relationship to their existing risk management strategies, simplifies the application of hedge accounting and increases transparency regarding the scope and results of hedging program. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2019 for our company) and early adoption is permitted. The Company will not early adopt this accounting update. We are currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update, but the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Callable debt securities

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In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,” which shortens the amortization period for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date. The amendments are applicable to any purchased individual debt security with an explicit and non-contingent call feature that is callable at a fixed price on a preset date. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for our company) under a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact the adoption of this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment Testing

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the accounting update, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and an impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The accounting update is effective for annual or any interim impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for our company) and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update, but the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flow

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flow - Restricted Cash,” which adds or clarifies guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for our Company). The accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which amends and clarifies the current guidance to reduce diversity in practice of the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The accounting update is effective for the fiscal year beginning after December 31, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for our company). The accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments − Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”  This accounting update impacts the impairment model for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost by requiring a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology to estimate expected credit losses over the entire life of the financial asset, recorded at inception or purchase. CECL will replace the loss model currently applicable to bank loans, held-to-maturity securities, and other receivables carried at amortized cost.

The accounting update also eliminates the concept of other-than-temporary impairment for available-for-sale securities. Impairments on available-for-sale securities will be required to be recognized in earnings through an allowance, when the fair value is less than amortized cost and a credit loss exists or the securities are expected to be sold before recovery of amortized cost. Under the accounting update, there may be an ability to determine there are no expected credit losses in certain circumstances, e.g., based on collateral arrangements for lending and financing transactions or based on the credit quality of the borrower or issuer.

Overall, the amendments in this accounting update are expected to accelerate the recognition of credit losses for portfolios where CECL models will be applied. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (January 1, 2020 for our company) with early adoption permitted as of January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact of the accounting update, but the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” that requires for leases longer than one year, a lessee recognize in the statements of financial condition a right-of-use asset, representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, representing the liability to make lease payments. The accounting update also requires that for finance leases, a lessee recognize interest expense on the lease liability, separately from the amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statements of earnings, while for operating leases, such amounts should be recognized as a combined expense. In addition, this accounting update requires expanded disclosures about the nature and terms of lease agreements.

The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (January 1, 2019 for our company) under a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company’s implementation efforts include reviewing existing leases and service contracts, which may include embedded leases. Upon adoption, our company expects a gross up on its consolidated statements of financial condition upon recognition of the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and does not expect the amount of the gross up to have a material impact on its financial condition.

Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

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In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” that will change the income statement impact of equity investments held by an entity, and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The accounting update also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. The accounting update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for our company). The accounting update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”) that supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including most industry-specific guidance. ASU 2014-09, as amended, requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance also requires additional disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized.

The Company will adopt the accounting update effective as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method, with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings. The cumulative effect that the Company will recognize as an adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption is not material to our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the new revenue standard will be applied prospectively in our consolidated financial statements from January 1, 2018 forward and reported financial information for historical comparable periods will not be revised and will continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those historical periods.

This accounting update will change the presentation of certain costs related to underwriting and advisory activities so that such costs will be recorded in the relevant non-interest expense line item versus the current practice of netting such costs against Investment banking revenues. In addition, there may be certain situations where advisory fees are deferred and not recognized, dependent upon performance obligations. This change will not materially impact our company’s earnings, however, we will report higher revenues and higher non-compensation operating expenses.

The scope of the accounting update does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, and as a result, will not have an impact on the elements of our consolidated statements of operations most closely associated with financial instruments, including Principal transaction revenues, Interest income, and Interest expense. The adoption of the accounting update will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Share-Based Payments

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”) that requires an entity to record all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax benefit or expense in the income statement. ASU 2016-09 will also require an entity to elect an accounting policy to either estimate the number of forfeitures or account for forfeitures when they occur. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (January 1, 2017 for our company). We adopted the guidance in the update on January 1, 2017. Cash paid to a tax authority by a company when withholding shares from an employee’s award for tax-withholding purposes are now classified as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows (adopted retrospectively). We reclassified $61.6 million and $65.0 million from operating activities to financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, pertaining to shares withheld from employee awards for tax withholding purposes.

 

NOTE 3 – Acquisitions

City Securities Corporation

On January 3, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of City Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, City Securities Corporation, (“City Securities”), an independent investment bank focused primarily on offering wealth management and public finance services across the Midwest. The acquisition was funded with cash from operations and our common stock.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“ASC Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $7.1 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group segments. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships with an acquisition-date fair value of $4.1 million.

The goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of the City Securities’ business and of the hired financial advisors and the conversion of the customer accounts to our platform. Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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We recognized a liability for estimated earn-out payments. These payments will be based on the performance of City Securities over a two-year period. The liability for earn-out payments was $0.5 million at December 31, 2017. The contingent consideration accrual is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Pro forma information is not presented, because the acquisition is not considered to be material, as defined by the SEC. The results of operations of City Securities have been included in our results prospectively from the date of acquisition.

ISM Capital LLP

On May 3, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of ISM Capital LLP (“ISM”), an independent investment bank focused on international debt capital markets. The acquisition of ISM adds to the Company’s debt capital markets origination, sales, and research capabilities in Europe, including an end-to-end platform for convertible securities and other equity-linked debt instruments. The acquisition was funded with cash from operations and our common stock, issued out of treasury.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“ASC Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $6.3 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Institutional Group segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships, non-compete, and customer backlog with aggregate acquisition-date fair values of $2.3 million.

The goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of ISM’s business and the addition of an end-to-end platform for convertible securities and other equity-linked debt instruments to our debt capital markets capabilities in Europe. Goodwill is not expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

We recognized a liability for estimated earn-out payments. These payments will be based on ISM’s performance over a three-year period. The liability for earn-out payments was $1.9 million and $3.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The contingent consideration accrual is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Eaton Partners

On January 4, 2016, we completed the acquisition of Eaton Partners, LLC (“Eaton Partners”), a global fund placement and advisory firm. The acquisition was funded with cash from operations and our common stock, issued out of treasury.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Topic 805. Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $72.0 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Institutional Group segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships, trade name, non-compete, and customer backlog with aggregate acquisition-date fair values of $32.3 million.

The goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Eaton’s business and from the relationships Eaton has established with private equity firms, hedge funds, high net worth family offices, and institutional investors. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

We recognized a liability for estimated earn-out payments. These payments will be based on Eaton Partner’s performance over a four-year period. The liability for earn-out payments was $31.2 million and $27.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The contingent consideration accrual is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, Americas

On December 4, 2015, we completed the purchase of the Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, Americas (“Barclays”), franchise in the U.S. The Company paid purchase consideration that was funded with cash from operations. As part of that transaction, Stifel Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired approximately $600.0 million of bank loans, at fair value, from Barclays. The fair values for those loans were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Topic 805. Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $24.8 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships, with acquisition-date fair value of $7.3 million.

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The goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of the hired financial advisors and the conversion of the customer accounts to the Stifel platform. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

In addition, deferred consideration is payable based on certain revenue generated by Stifel in accordance with the distribution agreement. The deferred consideration of $15.2 million has been recognized as a liability and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2017.

During 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors removed the continuing service requirements associated with restricted stock units that were granted to certain employees of Barclays in December 2015. As a result, the awards were expensed at date of modification resulting in a charge of $58.6 million during 2016. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of the grant of the awards. These charges are included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Sterne Agee Group, Inc.

On June 5, 2015, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. (“Sterne Agee”), a financial services firm that offers comprehensive wealth management and investment services to a diverse client base including corporations, municipalities, and individual investors. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated February 23, 2015. On July 1, 2016, the Company completed the sale of Sterne Agee’s legacy independent brokerage and clearing businesses pursuant to two separate stock purchase agreements dated June 24, 2016.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Topic 805. Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $60.8 million of goodwill and intangible assets in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group segments. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships with acquisition-date fair value of $29.3 million.

The goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Sterne Agee’s business and the reputation and expertise of Sterne Agee in the financial services sector.

On June 5, 2015, certain employees were granted restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $23.8 million. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of grant. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, we paid $33.8 million in the form of notes to associates for retention. These notes will be forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards.

Prior to the closing date, Sterne Agee had established adequate reserves for various claims that were included in the opening balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2015, one legal matter was settled and paid, and the excess reserves associated with the Canyon Ridge matter were distributed to Sterne Agee Group, Inc. shareholders. Under the terms of the agreements governing the acquisition, we have withheld a portion of the purchase price of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. pending the resolution of currently existing or subsequently arising liabilities relating to the operation of the Sterne Agee Group Inc. business prior to the closing of the acquisition. Based upon currently available information and review with counsel, we believe the amounts which we are allowed to withhold will be adequate to fully indemnify us from any losses related to the pre-closing operations of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.

 

 

NOTE 4 – Receivables From and Payables to Brokers, Dealers, and Clearing Organizations

Amounts receivable from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations at December 31, 2017 and 2016, included (in thousands):

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Amounts payable to brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations at December 31, 2017 and 2016, included (in thousands):

Deposits paid for securities borrowed approximate the market value of the securities. Securities failed to deliver and receive represent the contract value of securities that have not been delivered or received on settlement date.

 

 

NOTE 5 – Fair Value Measurements

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial instruments owned, available-for-sale securities, investments, financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, and derivatives.

We generally utilize third-party pricing services to value Level 1 and Level 2 available-for-sale investment securities, as well as certain derivatives designated as cash flow hedges. We review the methodologies and assumptions used by the third-party pricing services and evaluate the values provided, principally by comparison with other available market quotes for similar instruments and/or analysis based on internal models using available third-party market data. We may occasionally adjust certain values provided by the third-party pricing service when we believe, as the result of our review, that the adjusted price most appropriately reflects the fair value of the particular security.

Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies and key inputs used to measure financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The descriptions include an indication of the level of the fair value hierarchy in which the assets or liabilities are classified.

Financial Instruments Owned and Available-For-Sale Securities

When available, the fair value of financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets and reported in Level 1. Level 1 financial instruments include highly liquid instruments with quoted prices, such as equity securities listed in active markets, U.S. government securities, and corporate fixed income securities.

If quoted prices are not available for identical instruments, fair values are obtained from pricing services, broker quotes, or other model-based valuation techniques with observable inputs, such as the present value of estimated cash flows, and reported as Level 2. The nature of these financial instruments include instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, instruments whose fair value has been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Level 2 financial instruments include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate securities infrequently traded, including fixed income securities, sovereign debt, and equity securities, state and municipal securities, and asset-backed securities, which primarily includes collateralized loan obligations.

We have identified Level 3 financial instruments to include certain equity and corporate fixed income securities with unobservable pricing inputs and certain non-agency mortgage-backed securities. Level 3 financial instruments have little to no pricing observability as of the report date. These financial instruments do not have active two-way markets and are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

Investments

Investments carried at fair value primarily include corporate equity securities, auction-rate securities (“ARS”), and private company investments.

Corporate equity securities that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets are reported in Level 1. No securities with unobservable pricing inputs are reported in Level 3.

ARS are valued based upon our expectations of issuer redemptions and using internal discounted cash flow models that utilize unobservable inputs. ARS are reported as Level 3 assets.

Direct investments in private companies may be valued using the market approach and were valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, incorporating evaluation of additional significant third-party financing, changes in valuations of comparable peer companies, the business environment of the companies, market indices, assumptions relating to appropriate risk adjustments for nonperformance, and legal restrictions on disposition, among other factors. The fair value derived from the methods used are evaluated and weighted, as appropriate, considering the reasonableness of the range of values indicated. Under the market approach, fair value may be determined by reference to multiples of market-comparable companies or transactions, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples. For securities utilizing the market comparable companies

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valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the EBITDA multiple in isolation could result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Investments in Funds That Are Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share

Investments at fair value include investments in funds, including certain money market funds that are measured at net asset value (“NAV”). The Company uses NAV to measure the fair value of its fund investments when (i) the fund investment does not have a readily determinable fair value and (ii) the NAV of the investment fund is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of investment company accounting, including measurement of the underlying investments at fair value.

The Company’s investments in funds measured at NAV include private company investments, partnership interests, mutual funds, private equity funds, and money market funds. Private equity funds primarily invest in a broad range of industries worldwide in a variety of situations, including leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, growth investments, and distressed investments. The private equity funds are primarily closed-end funds in which the Company’s investments are generally not eligible for redemption. Distributions will be received from these funds as the underlying assets are liquidated or distributed.

The general and limited partnership interests in investment partnerships were primarily valued based upon NAVs received from third-party fund managers. The various partnerships are investment companies, which record their underlying investments at fair value based on fair value policies established by management of the underlying fund. Fair value policies at the underlying fund generally require the funds to utilize pricing/valuation information, including independent appraisals, from third-party sources. However, in some instances, current valuation information for illiquid securities or securities in markets that are not active may not be available from any third-party source or fund management may conclude that the valuations that are available from third-party sources are not reliable. In these instances, fund management may perform model-based analytical valuations that may be used as an input to value these investments.

The tables below present the fair value of our investments in, and unfunded commitments to, funds that are measured at NAV (in thousands):

Financial Instruments Sold, But Not Yet Purchased

Financial instruments sold, but not purchased, recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets and other observable market data include highly liquid instruments with quoted prices, such as U.S. government securities and equity securities listed in active markets, which are reported as Level 1.

If quoted prices are not available, fair values are obtained from pricing services, broker quotes, or other model-based valuation techniques with observable inputs, such as the present value of estimated cash flows, and reported as Level 2. The nature of these financial instruments include instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, instruments whose fair value has been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Level 2 financial instruments include U.S. government agency securities, mortgage-backed securities not actively traded, corporate securities, including fixed income securities, sovereign debt, and equity securities.

Derivatives

Derivatives are valued using quoted market prices for identical instruments when available or pricing models based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. The valuation models used require market observable inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, credit curves, and measures of volatility. We manage credit risk for our derivative positions on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and calculate credit valuation adjustments, included in the fair value of these instruments, on the basis of our relationships at the counterparty portfolio/master netting agreement level. These credit valuation adjustments are determined by applying a credit spread for the counterparty to the total expected exposure of the derivative after considering collateral and other master netting arrangements. We have classified our interest rate swaps as Level 2.

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017, are presented below (in thousands):

 

 

 

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Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016, are presented below (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The following tables summarize the changes in fair value associated with Level 3 financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

The results included in the table above are only a component of the overall investment strategies of our company. The table above does not present Level 1 or Level 2 valued assets or liabilities. The changes to our company’s Level 3 classified instruments during the year ended December 31, 2017 were principally a result of transfers out of Level 3 due to market activity that provided transparency into the valuation of these assets. The changes in unrealized gains/(losses) recorded in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017, relating to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2017, were immaterial.

The following table summarizes quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs utilized in our company’s Level 3 recurring fair value measurements as of December 31, 2017.

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The fair value of certain Level 3 assets was determined using various methodologies, as appropriate, including third-party pricing vendors and broker quotes. These inputs are evaluated for reasonableness through various procedures, including due diligence reviews of third-party pricing vendors, variance analyses, consideration of current market environment, and other analytical procedures.

The fair value for our auction rate securities was determined using an income approach based on an internally developed discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model utilizes two significant unobservable inputs: discount rate and workout period. The discount rate was calculated using credit spreads of the underlying collateral or similar securities. The workout period was based on an assessment of publicly available information on efforts to re-establish functioning markets for these securities and our company’s own redemption experience. Significant increases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower fair value. On an ongoing basis, management verifies the fair value by reviewing the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow model and its significant inputs.

