Connecting capital with opportunity
As a leading investment bank, we enable growth and success for our
clients through deep sector expertise, candid advice and a differentiated,
highly productive culture.
OUR VALUES
We create and implement superior financial solutions for our clients.
Serving clients is our fundamental purpose.
We earn our clients' trust by delivering the best guidance and service.
Great people working together as a team is our competitive advantage.
As we serve, we are committed to these core values:
•
Always place our client interests first
•
Conduct ourselves with integrity and treat others with respect
•
Work in partnership with our clients and each other
•
Attract, retain and develop a diverse group of the best people in a high-quality, inclusive environment
•
Contribute our talents and resources to serve the communities in which we live and work
Financial highlights
Piper Sandler generated its second strongest year on record with adjusted net revenues of $1.9 billion and
adjusted earnings per diluted common share of $17.74 for 2025. Our results were driven by growth across all
business lines, record revenues in advisory services and strong operating discipline. In addition, we returned $239
million to our shareholders through dividends and share repurchases throughout the year.
Summary of Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Financial Results*
As of the date of this letter, March 20, 2026, the four-for-one forward split of our common stock has not yet been effected, therefore the accompanying financial
measures and per-share data do not reflect the impact of the stock split. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, for further information.
* Financial measures presented above and included in the following letter to our fellow shareholders are on a non-GAAP, adjusted basis. The non-GAAP measures
are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures. Please refer to the Appendix for a reconciliation of these
non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.
ADJUSTED NET REVENUES*
($ in millions)
ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS*
($ in millions, except per share data)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Adjusted net revenues
Advisory services
$443.3
$1,026.1
$776.4
$709.3
$808.7
$1,038.0
Corporate financing
295.3
362.8
125.3
131.1
173.9
217.2
Municipal financing
119.8
164.3
107.7
83.4
122.5
145.8
Equity brokerage
161.4
154.1
210.3
209.5
215.3
230.3
Fixed income services
196.3
233.5
195.0
168.0
186.2
202.9
Investment income
10.4
35.0
1.6
7.1
7.2
12.9
Interest income, net of expense
8.5
4.7
17.4
21.8
27.2
31.9
Adjusted net revenues
$1,235.0
$1,980.5
$1,433.7
$1,330.2
$1,541.0
$1,879.0
Adjusted operating income
$250.3
$550.0
$269.2
$212.9
$303.7
$410.7
Adjusted operating margin
20.3%
27.8%
18.8%
16.0%
19.7%
21.9%
Adjusted net income
$177.6
$399.0
$201.3
$166.4
$228.2
$318.1
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$10.02
$21.92
$11.26
$9.28
$12.69
$17.74
Total dividend per share related to
fiscal year adjusted net income
$3.10
$9.45
$3.65
$3.40
$5.50
$7.70
Total capital returned through share
repurchases and dividends paid
$50.1
$169.3
$294.9
$155.1
$140.2
$239.1
$1,235
$1,980
$1,434
$1,330
$1,541
$1,879
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
$10.02
$21.92
$11.26
$9.28
$12.69
$17.74
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2025 Annual Report | 1
In 2025 we celebrated the firm’s 130th anniversary and recorded our second strongest year on record. Providing
candid advice at every stage of our clients’ journey and guiding them through dynamic market conditions is the
cornerstone of our success. In 2025, Piper Sandler generated adjusted net revenues of $1.9 billion, a 22%
increase compared to the prior year. We continue to drive revenue growth while delivering increased profitability
and earnings. Our adjusted operating margin was 21.9%, one of the highest among our peer group. We generated
$318 million of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted common share of $17.74, both increasing
approximately 40% year-over-year. This year’s results demonstrate the strength of the diversified, durable platform
and our focus on operational excellence.
Our corporate investment banking revenues grew to $1.3 billion in 2025 – an increase of 28% from the prior year.
This growth was fueled by diverse sector contributions, with five out of seven industry teams growing revenues
compared to 2024, and a record performance in advisory services with over $1.0 billion of revenues. Advisory
services revenues increased 28% from 2024, outperforming the growth of our peer group. As we support our
clients’ growth and success, our transaction values have increased, which has driven higher average fees. In 2025
our completed advisory transactions totaled an aggregate value of $101 billion. We ranked as the No. 2 advisor
based on number of announced U.S. M&A deals up to $2 billion and ranked as a top five advisor for deals up to $5
billion. Financial services led sector performance, followed by healthcare and a record year from services &
industrials. Our performance within financial services was led by depositories, where we saw a resurgence in bank
M&A and proudly maintained our ranking as the No. 1 advisor in U.S. bank M&A based on the number of
announced transactions during 2025.
Alongside our established market leadership in M&A advisory, we have made substantial investments in our non-
M&A advisory capabilities, including debt capital markets, restructuring, private capital advisory and activist
advisory, to expand our ability to serve clients and increase market share. For several years, our non-M&A
advisory revenues have outpaced the growth of our M&A revenues on a percentage basis, accounting for more
than 25% of total advisory revenues this past year. Our debt capital markets advisory business is one of the
prominent groups contributing to this growth, having recorded its third consecutive year of record revenues,
benefiting from a broader and more diversified client base.
To our fellow shareholders:
2 | Piper Sandler Companies
KEY 2025 HIGHLIGHTS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO AND FURTHER UNDERSCORE THE FIRM’S
POSITIVE PERFORMANCE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
•
We drove significant operating leverage with our margin expanding by 220 basis points to 21.9%
in 2025.
•
We improved investment banking managing director productivity by 22% in 2025 and by 36% in
the last two years, and finished the year with 187 investment banking managing directors.
•
Our corporate financing revenues were $217 million, an increase of 25% over 2024. Our
performance was again driven by our healthcare franchise, which served as bookrunner on 37 of
the 38 equity deals priced during the year and participated in all six med-tech IPOs priced in the
market.
•
We recorded our second-best year on record in public finance. Municipal financing revenues of
$146 million grew 19% over last year and more than 70% over a two-year period, representing a
strong relative performance. We have seen solid, balanced activity between our governmental and
specialty businesses with strong contributions from our special district group, as well as in the
Midwest, California and Texas.
•
Piper Sandler generated record revenues of $230 million in equity brokerage, capitalizing on
increased volatility and volumes throughout the year. We have continued to diversify this business
by investing in both products and talent that expand our offerings to clients, including enhancing
our electronic trading platform and adding our private markets trading group.
•
In fixed income, we have invested in product specializations, specifically within structured
products, and continue to expand our sales force. These investments, along with healthy growth
across depository, asset manager and public entity client bases, led to our second strongest year
on record with $203 million in revenues.
•
We declared a special cash dividend of $5.00 per share of common stock for a total dividend
related to fiscal year 2025 of $7.70 per share of common stock. We also announced a four-for-one
forward split of Piper Sandler’s common stock – effective on March 23, 2026 – increasing liquidity
and making our stock more accessible to a wider range of investors.
•
Our total shareholder return for the five-year period ending December 31, 2025, inclusive of
dividends, was 294% which ranks No. 1 among our peer group and more than triple the return of
the S&P 500.
2025 Annual Report | 3
Looking Ahead
We have built a platform that elevates our earnings power throughout market cycles. Our commitment to deep
sector expertise has enabled us to build enduring, trusted client relationships and market leadership. This has
allowed us to deliver on our long-term objectives of driving revenue growth, increasing market share and
enhancing shareholder value.
To drive further growth, we will strive to:
•
Expand our business through strategic investments and selectively add talented partners who share our client-
centric culture and who can leverage our platform to better serve clients.
•
Grow our corporate investment banking revenues to $2 billion over the medium term through accretive
combinations, the development of internal talent and continued sector, product and geographic expansion with
a specific focus on:
–
Continuing the growth of our non-M&A advisory revenues
–
Increasing productivity per managing director by utilizing our broad product set and promoting further
cross collaboration across industry teams
–
Further leveraging our private capital advisory group, which performed well in its first full year on the
platform in 2025, to offer expanded product capabilities to private equity, our largest client base
–
Diversifying our equity capital markets business and expanding our market share in each of our industry
sectors
–
Allocating resources to European expansion by leveraging the strength of our U.S. franchises abroad
–
Investing in our technology investment banking platform as we look to increase our share of this sector's
significant fee pool
•
Enhance our public finance platform by developing high potential, next generation bankers and recruiting top-
tier talent that aligns with our strategy to strengthen our market leadership in key segments including
education, special districts and other specialty businesses.
•
Build a more durable and profitable equities platform through product and geographic expansion.
•
Grow fixed income revenues to $300 million in the medium term, by expanding product-specific expertise and
continuing to enhance our sales force.
At Piper Sandler, our people are our competitive advantage. Driven by a commitment to our clients’ success, our
team works hard every day to collaborate and partner in order to deliver the best solutions for our clients. We
thank our employees for their tireless efforts and our shareholders for your confidence in us. We are excited to
continue delivering value for our clients, our people and our communities.
Debbra Schoneman
President
Chad Abraham
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
4 | Piper Sandler Companies
Board of Directors
Chad R. Abraham
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Piper Sandler Companies
Jonathan J. Doyle
Vice Chairman and Head of Financial Services
Piper Sandler Companies
Stuart M. Essig
Former Chief Executive Officer and
Current Chairman of the Board
Integra LifeSciences Corporation
Ann C. Gallo
Former Senior Managing Director and Partner
Wellington Management Company, LLP
Victoria M. Holt
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Proto Labs, Inc.
Robbin Mitchell
Senior Advisor
Boston Consulting Group
Thomas S. Schreier Jr.
(Lead Independent Director)
Former Chairman
Nuveen Asset Management
Philip E. Soran
Former President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director
Compellent Technologies, Inc.
Brian R. Sterling
Former Managing Director
Piper Sandler Companies
Scott C. Taylor
Former Executive Vice President
and General Counsel
NortonLifeLock Inc. (formerly Symantec Corp.)
Leadership Team
Chad R. Abraham
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Debbra L. Schoneman
President
James P. Baker
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking
and Capital Markets
John Beckelman
Vice Chairman, Fixed Income Capital Markets
Katherine P. Clune
Chief Financial Officer
Michael R. Dillahunt
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking
and Capital Markets
Jonathan J. Doyle
Vice Chairman and Head of Financial Services
Christine N. Esckilsen
Chief Human Capital Officer
John W. Geelan
General Counsel and Secretary
J.P. Peltier
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking
and Capital Markets
Shawn C. Quant
Chief Information and Operations Officer
Thomas P. Schnettler
Vice Chairman of Piper Sandler & Co.
2025 Annual Report | 5
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report and the preceding letter to shareholders contains forward-looking statements, including
statements about our financial targets, growth objectives, strategy and business initiatives, and related timelines.
Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are
forward-looking statements and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. You
should read the cautionary notes on forward-looking statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2025. For information about these and the other risks, uncertainties and important factors
that could affect the firm’s future results and the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A
of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and updated in our subsequent
reports filed with the SEC (available at our website at www.pipersandler.com and at the SEC website at
www.sec.gov). Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and you are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on them. We undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future
events. In the letter to shareholders, the use of “medium term” means the three-to-five year period beginning in
2026.
We are hopeful that you, our shareholders, can help us transition to a fully digital Annual Report by not requesting paper copies of our Annual
Report and proxy materials. We thank you for your support.
6 | Piper Sandler Companies
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP financial measures to adjusted, non-GAAP
financial measures
The financial highlights and letter to shareholders include non-GAAP, or ‘‘adjusted,’’ financial measures. The
corresponding reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial
measures are included below.
Adjustments to these non-GAAP financial measures include (1) the exclusion of investment (income)/loss and
non-compensation expenses related to noncontrolling interests, (2) the exclusion of interest expense on long-term
financing from net revenues, (3) the exclusion of compensation and non-compensation expenses from acquisition-
related agreements, (4) the exclusion of restructuring and integration costs related to acquisitions and/or
headcount reductions, (5) the exclusion of amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, (6) the
exclusion of non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regarding compliance with recordkeeping
requirements for business-related communications, and (7) the income tax impact allocated to the adjustments.
The adjusted weighted average diluted shares outstanding used in the calculation of non-GAAP earnings per
diluted common share contains an adjustment to include the common shares for unvested restricted stock awards
with service conditions granted pursuant to all acquisitions since January 1, 2020.
Management believes that presenting results and measures on this adjusted basis alongside U.S. GAAP
measures provides the most meaningful basis for comparison of its operating results across periods, and
enhances the overall understanding of our current financial performance by excluding certain items that may not
be indicative of our core operating results. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to,
not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Appendix
NET REVENUES
A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net revenues to adjusted net revenues for the years ended December 31:
($ in millions)
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
U.S. GAAP net revenues
$1,899.4
$1,525.9
$1,348.0
$1,425.6
$2,031.1
$1,238.2
Adjustments:
Investment (income)/loss related to
noncontrolling interests
(20.4)
15.1
(22.9)
1.6
(59.1)
(12.9)
Interest expense on long-term financing
–
–
5.1
6.5
8.4
9.6
Adjusted net revenues
$1,879.0
$1,541.0
$1,330.2
$1,433.7
$1,980.5
$1,235.0
Note: amounts presented in the table above are rounded to millions and may not foot.
2025 Annual Report | 7
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP income from continuing operations before income tax expense to adjusted income
before adjusted income tax expense for the years ended December 31:
($ in millions)
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
U.S. GAAP income from continuing operations
before income tax expense
$374.5
$218.4
$122.6
$134.4
$441.5
$68.5
Adjustments:
Investment (income)/loss related to
noncontrolling interests
(20.4)
15.1
(22.9)
1.6
(59.1)
(12.9)
Interest expense on long-term financing
–
–
5.1
6.5
8.4
9.6
Non-compensation expenses related to
noncontrolling interests
7.7
8.5
9.4
7.9
7.2
4.0
Compensation from acquisition-related
agreements
32.7
48.7
51.1
87.5
116.8
113.4
Restructuring and integration costs
6.1
2.6
7.7
11.4
4.7
10.8
Amortization of intangible assets related to
acquisitions
10.0
10.3
19.4
15.4
30.1
44.7
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-
related agreements
–
3.1
(1.1)
4.5
0.2
12.1
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory
settlements
–
(3.0)
21.5
–
–
–
Adjusted operating income
$410.7
$303.7
$212.9
$269.2
$550.0
$250.3
Interest expense on long-term financing
–
–
(5.1)
(6.5)
(8.4)
(9.6)
Adjusted income before adjusted income tax
expense
$410.7
$303.7
$207.8
$262.7
$541.5
$240.7
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PIPER SANDLER COMPANIES
A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies to adjusted net income for the
years ended December 31:
($ in millions)
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
U.S. GAAP net income attributable to
Piper Sandler Companies
$281.3
$181.1
$85.5
$110.7
$278.5
$40.5
Adjustments:
Compensation from acquisition-related
agreements
24.7
38.5
40.6
66.7
93.1
85.9
Restructuring and integration costs
4.6
2.0
5.7
8.9
3.5
8.7
Amortization of intangible assets related to
acquisitions
7.3
7.6
14.3
11.8
23.6
33.4
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-
related agreements
–
2.3
(0.8)
3.3
0.2
9.0
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory
settlements
–
(3.3)
21.1
–
–
–
Adjusted net income
$318.1
$228.2
$166.4
$201.3
$399.0
$177.6
Note: amounts presented in the tables above are rounded to millions and may not foot.
