Oppenheimer and others take 2Q tumble

A host of financial services companies reported their earnings today, with only one firm boasting black ink on its ledger.
JUL 30, 2008
A host of financial services companies reported their earnings today, with only one firm boasting black ink on its ledger. Second-quarter earnings at Toronto-based Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. tumbled 90% on weakness in the credit markets and its acquisition of Toronto-based CIBC World Markets’ U.S. capital markets business. The New York-based division reported that net income for the quarter ended June 30 fell to $1.6 million, or 12 cents per share, from $15.8 million, or $1.16 per share, during the year-ago period. Fiserv Inc. reported an 8% decrease in second-quarter earnings despite an increase in processing and sales revenue. The Brookfield, Wis.-based provider of information management systems posted net income of $99 million, or 60 cents per share, compared with $1.08 million, or 64 cents per share, during the year-ago period. Lazard Ltd. posted a 5% increase in second-quarter profits on higher advisory and asset management fees. The Hamilton, Bermuda-based investment bank recorded second quarter net income of $64.6 million, or 54 cents per share, up from $61.5 million, or 53 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Assets under management totaled $134.1 billion at the end of the second quarter, representing a nominal decrease from $135.4 billion in assets during the year-ago period. Moody's Corp. posted a 48% decrease in earnings as demand for ratings services declined due to weak credit markets. The New York-based credit-rating agency recorded net income of $135.2 million, or 54 cents per share, up from $261.9 million, or 95 cents per share, during the year-ago quarter. MetLife Inc.’s second-quarter profits took a dive to $915 million, or $1.26 per share, a 19% slide from $1.13 billion, or $1.48 per share, in the comparable period last year. Also, the New York based insurer reported net realized investment losses of $233 million, 75% of which was related to the credit crunch. MetLife trimmed its predicted full-year earnings to a range of $5.70 to $5.90 per share, down from $5.90 to $6.20 per share. Genworth Financial Inc. of Richmond, Va. recorded a net loss of $109 million, or 25 cents per diluted share. That’s down from a net income of $379 million, or 84 cents, in the second quarter of 2007.

Latest News

Advisor moves: Atlas tops $1B as Wells Fargo, UBS add bank veterans
Advisor moves: Atlas tops $1B as Wells Fargo, UBS add bank veterans

Wells Fargo adds two bank-channel recruits, UBS lands a JPMorgan Chase veteran, and a multi-family office lifts Atlas past $1B

Advisor mom’s son used her password to log into clients’ accounts, sell deal with conflicts, according to Washington state
Advisor mom’s son used her password to log into clients’ accounts, sell deal with conflicts, according to Washington state

“The state comes down on you in years when you make 40% returns for clients,” said Bill Swayne, the advisor and son of Candace Swayne.

Osaic in talks with Anthropic as AI reshapes advisor workforce
Osaic in talks with Anthropic as AI reshapes advisor workforce

The Independent broker-dealer giant has had “active conversations” with the Claude maker, which is days away from its expected IPO

The retirement milestone advisors aren't tracking
The retirement milestone advisors aren't tracking

For Gen X clients entering life after work, answering the financial question isn't enough to solve the entire retirement equation.

Wealthtech firms target stock pay, pensions and heirs for advisors
Wealthtech firms target stock pay, pensions and heirs for advisors

Tools from Grantd, Income Lab and Healthspan Wealth aim to keep RIAs involved in clients’ biggest money decisions

SPONSORED Best Practices for Engaging Women Around Alternatives

Growing wealth, evolving priorities, and untapped opportunities are reshaping how women approach long-term investing.

SPONSORED Built on insurance experience to deliver on long-term promises

Knighthead Life entered the market with a competitive MYGA. A strong launch earned advisor confidence and paved the way for FIAs.