Transfers Within the Fair Value Hierarchy

We assess our financial instruments on a quarterly basis to determine the appropriate classification within the fair value hierarchy. Transfers between fair value classifications occur when there are changes in pricing observability levels. Transfers of financial instruments among the levels are deemed to occur at the beginning of the reporting period.

There were $1.1 million of transfers of financial assets from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended December 31, 2017, corporate fixed income securities for which market trades were observed that provided transparency into the valuation of these assets. There were $4.9 million of transfers of financial assets from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily related to corporate fixed income securities for which there were low volumes of recent trade activity observed. There were no transfers of financial assets into Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were $18.3 million of transfers of financial assets out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily related to ARS that were transferred to Level 2 upon receiving a tender offer and subsequently sold and corporate equity securities for which market trades were observed that provided transparency into the valuation of these assets.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following reflects the fair value of financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value (in thousands).

 

 

The following table presents the estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

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The following, as supplemented by the discussion above, describes the valuation techniques used in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Financial Assets

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell

Securities purchased under agreements to resell are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. The carrying values at December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.

Held-to-Maturity Securities

Securities held to maturity are recorded at amortized cost based on our company’s positive intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity include agency, commercial, and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, consisting of collateralized loan obligation securities and ARS, and corporate fixed income securities. The estimated fair value, included in the above table, is determined using several factors; however, primary weight is given to discounted cash flow modeling techniques that incorporated an estimated discount rate based upon recent observable debt security issuances with similar characteristics.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential real estate loans intended for sale. Loans held for sale are stated at lower of cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on prevailing market prices for loans with similar characteristics or on sale contract prices.

Bank Loans

The fair values of mortgage loans and commercial loans were estimated using a discounted cash flow method, a form of the income approach. Discount rates were determined considering rates at which similar portfolios of loans would be made under current conditions and considering liquidity spreads applicable to each loan portfolio based on the secondary market.

Financial Liabilities

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are collateralized financing transactions that are recorded at their contractual amounts plus accrued interest. The carrying values at December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximate fair value due to the short-term nature.

Bank Deposits

The fair value for demand deposits is equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of variable-rate money-market and savings accounts approximate their fair values at the reporting date as these are short-term in nature. The fair value of other interest-bearing deposits, including certificates of deposit, was calculated by discounting the future cash flows using discount rates based on the expected current market rates for similar products with similar remaining terms.

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Borrowings

The carrying amount of borrowings approximates fair value due to the relative short-term nature of such borrowings. In addition, Stifel Bank’s Federal Home Loan Bank advances reflect terms that approximate current market rates for similar borrowings.

Senior Notes

The fair value of our senior notes is estimated based upon quoted market prices.

Debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trusts

The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. We have assumed a discount rate based on the coupon achieved in our 4.250% senior notes due 2024.

These fair value disclosures represent our best estimates based on relevant market information and information about the financial instruments. Fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected losses, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of the various instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Changes in the above methodologies and assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

 

NOTE 6 – Financial Instruments Owned and Financial Instruments Sold, But Not Yet Purchased

The components of financial instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows (in thousands):

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, financial instruments owned in the amount of $810.3 million and $992.9 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral (on a settlement-date basis) for our repurchase agreements and short-term borrowings. Financial instruments owned on a settlement-date basis were $1.3 billion at December 31, 2016. Our financial instruments owned are presented on a trade-date basis in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased, represent obligations of our company to deliver the specified security at the contracted price, thereby creating a liability to purchase the security in the market at prevailing prices in future periods. We are obligated to acquire the securities sold short at prevailing market prices in future periods, which may exceed the amount reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

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NOTE 7 – Available-for-Sale and Held-to-Maturity Securities

The following tables provide a summary of the amortized cost and fair values of the available-for-sale securities and held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we received proceeds of $87.3 million from the sale of available for sale securities, which resulted in realized gains of $0.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, there were no sales of available-for-sale securities.

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For the year ended December 31, 2015, we received proceeds of $641.6 million, from the sale of available-for-sale securities, which resulted in net realized gains of $3.2 million.

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, unrealized gains, net of deferred tax expense, of $4.7 million, $5.8 million, and $1.4 million, respectively, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

The table below summarizes the amortized cost and fair values of debt securities by contractual maturity (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ significantly from contractual maturities, as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

The maturities of our available-for-sale (fair value) and held-to-maturity (amortized cost) securities at December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, securities of $2.2 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank as collateral for borrowings and letters of credit obtained to secure public deposits. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, securities of $2.0 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, were pledged with the Federal Reserve discount window.

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The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual investment securities have been in continuous unrealized loss positions, at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

At December 31, 2017, the amortized cost of 186 securities classified as available for sale exceeded their fair value by $20.8 million, of which $12.3 million related to investment securities that had been in a loss position for 12 months or longer. The total fair value of these investments at December 31, 2017, was $1.3 billion, which was 34.0% of our available-for-sale portfolio.

At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of 42 securities held to maturity exceeded their fair value by $18.1 million, of which $17.3 million related to securities held to maturity that have been in a loss position for 12 months or longer. As discussed in more detail below, we conduct periodic reviews of all securities with unrealized losses to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

We evaluate all securities in an unrealized loss position quarterly to assess whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Our OTTI assessment is a subjective process requiring the use of judgments and assumptions. There was no credit-related OTTI recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

We believe the gross unrealized losses of $38.9 million related to our investment portfolio, as of December 31, 2017, are attributable to changes in market interest rates. We, therefore, do not expect to incur any credit losses related to these securities. In addition, we have no intent to sell these securities with unrealized losses, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost. Accordingly, we have concluded that the impairment on these securities is not other-than-temporary.

 

 

 

NOTE 8 – Bank Loans

The following table presents the balance and associated percentage of each major loan category in our bank loan portfolio at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except percentages):

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At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Stifel Bank had loans outstanding to its executive officers, directors, and their affiliates in the amount of $4.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and loans outstanding to other Stifel Financial Corp. executive officers, directors, and their affiliates in the amount of $8.4 million and $5.6 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had loans held for sale of $226.1 million and $228.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we recognized gains of $12.3 million, $16.0 million, and $12.7 million, respectively, from the sale of originated loans, net of fees and costs.  

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, residential and commercial real estate loans of $2.4 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank as collateral for borrowings.

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands).

 

 

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The following table presents the unpaid principal balances of loans and amount of allowance allocated based upon impairment method by portfolio segment at December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

The following table presents the unpaid principal balances of loans and amount of allowance allocated based upon impairment method by portfolio segment at December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

In determining the amount of our allowance, we rely on an analysis of our loan portfolio, our experience, and our evaluation of general economic conditions. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses and we may experience significant increases to our provision.

There are two components of the allowance for loan losses: the inherent allowance component and the specific allowance component. The inherent allowance component of the allowance for loan losses is used to estimate the probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and includes non-homogeneous loans that have not been identified as impaired and portfolios of smaller balance homogeneous loans. Our company maintains methodologies by loan product for calculating an allowance for loan losses that estimates the inherent losses in the loan portfolio. Qualitative and environmental factors, such as economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the portfolio and lending terms, and volume and severity of past due loans may also be considered in the calculations. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level reasonable to ensure that it can adequately absorb the estimated probable losses inherent in the portfolio.