8 | Piper Sandler Companies
EARNINGS PER DILUTED COMMON SHARE
A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP earnings per diluted common share to adjusted earnings per diluted common share
for the years ended December 31:
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
U.S. GAAP earnings per diluted common share
$15.82
$10.24
$4.96
$6.52
$16.43
$2.72
Adjustment for inclusion of unvested
acquisition-related stock
(0.14)
(0.20)
(0.38)
(0.60)
(1.62)
(1.89)
$15.68
$10.04
$4.58
$5.92
$14.81
$0.83
Adjustments:
Compensation from acquisition-related
agreements
1.39
2.17
2.36
3.93
5.49
5.76
Restructuring and integration costs
0.26
0.11
0.33
0.53
0.21
0.58
Amortization of intangible assets related to
acquisitions
0.41
0.43
0.83
0.69
1.40
2.24
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-
related agreements
–
0.13
(0.05)
0.19
0.01
0.61
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory
settlements
–
(0.19)
1.23
–
–
–
Adjusted earnings per diluted common share
$17.74
$12.69
$9.28
$11.26
$21.92
$10.02
WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING
A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP weighted average diluted common shares outstanding to adjusted weighted
average diluted common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31:
(Amounts in millions)
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
U.S. GAAP weighted average diluted common shares
outstanding
17.8
17.7
17.2
17.0
17.0
14.9
Adjustment:
Unvested acquisition-related restricted stock with
service conditions
0.1
0.3
0.7
0.9
1.3
2.8
Adjusted weighted average diluted common shares
outstanding
17.9
18.0
17.9
17.9
18.2
17.7
Note: share amounts presented in the table above are rounded to millions and may not foot.
2025 Annual Report | 9
Peer Group Performance
The peer group referenced within the annual shareholder letter includes Evercore Inc. (EVR), Houlihan Lokey, Inc.
(HLI), Lazard, Inc. (LAZ), Moelis & Company (MC) and PJT Partners Inc. (PJT). The peer group also includes the
Capital Markets segment of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF) and the Institutional Group segment of Stifel
Financial Corp. (SF) as these segments are a more direct comparison to Piper Sandler.
Financial measures are obtained from reports on file with the SEC or the company’s website and reflect the 12-
month period ending December 31, 2025.
Market Share Positions & Market Data
Market share positions and market data presented within the letter to shareholders are referenced from the
following independent sources:
MERGERMARKET
•
No. 2 advisor in U.S. M&A based on number of announced transactions during 2025 with a reported deal
value of < $2 billion
•
Top 5 advisor in U.S. M&A based on number of announced transactions during 2025 with a reported deal
value of < $5 billion
S&P CAPITAL IQ PRO
•
No. 1 advisor in U.S. M&A for banks & thrifts based on the number of announced transactions during 2025
•
Total shareholder return, inclusive of dividends, for the five-year period ending December 31, 2025 was 294%
for Piper Sandler; 150% for the Peer Group (i.e., average of EVR, HLI, LAZ, MC, PJT, RJF, and SF); and,
92% for the S&P 500
Page intentionally left blank
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, 2025
Commission File No. 001-31720
PIPER SANDLER COMPANIES
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)
Delaware
30-0168701
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
350 North 5th Street, Suite 1000
Minneapolis, Minnesota
55401-5711
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(612) 303-6000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
PIPR
The New York Stock Exchange
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
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 whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of
Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth
company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☑
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that
prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the
filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation
received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
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 17,203,212 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates based upon
the last sale price, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, of the Common Stock on June 30, 2025 was approximately $4.78 billion.
As of February 19, 2026, the registrant had 17,822,435 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference information (to the extent specific sections are referred to herein) from the
registrant's Proxy Statement for its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2026.
Table of Contents
Part I
Item 1.
Business
3
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
8
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
22
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity
23
Item 2.
Properties
24
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
24
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
24
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
25
Item 6.
Reserved
27
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
28
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
54
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
55
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
55
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 42)
56
Consolidated Financial Statements
59
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
64
Supplementary Data
108
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
109
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
109
Item 9B.
Other Information
109
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
109
Part III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
110
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
110
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters
110
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
110
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
110
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules
111
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
113
Signatures
114
2 | Piper Sandler Companies
Part I
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (this "Form 10-K") contains forward-looking
statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements other than
historical information or statements of current conditions and may relate to our future plans and objectives and results,
and also may include our belief regarding the effect of various legal proceedings, as set forth under "Legal Proceedings"
in Part I, Item 3 of this Form 10-K and in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). 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 Part I,
Item 1A of this Form 10-K, as well as those factors discussed under "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
Form 10-K and in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they
are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.
Item 1. Business.
OVERVIEW
Piper Sandler Companies is an investment bank and institutional securities firm, serving the needs of corporations,
private equity groups, public entities, non-profit entities and institutional investors in the United States ("U.S.") and
internationally. Founded in 1895, Piper Sandler Companies provides a broad set of products and services, including
financial advisory services; equity and debt capital markets products; public finance services; institutional brokerage
services; fundamental equity and macro research services; fixed income services; and alternative asset management
strategies. Our headquarters are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and we have offices across the U.S. and
international locations in London, Aberdeen, Munich, Paris, Zurich, Abu Dhabi Global Markets ("ADGM") and Hong
Kong.
OUR BUSINESS
We operate in one reportable segment providing investment banking services, institutional sales and trading services for
various equity and fixed income products, and research services. We are organized as one reportable segment in order
to maximize the value we provide to clients by leveraging our diversified expertise and broad relationships of the
experienced professionals across our company.
Investment Banking
For our corporate clients and financial sponsors, we provide advisory services, which includes mergers and acquisitions
("M&A"), equity and debt financings, equity and debt private placements, debt capital markets advisory, restructuring
and private capital advisory. We operate in the following focus sectors: healthcare; financial services; services and
industrials; energy, power & infrastructure; consumer; technology; and chemicals, primarily focusing on middle-market
clients. For our government and non-profit clients, we underwrite municipal issuances, provide municipal financial
advisory and loan placement services, and offer various over-the-counter derivative products. Our public finance
investment banking capabilities focus on state and local governments, cultural and social service non-profit entities,
special districts and development infrastructure, project finance, and the education, healthcare, hospitality, senior living,
housing and transportation sectors.
Piper Sandler Companies | 3
Equity and Fixed Income Institutional Brokerage
We offer both equity and fixed income advisory and trade execution services for institutional investors, corporations, and
government and non-profit entities. Integral to our capital markets efforts, we have equity sales and trading relationships
with institutional investors in North America and Europe that invest in our core sectors. Our fundamental equity research
analysts provide investment ideas and support to our trading clients on approximately 840 companies. Our macro
research teams provide a comprehensive overview of global trends, such as economic trends, as well as policy actions,
political developments and technical analysis. Fixed income services provides advice on balance sheet management,
investment strategy and customized portfolio solutions. We provide fixed income sales and trading solutions to banks,
registered investment advisors, public entities, credit unions, asset managers, and insurance companies. We principally
engage in trading activities to facilitate customer activity.
Alternative Asset Management Funds
We have created alternative asset management funds in merchant banking and healthcare in order to invest firm capital
and to manage capital from outside investors.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
As of December 31, 2025, the substantial majority of our net revenues and long-lived assets were located in the U.S.
COMPETITION
Our business is subject to intense competition driven by large Wall Street and international firms, regional broker
dealers, boutique and niche-specialty firms and alternative trading systems that effect securities transactions through
various electronic venues. Competition is based on a variety of factors, including price, quality of advice and service,
reputation, product selection, transaction execution, financial resources and investment performance. Many of our large
competitors have greater financial and technology resources than we have and may have greater capacity for risk and
potential innovation as well as more flexibility to offer a broader set of products and services than we can.
In addition, there is significant competition within the securities industry for obtaining and retaining the services of
qualified employees. Our business is a human capital business, and attracting and retaining employees depends,
among other things, on our company's culture, management, work environment, geographic locations and
compensation.
HUMAN CAPITAL
Piper Sandler Companies connects capital with opportunity to create value and build a better future, and our employees
have been critical to achieving this mission throughout our operating history of more than 130 years. We believe that
great people working together as a team are our competitive advantage, and it is crucial that we continue to attract and
retain talented employees. As part of these efforts, we strive to foster a community where everyone feels included and
empowered to do their best work; provide training, mentorship and development opportunities; offer a competitive
compensation and benefits program; and give employees the opportunity to give back to their communities.
As of December 31, 2025, we had 1,858 full-time employees, of which 1,735 were employed in the U.S. and 123 in the
United Kingdom ("U.K."), Germany, France, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Approximately 1,400 of our employees were
registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") as of December 31, 2025. One key metric we
use to benchmark our firm to industry peer companies is the number of investment banking managing directors. At
December 31, 2025, we had 187 corporate investment banking managing directors.
Recruitment and Talent Development
We believe that diverse teams with unique backgrounds, skills and experiences yield more innovative solutions. This is
reflected in our commitment to engage, hire and retain bright, committed people to work in partnership in an
environment that allows each person to achieve personal success and add value to our teams and communities.
We provide opportunities for employees to grow and build their careers through various training, mentorship and
development programs. Additionally, our employee resource groups, which are open to all employees, help develop
connections, build community and create opportunities for engagement. We also have a talent and succession planning
process, which is reviewed annually with our board of directors.
4 | Piper Sandler Companies
We maintain several programs and partnerships to help us broaden the pipeline to attract great talent, including summer
internships, the Career Exploration Program and community partnerships with organizations that focus on coaching,
training and mentoring college students with varied backgrounds and experiences. The Career Exploration Program is
designed to attract talented undergraduate students whose life experiences, demonstrated interests, and achievements
will contribute to our culture. This program serves as a direct pipeline for summer internship opportunities that have the
potential to convert to full-time positions.
Compensation and Benefits Program
Our compensation program is designed to attract, reward and retain employees who possess the skills necessary to
support our business objectives and assist in the achievement of our strategic goals. We provide employees with
competitive compensation packages that include base salary, annual incentive bonuses, restricted share awards, and
length of service awards. For further information on the restricted shares we grant to employees as part of year-end
compensation, see Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We also offer
benefits such as life and health (medical, dental and vision) insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and a 401(k)
plan with matching employer contributions. We also offer family support services, such as paid parental leave, fertility
benefits and adoption assistance, as well as various health and wellness programs. We believe our programs align both
individual employees and long-term company performance with shareholder interests.
Community Leadership
We are committed to contributing our talents and resources to serve the communities in which we live and work through
the Piper Sandler Foundation, various charitable campaigns, employee programs and volunteerism. We believe this
commitment assists in our efforts to attract and retain employees. In 2025, we donated a total of $8.0 million through
employee donations, our corporate matching gifts programs and corporate grants. Piper Sandler Companies matches
each employee's donations up to $5,000. In 2025, our employees supported 1,940 causes. We also have a volunteer
rewards program that provides each employee up to $1,000 of financial support to the causes where our employees
volunteer their time.
REGULATION
As a participant in the financial services industry, our business is regulated by U.S. federal and state regulatory
agencies, by self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") and securities exchanges, and by foreign governmental agencies,
financial regulatory bodies and securities exchanges. We are subject to complex and extensive regulation of most
aspects of our business, including the manner in which securities transactions are effected, net capital requirements,
financial and electronic recordkeeping and reporting procedures, relationships and conflicts with customers, conduct,
experience and training requirements for certain employees, and the manner in which we prevent and detect money-
laundering and bribery activities. The regulatory framework of the financial services industry is designed primarily to
safeguard the integrity of the capital markets and to protect customers, not creditors or shareholders.
The laws, rules and regulations comprising this regulatory framework can (and do) change frequently, as can the
interpretation and enforcement of existing laws, rules and regulations. Conditions in the global financial markets and
economy can cause legislators and regulators to increase the examination, enforcement and rule-making activity
directed toward the financial services industry. The intensity of the regulatory environment may correlate with the level
and nature of our legal proceedings for a given period, and increased intensity could have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our U.S. broker dealer subsidiary (Piper Sandler & Co.) is registered as a securities broker dealer with the SEC and is a
member of various SROs and securities exchanges. FINRA serves as the primary SRO of Piper Sandler & Co., and the
New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") has oversight over NYSE-related market activities. FINRA regulates many aspects
of our U.S. broker dealer business, including registration, education and conduct of our broker dealer employees,
examinations, rulemaking, enforcement of these rules and the federal securities laws, trade reporting and the
administration of dispute resolution between investors and registered firms. We have agreed to abide by the rules of
FINRA (as well as those of the NYSE and other SROs), and FINRA has the power to expel, fine and otherwise discipline
Piper Sandler & Co. and its officers, directors and employees. Among the rules that apply to Piper Sandler & Co. are the
uniform net capital rule of the SEC (Rule 15c3-1) and the net capital rule of FINRA. Both rules set a minimum level of
net capital a broker dealer must maintain and require that a portion of the broker dealer's assets be relatively liquid.
Under the applicable FINRA rule, FINRA may prohibit a member firm from expanding its business or paying cash
dividends if resulting net capital falls below FINRA requirements. In addition, Piper Sandler & Co. is subject to certain
notification requirements related to withdrawals of excess net capital. As a result of these rules, our ability to make
Piper Sandler Companies | 5
withdrawals of capital from Piper Sandler & Co. may be limited. In addition, Piper Sandler & Co. is licensed as a broker
dealer in each of the 50 states, requiring us to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations of each state. Any
state may revoke a license to conduct a securities business and fine or otherwise discipline broker dealers and their
officers, directors and employees.
We also operate entities in various international jurisdictions, and these entities are subject to regulation by the relevant
international authorities, including the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K., the German Federal Financial
Supervisory Authority, the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and the Guernsey Financial Services
Commission ("GFSC"). These authorities regulate these entities (in their respective jurisdictions) in areas of capital
adequacy, customer protection and business conduct, among others.
Entities in the jurisdictions identified above are also subject to anti-money laundering regulations. Piper Sandler & Co. is
subject to the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, which contains anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and
mandates the implementation of various regulations requiring us to implement standards for verifying client identification
at the time the client relationship is initiated, monitoring client transactions and reporting suspicious activity. Our entities
in the U.K., Germany, ADGM, Hong Kong and Guernsey are subject to similar anti-money laundering laws and
regulations in those jurisdictions. We are also subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as well as other anti-
bribery and anti-corruption laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These laws generally prohibit companies and
their intermediaries from engaging in bribery or making other improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of
obtaining or retaining business or gaining an unfair business advantage.
We maintain subsidiaries that are registered as investment advisors with the SEC and subject to regulation and
oversight by the SEC. PSC Capital Partners LLC and Piper Heartland Healthcare Capital LLC are asset management
subsidiaries and registered investment advisors. As registered investment advisors, these entities are subject to
requirements that relate to, among other things, fiduciary duties to clients, maintaining an effective compliance program,
solicitation agreements, conflicts of interest, financial and electronic recordkeeping and reporting requirements,
disclosure requirements, limitations on agency cross and principal transactions between the advisor and advisory
clients, as well as general anti-fraud prohibitions. Piper Sandler & Co. is also a registered investment advisor and
subject to these requirements. Parallel General Partner Limited is the general partner of several private equity limited
partnerships; it and the limited partnerships are registered and regulated by the GFSC.
Certain of our businesses also are subject to compliance with laws and regulations of U.S. federal and state
governments, non-U.S. governments, their respective agencies or various SROs or exchanges governing the privacy of
client information, as applicable. Any failure with respect to our practices, procedures and controls in any of these areas
could subject us to regulatory consequences, including fines, and potentially other significant liabilities.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Information regarding our executive officers and their ages as of February 19, 2026, are as follows:
Name
Age
Position(s)
Chad R. Abraham
57
Chief Executive Officer
Debbra L. Schoneman
57
President
Katherine P. Clune
45
Chief Financial Officer
James P. Baker
58
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets
Michael R. Dillahunt
57
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets
Jonathan J. Doyle
60
Vice Chairman and Head of Financial Services Group
John W. Geelan
50
General Counsel and Secretary
Jean-Paul M. Peltier
52
Global Co-Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets
6 | Piper Sandler Companies
Chad R. Abraham is our chief executive officer, a position he has held since January 2018. He previously served as
global co-head of investment banking and capital markets from October 2010 to December 2017. Prior to that, he
served as head of equity capital markets since November 2005. Mr. Abraham joined Piper Sandler Companies in 1991
in our investment banking group and was promoted to managing director and head of technology investment banking in
1999.
Debbra L. Schoneman is our president, a position she has held since January 2018. She previously served as chief
financial officer from May 2008 to December 2017, and global head of equities from June 2017 to December 2017. Prior
to that, she served as treasurer from August 2006 until May 2008; and as finance director of our corporate and
institutional services business from July 2002 until July 2004 when the role was expanded to include our public finance
services division. Ms. Schoneman joined Piper Sandler Companies in 1990 in our accounting department.
