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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | NOTE 2 – Summary of Signif icant 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 our bank subsidiaries maintain 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, 2024. 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. The brokerage client receivables 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. 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 asset-backed securities, consisting of collateralized loan obligation securities and student loan ARS. We evaluate each available-for-sale security where the value has declined below amortized cost. If our company intends to sell or believes it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security, it is written down to fair value through earnings. For available-for-sale debt securities our company intends to hold, we evaluate the debt securities for expected credit losses except for debt securities that are guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies where we apply a zero credit loss assumption. For the remaining available-for-sale debt securities, we consider qualitative parameters such as internal and external credit ratings and the value of underlying collateral. If an available-for-sale debt security fails any of the qualitative parameters, a discounted cash flow analysis is used by our company to determine if a portion of the unrealized loss is a result of a credit loss. Any credit losses determined are recognized as an increase to the allowance for credit losses through provision expense recorded in the consolidated statement of operations in provision for credit losses. Cash flows expected to be collected are estimated using all relevant information available, such as remaining payment terms, prepayment speeds, the financial condition of the issuer, expected defaults, and the value of the underlying collateral. If any of the decline in fair value is related to market factors, that amount is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. In certain instances, the credit loss may exceed the total decline in fair value, in which case, the allowance recorded is limited to the difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the asset. We separately evaluate our held-to-maturity debt securities for any credit losses. We perform a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate any credit losses, which are then recognized as part of the allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities, we have established a nonaccrual policy that results in timely write-off of accrued interest. See Note 7 for more information. Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income 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 income 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. Bank Loans, Net 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 loans held for investment and loans held for sale are described below. Loans Held for Investment 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 Bancorp. 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. Loans Held for Sale Certain residential mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market due to their fixed interest rate terms are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. The fair values of the residential mortgage loans held for sale are estimated using observable prices obtained from counterparties for similar loans. These nonrecurring fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We purchase the guaranteed portions of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and account for these loans at the lower of cost or estimated fair value. We then aggregate SBA loans with similar characteristics into pools for securitization and sell these pools in the secondary market. Individual SBA loans may be sold prior to securitization. The fair values of the SBA loans which have not yet been securitized are determined based upon their committed sales price, third-party price quotes, or are determined using a third-party pricing service. These nonrecurring fair value measurements are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Once the SBA loans are securitized into a pool, the respective securities are classified as trading instruments based on our intention to sell the securities and are carried at fair value. Sales of the securitizations are accounted for as of settlement date, which is the date we have surrendered control over the transferred assets. We do not retain any interest in the securitizations once they are sold. Gains and losses on sales of residential mortgage loans held for sale, SBA loans that are not part of a securitized pool, and corporate loans transferred from the held for investment portfolio, are included as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Unfunded Lending Commitments We have outstanding at any time a significant number of commitments to extend credit and other credit-related off-balance-sheet financial instruments such as revolving lines of credit, standby letters of credit, and loan purchases. Our policy is generally to require customers to pledge collateral at the time of closing. The amount of collateral pledged, if it is deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral securing unfunded lending commitments varies but may include assets such as marketable securities, accounts receivable, inventory, real estate, and income-producing commercial properties. In the normal course of business, we issue or participate in the issuance of standby letters of credit whereby we provide an irrevocable guarantee of payment in the event the letter of credit is drawn down by the beneficiary. These standby letters of credit generally expire in one year or less. If a letter of credit is drawn down, we would pursue repayment from the party under the existing borrowing relationship or would liquidate collateral, or both. The proceeds from repayment or liquidation of collateral are expected to satisfy the amounts drawn down under the existing letters of credit. Loan Modifications In the normal course of business, we may modify the original terms of a loan agreement. In certain circumstances, we may agree to modify the original terms of a loan agreement to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, which may include a borrower in default, financial distress, bankruptcy, or other circumstances. Modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are designed to reduce our loss exposure while providing borrowers with an opportunity to work through financial difficulties, often to avoid foreclosure or bankruptcy. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty typically involve principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay (i.e., payment or maturity forbearance greater than six months), or a term extension, or any combination thereof. Modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are subject to our nonaccrual policies. See the Nonperforming Loans section below for information on our nonaccrual policies. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2022-02 on October 1, 2023, loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, where such loans were restructured in a manner that granted a concession that would not normally be granted, were deemed to be troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Such loans were subject to our nonaccrual policies. Nonperforming Loans Nonperforming loans include those loans which have been placed on nonaccrual status and any accruing loans which are 90 days or more past due and in the process of collection. Loans of all classes are generally placed on nonaccrual status when we determine that full payment of all contractual principal and interest is in doubt or the loan is past due 90 days or more as to contractual interest or principal unless the loan, in our opinion, is well-secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrued and unpaid interest receivable is written off against interest income and accretion of the net deferred loan origination fees ceases. Most loans are returned to an accrual status when the loans have been brought contractually current with the original or amended terms and have been maintained on a current basis for a reasonable period, generally six months. However, corporate loans that have been partially charged off generally remain on nonaccrual status until such loans are fully repaid or sold. Bank Loan Charge-Off Policies Corporate loans are monitored on an individual basis, and loan grades are reviewed at least quarterly to ensure they reflect the loan’s current credit risk. When we determine that it is likely that a corporate loan will not be collected in full, the loan is evaluated for a potential write down of the carrying value. After consideration of a number of factors, including the borrower’s ability to restructure the loan, alternative sources of repayment, and other factors affecting the borrower’s ability to repay the debt, the portion of the loan deemed to be a confirmed loss, if any, is charged off. For collateral-dependent loans secured by real estate, the amount of the loan considered a confirmed loss and charged off is generally equal to the difference between the recorded investment in the loan and the collateral’s appraised value less estimated costs to sell. For commercial and industrial loans, we evaluate all sources of repayment to arrive at the amount considered to be a loss and charged off. Corporate banking and credit risk managers also meet regularly to review criticized loans (i.e., loans that are rated special mention or worse as defined by bank regulators). Additional charge-offs are taken when the value of the collateral changes or there is an adverse change in the expected cash flows. Substantially all residential mortgage loans over 60 days past due are reviewed to determine loan status, collection strategy and charge-off recommendations. Charge-offs are typically considered on residential mortgage loans once the loans are delinquent 90 days or more and then generally taken before the loan is 120 days past due. A charge-off is taken against the allowance for credit losses for the difference between the loan amount and the amount that we estimate will ultimately be collected, based on the value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. We predominantly use broker price opinions for these valuations. If a loan remains in pre-foreclosure status for more than nine months, an updated valuation is obtained to determine if further charge-offs are necessary. Allowance for Credit Losses The measurement of the allowance for credit losses, which includes the allowance for loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, is based on management’s best estimate of lifetime expected credit losses inherent in our company’s relevant financial assets. The expected credit losses on our loan portfolio are referred to as the allowance for loan losses and are reported separately as a contra-asset to loans on the consolidated statement of financial condition. The expected credit losses for unfunded lending commitments, including standby letters of credit and binding unfunded loan commitments, are reported on the consolidated statement of financial condition in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The provision for loan losses related to the loan portfolio and the provision for unfunded lending commitments are reported in the consolidated statement of operations in provision for credit losses. For loans, the expected credit loss is typically estimated using quantitative methods that consider a variety of factors, such as historical loss experience derived from proxy data, the current credit quality of the portfolio, as well as an economic outlook over the life of the loan. The life of the loan for closed-ended products is based on the contractual maturity of the loan adjusted for any expected prepayments. The contractual maturity includes any extension options that are at the sole discretion of the borrower. For open-ended products, the expected credit loss is determined based on the maximum repayment term associated with future draws from credit lines. In our loss forecasting framework, we incorporate forward-looking information using macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the assets. These macroeconomic scenarios include variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses. These variables include, but are not limited to, unemployment rates, real estate prices, gross domestic product levels, corporate bond spreads, and long-term interest rate forecasts. To estimate losses for contractual periods that extend beyond the forecast horizon, we revert to an average historical loss experience. As any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, we leverage multiple scenarios. The scenarios that are chosen each quarter and the amount of weighting given to each scenario depend on a variety of factors, including recent economic events, leading economic indicators, and industry trends. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is estimated using the same scenarios, models, and economic data as the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses includes adjustments for qualitative reserves based on our company’s assessment that may not be adequately represented in the quantitative methods or the economic assumptions described above. For example, factors that we consider include changes in lending policies and procedures, business conditions, the nature and size of the portfolio, portfolio concentrations, the volume and severity of past due loans and nonaccrual loans, the effect of external factors such as competition, and legal and regulatory requirements, among others. Further, we consider the inherent uncertainty in quantitative models that are built on historical data. As a result of the uncertainty inherent in the quantitative models, other quantitative and qualitative factors are considered in adjusting allowance amounts, including, but not limited to, the following: model imprecision, imprecision in macroeconomic scenario forecasts, or changes in the economic environment affecting specific portfolio segments that deviate from the macroeconomic forecasts. The evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Depending on changes in circumstances, future assessments of credit risk may yield materially different results from the prior estimates, which may require an increase or a decrease in the allowance for loan losses. 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. Internally developed software is amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation expense is recorded in occupancy and equipment rental in the consolidated statements of operations. Office equipment, leasehold improvements, and internally developed software are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Fixed assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Aircraft Engines Held for Operating Lease Aircraft engines held for operating lease are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and are included in fixed assets, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Certain costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of aircraft engines are capitalized as part of the cost of such assets. Major overhauls paid for by our company, which improve functionality or extend the original useful life, are capitalized and depreciated over the shorter of the estimated period to the next overhaul (“deferral method”) or the remaining useful life of the equipment. We do not accrue for planned major maintenance. The cost of overhauls of aircraft engines under long-term leases, for which the lessee is responsible for maintenance during the period of the lease, are paid for by the lessee or from reimbursable maintenance reserves paid to our company in accordance with the lease and are not capitalized. We depreciate aircraft engines on a straight-line basis over a 30-year period from the acquisition date to a 15% residual value. We review the useful life and residual values of all engines periodically as demand changes to accurately depreciate the cost of equipment over the useful life of the engines. 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 goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1 and on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. Evaluating goodwill for impairment requires management to make significant judgments, including, in part, the use of unobservable inputs that are subject to uncertainty. Goodwill impairment tests are performed at the reporting unit level, which is generally at the level of or one level below our business segments. Goodwill no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition once it has been assigned to a reporting unit. As such, all the activities of a reporting unit, whether acquired or organically developed, are available to support the value of the goodwill. For both the annual and interim tests, we have the option to either (i) perform a quantitative impairment test or (ii) first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, in which case the quantitative test would be performed. When performing a quantitative impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the goodwill impairment loss is equal to the excess of the carrying value over the fair value, limited to the carrying amount. The carrying value of each reporting unit is determined based on the capital allocated to the reporting unit. The estimated fair value of the reporting units is derived based on valuation techniques we believe market participants would use. The estimated fair values are generally determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow methodology or methodologies that incorporate price-to-book and price-to-earnings multiples of certain comparable companies for goodwill impairment testing. The Company performed impairment testing on October 1, 2024, with no impairment charges resulting from the annual impairment test. 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. In the event that the financial advisor is no longer affiliated with us, any unpaid balance of such loan becomes immediately due and payable to us. In determining the allowance for doubtful accounts related to former employees, management primarily considers our historical collection experience as well as other factors, including amounts due at termination, the reasons for the terminated relationship, and the former financial advisor’s overall financial position. When the review of these factors indicates that further collection activity is highly unlikely, the outstanding balance of such loan is written-off and the corresponding allowance is reduced. The aging of this receivable balance is not a determinative factor in computing our allowance for doubtful accounts, as concerns regarding the recoverability of these loans primarily arise in the event that the financial advisor is no longer affiliated with us. We present the outstanding balance of loans to financial advisors on our consolidated statements of financial condition, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $31.7 million and $26.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Derivative Instruments In order to mitigate the interest rate exposure associated with its customer transactions, the Company also enters into offsetting derivative transactions with derivative dealers. We recognize all of our derivative instruments at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition, with changes in fair value recorded through earnings in principal transactions, net. 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. Derivatives consist of interest rate swaps and options. Interest rate swaps are contractual agreements that convert the interest rate bases (i.e., fixed or floating) on an underlying financial asset or liability. Interest rate options grant the option holder the right to buy or sell an underlying financial instrument for a predetermined price before the contract expires. 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. 