The specific allowance component of the allowance for loan losses is used to estimate probable losses for non-homogeneous exposures, including loans modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR), which have been specifically identified for impairment analysis by our company and determined to be impaired. At December 31, 2017, we had $29.2 million of impaired loans, net of discounts, which included $9.1 million in troubled debt restructurings. The specific allowance on impaired loans at December 31, 2017 was $9.1 million. At December 31, 2016, we had $26.9 million of impaired loans, net of discounts, which included $9.7 million in troubled debt restructurings. The specific allowance on impaired loans at December 31, 2016 was $3.4 million. The gross interest income related to impaired loans, which would have been recorded had these loans been current in accordance with their original terms, and the interest income recognized on these loans during the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, were insignificant to the consolidated financial statements.

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The tables below present loans that were individually evaluated for impairment by portfolio segment at December 31, 2017 and 2016, including the average recorded investment balance (in thousands):

 

 

 

The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by portfolio segment (in thousands):

 

 

 

* There were no loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest at December 31, 2017.

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* There were no loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest at December 31, 2016.

Credit quality indicators

As of December 31, 2017, bank loans were primarily extended to non-investment-grade borrowers. Substantially all of these loans align with the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies’ definition of Pass. Loans meet the definition of Pass when they are performing and/or do not demonstrate adverse characteristics that are likely to result in a credit loss. A loan is determined to be impaired when principal or interest becomes 90 days past due or when collection becomes uncertain. At the time a loan is determined to be impaired, the accrual of interest and amortization of deferred loan origination fees is discontinued (non-accrual status), and any accrued and unpaid interest income is reversed.

We closely monitor economic conditions and loan performance trends to manage and evaluate our exposure to credit risk. Trends in delinquency ratios are an indicator, among other considerations, of credit risk within our loan portfolios. The level of nonperforming assets represents another indicator of the potential for future credit losses. Accordingly, key metrics we track and use in evaluating the credit quality of our loan portfolio include delinquency and nonperforming asset rates, as well as charge-off rates and our internal risk ratings of the loan portfolio. In general, we are a secured lender. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, 97.2% and 97.9% of our loan portfolio was collateralized, respectively. Collateral is required in accordance with the normal credit evaluation process based upon the creditworthiness of the customer and the credit risk associated with the particular transaction. Our company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Pass. A credit exposure rated pass has a continued expectation of timely repayment, all obligations of the borrower are current, and the obligor complies with material terms and conditions of the lending agreement.

Special Mention. Extensions of credit that have potential weakness that deserve management’s close attention and, if left uncorrected, may, at some future date, result in the deterioration of the repayment prospects or collateral position.

Substandard. Obligor has a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes the repayment of the debt and has a high probability of payment default with the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if noted deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful. Inherent weakness in the exposure makes the collection or repayment in full, based on existing facts, conditions, and circumstances, highly improbable, and the amount of loss is uncertain.

Doubtful loans are considered impaired. Substandard loans are regularly reviewed for impairment. When a loan is impaired, the impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient, the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Portfolio segments:

Commercial and industrial (“C&I”). C&I loans primarily include commercial and industrial lending used for general corporate purposes, working capital and liquidity, and “event-driven.” “Event-driven” loans support client merger, acquisition, or recapitalization activities. C&I lending is structured as revolving lines of credit, letter of credit facilities, term loans, and bridge loans.

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Risk factors considered in determining the allowance for corporate loans include the borrower’s financial strength, seniority of the loan, collateral type, leverage, volatility of collateral value, debt cushion, and covenants.

Securities-based loans. Securities-based loans allow clients to borrow money against the value of qualifying securities for any suitable purpose other than purchasing, trading, or carrying securities or refinancing margin debt. The majority of consumer loans are structured as revolving lines of credit and letter of credit facilities and are primarily offered through Stifel’s Pledged Asset (SPA) program. The allowance methodology for securities-based lending considers the collateral type underlying the loan.

Consumer. Consumer loans allow customers to purchase non-investment goods and services.

Real Estate. Real estate loans include commercial real estate, residential real estate non-conforming loans, residential real estate conforming loans, and home equity lines of credit. The allowance methodology real estate loans considers several factors, including, but not limited to, loan-to-value ratio, FICO score, home price index, delinquency status, credit limits, and utilization rates.

Construction and land. Short-term loans used to finance the development of a real estate project.

Based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of our loan portfolio was as follows: (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

NOTE 9 – Fixed Assets

The following is a summary of fixed assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, depreciation and amortization totaled $32.5 million, $43.1 million, and $36.7 million, respectively.  

 

 

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NOTE 10 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets attributable to each of our reporting segments is presented in the following table (in thousands):

 

 

The adjustments to goodwill and intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2017, are primarily attributable to the acquisitions of ISM, which closed on May 3, 2016, and City Securities, which closed on January 3, 2017. Goodwill for certain of our acquisitions is deductible for tax purposes.

Amortizable intangible assets consist of acquired customer relationships, trade name, investment banking backlog, and non-compete agreements that are amortized over their contractual or determined useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $12.1 million, $14.4 million, and $10.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.      

The weighted-average remaining lives of the following intangible assets at December 31, 2017, are: customer relationships, 10.8 years; trade name, 10.6 years; and non-compete agreements, 9.6 years. We have an intangible asset that is not subject to amortization and is, therefore, not included in the table below. As of December 31, 2017, we expect amortization expense in future periods to be as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

NOTE 11 – Borrowings and Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

Our short-term financing is generally obtained through short-term bank line financing on an uncommitted, secured basis, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank, and securities lending arrangements. We borrow from various banks on a demand basis with

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company-owned and customer securities pledged as collateral. The value of customer-owned securities used as collateral is not reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition. We also have an unsecured, committed bank line available.

Our uncommitted secured lines of credit at December 31, 2017, totaled $1.0 billion with six banks and are dependent on having appropriate collateral, as determined by the bank agreements, to secure an advance under the line. The availability of our uncommitted lines is subject to approval by the individual banks each time an advance is requested and may be denied. Our peak daily borrowing on our uncommitted secured lines was $444.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. There are no compensating balance requirements under these arrangements. Any borrowings on secured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized to finance certain fixed income securities. At December 31, 2017, our uncommitted secured lines of credit of $256.0 million were collateralized by company-owned securities valued at $292.7 million.

Our committed bank line financing at December 31, 2017, consisted of a $200.0 million revolving credit facility. The credit facility expires in March 2020. The applicable interest rate under the revolving credit facility is calculated as a per annum rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 2.00%, as defined in the revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2017, we had no advances on our revolving credit facility and were in compliance with all covenants.

The Federal Home Loan advances of $745.0 million as of December 31, 2017, are floating-rate advances. The weighted average interest rates on these advances during the year ended December 31, 2017, was 1.07%. The advances are secured by Stifel Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio and investment portfolio. The interest rates reset on a daily basis. Stifel Bank has the option to prepay these advances without penalty on the interest reset date.

 

NOTE 12 – Senior Notes

The following table summarizes our senior notes as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

Our senior notes mature as follows, based upon contractual terms (in thousands):

 

 

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NOTE 13 – Bank Deposits

Deposits consist of money market and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, and demand deposits. Deposits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The weighted-average interest rate on deposits was 0.10% and 0.09% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of deposits includes related party deposits, primarily brokerage customers’ deposits from Stifel of $13.4 billion and $11.5 billion, respectively, and interest-bearing and time deposits of executive officers, directors, and their affiliates of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 14 – Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps generally involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties, based on a common notional principal amount and maturity date with no exchange of underlying principal amounts. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our company making fixed payments. Our policy is not to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements.

The following table provides the notional values and fair values of our derivative instruments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

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Cash Flow Hedges

We have entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting floating rate debt to a fixed rate debt. The swaps have an average remaining life of 2.1 years.