Katherine P. Clune is our chief financial officer, a position she has held since January 2024. She most recently served
as senior vice president of finance from November 2023 to January 2024. Before joining Piper Sandler Companies, Ms.
Clune was treasurer and head of planning and strategy at Evercore Inc., from June 2022 to November 2023, and global
head of financial planning and analysis at Morgan Stanley from June 2020 to June 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Clune served
in various capacities with Morgan Stanley from 2005 through June 2022, including global head, liquidity coverage and
planning, and chief financial officer, U.S. banks.
James P. Baker is our global co-head of investment banking and capital markets, a position he has held since January
2019. Prior to that, he served as our co-head of energy investment banking from February 2016 to December 2018. Mr.
Baker joined Piper Sandler Companies in February 2016 in connection with our acquisition of Simmons & Company
International, where Mr. Baker came to serve as a managing director and leader of its midstream/downstream
investment banking group after joining in 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Baker was a director and chief financial officer at Koch
Industries and led corporate finance and corporate development for Koch’s energy businesses, and a director for Alton
Geoscience where he provided consulting services to refining and marketing companies on the West Coast.
Michael R. Dillahunt is our global co-head of investment banking and capital markets, a position he has held since
March 2021. Prior to that, he served as co-head of our services and industrials group from 2011 to 2020, and as vice
chairman of investment banking and chairman of M&A and private equity coverage from 2020 to March 2021. Mr.
Dillahunt joined Piper Sandler Companies in 1998, prior to which he had been an M&A and corporate attorney at
Milbank LLP.
Jonathan J. Doyle is our vice chairman, senior managing principal and head of the financial services group, a position
he has held since January 2020. Mr. Doyle joined Piper Sandler Companies in connection with our acquisition of
Sandler O'Neill, where Mr. Doyle served as a senior managing principal since January 2012, and partner since January
1995. Mr. Doyle began his career at Marine Midland Bank.
John W. Geelan is our general counsel and secretary. He served as assistant general counsel and assistant secretary
from November 2007 until becoming general counsel in January 2013. Mr. Geelan joined Piper Sandler Companies in
2005.
Jean-Paul (J.P.) M. Peltier is our global co-head of investment banking and capital markets, a position he has held
since January 2026. Prior to that, he served as our global co-head of healthcare investment banking since 2013. Mr.
Peltier joined Piper Sandler Companies in 1995 in our healthcare investment banking group. From 2003 to 2007, Mr.
Peltier served as vice president of corporate development at HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate,
and president of HomeServices Financial. Mr. Peltier returned to Piper Sandler in 2007 as a managing director in our
healthcare investment banking group.
Piper Sandler Companies | 7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Our principal executive offices are located at 350 North Street, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, and our
general telephone number is (612) 303-6000. We maintain an Internet Web site at http://www.pipersandler.com. The
information contained on and connected to our Web site is not incorporated into this Form 10-K. We make available free
of charge on or through our Web site our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and all other reports we file with the SEC, as soon as
reasonably practicable after we electronically file these reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Such reports are also
available on the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. "Piper Sandler," the "Company," "registrant," "we," "us" and "our"
refer to Piper Sandler Companies and our subsidiaries. The Piper Sandler logo and the other trademarks, tradenames
and service marks of Piper Sandler Companies mentioned in this report or elsewhere, including, but not limited to,
PIPER SANDLER®, PIPER JAFFRAY®, REALIZE THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP®, CORNERSTONE MACROSM,
SIMMONS ENERGY A DIVISION OF PIPER SANDLER®, SIMMONS ENERGY A DIVISION OF PIPER JAFFRAY®,
SIMMONS ENERGY®, SIMMONS & COMPANY INTERNATIONAL®, SIMMONSCO-INTL®, PIPER SANDLER
FINANCESM, BIOINSIGHTS®, TAKING STOCK WITH TEENS®, AVIDITI®, AVIDITI ADVISORS®, GUIDES FOR YOUR
JOURNEY® and GUIDES FOR THE JOURNEY®, are the property of Piper Sandler & Co., a subsidiary of Piper Sandler
Companies.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In the normal course of our business activities, we are exposed to a variety of strategic risks, market risks, human
capital risks, liquidity risks, credit risks, operational risks, and legal and regulatory risks. A description of each of these
principal areas of risk, as well as the primary risk management processes that we use to mitigate our risk exposure in
each, is discussed below under the caption "Risk Management" included in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K.
The following discussion sets forth risk factors that we have identified in each principal area of risk as being the most
material to our business, future financial condition, and results of operations. Although we discuss these risk factors
primarily in the context of their potential effects on our business, financial condition or results of operations, it should be
understood that these effects can have further negative implications such as: reducing the price of our common stock;
reducing our capital, which can have regulatory and other consequences; affecting the confidence that our clients and
other counterparties have in us, with a resulting negative effect on our ability to conduct and grow our business; and
reducing the attractiveness of our securities to potential purchasers, which may adversely affect our ability to raise
capital and secure other funding or the prices at which we are able to do so. Further, additional risks beyond those
discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K or in other of our reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC could
adversely affect us. We cannot provide assurance that the risk factors herein or elsewhere in our other reports filed with,
or furnished to, the SEC address all potential risks that we may face.
These risk factors also serve to describe factors which may cause our results to differ materially from those described in
forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K or in other documents or statements that make reference to this
Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements, as further described in this Form 10-K under the heading "Cautionary Note
Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and other factors that may affect future results are discussed below under
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of this Form
10-K.
8 | Piper Sandler Companies
STRATEGIC AND MARKET RISK
Our business success depends in large part upon the strategic decisions made by our executive management, the
alignment of business plans developed to act upon those decisions, and the quality of implementation of these business
plans. Strategic risk represents the risk associated with our executive management failing to develop and execute on
the appropriate strategic vision which demonstrates a commitment to our culture, leverages our core competencies,
appropriately responds to external factors in the marketplace, and is in the best interests of our company. In setting out
and executing upon a strategic vision for our business, we are faced with a number of inherent risks, including risks
relating to external events, market and economic conditions, competition, and business performance that could all
negatively affect our ability to execute on our strategic decisions and, therefore, our future financial condition or results
of operations. The risks related to external events and overall market and economic conditions are referred to as market
risk. The following are material risk factors that could pose a risk to our strategic vision, and the market risks that may
impact execution of our strategy.
Developments in market and economic conditions have in the past adversely affected, and may in the future
adversely affect, our business and profitability and cause volatility in our results of operations.
Economic and market conditions have had, and will continue to have, a direct and material impact on our results of
operations and financial condition because performance in the financial services industry is heavily influenced by the
overall strength of economic conditions and financial market activity. For example:
•
In 2025, our business performed well against a backdrop of strong equity markets and a significant overall increase
in investment banking activity from 2024. Nevertheless, at certain times during the year, financial market activity
declined in response to uncertainty around U.S. policy, especially the use or threatened use of tariffs, and potential
responses by major trading partners. We believe that market conditions in 2026 will be dependent on several
factors, including U.S. tariff policy and trade disputes with major trading partners, including the European Union and
China, a continued moderation of the pace of inflation, the ability of the U.S. Federal Reserve to continue to cut
interest rates, market confidence in the independence of the Federal Reserve, the effects of, or market uncertainty
concerning the effects of other policies or executive orders of the U.S. presidential administration, and the effects of
macroeconomic or political uncertainty in the U.S. or abroad. Widespread concern or doubts in the market about
U.S. or global economic conditions, the potential for financial contagion or widespread corporate or government
defaults, the possibility of the broader outbreak of armed conflict in the Middle East or Eastern Europe, geopolitical
tensions concerning Taiwan, or the pace, impact, or effectiveness of the actions by the U.S. Federal Reserve with
respect to interest rates, or the efficacy or adequacy of government measures enacted to support the U.S. and
global economy, could erode the outlook for macroeconomic conditions, economic growth, and business
confidence, which would negatively impact our businesses.
•
Our investment banking revenues from our advisory and equity capital markets businesses are directly related to
macroeconomic conditions and corresponding financial market activity. Our investment banking business overall,
but especially our capital markets business, benefits from cycles of strong financial market activity and company
valuations. As an example, a significant portion of our investment banking revenues in recent years has been
derived from advisory and capital markets engagements in our focus sectors and from financial sponsor clients, and
activity in these areas is highly correlated to market conditions and the macroeconomic environment. During
periods of heightened economic uncertainty, financial market activity can significantly decline, and our business
may suffer reduced revenues as a result. If the outlook for macroeconomic conditions in 2026 were to deteriorate,
the level of financial market activity could significantly decrease, which would reduce our investment banking
revenues more generally. In addition, market volatility or uncertainty related to a decline in the U.S. or global
macroeconomic outlook could cause financial market activity to decrease, which would also negatively affect our
investment banking revenues. Global macroeconomic conditions and U.S. financial markets also remain vulnerable
to the potential risks posed by exogenous shocks, which could include, among other things, political or social unrest
or economic uncertainty in the U.S. and the European Union, including the potential for financial contagion or
widespread corporate or government defaults, widespread uncertainty concerning the impact of artificial intelligence
on company or sector valuations, renewed concern about China's economy or financial sector, the wider outbreak
of armed conflict in the Middle East or Eastern Europe, geopolitical tensions concerning Taiwan, and complications
involving terrorism and armed conflicts around the world, or other challenges to global trade. More generally,
because our business is closely correlated to the macroeconomic outlook, a significant deterioration in that outlook
or an exogenous shock would likely have an immediate and significant negative impact on our investment banking
business and our overall results of operations.
Piper Sandler Companies | 9
It is difficult to predict the economic and market conditions for 2026, which are dependent upon global and U.S.
economic conditions and geopolitical events globally. Our smaller scale and the cyclical nature of the economy and the
financial services industry leads to volatility in our financial results, including our operating margins, compensation
ratios, business mix, and revenue and expense levels. Our financial performance may be limited by the fixed nature of
certain expenses, the impact from unanticipated losses or expenses during the year, our business mix, and the inability
to scale back costs in a timeframe to match decreases in revenue-related changes in market and economic conditions.
As a result, our financial results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year.
Developments in specific business sectors and markets in which we conduct our business have in the past
adversely affected, and may in the future adversely affect, our business and profitability.
Our results for a particular period may be disproportionately impacted by declines in specific sectors of the U.S. or
global economy, or for certain products within the financial services industry, due to our business mix and focus areas.
For example:
•
Our investment banking business focuses on specific sectors, including healthcare, financial services, services and
industrials, energy, power & infrastructure, consumer, technology, and chemicals. Volatility, uncertainty, or
slowdowns in any of these sectors may adversely affect our business, sometimes disproportionately, and may
cause volatility in the net revenues we receive from our corporate advisory and capital markets activities. Both the
healthcare and financial services sectors are significant contributors to our overall results, and negative
developments in either of these sectors, including negative developments that result from legislative or regulatory
actions, would materially and disproportionately impact our investment banking results, even if general economic
conditions were strong. In addition, we may not participate, or may participate to a lesser degree than other firms, in
sectors that experience significant activity, such as real estate, and our operating results may not correlate with the
results of other firms that participate in these sectors.
•
Our public finance investment banking business depends heavily upon conditions in the municipal market. It
focuses on investment banking activity in sectors that include state and local governments, cultural and social
service non-profit entities, special districts and development infrastructure, project finance, and the education,
healthcare, hospitality, senior living, housing and transportation sectors, with an emphasis on transactions with a
par value of $500 million or less. Challenging market conditions for these sectors that are disproportionately worse
than those impacting the broader economy or municipal markets generally may adversely impact our business.
Further, the enactment, or the threat of enactment, of any legislation that alters the financing alternatives available
to local or state governments or tax-exempt organizations through the elimination or reduction of tax-exempt bonds
could have a negative impact on our results of operations in these businesses. In addition, our public finance
banking business is currently concentrated in the middle market, and to the extent that market conditions for our
clients results in lower activity as compared to larger issuers, our results of operations will be negatively impacted.
•
Our fixed income institutional brokerage business derives its revenue from sales and trading activity in the
municipal and taxable markets and from U.S. government agency products. Our operating results for our fixed
income institutional brokerage business may not correlate with the results of other firms or the fixed income market
generally because we do not participate in significant segments of the fixed income markets such as credit default
swaps, corporate high-yield bonds, currencies or commodities. Our client activity in the fixed income institutional
brokerage business is currently concentrated in the depositories sector.
Financing and advisory services engagements are transactional in nature and do not generally provide for
subsequent engagements.
Even though we work to represent our clients at every stage of their lifecycle, we are typically retained on a short-term,
engagement-by-engagement basis in connection with specific advisory or capital markets transactions. As a
consequence, the timing of when fees are earned varies, and, therefore, our financial results from advisory and capital
markets activities may experience volatility quarter to quarter based on equity market conditions as well as the
macroeconomic business cycle more broadly. In particular, our revenues related to advisory transactions tend to be
more unpredictable from quarter to quarter due to the one-time nature of the transaction and the size of the fee. As a
result, high levels of revenue in one quarter will not necessarily be predictive of continued high levels of revenue in any
subsequent period. If we are unable to generate a substantial number of new engagements and generate fees from the
successful completion of those transactions, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
10 | Piper Sandler Companies
We may make strategic acquisitions, enter into new business opportunities, or engage in joint ventures that
could cause us to incur unforeseen expenses, have disruptive effects on our business and may not yield the
benefits we expect.
A significant portion of our growth in recent years has come through corporate development activities, including
acquisitions. There are a number of risks associated with these activities. Costs or difficulties relating to a transaction,
including integration of products, employees, technology systems, accounting systems and management controls, or
entry into a new business line, may be difficult to predict accurately and be greater than expected causing our estimates
to differ from actual results. Importantly, we may be unable to retain key personnel after a transaction, including
personnel who are critical to the success of the ongoing business. We may incur unforeseen liabilities of an acquired
company or from entry into a new business line that could impose significant and unanticipated legal costs on us. We
will need to successfully manage these risks in order to fully realize the anticipated benefits of these transactions.
Our corporate development activities may require increased costs in the form of management personnel, financial and
management systems and controls and facilities, which, in the absence of continued revenue growth, could cause our
operating margins to decline. In addition, when we acquire a business, a substantial portion of the purchase price is
often allocated to goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets. Our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are
tested at least annually for impairment. If, in connection with that test, we determine that a reporting unit's fair value is
less than its carrying value, we would be required to recognize an impairment to the goodwill associated with the
reporting unit. More generally, any difficulties that we experience could disrupt our ongoing business, increase our
expenses and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. We also may be unable to achieve
anticipated benefits and synergies from a transaction as fully as expected or within the expected time frame.
Our long-term strategic growth plan relies upon corporate development, and our ability to realize that growth will be
dependent on our ability to identify and execute on accretive opportunities. To the extent that we are unable to do so,
our long-term growth may be negatively impacted.
We may not be able to compete successfully with other companies in the financial services industry that have
significantly greater resources than we do.
The financial services industry remains highly competitive, and our revenues and profitability may suffer if we are unable
to compete effectively. We generally compete on the basis of such factors as quality of advice and service, reputation,
price, product selection, transaction execution and financial resources. Pricing and other competitive pressures in
investment banking, including the use of multiple book runners, co-managers, and multiple financial advisors handling
transactions, have affected and could continue to adversely affect our revenues.
We remain at a competitive disadvantage given our relatively small size compared to some of our competitors. Large
financial services firms generally have a larger capital base, greater access to capital, and greater technology
resources, affording them greater capacity for risk and potential for innovation, an extended geographic reach and
flexibility to offer a broader set of products. For example, some of these firms are able to use their larger capital base to
offer additional products or services to their investment banking clients, which can be a competitive advantage. With
respect to our fixed income institutional brokerage and public finance investment banking businesses, it is more difficult
for us to diversify and differentiate our product set, and our fixed income business mix currently is concentrated in
investment grade fixed income products, potentially with less opportunity for growth than other firms which have grown
their fixed income businesses by investing in, developing and offering non-traditional products (e.g., credit default
swaps, interest rate products and currencies and commodities).