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 from investment banking activities consist of revenues earned from underwriting, primarily equity and fixed income securities and loan syndications, and advisory fees, primarily for mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings. Underwriting revenues are generally recognized on trade date if there is no uncertainty or contingency related to the amount to be paid. Advisory revenues from mergers and acquisitions engagements are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed, as the performance obligation is to successfully broker a specific transaction. Underwriting expenses are recognized as non-interest expense in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations, and any expense reimbursements are recognized as investment banking revenues (i.e., expenses are not netted against revenues). Advisory expenses are deferred only to the extent they are explicitly reimbursable by the client and the related revenue has not been recognized. All other investment banking advisory related expenses, including expenses incurred related to restructuring assignments, are expensed as incurred in the relevant non-interest expense line items. Asset management We earn management and performance fees in connection with investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual clients. Investment advisory fees are charged based on the value of assets in fee-based accounts and are affected by changes in the balances of client assets due to market fluctuations and levels of net new client assets. Fees are charged either in advance based on fixed rates applied to the value of the customers’ account at the beginning of the period or periodically based on contracted rates and account performance. Contracts can be terminated at any time with no incremental payments due to our company upon termination. If the contract is terminated by the customer fees are prorated for the period and fees charged for the post termination period are refundable to the customer. 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. Interest revenue We recognize interest revenue in the period earned based upon average or daily asset balances, contractual cash flows, and interest rates. Interest revenue represents interest earned on bank loans, investment securities, margin loans, trading inventory, cash and cash equivalents, securities borrowed transactions, and resale agreements. Operating Leases Our company enters into operating leases for real estate, office equipment, and other assets, substantially all of which are used in connection with its operations. We recognize, for leases longer than one year, 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 payments. The lease term is generally determined based on the contractual maturity of the lease. For leases where our company has the option to terminate or extend the lease, an assessment of the likelihood of exercising the option is incorporated into the determination of the lease term. Such assessment is initially performed at the inception of the lease and is updated if events occur that impact the original assessment. An operating lease right-of-use asset is initially determined based on the operating lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, lease incentives, and amounts paid at or prior to lease commencement. This amount is then amortized over the lease term. At December 31, 2024, the right-of-use assets are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, net with the corresponding lease liabilities included in lease liabilities, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 20 for information about operating leases. For leases where our company ceased using the space and management has concluded that it will not derive any future economic benefits, we record an impairment of right-of-use assets. Income Taxes 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 25 for additional 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. Gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of Stifel Financial Corp. shareholders’ equity, net of hedging activity. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Income Taxes In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 240): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which requires additional disclosure and disaggregated information in the Income Tax Rate reconciliation using both percentages and reporting currency amounts, with additional qualitative explanations of individually significant reconciling items. The updated guidance also requires disclosure of the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by jurisdictional categories (federal (national), state, and foreign). The accounting update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 (January 1, 2025 for our company), with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the updated guidance; however, it is not expected to have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. Income Statement Expenses In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03(“ASU 2024-03”), Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The guidance primarily will require enhanced disclosures about certain types of expenses. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 (January 1, 2027 for our company), and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and may be applied either on a prospective or retrospective basis. We are evaluating the impact of the accounting update on our disclosures. Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance Fair Value Measurement In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (ASU 2022-03), an update to ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in ASU 2022-03 clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The amendments require new disclosures related to equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions, including the fair value of such equity securities, the nature and remaining duration of the corresponding restrictions, and any circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restrictions. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2023 (January 1, 2024, for our company), and for the interim periods within those annual reporting periods. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Leases In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements,” which requires entities to classify and account for leases with related parties on the basis of legally enforceable terms and conditions of the arrangement. The accounting update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 (January 1, 2024, for our company). The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Segment Reporting In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” which requires enhanced disclosures for significant expenses by reportable operating segment. Significant expense categories and amounts are those regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) and included in the measure of a segment’s profit or loss. The updated guidance requires us to disclose the title and position of our CODM, including an explanation of how our CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The accounting update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of the accounting update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 26 for additional information on segment reporting.

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