Any unrealized gains or losses related to cash flow hedging instruments are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings in the same period the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings and are recorded in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedging instruments is recorded in other income or other operating expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable rate deposits. During the next twelve months, we estimate that $3.2 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

The following table shows the effect of our company’s derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

We maintain a risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest rate volatility. Our goal is to manage sensitivity to changes in rates by hedging the maturity characteristics of variable rate affiliated deposits, thereby limiting the impact on earnings. By using derivative instruments, we are exposed to credit and market risk on those derivative positions. We manage the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken. Credit risk is equal to the extent of the fair value gain in a derivative if the counterparty fails to perform. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes our company and, therefore, creates a repayment risk for our company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, have no repayment risk. See Note 5 in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for further discussion on how we determine the fair value of our financial instruments. We minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by senior management.

Credit Risk-Related Contingency Features

We have agreements with our derivative counterparties containing provisions where if we default on any of our indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then we could also be declared in default on our derivative obligations.

We have agreements with certain of our derivative counterparties that contain provisions where if our shareholders’ equity declines below a specified threshold or if we fail to maintain a specified minimum shareholders’ equity, then we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations.

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Certain of our agreements with our derivative counterparties contain provisions where if a specified event or condition occurs that materially changes our creditworthiness in an adverse manner, we may be required to fully collateralize our obligations under the derivative instrument.

Regulatory Capital-Related Contingency Features

Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to maintain our capital adequacy requirements. If we were to lose our status as “adequately capitalized,” we would be in violation of those provisions, and the counterparties of the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions.

As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of derivatives in a liability position, which includes accrued interest but excludes any adjustment for nonperformance risk, related to these agreements was not material (termination value). We have minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of our derivative counterparties and have posted cash collateral of $0.8 million against our obligations under these agreements. If we had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2017, we would have been required to settle our obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

Counterparty Risk

In the event of counterparty default, our economic loss may be higher than the uncollateralized exposure of our derivatives if we were not able to replace the defaulted derivatives in a timely fashion. We monitor the risk that our uncollateralized exposure to each of our counterparties for interest rate swaps will increase under certain adverse market conditions by performing periodic market stress tests. These tests evaluate the potential additional uncollateralized exposure we would have to each of these derivative counterparties assuming changes in the level of market rates over a brief time period.

 

 

NOTE 15 – Debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trusts

The following table summarizes our debentures to Stifel Financial Capital Trusts as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 

 

 

 

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NOTE 16 – Disclosures About Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The following table provides information about financial assets and derivative assets that are subject to offset as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 

 

The following table provides information about financial liabilities and derivative liabilities that are subject to offset as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 

 

 

 

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NOTE 17 – Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingencies

Broker-Dealer Commitments and Guarantees

In the normal course of business, we enter into underwriting commitments. Settlement of transactions relating to such underwriting commitments, which were open at December 31, 2017, had no material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

We also provide guarantees to securities clearinghouses and exchanges under their standard membership agreement, which requires members to guarantee the performance of other members. Under the agreement, if another member becomes unable to satisfy its obligations to the clearinghouse, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. Our liability under these agreements is not quantifiable and may exceed the cash and securities we have posted as collateral. However, the potential requirement for us to make payments under these arrangements is considered remote. Accordingly, no liability has been recognized for these arrangements.

Other Commitments

In the ordinary course of business, Stifel Bank has commitments to extend credit in the form of commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit, and lines of credit. See Note 22 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.

We have committed capital to certain entities, and these commitments generally have no specified call dates. We had $3.2 million of commitments outstanding at December 31, 2017.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We provide investment, capital-raising, and related services to a diverse group of domestic customers, including governments, corporations, and institutional and individual investors. Our exposure to credit risk associated with the non-performance of customers in fulfilling their contractual obligations pursuant to securities transactions can be directly impacted by volatile securities markets, credit markets, and regulatory changes. This exposure is measured on an individual customer basis and on a group basis for customers that share similar attributes. To reduce the potential for risk concentrations, counterparty credit limits have been implemented for certain products and are continually monitored in light of changing customer and market conditions. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have significant concentrations of credit risk with any one customer or counterparty, or any group of customers or counterparties.

Operating Leases

Future minimum commitments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands):

Certain leases contain provisions for renewal options and escalation clauses based on increases in certain costs incurred by the lessor. We amortize office lease incentives and rent escalation on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, was $104.5 million, $108.7 million, and $93.6 million, net of sublease income.

 

 

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NOTE 18 – Legal Proceedings

Our company and its subsidiaries are named in and subject to various proceedings and claims arising primarily from our securities business activities, including lawsuits, arbitration claims, class actions, and regulatory matters. Some of these claims seek substantial compensatory, punitive, or indeterminate damages. Our company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other reviews, investigations, and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory organizations regarding our business, which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions, and other relief. We are contesting allegations in these claims, and we believe that there are meritorious defenses in each of these lawsuits, arbitrations, and regulatory investigations. In view of the number and diversity of claims against our company, the number of jurisdictions in which litigation is pending, and the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other claims, we cannot state with certainty what the eventual outcome of pending litigation or other claims will be.

We have established reserves for potential losses that are probable and reasonably estimable that may result from pending and potential legal actions, investigations, and regulatory proceedings. In many cases, however, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or reasonably possible or to estimate the amount or range of any potential loss, particularly where proceedings may be in relatively early stages or where plaintiffs are seeking substantial or indeterminate damages. Matters frequently need to be more developed before a loss or range of loss can reasonably be estimated.

In our opinion, based on currently available information, review with outside legal counsel, and consideration of amounts provided for in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations. However, resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material effect on the results of operations in any future period, depending upon the ultimate resolution of those matters and depending upon the level of income for such period. For matters where a reserve has not been established and for which we believe a loss is reasonably possible, as well as for matters where a reserve has been recorded but for which an exposure to loss in excess of the amount accrued is reasonably possible, based on currently available information, we believe that such losses will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Broyles, et al. v. Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. et al. Matter

In December 2013, Stone & Youngberg, LLC (“Stone & Youngberg”) was named in an Amended Complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana alleging fraud on the part of Stone & Youngberg in connection with the 2007 formation of the Collybus CDO, which was manufactured by Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (“Cantor”) and purchased by Commonwealth Advisors (“CA”) on behalf of several CA funds (the “fund plaintiffs”), as well as in connection with, among other things, Stone & Youngberg’s facilitation of subsequent trades of Collybus CDO securities by CA on behalf of the CA funds during 2007 and 2008. In the Amended Complaint, the fund plaintiffs allege that they lost over $200.0 million during the financial crisis through mismanagement of the CA funds.

In addition to the claims asserted against Stone & Youngberg, the Amended Complaint seeks to hold our company and Stifel liable for Stone & Youngberg’s alleged wrongdoing under theories of successor and alter ego liability, arising out of our company’s purchase of the membership interests of Stone & Youngberg in 2011 and the subsequent operation of that business.

In a related action, approximately one dozen individual investors (the “individual plaintiffs”) brought a direct action against the Company and other defendants, seeking recessionary damages of approximately $90 million. The court ruled that the individual plaintiffs had no standing to pursue these claims because the CA funds are separately pursuing claims. The individual plaintiffs appealed that decision to the Fifth Circuit.

During December 2017, the fund plaintiffs, the individual plaintiffs, our company and our subsidiaries, including Stone & Youngberg, entered into a settlement agreement that resolved all outstanding litigation related to this matter.

 

NOTE 19 – Regulatory Capital Requirements

We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to capital requirements, which may limit distributions to our company from its subsidiaries. Distributions from our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to net capital rules. A broker-dealer that fails to comply with the SEC’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) may be subject to disciplinary actions by the SEC and self-regulatory organizations, such as FINRA, including censures, fines, suspension, or expulsion. Stifel has chosen to calculate its net capital under the alternative method, which prescribes that their net capital shall not be less than the greater of $1.0 million or two percent of aggregate debit balances (primarily receivables from customers) computed in accordance with the SEC’s Customer Protection Rule (Rule 15c3-3). Our other broker-dealer subsidiaries calculate their net capital under the aggregate indebtedness method, whereby their aggregate indebtedness may not be greater than fifteen times their net capital (as defined).