Our institutional brokerage business is subject to pricing and competitive pressures.
The ability to execute trades electronically and through alternative trading systems and competitive pressures on our
clients have increased the pressure on trading commissions and spreads within the equities institutional brokerage
business over the past few years. We expect to continue to experience pricing and other competitive pressures in our
equities and fixed income institutional brokerage businesses in the future. In addition, we will need to continue to invest
in these businesses in order to continue to meet our clients’ needs and maintain sufficient scale.
Piper Sandler Companies | 11
Our inability to identify and address actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest may negatively impact
our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business.
We regularly address actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in our business, including situations where our
services to a particular client or our own investments or other interests conflict, or are perceived to conflict, with the
interests of another client. Appropriately identifying and dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and difficult, and we
face the risk that our current policies, controls and procedures do not timely identify or appropriately manage such
conflicts of interest. It is possible that actual, potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to client dissatisfaction,
litigation or regulatory enforcement actions. Our reputation could be damaged if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal
appropriately with potential or actual conflicts of interest. Client dissatisfaction, litigation, or regulatory enforcement
actions arising from a failure to adequately deal with conflicts of interest, and the reputational harm suffered as a
consequence, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Damage to our reputation could harm our business.
Maintaining our reputation is critical to attracting and maintaining clients, customers, investors, and employees. If we fail
to deal with, or appear to fail to deal with, issues that may give rise to reputational risk, such failure or appearance of
failure could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price. These issues include appropriately dealing
with potential conflicts of interest, legal and regulatory requirements, perceptions of our environmental, social and
governance practices or business selection, ethical issues, money laundering, cybersecurity, and the proper
identification of the strategic, market, human capital, liquidity, credit, operational, legal and regulatory risks inherent in
our business and products.
The number of anticipated investment banking transactions may differ from actual results.
The completion of anticipated investment banking transactions in our pipeline is uncertain and partially beyond our
control, and our investment banking revenue is typically earned only upon the successful completion of a transaction. In
most cases, we receive little or no payment for investment banking engagements that do not result in the successful
completion of a transaction. For example, a client's acquisition transaction may be delayed or terminated because of a
failure to agree upon final terms with the counterparty, failure to obtain necessary regulatory consents or director or
shareholder approvals, failure to secure necessary financing, adverse market conditions or unexpected financial or
other issues in the client's or counterparty's business. More importantly, anticipated advisory or capital markets
transactions may be delayed or terminated as a result of a decline in or uncertainty surrounding market or economic
conditions. If parties fail to complete a transaction on which we are advising or an offering in which we are participating,
we could earn little or no revenue from the transaction and may have incurred significant expenses (e.g., travel and
legal expenses) associated with the transaction. Accordingly, our business is highly dependent on market and economic
conditions as well as the decisions and actions of our clients and interested third parties, and the number of
engagements we have at any given time (and any characterization or description of our deal pipelines) is subject to
change and may not necessarily result in future revenues.
HUMAN CAPITAL RISK
Our business is a human capital business, and, therefore, our future financial condition and results of operations are
significantly dependent upon our employees and their actions. Our success depends on the skills, expertise, and
performance of our employees. Human capital risks represent the risks posed if we fail to attract and retain qualified
individuals who are motivated to serve the best interests of our clients, thereby serving the best interests of our
company, as well as the risks posed if our culture fails to encourage such behavior. Human capital risk is also present
where we fail to detect and prevent employees from acting contrary to our policies and procedures, for example, if an
employee were to inadequately safeguard or misuse our clients' confidential information. Any failure by us in creating
and maintaining a culture that emphasizes serving our clients' best interests or detecting or preventing employees from
engaging in behaviors that run counter to that culture might lead to reputational damage for our firm. The following are
material human capital risk factors that could pose a risk to us.
12 | Piper Sandler Companies
Our ability to attract, develop and retain highly skilled and productive employees, develop the next generation
of our business leadership, and instill and maintain a culture of ethics is critical to the success of our business.
Historically, the market for qualified employees within the financial services industry has been marked by intense
competition, and the performance of our business may suffer to the extent we are unable to attract, retain, and develop
productive employees, given the relatively small size of our company and our employee base compared to some of our
competitors and the geographic locations in which we operate. The primary sources of revenue in each of our business
lines are fees earned on advisory and underwriting transactions and customer accounts managed by our employees,
who have historically been recruited by other firms and in certain cases are able to take their client relationships with
them when they change firms. In some areas of our business, a small number of employees are responsible for
producing a significant amount of revenue, and the loss of any of these employees could adversely affect our results of
operations.
Further, recruiting and retention success often depends on the ability to deliver competitive compensation, and we may
be at a disadvantage to some competitors given our size and financial resources. Our inability or unwillingness to meet
compensation needs or demands may result in the loss of some of our professionals or the inability to recruit additional
professionals at compensation levels that are within our target range for compensation and benefits expense. Our ability
to retain and recruit also may be hindered if we limit our aggregate annual compensation and benefits expense as a
percentage of annual net revenues.
A vibrant and ethical corporate culture is critical to ensuring that our employees put our clients' interests first and are
able to identify and manage potential conflicts of interest, while also creating an environment in which each of our
employees feels empowered to develop and pursue their full potential. Our expectations for our corporate culture and
ethics are instilled and maintained by the "tone at the top" set by our management and board of directors. Lapses in our
corporate culture could lead to reputational damage or employee loss, either of which could adversely affect our results
of operations.
Our business success depends in large part on the strategic decisions made by our leadership team, and the business
plans developed and implemented by our senior business leaders. Our ability to identify, develop, and retain future
senior business leaders, and our ability to develop and implement successful succession plans for our leadership team
and other senior business leaders, is critical to our future success and results of operations.
Our inability to effectively integrate and retain personnel in connection with our acquisitions may adversely
affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We invest time and resources in carefully assessing opportunities for acquisitions, and we have made acquisitions in
the past several years to broaden the scope and depth of our human capital in various businesses. Despite diligence
and integration planning, acquisitions still present certain risks, including the difficulties in integrating and bringing
together different work cultures and employees, and retaining those employees for the period of time necessary to
realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Difficulties in integrating our acquisitions, including attracting and
retaining talent to realize the expected benefits of these acquisitions, may adversely affect our financial condition and
results of operations.
LIQUIDITY AND CREDIT RISK
Two of our principal categories of risk as a broker dealer are liquidity and credit risk, each of which can have a material
impact on our results of operations and viability as a business. We believe that the effective management of liquidity and
credit is fundamental to the financial health of our firm. With respect to liquidity risk, it impacts our ability to timely
access necessary funding sources in order to operate our business and our ability to timely divest securities that we
hold in connection with our market-making and sales and trading activities. Credit risk, as distinguished from liquidity
risk, is the potential for loss due to the default or deterioration in credit quality of a counterparty, customer, client,
borrower, or issuer of securities we hold in our trading inventory. The nature and amount of credit risk depends on the
type of transaction, the structure and duration of that transaction and the parties involved. The following are material
liquidity and credit risk factors that could pose a risk to us.
Piper Sandler Companies | 13
An inability to access capital readily or on terms favorable to us could impair our ability to fund operations and
could jeopardize our financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity, or ready access to funds, is essential to our business. To fund our business, we rely on financing provided by
Pershing LLC ("Pershing") under our fully disclosed clearing agreement and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
("CIBC") under a clearing arrangement with bank financing, as well as other bank financing. The financing provided by
Pershing and CIBC is at their discretion (i.e., uncommitted) and could be denied. Our $120 million unsecured revolving
credit facility has been established for working capital and general corporate purposes. Our $30 million secured
revolving credit facility has been established for our private capital advisory business.
Our access to funding sources, particularly uncommitted funding sources, is dependent on factors we cannot control,
such as economic downturns, the disruption of financial markets, the failure or consolidation of other financial
institutions, and negative news about the financial industry generally or us specifically. We could experience disruptions
with our credit facilities in the future, including the loss of liquidity sources or increased borrowing costs, if lenders or
investors develop a negative perception of our short- or long-term financial prospects, which could result from
decreased business activity. Our liquidity also could be impacted by the activities resulting in concentration of risk,
including investments in specific markets or products without liquidity.
In the future, we may need to incur debt or issue equity in order to fund our working capital requirements, as well as to
execute our growth initiatives that may include acquisitions and other investments. Similarly, our access to funding
sources may be contingent upon terms and conditions that may limit or restrict our business activities and growth
initiatives. In addition, we currently do not have a credit rating, which could adversely affect our liquidity and competitive
position by increasing our borrowing costs and limiting access to sources of liquidity that require a credit rating as a
condition to providing funds.
If we are unable to obtain necessary funding, or if the funding we obtain is on terms and conditions unfavorable to us, it
could negatively affect our business activities and operations, and our ability to pursue certain growth initiatives and
make certain capital decisions, including the decision whether to pay future dividends to our shareholders, as well as
our future financial condition or results of operations.
The use of estimates and valuations in measuring fair value involve significant estimation and judgment by
management.
We make various estimates that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Broadly, those estimates are used in
measuring fair value of certain financial instruments, investments in private companies, accounting for goodwill and
intangible assets, establishing provisions for potential losses that may arise from litigation, and regulatory proceedings
and tax examinations. Estimates are based on available information and judgment. Therefore, actual results could differ
from our estimates and that difference could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. With
respect to accounting for goodwill and intangible assets, we complete our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
asset impairment testing in the fourth quarter of each year (or earlier if impairment indicators are present). Impairment
charges resulting from this valuation analysis could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned, and financial instruments and other inventory positions sold
but not yet purchased, are recorded at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses related to these financial instruments
are reflected on our consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at
which the instrument could be exchanged in a transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or
parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation
techniques involve management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency
for the instruments or market and the instruments' complexity. Difficult market environments may cause financial
instruments to become substantially more illiquid and difficult to value, increasing the use of valuation models. Our
future results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by the valuation adjustments that we apply
to these financial instruments.
Investments in private companies are valued based on an assessment of each underlying security, considering rounds
of financing, the financial condition and operating results of the private company, third-party transactions and market-
based information, including comparable company transactions, trading multiples (e.g., multiples of revenue and
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA")), discounted cash flow analyses and changes
in market outlook, among other factors. These valuation techniques require significant management estimation and
judgment.
14 | Piper Sandler Companies
Concentration of risk increases the potential for significant losses.
Concentration of risk increases the potential for significant losses in our sales and trading, alternative asset
management, credit underwriting and syndication platform, and underwriting businesses. We have committed capital to
these businesses, and we may take substantial positions in particular types of securities or issuers. This concentration
of risk may cause us to suffer losses even when economic and market conditions are generally favorable for our
competitors. Further, disruptions in the credit markets can make it difficult to hedge exposures effectively and
economically.
Our businesses, profitability and liquidity may be adversely affected by deterioration in the credit quality of, or
defaults by, third parties who owe us money, securities or other assets.
The nature of our businesses exposes us to credit risk, or the risk that third parties who owe us money, securities or
other assets will not perform their obligations. These parties may default on their obligations to us due to bankruptcy,
lack of liquidity, operational failure or other reasons. Deterioration in the credit quality of securities or obligations we hold
could result in losses and adversely affect our ability to rehypothecate or otherwise use those securities or obligations
for liquidity purposes. A significant downgrade in the credit ratings of our counterparties could also have a negative
impact on our results. Default rates, downgrades and disputes with counterparties as to the valuation of collateral tend
to increase in times of market stress and illiquidity. Although we review credit exposures to specific clients and
counterparties and to specific industries that we believe may present credit concerns, default risk may arise from events
or circumstances that are difficult to detect or foresee. Also, concerns about, or a default by, one institution generally
leads to losses, liquidity problems, or defaults by other institutions, which in turn could adversely affect our business.
Particular activities or products within our business expose us to increased credit risk, including inventory positions,
non-standard settlements, interest rate swap contracts with customer credit exposure, investment banking and advisory
fee receivables, installment fee receivables related to private fund placement services, liquidity providers on variable
rate demand notes we remarket, and similar activities. Non-performance by our counterparties, clients and others,
including with respect to our inventory positions and interest rate swap contracts with customer credit exposures, could
result in losses, potentially material, and thus have a significant adverse effect on our business and results of
operations.
In addition, reliance on revenues from hedge funds and hedge fund advisors, which are less regulated than many
investment company and investment advisor clients, may expose us to greater risk of financial loss from unsettled
trades than is the case with other types of institutional investors. Concentration of risk may result in losses to us even
when economic and market conditions are generally favorable for others in our industry.
An inability to readily divest trading positions may result in financial losses to our business.
Timely divestiture of our trading positions, including equity, fixed income and other securities positions, can be impaired
by decreased trading volume, increased price volatility, rapid changes in interest rates, concentrated trading positions,
limitations on the ability to divest positions in highly specialized or structured transactions and changes in industry and
government regulations. While we hold a security, we are vulnerable to valuation fluctuations and may experience
financial losses to the extent the value of the security decreases and we are unable to timely divest or hedge our trading
position in that security. The value may decline as a result of many factors, including issuer-specific, market or
geopolitical events. In addition, in times of market uncertainty, the inability to divest inventory positions may have an
impact on our liquidity as funding sources generally become more restrictive, which could limit our ability to pledge the
underlying security as collateral. Our liquidity may also be impacted if we choose to facilitate liquidity for specific
products and voluntarily increase our inventory positions in order to do so, exposing ourselves to greater market risk
and potential financial losses from the reduction in value of illiquid positions.
Piper Sandler Companies | 15
Our underwriting and alternative asset management activities expose us to risk of loss.
We engage in a variety of activities in which we commit or invest our own capital, including underwriting and alternative
asset management. In our role as underwriter for equity and fixed income securities, we commit to purchase securities
from the issuer or one or more holders of the issuer's securities, and we then sell those securities to other investors or
into the public markets, as applicable. Our underwriting activities, including bought deal transactions and equity block
trading activities, expose us to the risk of loss if the price of the security falls below the price we purchased the security
before we are able to sell all of the securities that we purchased. For example, as an underwriter, or, with respect to
equity securities, a block positioner, we may commit to purchasing securities from an issuer or one or more holders of
the issuer's securities without having found purchasers for some or all of the securities. In those instances, we may find
that we are unable to sell the securities at a price equal to or above the price at which we purchased the securities, or
with respect to certain securities, at a price sufficient to cover our hedges. With respect to alternative asset
management, our ability to withdraw our capital from these investments may be limited, and we may not be able to
realize our investment objectives by sale or disposition at attractive prices, increasing our risk of losses. Our joint
venture entities or other alternative asset management entities that underwrite and syndicate client debt may hold a
portion of such debt after syndication, and our invested capital is exposed to a risk of loss to the extent that the debt is
ultimately not repaid.
Our results from these activities may vary from quarter to quarter. We may incur significant losses from our underwriting
and alternative asset management activities due to equity or fixed income market fluctuations and volatility from quarter
to quarter, or from a deterioration in specific business subsectors or the economy more generally. In addition, we may
engage in hedging transactions that, if not successful, could result in losses, and the hedges we purchase to
counterbalance market rate changes in certain inventory positions are not perfectly matched to the positions being
hedged, which could result in losses.
Use of derivative instruments as part of our financial risk management techniques may not effectively hedge
the risks associated with activities in certain of our businesses.
We use interest rate swaps and credit default swaps, interest rate locks, U.S. treasury bond futures and options, and
equity option contracts as a means to manage risk in certain inventory positions and to facilitate customer transactions.
With respect to risk management, we enter into derivative contracts to hedge interest rate, market value and credit
spread risks associated with our security positions, including fixed income inventory positions that we hold for facilitating
client activity. Generally, we do not hedge all of our interest rate risk. In addition, these hedging strategies may not work
in all market environments and as a result may not be effective in mitigating interest rate and market value risk,
especially when market volatility reduces the correlation between a hedging vehicle and the securities inventory being
hedged.
There are risks inherent in our use of these products, including counterparty exposure and basis risk. Counterparty
exposure refers to the risk that the amount of collateral in our possession on any given day may not be sufficient to fully
cover the current value of the swaps if a counterparty were to suddenly default. Basis risk refers to risks associated with
swaps where changes in the value of the swaps may not exactly mirror changes in the value of the cash flows they are
hedging. We may incur losses from our exposure to derivative interest rate products and the increased use of these
products in the future.
