Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. today reported record net revenue of $1.2 billion in 2014, up 12 percent over 2013. It is the fifth consecutive record year the employee-owned financial firm has reported.
Baird provides wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management services to a global client base. It has 3,100 employees and more than $145 billion in client assets. In addition, Baird is ranked No. 5 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
Baird has increased its employee count by 29 percent over the past five years, during a time when the financial services industry as a whole grew by less than 4 percent. Over the past 10 years, the company’s stock value increased 195 percent.
Among its 2014 division highlights were: Private Wealth Management acquired McAdams Wright Ragen, adding more than 100 employees and $10 billion in client assets; Asset Management grew total fixed income and equity assets under management by more than 40 percent, to $31.9 billion; Global Investment Banking completed a record 222 advisory and financing transactions worldwide; Fixed Income Capital Markets continued to lead the country in the underwriting of municipal bonds; and Baird Capital raise a new capital fund totaling $185 million while bringing in $341 million in the year by exiting investments.
“Each of our businesses continued to excel in providing service and solutions to our clients, and several achieved records in key metrics and revenue,” said Paul Purcell, Baird chairman and chief executive officer. “Our results once again prove the value of our employee-owned model and our five complementary businesses that help diversify revenue and contribution.”
“Over the past 95 years, Baird has built a very durable business with a remarkable group of associate-owners who are motivated daily to serve our clients,” said Steve Booth, Baird president and chief operating officer. “With that strong foundation, we are exceptionally well positioned to capture opportunities that will allow Baird to continue to grow in a thoughtful way for our clients.”