At December 31, 2017, Stifel had net capital of $273.0 million, which was 18.6% of aggregate debit items and $243.6 million in excess of its minimum required net capital. At December 31, 2017, all of our other broker-dealer subsidiaries’ net capital exceeded the minimum net capital required under the SEC rule.

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Our international subsidiaries are subject to the regulatory supervision and requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) in the United Kingdom. At December 31, 2017, our international subsidiaries’ capital and reserves were in excess of the financial resources requirement under the rules of the FCA.

Our company, as a bank holding company, and Stifel Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our company’s and Stifel Bank’s financial results. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, our company and Stifel Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Our company’s and Stifel Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Under the Basel III rules, the quantity and quality of regulatory capital increases, a capital conservation buffer was established, selected changes were made to the calculation of risk-weighted assets, and a new ratio, common equity Tier 1 was introduced, all of which are applicable to both our company and Stifel Bank. Various aspects of Basel III will be subject to multi-year transition periods through December 31, 2018.

Our company and Stifel Bank are required to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined), and under rules defined in Basel III, Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets. Our company and Stifel Bank each calculate these ratios in order to assess compliance with both regulatory requirements and their internal capital policies. At current capital levels, our company and Stifel Bank are each categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

To be categorized as “well capitalized,” our company and Stifel Bank must maintain total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the tables below (in thousands, except ratios).

Stifel Financial Corp. – Federal Reserve Capital Amounts

December 31, 2017

 

 

Stifel Bank – Federal Reserve Capital Amounts

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

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NOTE 20 – Interest Income and Interest Expense

The components of interest income and interest expense are as follows (in thousands): 

 

 

NOTE 21 – Employee Incentive, Deferred Compensation, and Retirement Plans

We maintain several incentive stock award plans that provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance award, stock units, and debentures to our employees. We are permitted to issue new shares under all stock award plans approved by shareholders or to reissue our treasury shares. Awards under our company’s incentive stock award plans are granted at market value at the date of grant. The awards generally vest ratably over a one- to ten-year vesting period.

All stock-based compensation plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Compensation Committee”), which has the authority to interpret the plans, determine to whom awards may be granted under the plans, and determine the terms of each award. According to these plans, we are authorized to grant an additional 6.7 million shares at December 31, 2017.

Stock-based compensation expense included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of operations for our company’s incentive stock award plans was $246.7 million, $190.1 million, and $142.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

As a result of the adoption of a new accounting standard on January 1, 2017, we recognized an excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $64.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. We adopted the new guidance prospectively. The tax provision related to stock-based compensation recognized in shareholders’ equity was $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and a benefit of $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

In response to the Tax Legislation that was enacted in December 2017, the Company offered certain employees the opportunity to participate in the conversion of certain restricted stock units into restricted stock pursuant to a Modification Award Agreement. Under the terms of the Modification Award Agreement, vesting of certain restricted stock will no longer be contingent upon continued employment but rather will vest so long as the employee is not engaged in certain competitive or soliciting activities as provided in the Wealth Accumulation Plan (the “Plan”). The conversion through acceptance of the Modification Agreement by the participating employees resulted in a charge of $55.9 million, which is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.  The fair value of these awards was based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of the grant of the awards.

In December 2017, the Company accelerated the vesting of certain outstanding debenture awards, resulting in a charge of $51.4 million, which is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017.

During 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors removed the continuing service requirements associated with restricted stock units that were granted to certain employees of Barclays in December 2015. As a result of the modification, the awards were expensed at date of modification, resulting in a charge of $58.6 million during 2016. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of the grant of the awards. These charges are included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

On June 5, 2015, certain employees were granted restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $23.8 million. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of grant. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were

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expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Stock Options

We have substantially eliminated the use of stock options as a form of compensation. During the year ended December 31, 2017, no options were granted. At December 31, 2017, we had 11,934 options outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $29.33.

At December 31, 2017, all outstanding options were exercisable. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were not material. Cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were not material for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Awards

A restricted stock unit represents the right to receive a share of common stock from our company at a designated time in the future without cash payment by the employee and is issued in lieu of cash incentive, principally for deferred compensation and employee retention plans. The restricted stock units vest on an annual basis over the next one to ten years and are distributable, if vested, at future specified dates. Restricted stock awards are restricted as to sale or disposition. These restrictions lapse over the next one to five years.

Our company grants Performance-based Restricted Stock Units (“PRSUs”) to its executive officers. Under the terms of the grants, the number of PRSUs that will vest and convert to shares will be based on our company's achievement of the pre-determined performance objectives during the performance period. The PRSUs will be measured over a four-year performance period and vested over a five-year period. The number of shares converted has the potential to range from 0% to 200% based on how our company performs during the performance period. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the service period based on the fair value of the award on the grant date. The Company’s pre-determined performance objectives must be met for the awards to vest. Employees forfeit unvested share units upon termination of employment with a corresponding reversal of compensation expense. At December 31, 2017, the total number of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards outstanding was 16.5 million, of which 12.3 million were unvested. At December 31, 2017, the total number of PRSU’s was 0.6 million, of which all were unvested.

A summary of unvested restricted equity award activity, which includes restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, for the year ended December 31, 2017 is presented below (in thousands, except weighted-average fair value):

 

 

At December 31, 2017, there was approximately $251.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost for restricted stock units and restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years. The fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock that vested or converted during the year ended December 31, 2017, was $185.8 million.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Wealth Accumulation Plan (the “Plan”) is provided to certain revenue producers, officers, and key administrative employees, whereby a certain percentage of their incentive compensation is deferred as defined by the Plan into company stock units and debentures. Participants may elect to defer a portion of their incentive compensation. Deferred awards generally vest over a one- to ten-year period and are distributable upon vesting or at future specified dates. Deferred compensation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Elective deferrals are 100% vested.

Additionally, the Plan allows Stifel financial advisors who achieve certain levels of production the option to defer a certain percentage of their gross commissions. As stipulated by the Plan, the financial advisors will defer 5% of their gross commissions. The mandatory deferral will be split evenly between company restricted stock units and a company fixed-rate cash debenture. They have the option to defer an additional 1% of gross commissions into company stock units with a 25% matching contribution

In addition, certain financial advisors, upon joining our company, may receive company stock units in lieu of transition cash payments. Deferred compensation related to these awards generally vests over a one- to eight-year period. Deferred compensation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the deferral period.

Employee Profit Sharing Plan

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Eligible employees of our company who have met certain service requirements may participate in the Stifel Financial Corp. Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”). Employees are permitted within limitations imposed by tax law to make pre-tax contributions to the Plan. We may match certain employee contributions or make additional contributions to the Plan at our discretion. Our contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan were $7.1 million, $6.5 million, and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 22 – Off-Balance Sheet Credit Risk

In the normal course of business, we execute, settle, and finance customer and proprietary securities transactions. These activities expose our company to off-balance sheet risk in the event that customers or other parties fail to satisfy their obligations.

In accordance with industry practice, securities transactions generally settle within two business days after trade date. Should a customer or broker fail to deliver cash or securities as agreed, we may be required to purchase or sell securities at unfavorable market prices.

We borrow and lend securities to facilitate the settlement process and finance transactions, utilizing customer margin securities held as collateral. We monitor the adequacy of collateral levels on a daily basis. We periodically borrow from banks on a collateralized basis, utilizing firm and customer margin securities in compliance with SEC rules. Should the counterparty fail to return customer securities pledged, we are subject to the risk of acquiring the securities at prevailing market prices in order to satisfy our customer obligations. We control our exposure to credit risk by continually monitoring our counterparties’ positions, and where deemed necessary, we may require a deposit of additional collateral and/or a reduction or diversification of positions. Our company sells securities it does not currently own (short sales) and is obligated to subsequently purchase such securities at prevailing market prices. We are exposed to risk of loss if securities prices increase prior to closing the transactions. We control our exposure to price risk from short sales through daily review and setting position and trading limits.