OPERATIONAL RISK
Operational risk is the risk of loss, or damage to our reputation, resulting from inadequate or failed processes, people
and systems or from external events. Such loss or reputational damage could negatively impact our future financial
condition and results of operations. The following are material operational risk factors that could pose a risk to us.
Our information and technology systems, including outsourced systems, are critical components of our
operations, and failure of those systems or other aspects of our operations infrastructure may disrupt our
business, cause financial loss and constrain our growth.
We typically transact thousands of securities trades on a daily basis across multiple markets. Our data and transaction
processing, financial, accounting and other technology and operating systems are essential to this task. A system
malfunction (due to hardware failure, capacity overload, security incident, data corruption, or similar event) or mistake
made relating to the processing of transactions could result in financial loss, liability to clients, regulatory intervention,
reputational damage and constraints on our ability to grow.
16 | Piper Sandler Companies
We operate under a fully disclosed model for all of our client clearing activities and for all of our securities inventories
with the exception of convertible securities. In a fully disclosed model, we act as an introducing broker for most
customer transactions and rely on a clearing broker dealer to handle clearance and settlement of our customers'
securities transactions. The clearing services provided by our clearing broker dealer, Pershing, are critical to our
business operations, and similar to other important outsourced operations, any failure by the clearing agent with respect
to the services we rely on it to provide could significantly disrupt and negatively impact our operations and financial
results. We also contract with third parties for market data services, which constantly broadcast news, quotes, analytics
and other relevant information to our employees, as well as other critical data processing activities. In the event that any
of these service providers fails to adequately perform such services or the relationship between that service provider
and us is terminated, we may experience a significant disruption in our operations, including our ability to timely and
accurately process transactions or maintain complete and accurate records of those transactions.
Adapting or developing our technology systems to meet new regulatory requirements, client needs, geographic
expansion and industry demands also is critical for our business. The introduction of new technologies presents new
challenges on a regular basis. We believe that the integration of artificial intelligence technologies ("AI") into our
business, operations, and administrative functions will represent a critical opportunity for increased efficiency. If we are
unable to deploy AI to the same extent and as effectively as our competitors, and manage the attendant risks relating to
cyber and information security, it could negatively impact our results of operations and competitive positioning. In
addition to AI, we have an ongoing need to upgrade and improve our various technology systems, including our data
and transaction processing, financial, risk management, human capital, compliance, and trading systems. This need
could present operational issues or require significant capital spending. It also may require us to make additional
investments in technology systems and may require us to reevaluate the current value or expected useful lives of our
technology systems, which could negatively impact our results of operations.
A disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business due to fire, natural disaster, health emergency (e.g., a
pandemic), power or communication failure, act of terrorism or war may affect our ability to service and interact with our
clients. If we are not able to implement contingency plans effectively, any such disruption could harm our results of
operations.
Protection of our sensitive and confidential information is critical to our operations, and failure of those
systems may disrupt our business, damage our reputation, and cause financial losses.
Our clients routinely provide us with sensitive and confidential information. Secure processing, storage and transmission
of confidential and other information in our internal and outsourced computer systems and networks is critically
important to our business. We take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant.
However, our computer systems, software and networks, and those of our clients, vendors, service providers,
counterparties and other third parties, may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, cyber attacks, security breaches,
computer viruses or other malicious code, inadvertent, erroneous or intercepted transmission of information (including
by e-mail), human error, and other events that could have an information security impact. We work with our employees,
clients, vendors, service providers, counterparties and other third parties to develop and implement measures designed
to protect against such an event, but we may not be able to fully protect against such an event, and do not have, and
may be unable to put in place, secure capabilities with all of these third parties and we may not be able to ensure that
these third parties have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information. If one or more of
such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize our or our clients' or counterparties' confidential and other
information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or those of third
parties, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients', our counterparties' or third parties'
operations. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures or to
investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, and we may be subject to reputational harm as well as
litigation, regulatory penalties, and financial losses that are either not insured against or not fully covered through any
insurance maintained by us.
Piper Sandler Companies | 17
A failure to protect our computer systems, networks and information, and our clients' information, against
cyber attacks, data breaches, and similar threats could impair our ability to conduct our businesses, result in
the disclosure, theft or destruction of confidential information, damage our reputation and cause significant
financial and legal exposure.
Our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our
computer systems and networks. There have been several highly publicized cases involving financial services
companies, consumer-based companies and other companies, as well as governmental and political organizations,
reporting breaches in the security of their websites, networks or other systems. These and future breaches have and will
involve sophisticated and targeted cyber attacks intended to obtain unauthorized access to confidential information,
destroy data, disrupt or degrade service, sabotage systems or cause other damage, including through the introduction
of computer viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing, denial-of-service, use of AI, and other means. There have also
been several highly publicized cases where hackers have requested "ransom" payments in exchange for not disclosing
customer information.
A successful penetration or circumvention of the security of our systems could cause serious negative consequences for
us, including significant disruption of our operations and those of our clients, customers and counterparties;
misappropriation of our confidential information or that of our clients, customers, counterparties or employees; or
damage to our computers or systems and those of our clients, customers and counterparties. A cyber attack or other
information security events could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our
customers, loss of confidence in our security measures, customer dissatisfaction, significant litigation exposure and
reputational harm, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us.
We continuously monitor and develop our systems to protect our technology infrastructure and data from
misappropriation or corruption. Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems and information, we may not be
able to anticipate, detect or implement effective preventive measures against all cyber threats, especially because the
techniques used are increasingly sophisticated, change frequently, and are often not recognized until months after the
attack. Cyber attacks can originate from a variety of sources, including third parties who are affiliated with foreign
governments or other actors or employees acting negligently or in a manner adverse to our interests. Third parties may
seek to gain access to our systems either directly or using equipment or security passwords belonging to employees,
customers, third-party service providers or other users of our systems. In addition, due to our interconnectivity with third-
party vendors, central agents, exchanges, clearing houses and other financial institutions, we could be adversely
impacted if any of them are subject to a successful cyber attack or other information security event.
Although we take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems,
software and networks have been and may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses or other
malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. We may be required to expend significant additional
resources to modify our protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities, exposures, or information
security events. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of our systems, the process of enhancing our protective
measures can itself create a risk of systems disruptions and security issues.
The increased use of cloud technologies can heighten these and other operational risks. Certain aspects of the security
of such technologies are unpredictable or beyond our control, and this lack of transparency may inhibit our ability to
discover a failure by cloud service providers to adequately safeguard their systems and prevent cyber attacks that could
disrupt our operations and result in misappropriation, corruption or loss of confidential and other information. In addition,
there is a risk that encryption and other protective measures, despite their sophistication, may be defeated, particularly
to the extent that new computing technologies vastly increase the speed and computing power available.
18 | Piper Sandler Companies
Risk management processes may not fully mitigate exposure to the various risks that we face.
We refine our risk management techniques, strategies and assessment methods on an ongoing basis. However, risk
management techniques and strategies, both ours and those available to the market generally, may not be fully effective
in identifying and mitigating our risk exposure in all economic market environments or against all types of risk. For
example, we may fail to identify or anticipate particular risks that our systems are capable of identifying, or the systems
that we use, and that are used within the industry generally, may not be capable of identifying certain risks, or every
economic and financial outcome, or the specifics and timing of such outcomes. In addition, our risk management
techniques and strategies seek to balance our ability to profit from our market-making and investing positions with our
exposure to potential losses. Some of our strategies for managing risk are based upon our use of observed historical
market behavior. We apply statistical and other tools to these observations to quantify our risk exposure. Any failures in
our risk management techniques and strategies to accurately quantify our risk exposure could limit our ability to manage
risks. In addition, any risk management failures could cause our losses to be significantly greater than the historical
measures indicate. Further, our quantified modeling does not take all risks into account. Our more qualitative approach
to managing those risks could prove insufficient, exposing us to material unanticipated losses.
The financial services industry and the markets in which we operate are subject to systemic risk that could
adversely affect our business and results.
Participants in the financial services industry and markets increasingly are closely interrelated as a result of credit,
trading, clearing, technology and other relationships between them. A significant adverse development with one
participant (such as a bankruptcy or default) may spread to others and lead to significant concentrated or market-wide
problems (such as defaults, liquidity problems or losses) for other industry participants, including us. Further, the control
and risk management infrastructure of the markets in which we operate often is outpaced by financial innovation and
growth in new types of securities, transactions and markets. Systemic risk is inherently difficult to assess and quantify,
and its form and magnitude can remain unknown for significant periods of time.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could
materially affect our business.
We have documented and tested our internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act"), which requires annual management assessments of the
effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and a report by our independent auditors regarding our
internal control over financial reporting. We are in compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as of
December 31, 2025. However, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are
modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an
ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Failure to maintain an effective internal control environment could materially adversely affect our
business.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISK
Legal and regulatory risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and the
loss to our reputation we may suffer as a result of failure to comply with laws, regulations, rules, related SRO standards
and codes of conduct applicable to our business activities. It also includes the risk that legislation could reduce or
eliminate certain business activities that we are currently engaged in, which could harm our future financial condition or
results of operations. The following are material legal and regulatory risk factors that could pose a risk to us.
Piper Sandler Companies | 19
Our business is subject to extensive regulation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, and a significant
regulatory action against our company may have a material adverse financial effect on, cause significant
reputational harm to, or result in other collateral consequences for our company.
As a participant in the financial services industry, we are subject to complex and extensive regulation of many aspects
of our business by U.S. federal and state regulatory agencies, SROs (including securities exchanges) and by foreign
governmental agencies, regulatory bodies and securities exchanges. Specifically, our operating subsidiaries include
broker dealer and related securities entities organized in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and ADGM. Each of these entities
is registered or licensed with the applicable local regulator and is subject to all the applicable rules and regulations
promulgated by those authorities. In addition, our asset management subsidiaries, PSC Capital Partners LLC and Piper
Heartland Healthcare Capital LLC, as well as Piper Sandler & Co., are registered as investment advisors with the SEC
and are subject to the regulation and oversight by the SEC, and we have an additional asset management subsidiary
subject to regulation in Guernsey.
Generally, the requirements imposed by our regulators are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and
to protect customers and other third parties who deal with us. These requirements are not designed to protect our
shareholders. Consequently, broker dealer regulations often serve to limit our activities, through net capital, customer
protection, market conduct requirements and other restrictions on the businesses in which we may operate or invest.
We also must comply with numerous regulations, including requirements related to fiduciary duties to clients, record-
keeping, reporting and customer disclosures. Compliance with many of these regulations entails a number of risks,
particularly in areas where applicable regulations may be newer or unclear. Regulatory authorities in all jurisdictions in
which we conduct business may examine or investigate aspects of our business, and responding to examinations or
investigations could increase regulatory costs and adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, we and our
employees could be fined or otherwise disciplined for violations or prohibited from engaging in some of our business
activities.
Our business also subjects us to the complex income and payroll tax laws of the national and local jurisdictions in which
we have business operations, and these tax laws may be subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the
relevant governmental taxing authorities. We must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these
inherently complex tax laws when determining the provision for income and other taxes. We are subject to contingent
tax risk that could adversely affect our results of operations, to the extent that our interpretations of tax laws are
disputed upon examination or audit, and are settled in amounts in excess of established reserves for such
contingencies.
The effort to combat money laundering also has become a high priority in governmental policy with respect to financial
institutions. The obligation of financial institutions, including ourselves, to identify their customers, watch for and report
suspicious transactions, respond to requests for information by regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies,
and share information with other financial institutions has required the implementation and maintenance of internal
practices, procedures and controls which have increased, and may continue to increase, our costs. Any failure with
respect to our programs in this area could subject us to serious regulatory consequences, including substantial fines
and potentially other liabilities.
20 | Piper Sandler Companies
Our industry is exposed to significant legal liability, which could lead to substantial damages.
We face significant legal risks in our businesses. These risks include potential liability under securities laws and
regulations in connection with our capital markets, asset management and other businesses. The volume and amount
of damages claimed in litigation, arbitrations, regulatory enforcement actions and other adversarial proceedings against
financial services firms has historically been intense. Our experience has been that adversarial proceedings against
financial services firms typically increase during and following a market downturn. We also are subject to claims from
disputes with our employees and our former employees under various circumstances. Risks associated with legal
liability often are difficult to assess or quantify, and their existence and magnitude can remain unknown for significant
periods of time, making the amount of legal reserves related to these legal contingencies difficult to determine and
subject to future revision. Legal or regulatory matters involving our directors, officers or employees in their individual
capacities also may create exposure for us because we may be obligated or may choose to indemnify the affected
individuals against liabilities and expenses they incur in connection with such matters to the extent permitted under
applicable law. In addition, like other financial services companies, we may face the possibility of employee fraud or
misconduct. The precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases, and there can
be no assurance that we will be able to deter or prevent fraud or misconduct. Exposures from and expenses incurred
related to any of the foregoing actions or proceedings could have a negative impact on our results of operations and
financial condition. In addition, future results of operations could be adversely affected if reserves relating to these legal
liabilities are required to be increased or legal proceedings are resolved in excess of established reserves.
Legislative and regulatory proposals could significantly curtail the revenue from certain products or services
that we currently provide or could otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Proposed changes in laws or regulations relating to our business could decrease, perhaps significantly, the revenue that
we receive from certain products or services that we provide, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations. Both the healthcare and financial services sectors are significant contributors to our overall results, and
negative developments in either of these sectors, including negative developments that result from legislative or
regulatory actions, could negatively affect our results of operations, even when general economic conditions are strong.
The business operations that we conduct outside of the U.S. subject us to unique risks.
When we conduct business outside the U.S., we are subject to risks, including the risk that we will be unable to provide
effective operational support to these business activities, the risk of noncompliance with foreign laws and regulations,
and the general economic and political conditions in countries where we conduct business, which may differ significantly
from those in the U.S. In addition, our international operations require compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption
laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010. These laws generally prohibit
companies and their intermediaries from engaging in bribery or making other improper payments to foreign officials for
the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or gaining an unfair business advantage. While our employees and
agents are required to comply with these laws, we cannot ensure that our internal controls policies and procedures will
always protect us from intentional, reckless or negligent acts committed by our employees or agents, which acts could
subject our company to fines or other regulatory consequences that could disrupt our operations and negatively impact
our results of operations.
Regulatory capital requirements may limit our ability to expand or maintain our present levels of business or
impair our ability to meet our financial obligations.
We are subject to the SEC's uniform net capital rule (Rule 15c3-1) and the net capital rule of FINRA, which may limit our
ability to withdraw capital from Piper Sandler & Co. 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.
Underwriting commitments require a charge against net capital and, accordingly, our ability to make underwriting
commitments may be limited by the requirement that we must at all times be in compliance with the applicable net
capital regulations.
Piper Sandler Companies, our holding company, depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from our
subsidiaries to fund its obligations. The regulatory restrictions described above may impede access to funds our holding
company needs to make payments on any such obligations.
Piper Sandler Companies | 21
OTHER RISKS TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
The following are additional risk factors that could pose a material risk to us or our shareholders.
We may change our dividend policy at any time and there can be no assurance that we will continue to declare
cash dividends.
Our current dividend policy is to return between 30 percent and 50 percent of our fiscal year adjusted net income to
shareholders. Although we expect to pay dividends to our shareholders in accordance with our dividend policy, we have
no obligation to pay any dividend, and our dividend policy may change at any time without notice. The declaration and
payment of dividends is at the discretion of our board of directors in accordance with applicable law after taking into
account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs and
capital uses, limitations imposed by our indebtedness, legal requirements and other factors that our board of directors
deems relevant. As a result, we may not pay dividends at any rate or at all.
Our stock price may fluctuate as a result of several factors, including changes in our revenues, operating
results, and return on equity.
