Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. announced today that it posted record net revenues of $1.3 billion in 2015, a 7 percent increase over 2014. It was the firm’s sixth consecutive year of record revenues.
Operating income totaled a record $154 million, up 14 percent from a year ago, and the firm’s 2015 return on book value, including a cash dividend paid to shareholders, was 13.2 percent.
Baird’s assets in client accounts grew to $151 billion, an 83 percent increase over the past five years.
“Baird’s platform of five complementary businesses has proven to be a durable model that has delivered strong results through multiple market cycles,” said Steve Booth, Baird president and CEO. “Additionally, our employee-owned model is a powerful advantage that gives us the ability to address our clients’ evolving needs and to help them succeed in an uncertain world.”
Baird said it has had 144 consecutive quarters of operating profitability.
Employment at Baird has increased 26 percent over the past five years, the company said.
Baird expanded its national footprint to 85 offices in 2015.
Baird’s Equity Research Team covered more than 725 companies at the end of 2015, an increase of 59 percent over the past decade.
Baird Capital, the firm’s private equity business, invested $130 million in seven new and 36 follow-on investments in 2015. The business also successfully exited eight investments and realized $272 million, primarily through these exits.
“Since we opened our doors in 1919, Baird has worked hard to build powerful partnerships with our clients, our associates and our communities,” said Paul Purcell, Baird chairman. “We know that a strong, dependable partner is essential in navigating uncertain times and we are deeply committed to providing our clients with honest insights, reliable service and a long-term view that can help them manage the increasing complexity of today’s environment.”