We manage our risks associated with the aforementioned transactions through position and credit limits and the continuous monitoring of collateral. Additional collateral is required from customers and other counterparties when appropriate.

We have accepted collateral in connection with resale agreements, securities borrowed transactions, and customer margin loans. Under many agreements, we are permitted to sell or repledge these securities held as collateral and use these securities to enter into securities lending arrangements or to deliver to counterparties to cover short positions. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of securities accepted as collateral where we are permitted to sell or repledge the securities was $2.4 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, and the fair value of the collateral that had been sold or repledged was $233.7 million and $268.5 million, respectively.

We enter into interest rate derivative contracts to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. Our derivative financial instruments are principally used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of our known or expected cash payments related to certain variable-rate affiliated deposits. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments. Our interest rate hedging strategies may not work in all market environments and, as a result, may not be effective in mitigating interest rate risk.

Derivatives’ notional contract amounts are not reflected as assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Rather, the market or fair value of the derivative transactions are reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition as other assets or accounts payable and accrued expenses, as applicable.

For a complete discussion of our activities related to derivative instruments, see Note 14 in the notes to consolidated financial statements.

In the ordinary course of business, Stifel Bank has commitments to originate loans, standby letters of credit, and lines of credit. Commitments to originate loans are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established by the contract. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since a portion of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if necessary, is based on the credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, commercial real estate, and residential real estate.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Stifel Bank had outstanding commitments to originate loans aggregating $160.2 million and $205.8 million, respectively. The commitments extended over varying periods of time, with all commitments at December 31, 2017, scheduled to be disbursed in the following three months.

Through Stifel Bank, in the normal course of business, we originate residential mortgage loans and sell them to investors. We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that have been sold to investors in the event there are breaches of certain representations and warranties contained within the sales agreements. We may be required to repurchase mortgage loans that were sold to investors in the event that there was inadequate underwriting or fraud, or in the event that the loans become delinquent shortly after they are

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originated. We also may be required to indemnify certain purchasers and others against losses they incur in the event of breaches of representations and warranties and in various other circumstances, and the amount of such losses could exceed the repurchase amount of the related loans. Consequently, we may be exposed to credit risk associated with sold loans.

Standby letters of credit are irrevocable conditional commitments issued by Stifel Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Financial standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing, and similar transactions. Performance standby letters of credit are issued to guarantee performance of certain customers under non-financial contractual obligations. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Should Stifel Bank be obligated to perform under the standby letters of credit, it may seek recourse from the customer for reimbursement of amounts paid. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Stifel Bank had outstanding letters of credit totaling $82.5 million and $88.9 million, respectively. A majority of the standby letters of credit commitments at December 31, 2017, have expiration terms that are less than one year.

Lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Lines of credit generally have fixed expiration dates. Stifel Bank uses the same credit policies in granting lines of credit as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Stifel Bank had granted unused lines of credit to commercial and consumer borrowers aggregating $590.5 million and $492.5 million, respectively.

 

 

NOTE 23 – Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): 

 

Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with our company’s effective income tax rate is as follows (in thousands): 

 

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Tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards that comprise significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands): 

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Legislation”) was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date.

The Company has calculated an estimate of the impact of the Tax Legislation in its year end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the Tax Legislation and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result has recorded $42.4 million as an additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted. The provisional amount related to the re-measurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future.  In addition, the Tax Legislation includes a one-time mandatory repatriation transition tax on the net accumulated earnings and profits of a U.S. taxpayer’s foreign subsidiaries. We have performed an initial earnings and profits analysis and have determined that there was no income tax effect in the current period, which we consider to be a provisional analysis.  In accordance with SAB 118, any subsequent adjustments to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.

Our net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017, includes net operating loss carryforwards of $334.3 million that expire between 2020 and 2037. Certain of our net operating loss carryforwards do not expire. A valuation allowance is recorded to the extent that it is more likely than not that any portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance was decreased by $4.5 million due to 1) an inactive foreign entity was formally dissolved and 2) a change in the federal tax rate as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the fourth quarter of 2017. We believe the realization of the remaining net deferred tax asset of $105.2 million is more likely than not based on the ability to carry back losses against prior year taxable income and expectations of future taxable income.

The current tax payable, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses, is $4.2 million and $16.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the Company has a tax receivable of $54.3 million, included in other assets, which is primarily attributable to tax deductions that the Company will realize as a result of the actions taken to maximize tax savings in response to the Tax Legislation that was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017 and prior year tax overpayments.

We have recorded income tax expense at U.S. tax rates on all profits, except for undistributed profits of our foreign subsidiaries that are considered indefinitely reinvested. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to indefinitely reinvested profits is not feasible. If management’s intentions or U.S. tax laws change in the future, there may be a significant impact on the provision for income taxes to record a change in the tax liability in the period the change occurs.

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Uncertain Tax Positions

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had $3.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of gross unrecognized tax benefits, all of which, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had accrued interest and penalties of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, before benefit of federal tax deduction, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on our consolidated statements of financial condition. The amount of interest and penalties recognized on our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, was not significant.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our company’s unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 

 

We file income tax returns with the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states, and certain foreign jurisdictions. We are not subject to U.S. federal examination for taxable years before 2012. We are not subject to certain state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for taxable years before 2010.

There is a reasonable possibility that the unrecognized tax benefits will change within the next 12 months as a result of the expiration of various statutes of limitations or for the resolution of U.S. federal and state examinations, but we do not expect this change to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

NOTE 24 – Segment Reporting

We currently operate through the following three reporting segments: Global Wealth Management, Institutional Group, and various corporate activities combined in the Other segment.

Our Global Wealth Management segment consists of two operating segments, the Private Client Group and Stifel Bank. The Private Client Group includes branch offices and independent contractor offices of our broker-dealer subsidiaries located throughout the United States. These branches provide securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance, as well as offering banking products to their clients through Stifel Bank. Stifel Bank segment provides residential, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as FDIC-insured deposit accounts to customers of our private client group and to the general public.

The Institutional Group segment includes institutional sales and trading. It provides securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions, with an emphasis on the sale of equity and fixed income products. This segment also includes the management of and participation in underwritings for both corporate and public finance (exclusive of sales credits generated through the private client group, which are included in the Global Wealth Management segment), merger and acquisition, and financial advisory services.

The Other segment includes interest income from stock borrow activities, unallocated interest expense, interest income and gains and losses from investments held, compensation expense associated with the expensing of restricted stock awards with no continuing service requirements in conjunction with recent acquisitions and the actions taken by the Company in response to the Tax Regulation enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017, amortization of stock-based awards, and all unallocated overhead cost associated with the execution of orders; processing of securities transactions; custody of client securities; receipt, identification, and delivery of funds and securities; compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; internal financial accounting and controls; and general administration and acquisition charges.

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Information concerning operations in these segments of business for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, is as follows (in thousands): 

 

The following table presents our company’s total assets on a segment basis at December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 

We have operations in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. Our company’s foreign operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary, SNEL. Substantially all long-lived assets are located in the United States.

Revenues, classified by the major geographic areas in which they were earned for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, were as follows (in thousands): 

 

 

NOTE 25 – Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted earnings per share include dilutive stock options and stock units under the treasury stock method.

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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data): 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the anti-dilutive effect from restricted stock units was immaterial.