We have experienced, and expect to experience in the future, fluctuations in the market price of our common stock due
to factors that relate to the nature of our business, including changes in our revenues, operating results, earnings per
share, and return on equity. Our business, by its nature, does not produce steady and predictable earnings on a
quarterly basis, which may cause fluctuations in our stock price that may be significant. Other factors that have affected,
and may further affect, our stock price include changes in or news related to economic, political, or market events or
conditions, changes in market conditions in the financial services industry, including developments in regulation
affecting our business, a predominantly passive or quantitative shareholder base among the Company's top twenty
shareholders, failure to meet the expectations of market analysts, changes in recommendations or outlooks by market
analysts, and aggressive short selling.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated 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 amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law contain
provisions that are intended to deter abusive takeover tactics by making them unacceptably expensive to a potential
raider and to encourage prospective acquirors to negotiate with our board of directors rather than to attempt a hostile
takeover. These provisions include limitations on our shareholders' ability to act by written consent and to call special
meetings. Delaware law also imposes some restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and
any holder of 15 percent or more of our outstanding common stock. We believe these provisions protect our
shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirors to negotiate with our
board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal, and 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.
22 | Piper Sandler Companies
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
As a trusted advisor to our clients and a regulated financial services firm, information and cybersecurity are critical to
our operations and reputation. Our management team takes an active role in identifying, assessing, monitoring and
managing material risks from information and cybersecurity threats. Management’s assessment of information and
cybersecurity threats is incorporated into our enterprise risk management processes, which include assessing inherent
risks posed by the internal operating environment and external factors, assessing the adequacy and design of controls,
testing controls, determining residual risk and comparing it to risk appetite thresholds, and taking steps to further
mitigate risks as needed. Our board of directors is actively engaged in the oversight of cybersecurity and information
technology risks, with primary oversight responsibility delegated to the audit committee of the board of directors. The
audit committee is composed of board members with the appropriate expertise, including risk management,
cybersecurity and finance, to oversee these risks as well as management's cybersecurity processes and protocols.
Our chief information and operations officer is a member of our leadership team and has been in this role since 2008.
With more than 25 years of experience in information technology in the investment banking industry, he is responsible
for overseeing more than 100 employees in our information security and technology departments who possess relevant
educational and industry experience. The information security and technology departments are responsible for various
functions of our information and cybersecurity program, including implementing and maintaining policies and
procedures; developing, implementing and governing various service level agreements; ratifying security standards;
reviewing project implementations; performing third-party vendor assessments; and operating programs such as threat
intelligence, vulnerability management, security information event management, and information governance.
Our information and cybersecurity program utilizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology ("NIST")
Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, and our security controls are mapped to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 to
ensure alignment with recognized industry best practices. Annually, we engage a third-party consultant to conduct an
assessment of the effectiveness of our information and cybersecurity program against the NIST Cybersecurity
Framework 2.0. This assessment is reviewed with the audit committee, and opportunities for further maturation are
incorporated into our information and cybersecurity roadmap.
Additionally, we regularly engage consultants and other third parties to evaluate specific priority areas of our information
and cybersecurity program based on our assessment of the current cybersecurity threat landscape. Examples of our
engagement with consultants include external penetration testing, application security assessment and cybersecurity
incident response tabletop exercises.
Our third-party vendor management program has a tiered approach to assess vendors based on risk profile. We review
each third-party vendor’s architectures, security practices and data flows, and integrate stringent contractual terms
encompassing breach notifications and other security requirements. The risk profiles associated with our service level
agreements are monitored by senior employees in our information security and technology departments. Our vendor
management program also includes an annual reassessment of the risk profile of each vendor and interim vendor
reviews are completed if service alterations occur.
Senior information security and technology employees, including the chief information and operations officer, meet
regularly to discuss potential information and cybersecurity threats that have been identified by our systems, employees
or otherwise made known to us by our third-party service providers, vendors and other external users, and to formulate
the appropriate response to any identified material information and cybersecurity threats. When high-priority information
or cybersecurity risks are identified, certain employees in our information security, privacy, technology, legal and
compliance departments meet or communicate to review potential threats in accordance with our internal cybersecurity
incident response process.
Potential threats, our response to such threats, and our evaluation of any residual risk are communicated quarterly to
the audit committee. As necessary, the chief information and operations officer provides interim updates to the audit
committee and, as appropriate, the board of directors, concerning high-priority or material information or cybersecurity
threats. Our chief information and operations officer also provides a quarterly update to the audit committee regarding
our ongoing information and cybersecurity initiatives; the current cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats; and
metrics on the effectiveness of certain aspects of our information and cybersecurity program.
Piper Sandler Companies | 23
Employees, including representatives of management, conduct an annual cybersecurity incident response tabletop
exercise to review our processes and procedures in the event of a material information or cybersecurity incident,
including the process for assessing the materiality of an incident and communication of an incident to the audit
committee and, as appropriate, the board of directors. In addition, to promote a company-wide culture of cybersecurity
risk management, we conduct regular phishing email simulations for employees to enhance awareness and
responsiveness to possible threats and other kinds of preparedness training. We also require all employees to complete
an annual cybersecurity and privacy awareness training.
We believe that we have implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to identifying, preventing and
mitigating cybersecurity threats and incidents, as well as controls and procedures that provide for the prompt escalation
of certain cybersecurity incidents so that decisions regarding the public disclosure and reporting of such incidents can
be made by management in a timely manner.
We are not aware of any cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, that have
materially affected or are reasonably likely to affect our company, including our business strategy, results of operations
or financial condition. However, we cannot provide assurance that a future cybersecurity incident would not materially
affect our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. Additional information regarding risks related to
cybersecurity is included under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K.
Item 2. Properties.
As of February 19, 2026, we conducted our operations through 55 principal offices in 31 states, and the District of
Columbia, and in London, Aberdeen, Munich, Paris, Zurich, ADGM and Hong Kong. All of our offices are leased. Our
principal executive office is located at 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 and, as of
February 19, 2026, comprises approximately 120,000 square feet of space under a lease which expires in 2040.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
The discussion of our legal proceedings contained in Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part
II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
24 | Piper Sandler Companies
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 listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "PIPR."
SHAREHOLDERS
We had 7,590 shareholders of record and approximately 84,949 beneficial owners of our common stock as of
February 19, 2026.
DIVIDEND POLICY
Our board of directors has approved a dividend policy with the intention of returning between 30 percent and 50 percent
of our fiscal year adjusted net income to shareholders.
Our board of directors has declared a special cash dividend on our common stock of $5.00 per share related to 2025
adjusted net income. This special dividend will be paid on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of
business on March 3, 2026. Including this special cash dividend, we will have returned $7.70 per share, or
approximately 43 percent of our fiscal year 2025 adjusted net income to shareholders. In addition, our board of directors
has declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock of $0.70 per share to be paid on March 13, 2026, to
shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 3, 2026.
Our board of directors is free to change our dividend policy at any time. Restrictions on our U.S. broker dealer
subsidiary's ability to pay dividends are described in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II,
Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Information about securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included in Part III, Item 12
of this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Piper Sandler Companies | 25
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of Piper Sandler Companies
or any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common stock during the
quarter ended December 31, 2025:
Total Number of Shares
Approximate Dollar
Purchased as Part of
Value of Shares Yet to be
Total Number of
Average Price
Publicly Announced
Purchased Under the
Period
Shares Purchased
Paid per Share
Plans or Programs
Plans or Programs (1)
Month #1
October 1, 2025 to
October 31, 2025
17,920
$
339.87
— $
133.4
million
Month #2
November 1, 2025 to
November 30, 2025
23,369 (2) $
327.66
17,600 $
127.7
million
Month #3
December 1, 2025 to
December 31, 2025
17,545
$
347.66
17,545 $
121.6
million
Total
58,834
$
337.34
35,145 $
121.6
million
(1)
Effective February 5, 2025, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million of common stock through
December 31, 2026.
(2)
Consists of 17,600 shares of common stock repurchased on the open market pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan established with an independent
agent at an average price of $327.46 per share, and 5,769 shares of common stock withheld from recipients of restricted stock to pay
taxes upon the vesting of the restricted stock at an average price of $328.26 per share.
26 | Piper Sandler Companies
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This performance graph shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC for purposes of Section 18
of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be
incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Exchange Act.
The following graph compares the performance of an investment in our common stock from December 31, 2020 through
December 31, 2025, with the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Financial Services Index. The graph assumes $100 was
invested on December 31, 2020 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Financial Services
Index, and that all dividends were reinvested on the date of payment without payment of any commissions. The
performance shown in the graph represents past performance and should not be considered an indication of future
performance.
Five Year Total Return
PIPR
S&P 500 Index
S&P 500 Financial Services Index
12/31/2020
12/31/2021
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
12/31/2024
12/31/2025
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
Company/Index
12/31/2020
12/31/2021
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
12/31/2024
12/31/2025
Piper Sandler Companies
$
100 $
185.33 $
141.95 $
195.57 $
340.77 $
393.64
S&P 500 Index
100
128.71
105.40
133.10
166.40
196.16
S&P 500 Financial Services Index
100
135.87
120.56
139.30
178.82
197.29
Item 6. Reserved.
Piper Sandler Companies | 27
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
Index
Executive Overview
29
Results of Operations
33
Net Revenues
34
Non-Interest Expenses
36
Pre-Tax Margin
38
Income Taxes
38
Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
38
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
41
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
41
Liquidity, Funding and Capital Resources
43
Common Stock Split
44
Cash Flows
44
Leverage
45
Funding and Capital Resources
45
Contractual Obligations
47
Capital Requirements
48
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
49
Risk Management
50
Effects of Inflation
54
The following information should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial
statements and related notes and exhibits included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this Form 10-K
may be considered forward-looking. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this Form 10-K
for additional information regarding such statements and related risks and uncertainties.
Item 7 in this Form 10-K discusses our 2025 and 2024 results and the year-over-year comparisons between 2025 and
2024. Discussion of our 2023 results and the year-over-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023 can be found in
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.
Item 7 in this Form 10-K includes financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes that presenting results and measures on an adjusted, non-GAAP
basis in conjunction with the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures provides a more meaningful basis for comparison of
its operating results and underlying trends between periods, and enhances the overall understanding of our current
financial performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our core operating results. The non-GAAP
financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. See "Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a
detailed explanation of the adjustments made to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures and a reconciliation of U.S.
GAAP to adjusted, non-GAAP financial information.
28 | Piper Sandler Companies
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Overview of Operations
Our business principally consists of providing investment banking and institutional brokerage services to corporations,
private equity groups, public entities, non-profit entities and institutional investors in the U.S. and internationally. We
operate through one reportable segment in order to maximize the value we provide to clients by leveraging our
diversified expertise and broad relationships of the experienced professionals across our company.
Investment banking services include financial advisory services, management of and participation in underwritings, and
municipal financing activities. Revenues are generated through the receipt of advisory and financing fees. Institutional
sales, trading and research services focus on the trading of equity and fixed income products with institutions,
corporations, and government and non-profit entities. Revenues are generated through commissions and sales credits
earned on equity and fixed income institutional sales activities, net interest revenues on trading securities held in
inventory, profits and losses from trading these securities, and fees for research services and corporate access
offerings. In order to invest firm capital and to manage capital from outside investors, we have created alternative asset
management funds in merchant banking and healthcare. We receive management and performance fees for managing
these funds, and also record investment gains and losses.
Our Business Strategy
Our long-term strategic objectives are to drive revenue growth, expand our market presence, continue to gain market
share, and maximize shareholder value. In order to meet these objectives, we are focused on the following:
•
Continuing to expand our business through strategic investments and selectively adding partners who share our
client-centric culture and who can leverage our platform to better serve clients;
•
Growing our investment banking platform through continued investment in sector, product and geographic
expansion via corporate development, strategic hiring and development of internal talent. We are specifically
focused on strengthening our technology sector and expanding in Europe;
•
Leveraging the scale within the equity brokerage and fixed income services platforms, driven by our expanded
client base and product offerings, to continue to grow market share; and
•
Prudently managing capital to maintain our balance sheet strength with ample liquidity and flexibility through all
market conditions.
Strategic Activities
We have taken the following important steps in the execution of our business strategy:
•
On September 12, 2025, we completed the acquisition of G Squared Capital Partners LLC ("G Squared"), a
boutique investment bank specializing in government services and defense technology. The acquisition, along with
other strategic hires, expands and strengthens our investment banking technology sector.
•
We have made significant investments in our debt capital markets advisory, private capital advisory and
restructuring in recent years in order to expand our client product offerings and increase market share, particularly
with private equity groups.
•
On August 23, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Aviditi Capital Advisors, LLC ("Aviditi Advisors"), an alternative
investment bank providing full lifecycle services to financial sponsors, global alternative investment managers and
limited partner investors. The transaction added private capital advisory capabilities to our platform.
•
Our public finance business strengthened its market leadership in our core sectors through focusing on local market
relationships and knowledge. As a result, our special districts team had a 50 percent market share in the states in
which they compete and our public finance business was ranked second nationally in K-12 education by number of
issues and par value for 2025.
•
We elevated our institutional brokerage platform by investing in talent that expanded our product expertise and
enhanced our client relationships, notably with our structured product capabilities and through the addition of a
private markets equities trading group. Additionally, our specialized sales and trading and research teams are key
differentiators in supporting our finance activity.
Piper Sandler Companies | 29
Financial Highlights
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2025
2024
v2024
U.S. GAAP
Net revenues
$
1,899,376 $
1,525,914
24.5 %
Compensation and benefits
1,186,370
1,004,173
18.1
Non-compensation expenses
338,459
303,329
11.6
Income before income tax expense
374,547
218,412
71.5
Income tax expense
80,582
60,972
32.2
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
281,331
181,114
55.3
Earnings per diluted common share
$
15.82 $
10.24
54.5
Ratios and margin
Compensation ratio
62.5 %
65.8 %
Non-compensation ratio
17.8 %
19.9 %
Pre-tax margin
19.7 %
14.3 %
Effective tax rate
21.5 %
27.9 %
Non-GAAP(1)
Adjusted net revenues
$
1,879,009 $
1,541,042
21.9 %
Adjusted compensation and benefits
1,153,712
955,446
20.8
Adjusted non-compensation expenses
314,583
281,865
11.6
Adjusted operating income
410,714
303,731
35.2
Adjusted income tax expense
92,642
75,506
22.7
Adjusted net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
318,072
228,225
39.4
Adjusted earnings per diluted common share
$
17.74 $
12.69
39.8
Adjusted ratios and margin
Adjusted compensation ratio
61.4 %
62.0 %
Adjusted non-compensation ratio
16.7 %
18.3 %
Adjusted operating margin
21.9 %
19.7 %
Adjusted effective tax rate
22.6 %
24.9 %
(1)
See "Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to the
corresponding U.S. GAAP measures and a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to adjusted, non-GAAP financial information.
External Factors Impacting Our Business
Performance in the financial services industry in which we operate is highly correlated to the overall strength of
macroeconomic conditions, financial market activity and the effect of geopolitical events. Overall market conditions are a
product of many factors, which are beyond our control, often unpredictable and at times inherently volatile. 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 advisory transactions, equity and debt corporate financings, and municipal financings; the relative level of
volatility of the equity and fixed income markets; changes in interest rates and credit spreads (especially rapid and
extreme changes); overall market liquidity; the level and shape of various yield curves; the volume and value of trading
in securities; and overall equity valuations.
30 | Piper Sandler Companies
Factors that differentiate our business within the financial services industry also may affect our financial results. For
example, our capital markets business focuses on specific industry sectors while serving principally a middle-market
clientele. If the business environment for our focus sectors is impacted adversely, our business and results of operations
could reflect these impacts. In addition, our business, with its specific areas of focus and investment, may not track
overall market trends. Given the variability of the capital markets and securities businesses, our earnings may fluctuate
significantly from period to period, and results for any individual period should not be considered indicative of future
results.
Market Data
The following table provides a summary of relevant market data:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
2025
2024
v2024
U.S. Market Indices
S&P 500 (at period end)
6,846
5,882
16.4 %
Nasdaq (at period end)
23,242
19,311
20.4
U.S. Middle Market Mergers and Acquisitions
Announced transactions (number of transactions) (a)
3,049
2,989
2.0
U.S. Equity Capital Markets
Completed public equity offerings (number of transactions) (b)
845
677
24.8
Completed initial public offerings (number of transactions) (c)
275
145
89.7
Equity fee pool for overall market (in millions) (d)
$
9,560
$
7,394
29.3
Equity fee pool for sub-$5 billion (in millions) (e)
$
5,075
$
3,900
30.1
U.S. Municipal Negotiated Issuances
Completed issuances for overall market (number of transactions) (f)
6,328
5,775
9.6
Completed issuances for sub-$500 million (number of
transactions) (g)
6,145
5,601
9.7
Aggregate par value for overall market (in billions) (f)
$
485
$
427
13.5
Aggregate par value for sub-$500 million (in billions) (g)
$
314
$
265
18.4
Average CBOE Volatility Index (VIX)
19
16
18.8
Average Daily Number of Shares Traded
NYSE (shares in millions)
3,337
2,391
39.6
Nasdaq (shares in millions)
2,503
1,902
31.6
Interest Rates
3-month treasury average rate
4.21 %
5.18 %
(18.7)
10-year treasury average rate
4.29 %
4.21 %
1.9
Average 10-year MMD to 10-year Treasury Ratio (h)
0.71
0.64
10.9
a.
Source: Refinitiv and Piper Sandler & Co. (transactions with reported deal value between $100 million and $1 billion and
transactions with less than $1 billion deal value that had a financial advisor).
b.
Source: Dealogic and Piper Sandler & Co. Equity Capital Markets (IPOs, follow-on offerings and convertible offerings with
reported deal value greater than $10 million).
c.
Source: Dealogic and Piper Sandler & Co. Equity Capital Markets (offerings with reported deal value greater than $10 million).
d.
Source: Dealogic and Piper Sandler & Co. Equity Capital Markets (IPOs, follow-on offerings and convertible offerings with deal
values greater than $10 million and PIPEs/RDs greater than $5 million; SPAC IPO fees are represented as the standard two
percent upfront fee unless noted differently on the IPO cover).
e.
Source: Dealogic and Piper Sandler & Co. Equity Capital Markets (IPOs, follow-on offerings and convertible offerings with deal
values greater than $10 million and PIPEs/RDs greater than $5 million for sub-$5 billion market cap issuers; SPAC IPO fees are
represented as the standard two percent upfront fee unless noted differently on the IPO cover).
f.
Source: Refinitiv (sole/senior negotiated and private placement transactions for the overall market).
g.
Source: Refinitiv (sole/senior negotiated and private placement transactions for sub-$500 million).
h.
Calculated based on the 10-year MMD index rate divided by the 10-year treasury rate.
Piper Sandler Companies | 31
Outlook for 2026
The market backdrop became more constructive in 2025 with strong equity markets, a more accommodative regulatory
environment and an increase in investment banking activity. Monetary policy in the U.S. remains a prevalent factor
impacting the economy and financial markets. The U.S. Federal Reserve lowered its short-term benchmark interest rate
by 75 basis points in 2025 and is expected to continue to lower rates in 2026 as it balances its goals of maximum
employment and stable prices. The effects of changes to U.S. trade policy, and any retaliatory actions by global trading
partners, including the European Union and China, and their potential impact on inflation, supply chains, and global
trade continues to contribute to elevated financial market uncertainty. In addition, concerns over geopolitical conflicts,
including in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Taiwan and any tensions as a result of trade disputes, could
negatively impact financial market activity. A significant decrease in uncertainty, or resolutions to trade disputes and
geopolitical concerns, would likely be constructive for overall economic conditions, and consequently, our client and
business activity.
Our advisory services results continued to benefit from our sector and product diversification as well as an improving
market environment for M&A activity. While several large advisory transactions closed in the last week of 2025, our
advisory services pipeline of engagement mandates is building and we expect another strong year of advisory services
revenue in 2026.
Our corporate financing activity improved in the second half of 2025 as the overall market environment became more
constructive. Our corporate financing activity has been strong to start 2026. Our pipeline of new issues is healthy and
we are experiencing strong demand from institutional investors looking to deploy capital across sectors.
Our equity brokerage results benefited from strong volumes and volatility during 2025. Our equity brokerage business
continues to benefit from the quality of our trade execution and research product as we assist clients in navigating
periods of volatility. We expect our 2026 equity brokerage revenues to be similar to 2025.
Our fixed income services results benefited from solid client activity across most products and client verticals during
2025 due to more accommodative markets. In addition, we benefited from robust activity among our depository clients
as the increase in bank M&A activity during the year, along with depository clients adjusting to the changing rate
environment, provided more opportunities to advise on balance sheet repositioning. We expect clients to be more active
in 2026 in anticipation of further short-term benchmark interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve. We also
anticipate continued opportunities to advise clients on balance sheet repositioning stemming from a robust M&A
environment.
Our municipal financing activity was broad based in 2025 with solid performance across both our governmental and
specialty sector businesses. Market conditions remained favorable during the year with record municipal negotiated
issuance levels driven by funding needs for infrastructure upgrades and strong investor demand. We anticipate market
conditions to remain favorable in 2026 with similar issuance volumes to 2025, albeit back to a more normalized
quarterly trend.
32 | Piper Sandler Companies
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table provides a summary of the results of our operations and the results of our operations as a
percentage of net revenues for the periods indicated:
As a Percentage of
Net Revenues for the
Year Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
2025
2024
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
v2024
v2023
2025
2024
2023
Revenues
Investment banking:
Advisory services
$ 1,037,959 $ 808,746
$ 709,316
28.3 %
14.0 %
54.6 %
53.0 %
52.6 %
Corporate financing
217,156
173,876
131,077
24.9
32.7
11.4
11.4
9.7
Municipal financing
145,751
122,513
83,419
19.0
46.9
7.7
8.0
6.2
Total investment banking
1,400,866 1,105,135
923,812
26.8
19.6
73.8
72.4
68.5
Institutional brokerage:
Equity brokerage
230,273
215,275
209,512
7.0
2.8
12.1
14.1
15.5
Fixed income services
202,925
186,167
168,027
9.0
10.8
10.7
12.2
12.5
Total institutional brokerage
433,198
401,442
377,539
7.9
6.3
22.8
26.3
28.0
Interest income
36,904
32,908
26,723
12.1
23.1
1.9
2.2
2.0
Investment income/(loss)
33,249
(7,890)
30,039
N/M
N/M
1.8
(0.5)
2.2
Total revenues
1,904,217 1,531,595 1,358,113
24.3
12.8
100.3
100.4
100.8
Interest expense
4,841
5,681
10,146
(14.8)
(44.0)
0.3
0.4
0.8
Net revenues
1,899,376 1,525,914 1,347,967
24.5
13.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
Non-interest expenses
Compensation and benefits
1,186,370 1,004,173
897,034
18.1
11.9
62.5
65.8
66.5
Outside services
58,674
55,756
51,754
5.2
7.7
3.1
3.7
3.8
Occupancy and equipment
73,451
66,530
64,356
10.4
3.4
3.9
4.4
4.8
Communications
56,247
54,917
52,718
2.4
4.2
3.0
3.6
3.9
Marketing and business
development
47,201
42,239
37,734
11.7
11.9
2.5
2.8
2.8
Deal-related expenses
43,483
30,491
28,189
42.6
8.2
2.3
2.0
2.1
Trade execution and clearance
19,599
19,836
19,972
(1.2)
(0.7)
1.0
1.3
1.5
Restructuring and integration
costs
6,144
2,586
7,749
137.6
(66.6)
0.3
0.2
0.6
Intangible asset amortization
9,999
10,288
19,440
(2.8)
(47.1)
0.5
0.7
1.4
Other operating expenses
23,661
20,686
46,435
14.4
(55.5)
1.2
1.4
3.4
Total non-interest expenses
1,524,829 1,307,502 1,225,381
16.6
6.7
80.3
85.7
90.9
Income before income tax
expense
374,547
218,412
122,586
71.5
78.2
19.7
14.3
9.1
Income tax expense
80,582
60,972
23,613
32.2
158.2
4.2
4.0
1.8
Net income
293,965
157,440
98,973
86.7
59.1
15.5
10.3
7.3
Net income/(loss) attributable
to noncontrolling interests
12,634
(23,674)
13,482
N/M
N/M
0.7
(1.6)
1.0
Net income attributable to
Piper Sandler Companies
$ 281,331
$ 181,114
$
85,491
55.3
111.9
14.8
11.9
6.3
N/M – Not meaningful
Piper Sandler Companies | 33
Net Revenues
Net revenues on a U.S. GAAP basis were $1.90 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared with
$1.53 billion in the prior-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2025, adjusted net revenues were $1.88 billion,
compared with $1.54 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The variance explanations for net revenues and
adjusted net revenues are consistent on both a U.S. GAAP and non-GAAP basis unless stated otherwise. See
"Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a detailed explanation of the adjustments made
to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures and a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to adjusted, non-GAAP financial
information.
The following table provides supplemental business information:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
2024
Advisory services
Completed M&A and restructuring transactions
250
220
Completed capital advisory transactions (1)
85
68
Total completed advisory transactions
335
288
Corporate financings
Total equity transactions priced
75
81
Book run equity transactions priced
62
64
Total debt and preferred transactions priced
47
36
Book run debt and preferred transactions priced
31
23
Advisory services and corporate financing
Number of managing directors
187
183
Municipal negotiated issues
Aggregate par value of issues priced (in billions)
$
18.8 $
16.9
Total issues priced
555
501
Equity brokerage
Number of shares traded (in billions)
11.4
11.3
(1)
Includes debt capital markets advisory transactions and equity and debt private placements.
Investment Banking Revenues
Investment banking revenues comprise all of the revenues generated through advisory services activities, which include
M&A, equity and debt private placements, debt capital markets advisory, restructuring and private capital advisory, and
municipal financial advisory transactions. Investment banking revenues also include equity and debt corporate financing
activities and municipal financings.
34 | Piper Sandler Companies
In 2025, investment banking revenues were $1.40 billion, up 26.8 percent compared to $1.11 billion in 2024. For the
year ended December 31, 2025, advisory services revenues were $1.04 billion, up 28.3 percent compared with
$808.7 million in 2024, driven by more completed transactions and a higher average fee. In 2025, our advisory services
performance was led by our financial services team with strong contributions from our services & industrials and
healthcare sectors. In addition, our debt capital markets advisory product team recorded strong results in 2025.
Corporate financing revenues were $217.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, up 24.9 percent compared to
$173.9 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to increased average fees. Consistent with the overall market, our
equity financing activity increased during the second half of 2025 resulting from reduced volatility and strong valuations.
Performance during the year was led by the healthcare sector, and we served as book runner on 37 of 38 completed
healthcare equity deals. In addition, our financial services group executed on a strong flow of debt and preferred
financings. Municipal financing revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $145.8 million, up 19.0 percent
compared to $122.5 million in the year-ago period, driven by increased municipal negotiated issuance activity resulting
from improved market conditions and increased investor demand. Our broad based performance during the year
included solid contributions from both our specialty sector business and our governmental business, which drove the
year-over-year revenue growth.
Institutional Brokerage Revenues
Institutional brokerage revenues comprise all of the revenues generated through trading activities, which principally
consist of facilitating customer trades, as well as fees received for our research services and corporate access offerings.
Our results may vary from quarter to quarter as a result of changes in trading margins, trading gains and losses, net
interest spreads, trading volumes and the amount of fees received for research services.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, institutional brokerage revenues were $433.2 million, up 7.9 percent compared
with $401.4 million in the prior-year period. Equity brokerage revenues were $230.3 million in 2025, up 7.0 percent
compared with $215.3 million in 2024, due to increased client activity across our full suite of products. For the year
ended December 31, 2025, fixed income services revenues were $202.9 million, up 9.0 percent compared to
$186.2 million in the prior-year period, driven by increased activity from our depository clients resulting from an
improved interest rate outlook as well as growth with our asset management and public entity clients.
Interest Income
Interest income represents amounts earned from holding long inventory positions and cash balances, as well as interest
earned on installment fee receivables. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased to
$36.9 million, compared with $32.9 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to interest earned on installment fee
receivables.
Investment Income/(Loss)
Investment income/(loss) includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments, including amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests, in our alternative asset management funds, as well as management and
performance fees generated from those funds. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded investment income
of $33.2 million, compared to an investment loss of $7.9 million in the year-ago period. In 2025, we recorded gains on
our investments and the noncontrolling interests in the alternative asset funds that we manage. Excluding the impact of
noncontrolling interests, adjusted investment income was $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025,
compared with $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Interest Expense
Interest expense represents amounts associated with financing, economically hedging and holding short inventory
positions, including interest paid on our financing arrangements, as well as commitment fees on certain short-term
financing arrangements. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased to $4.8 million, compared
with $5.7 million in the prior-year period.
Piper Sandler Companies | 35
Non-Interest Expenses
Non-interest expenses on a U.S. GAAP basis were $1.52 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to
$1.31 billion in the prior-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2025, adjusted non-interest expenses were
$1.47 billion, compared with $1.24 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The variance explanations for non-
interest expenses and adjusted non-interest expenses are consistent on both a U.S. GAAP and non-GAAP basis unless
stated otherwise. See "Explanation and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for a detailed explanation of
the adjustments made to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures and a reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to adjusted, non-
GAAP financial information.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits expenses, which are the largest component of our expenses, include salaries, incentive
compensation, benefits, stock-based compensation, employment taxes, the reversal of expenses associated with the
forfeiture of stock-based compensation and other employee-related costs. A significant portion of compensation
expense is comprised of variable incentive arrangements, including discretionary incentive compensation, the amount of
which fluctuates in proportion to the level of business activity, increasing with higher revenues and operating profits and
decreasing with lower revenues and operating profits. Other compensation costs, primarily base salaries and benefits,
are more fixed in nature. In conjunction with our acquisitions, we have granted restricted stock, restricted cash with
service conditions, and restricted mutual fund shares of investment funds ("MFRS Awards") which are amortized to
compensation expense over the service period. We have also entered into forgivable loans with service conditions,
which are amortized to compensation expense over the loan term. Additionally, expense estimates related to revenue-
based earnout arrangements with service conditions entered into as part of our acquisitions are amortized to
compensation expense over the service period.
The following table summarizes our expected future acquisition-related compensation expense for restricted stock,
restricted cash with service conditions, MFRS Awards and forgivable loans with service conditions, as well as expense
estimates related to revenue-based earnout arrangements:
(Amounts in thousands)
2026
$
25,872
2027
19,840
2028
9,018
2029
5,029
Total
$
59,759
For the year ended December 31, 2025, compensation and benefits expenses increased 18.1 percent to $1.19 billion,
compared with $1.00 billion in 2024, due to higher revenues and profitability. Compensation and benefits expenses as a
percentage of net revenues decreased to 62.5 percent in 2025, compared to 65.8 percent in 2024, primarily due to
higher net revenues, including investment income on our investments and the noncontrolling interests in the alternative
asset management funds that we manage in the current year compared to an investment loss in 2024. Our adjusted
compensation ratio decreased to 61.4 percent in 2025, compared with 62.0 percent in 2024, primarily due to higher
adjusted net revenues.
Outside Services
Outside services expenses include securities processing expenses, outsourced technology functions, outside legal fees,
fund expenses associated with our consolidated alternative asset management funds and other professional fees. For
the year ended December 31, 2025, outside services expenses increased 5.2 percent to $58.7 million, compared with
$55.8 million in 2024, primarily due to higher legal fees and increased professional fees associated with technology
consulting services.
Occupancy and Equipment
For the year ended December 31, 2025, occupancy and equipment expenses increased 10.4 percent to $73.5 million,
compared with $66.5 million in 2024, primarily due to incremental expenses as a result of relocating our Minneapolis
corporate headquarters to a new building. Our occupancy and equipment expenses will increase in 2026 as a result of
relocating our office space in New York City, New York.
36 | Piper Sandler Companies
Communications
Communication expenses include costs for telecommunication and data communication, primarily consisting of
expenses for obtaining third-party market data information. For the year ended December 31, 2025, communication
expenses increased 2.4 percent to $56.2 million, compared with $54.9 million in 2024, primarily due to higher market
data services expenses.