 

 

NOTE 26 – Shareholders’ Equity

Share Repurchase Program

We have an ongoing authorization from the Board of Directors to repurchase our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. At December 31, 2017, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under this plan was 7.1 million. The repurchase program has no expiration date. These purchases may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, depending upon market conditions and other factors. Repurchased shares may be used to meet obligations under our employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we repurchased $13.0 million or 0.3 million shares using existing Board authorization at an average price of $43.83 per share to meet obligations under our company’s employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we repurchased $113.5 million or 3.4 million shares using existing Board authorization at an average price of $33.22 per share to meet obligations under our company’s employee benefit plans and for general corporate purposes.

Issuance of Common Stock from Treasury

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we issued 2.4 million shares of common stock from treasury.

Share issuances out of treasury during the year ended December 31, 2017, were primarily a result of the vesting and exercise transactions under our incentive stock award plans.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we issued 0.3 million shares of common stock from treasury, in aggregate, as part of the purchase consideration for our acquisitions of Eaton Partners, which closed on January 4, 2016, and ISM, which closed on May 3, 2016.

Issuance of Common Stock

On January 3, 2017, we issued 0.2 million shares related to the purchase of City Securities, Inc. See Note 3 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the acquisition.

On June 5, 2015, we issued 1.4 million shares related to the purchase of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. See Note 3 in the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the acquisition.

Issuance of Preferred Stock

On July 11, 2016, our company issued $150.0 million of perpetual 6.25% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1.00 par value, with a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share (equivalent to $25 liquidation preference per depositary share).

When, as, and if declared by the board of directors of the company, dividends will be payable at an annual rate of 6.25%, payable quarterly, in arrears. We may redeem the Series A preferred stock at our option, subject to regulatory approval, on or after July 15, 2021, or following a regulatory capital treatment event, as defined.

 

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NOTE 27 – Variable Interest Entities

Our company’s involvement with VIEs is limited to entities used as investment vehicles and private equity funds, the establishment of Stifel Financial Capital Trusts, and our issuance of a convertible promissory note.

We have formed several non-consolidated investment funds with third-party investors that are typically organized as limited liability companies (“LLCs”) or limited partnerships. These partnerships and LLCs have assets of $199.6 million at December 31, 2017. For those funds where we act as the general partner, our company’s economic interest is generally limited to management fee arrangements as stipulated by the fund operating agreements. We have generally provided the third-party investors with rights to terminate the funds or to remove us as the general partner. Management fee revenue earned by our company was insignificant during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. In addition, our direct investment interest in these entities is insignificant at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Thomas Weisel Capital Management LLC, a subsidiary of our company, acts as the general partner of a series of investment funds in venture capital and fund of funds and manages investment funds that are active buyers of secondary interests in private equity funds, as well as portfolios of direct interests in venture-backed companies. These partnerships have combined assets of $286.0 million at December 31, 2017. We hold variable interests in these funds as a result of our company’s rights to receive management fees. Our company’s investment in and additional capital commitments to the private equity funds are also considered variable interests. The additional capital commitments are subject to call at a later date and are limited in amount. Our exposure to loss is limited to our investments in, advances and commitments to, and receivables due from these funds, and that exposure is insignificant at December 31, 2017. Management fee revenue earned by our company was insignificant during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

For the entities noted above that were determined to be VIEs, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary, and therefore, we are not required to consolidate these entities. Additionally, for certain other entities, we reviewed other relevant accounting guidance, which states the general partner in a limited partnership is presumed to control that limited partnership. The presumption may be overcome if the limited partners have either: (1) the substantive ability to dissolve the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause, or (2) substantive participating rights, which provide the limited partners with the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of the limited partnership’s business and thereby preclude the general partner from exercising unilateral control over the partnership. If the criteria are not met, the consolidation of the partnership or limited liability company is required. Based on our evaluation of these entities, we determined that these entities do not require consolidation.

Debenture to Stifel Financial Capital Trusts

We have completed private placements of cumulative trust preferred securities through Stifel Financial Capital Trust II, Stifel Financial Capital Trust III, and Stifel Financial Capital Trust IV (collectively, the “Trusts”). The Trusts are non-consolidated wholly owned business trust subsidiaries of our company and were established for the limited purpose of issuing trust securities to third parties and lending the proceeds to our company.

The trust preferred securities represent an indirect interest in junior subordinated debentures purchased from our company by the Trusts, and we effectively provide for the full and unconditional guarantee of the securities issued by the Trusts. We make timely payments of interest to the Trusts as required by contractual obligations, which are sufficient to cover payments due on the securities issued by the Trusts, and believe that it is unlikely that any circumstances would occur that would make it necessary for our company to make payments related to these Trusts other than those required under the terms of the debenture agreements and the trust preferred securities agreements. The Trusts were determined to be VIEs because the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have adequate decision-making ability over the Trust’s activities. Our investment in the Trusts is not a variable interest, because equity interests are variable interests only to the extent that the investment is considered to be at risk. Because our investment was funded by the Trusts, it is not considered to be at risk.

 

 

NOTE 28 – Subsequent Events

We evaluate subsequent events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued. There are two types of subsequent events: (1) recognized, or those that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements, and (2) non-recognized, or those that provide evidence about conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose after that date.

 

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NOTE 29 – Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

 

 

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was carried out by the management of Stifel Financial Corp., with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Stifel Financial Corp., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our principal executive and principal financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013).

Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, we conclude that, as of December 31, 2017, our company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of our company; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our company’s assets that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing on the following page, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Stifel Financial Corp.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Stifel Financial Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).  In our opinion, Stifel Financial Corp. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Stifel Financial Corp. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and the related notes, and our report dated February 23, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

February 23, 2018

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

 

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding our Board of Directors and committees, our Corporate Governance, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to our Board of Directors is contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding the executive officers is contained in Part 1, Item 1, “Executive Officers of the Registrant,” hereof. There is no family relationship between any of the directors or named executive officers.

Under Section 303A.12 (a) NYSE Listed Company Manual, the CEO certification was submitted to the NYSE after the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding compensation of certain executive officers and directors (“Executive Compensation”), as well as “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” is contained in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2017, with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans. 

As of December 31, 2017, the total number of securities to be issued upon exercise of options and units consisted of 11,934 options and 14,799,674 units, for a total of 14,811,608 shares. Those shares are issuable pursuant to the Stifel Financial Corp. 2001 Incentive Stock Plan (2011 Restatement), the 2007 Incentive Stock Plan, and the Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

As of December 31, 2017, the remaining shares available for future grants or awards under equity compensation plans approved by the shareholders consist of 6,557,269 shares under the 2001 Incentive Stock Plan (2011 Restatement) and 114,795 shares under the Equity Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors, for a total of 6,672,064 shares.

The number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans reflects an adjustment to outstanding awards granted under the Stifel Financial Corp. 2001 Incentive Stock Plan (2011 Restatement) to net shares withheld in payment of tax withholding obligations, due to a recent determination by the Compensation Committee to satisfy tax withholding obligations through the cancellation of shares subject to an award.

If an outstanding award granted under the 2001 Incentive Stock Plan (2011 Restatement) expires or is canceled or forfeited without having been exercised in full, the number of shares underlying such unexercised award will again become available for issuance.

Additional information with respect to this Item, including information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management, is contained in “Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Ownership of Directors, Nominees, and Executive Officers,” included in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Security ownership of certain beneficial owners

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners is contained in “Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners,” included in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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Security ownership of management

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is contained in “Ownership of Directors, Nominees, and Executive Officers,” included in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is contained in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” and “Director Independence” included in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is contained in “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” included in our Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after our fiscal year-end, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

 

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following financial statements are included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and incorporated by reference hereto:

 

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules are omitted, since the required information is either not applicable, not deemed material, or is shown in the respective financial statements or in the notes thereto.

A list of the exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K is set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on February 23, 2018.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 23, 2018.

 

 

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