Marketing and Business Development
Marketing and business development expenses include travel and entertainment costs, advertising and third-party
marketing fees. For the year ended December 31, 2025, marketing and business development expenses increased 11.7
percent to $47.2 million, compared with $42.2 million in 2024, primarily due to higher travel expenses associated with
increased business activity.
Deal-Related Expenses
Deal-related expenses include costs we incurred over the course of a completed investment banking deal, which
primarily consist of legal fees, offering expenses, and travel costs. For the year ended December 31, 2025, deal-related
expenses were $43.5 million, compared with $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The amount of deal-
related expenses is principally dependent on the level and mix of deal activity and may vary from period to period as the
recognition of deal-related costs typically coincides with the closing of a transaction.
Trade Execution and Clearance
For the year ended December 31, 2025, trade execution and clearance expenses decreased slightly to $19.6 million,
compared with $19.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Restructuring and Integration Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred restructuring and integration costs of $6.1 million. The expenses
principally consisted of $2.8 million of severance benefits related to headcount reductions, $1.8 million for vacated
leased office space associated with our acquisition of Aviditi Advisors, as well as $1.5 million of integration costs related
principally to our acquisition of G Squared.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we incurred restructuring and integration costs of $2.6 million, primarily
consisting of integration costs related to our acquisition of Aviditi Advisors.
Intangible Asset Amortization
For the year ended December 31, 2025, amortization of definite-lived intangible assets was $10.0 million, compared
with $10.3 million in 2024.
The following table summarizes the future aggregate amortization expense of our intangible assets with determinable
lives:
(Amounts in thousands)
2026
$
7,986
2027
3,480
2028
2,191
2029
541
Total
$
14,198
Piper Sandler Companies | 37
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses primarily include insurance costs, license and registration fees, expenses related to our
charitable giving program and litigation-related expenses, which consist of the amounts we accrue for and/or pay out
related to legal and regulatory matters. For the year ended December 31, 2025, other operating expenses were
$23.7 million, compared with $20.7 million in 2024. Other operating expenses for 2024 included a $4.0 million reduction
in the accrual for civil penalties related to our regulatory settlements regarding recordkeeping requirements for
business-related communications.
Pre-Tax Margin
Pre-tax margin for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased to 19.7 percent, compared to 14.3 percent for the year
ended December 31, 2024. Adjusted pre-tax margin for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased to 21.9 percent,
compared with 19.7 percent in 2024. In 2025, the increase in pre-tax margin on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted basis
was primarily due to higher net revenues as well as a lower compensation ratio.
Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes was $80.6 million and our effective tax rate was 21.5 percent for the year ended
December 31, 2025. Our adjusted provision for income taxes was $92.6 million and our adjusted effective tax rate was
22.6 percent for the year ended December 31, 2025. The provision for income taxes on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted
basis included $29.6 million of tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards vesting at values greater than
the grant price and accrued forfeitable dividends paid on vested restricted stock related to acquisitions. Excluding the
impact of these benefits, our adjusted effective tax rate was 29.8 percent.
Our provision for income taxes was $61.0 million and our effective tax rate was 27.9 percent for the year ended
December 31, 2024. Our adjusted provision for income taxes was $75.5 million and our adjusted effective tax rate was
24.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2024. The provision for income taxes on both a U.S. GAAP and adjusted
basis included $14.5 million of tax benefits related to stock-based compensation awards vesting at values greater than
the grant price and accrued forfeitable dividends paid on vested restricted stock related to acquisitions. Excluding the
impact of these benefits, our adjusted effective tax rate was 29.6 percent. The effective tax rate on both a U.S. GAAP
and adjusted basis for 2024 was impacted by non-deductible employee compensation expense, including limitations on
the deduction of employee compensation expense enacted with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
EXPLANATION AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
In Item 7 in this Form 10-K, we have included financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Adjustments to these non-GAAP financial measures include (1) the exclusion of investment (income)/loss and non-
compensation expenses related to noncontrolling interests, (2) the exclusion of compensation and non-compensation
expenses from acquisition-related agreements, (3) the exclusion of restructuring and integration costs related to
acquisitions and/or headcount reductions, (4) the exclusion of amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions,
(5) the exclusion of non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements (see Note 15 to our consolidated financial
statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information) and (6) the income tax impact allocated
to the adjustments. For U.S. GAAP purposes, these items are included in each of their respective line items on the
consolidated statements of operations.
These adjustments affect the following financial measures: net revenues, compensation and benefits expenses, non-
compensation expenses, total non-interest expenses, income before income tax expense, income tax expense, net
income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies, earnings per diluted common share, compensation ratio, non-
compensation ratio, pre-tax margin and effective tax rate.
The adjusted weighted average diluted shares outstanding used in the calculation of non-GAAP earnings per diluted
common share contains an adjustment to include the common shares for unvested restricted stock awards with service
conditions granted pursuant to all acquisitions since January 1, 2020.
38 | Piper Sandler Companies
Management believes that presenting results and measures on an adjusted, non-GAAP basis in conjunction with the
corresponding U.S. GAAP measures provides a more meaningful basis for comparison of its operating results and
underlying trends between periods, and enhances the overall understanding of our current financial performance by
excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our core operating results. The non-GAAP financial measures
should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP.
Consolidation of the alternative asset management funds results in the inclusion of the proportionate share of the
income or loss attributable to the equity interests in consolidated funds that are not attributable, either directly or
indirectly, to us (i.e., noncontrolling interests). This proportionate share is reflected in net income/(loss) attributable to
noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, and has no effect on our overall
financial performance, as ultimately, this income/(loss) is not income/(loss) for us. The adjusted, non-GAAP financial
measures include only the actual proportionate share of the income/(loss) attributable to us as an investor in such
alternative asset management funds.
The compensation and non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements and amortization of intangible
assets are excluded from the adjusted, non-GAAP financial measures as they represent expenses specifically related to
acquisitions and therefore are not part of our ongoing operations.
The restructuring and integration costs excluded from the adjusted, non-GAAP financial results represent charges that
resulted from severance benefits related to acquisitions or headcount reductions, as well as acquisition-related costs
associated with contract termination, vacating redundant leased office space and professional fees related to the
respective transaction. Excluding these restructuring and integration costs from our adjusted, non-GAAP financial
measures provides a better understanding of our core non-compensation expenses.
The non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements for the year ended December 31, 2024 include the
reversal of other operating expenses of $4.0 million, as we reduced the accrual for civil penalties related to the
regulatory settlements with the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"). In connection with
these matters, we also incurred $1.0 million of outside services expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Management believes that excluding the non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements from our adjusted,
non-GAAP financial measures provides a better understanding of our core non-compensation expenses.
Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to adjusted, non-GAAP financial information:
Net revenues:
Net revenues – U.S. GAAP basis
$
1,899,376 $
1,525,914
Adjustment:
Investment (income)/loss related to noncontrolling interests
(20,367)
15,128
Adjusted net revenues
$
1,879,009 $
1,541,042
Compensation and benefits:
Compensation and benefits – U.S. GAAP basis
$
1,186,370 $
1,004,173
Adjustment:
Compensation from acquisition-related agreements
(32,658)
(48,727)
Adjusted compensation and benefits
$
1,153,712 $
955,446
Non-compensation expenses:
Non-compensation expenses – U.S. GAAP basis
$
338,459 $
303,329
Adjustments:
Non-compensation expenses related to noncontrolling interests
(7,733)
(8,546)
Restructuring and integration costs
(6,144)
(2,586)
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
(9,999)
(10,288)
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements
—
(3,089)
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements
—
3,045
Adjusted non-compensation expenses
$
314,583 $
281,865
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
Piper Sandler Companies | 39
Income before income tax expense:
Income before income tax expense – U.S. GAAP basis
$
374,547 $
218,412
Adjustments:
Investment (income)/loss related to noncontrolling interests
(20,367)
15,128
Non-compensation expenses related to noncontrolling interests
7,733
8,546
Compensation from acquisition-related agreements
32,658
48,727
Restructuring and integration costs
6,144
2,586
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
9,999
10,288
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements
—
3,089
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements
—
(3,045)
Adjusted operating income
$
410,714 $
303,731
Income tax expense:
Income tax expense – U.S. GAAP basis
$
80,582 $
60,972
Tax effect of adjustments:
Compensation from acquisition-related agreements
7,913
10,224
Restructuring and integration costs
1,497
590
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
2,650
2,675
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements
—
797
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements
—
248
Adjusted income tax expense
$
92,642 $
75,506
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies:
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies – U.S. GAAP basis
$
281,331 $
181,114
Adjustments:
Compensation from acquisition-related agreements
24,745
38,503
Restructuring and integration costs
4,647
1,996
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
7,349
7,613
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements
—
2,292
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements
—
(3,293)
Adjusted net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
318,072 $
228,225
Earnings per diluted common share:
Earnings per diluted common share – U.S. GAAP basis
$
15.82 $
10.24
Adjustment for inclusion of unvested acquisition-related stock
(0.14)
(0.20)
$
15.68 $
10.04
Adjustments:
Compensation from acquisition-related agreements
1.39
2.17
Restructuring and integration costs
0.26
0.11
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
0.41
0.43
Non-compensation expenses from acquisition-related agreements
—
0.13
Non-compensation expenses from regulatory settlements
—
(0.19)
Adjusted earnings per diluted common share
$
17.74 $
12.69
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding:
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding – U.S. GAAP basis
17,785
17,695
Adjustment:
Unvested acquisition-related restricted stock with service conditions
145
293
Adjusted weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
17,930
17,988
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
40 | Piper Sandler Companies
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recent accounting pronouncements are set forth in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II,
Item 8 of this Form 10-K, and are incorporated herein by reference.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our accounting and reporting policies comply with U.S. GAAP and conform to practices within the securities industry.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP and industry practices requires us to make
estimates and assumptions that could materially affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements.
Critical accounting policies are those policies that we believe to be the most important to the portrayal of our financial
condition and results of operations and that require us to make estimates that are difficult, subjective or complex. Most
accounting policies are not considered by us to be critical accounting policies. Several factors are considered in
determining whether or not a policy is critical, including whether the estimates are significant to the consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other
information (e.g., third-party or independent sources), the sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions
and whether alternative accounting methods may be used under U.S. GAAP.
For a full description of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included
in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following are our critical
accounting policies and estimates.
Valuation of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned, financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but
not yet purchased, and investments on our consolidated statements of financial condition consist of financial
instruments recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses related to these financial instruments are reflected on
our consolidated statements of operations.
The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). Based on the nature of our
business and our role as a "dealer" in the securities industry or as a manager of alternative asset management funds,
the fair values of our financial instruments are determined internally. See Note 2 and Note 6 to our consolidated financial
statements for additional information on the valuation of our financial instruments and our fair value processes, including
specific control processes to determine the reasonableness of the fair value of our financial instruments.
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, "Fair Value
Measurement," establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair
value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities (i.e., Level I measurements) and the lowest priority to inputs with little or no pricing observability (i.e., Level III
measurements). Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant
to the fair value measurement. Substantially all of our financial instruments categorized as Level III are investments
related to our alternative asset management funds. These investments in private companies are valued based on an
assessment of each underlying security, considering rounds of financing, the financial condition and operating results of
the private company, third-party transactions and market-based information, including comparable company
transactions, trading multiples (e.g., multiples of revenue and EBITDA), discounted cash flow analyses and changes in
market outlook, among other factors. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of
our assets and liabilities in the fair value hierarchy.
Piper Sandler Companies | 41
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
As part of our compensation to employees and directors, we use stock-based compensation, consisting of restricted
stock, restricted stock units and stock options. We account for equity awards in accordance with FASB Accounting
Standards Codification Topic 718, "Compensation – Stock Compensation," ("ASC 718"), which requires all share-based
payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized on the consolidated statements
of operations at grant date fair value. Compensation expense related to share-based awards that require future service
are amortized over the service period of the award. Forfeitures of awards with service conditions are accounted for
when they occur. Share-based awards that do not require future service are recognized in the year in which the awards
are deemed to be earned.
See Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our stock-based compensation
plans.
Income Taxes
We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, which includes all of our qualifying subsidiaries. We also are
subject to income tax in various states and municipalities and those foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Amounts
provided for income taxes are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily
represent amounts currently payable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax
consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax basis and for tax loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax
rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income taxes are provided for
temporary differences in reporting certain items, principally restricted compensation (i.e., restricted stock, restricted
stock units, restricted mutual fund shares, and deferred compensation). The realization of deferred tax assets is
assessed and a valuation allowance is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that any portion of the
deferred tax asset will not be realized. We believe that our future taxable profits will be sufficient to recognize our
deferred tax assets. However, if our projections of future taxable profits do not materialize, we may conclude that a
valuation allowance is necessary, which would impact our results of operations in that period.
We record deferred tax benefits for future tax deductions expected upon the vesting of stock-based compensation. We
recognize the income tax effects of stock-based compensation awards in the income statement when the awards vest. If
deductions reported on our tax return for stock-based compensation (i.e., the value of the stock-based compensation at
the time of vesting) exceed the cumulative cost of those instruments recognized for financial reporting (i.e., the grant
date fair value of the compensation computed in accordance with ASC 718), we record the excess tax benefit as income
tax benefit. Conversely, if deductions reported on our tax return for stock-based compensation are less than the
cumulative cost of those instruments recognized for financial reporting, the deficiency is recorded as an income tax
expense. Additionally, we record a tax benefit related to accrued forfeitable dividends paid on restricted stock upon
vesting. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded $29.6 million of tax benefits related to stock-based
compensation awards vesting at values greater than the grant date fair value and accrued forfeitable dividends paid on
vested restricted stock related to acquisitions. As of February 19, 2026, approximately 305,000 shares have vested at
share prices greater than the grant date fair values, resulting in an income tax benefit of $7.3 million recorded in the first
quarter of 2026.
We establish reserves for uncertain income tax positions in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification
Topic 740, "Income Taxes," when it is not more likely than not that a certain position or component of a position will be
ultimately upheld by the relevant taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in evaluating uncertain tax positions.
Our tax provision and related accruals include the impact of estimates for uncertain tax positions and changes to the
reserves that are considered appropriate. To the extent the probable tax outcome of these matters changes, such
change in estimate will impact the income tax provision in the period of change and, in turn, our results of operations. As
of December 31, 2025, we have a $2.2 million liability recorded for uncertain state income tax positions.
42 | Piper Sandler Companies
LIQUIDITY, FUNDING AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We regularly monitor our liquidity position, which is of critical importance to our business. Accordingly, we maintain a
liquidity strategy designed to enable our business to continue to operate even under adverse circumstances, although
there can be no assurance that our strategy will be successful under all circumstances. Insufficient liquidity resulting
from adverse circumstances contributes to, and may be the cause of, financial institution failure.
The majority of our tangible assets consist of assets readily convertible into cash. Financial instruments and other
inventory positions owned are stated at fair value and are generally readily marketable in most market conditions.
Receivables and payables with brokers, dealers and clearing organizations usually settle within a few days. As part of
our liquidity strategy, we emphasize diversification of funding sources to the extent possible while considering tenor and
cost. Our assets are financed by our cash flows from operations, equity capital and our funding arrangements. The
fluctuations in cash flows from financing activities are directly related to daily operating activities from our various
businesses. One of our most important risk management disciplines is our ability to manage the size and composition of
our balance sheet. While our asset base changes due to client activity, market fluctuations and business opportunities,
the size and composition of our balance sheet reflect our overall risk tolerance, our ability to access stable funding
sources and the amount of equity capital we hold.
Certain market conditions can impact the liquidity of our inventory positions, requiring us to hold larger inventory
positions for longer than expected or requiring us to take other actions that may adversely impact our results.
A significant component of our employees' compensation is paid in annual discretionary incentive compensation. The
timing of these incentive compensation payments, which is generally in February, has a significant impact on our cash
position and liquidity.
Our dividend policy is intended to return between 30 percent and 50 percent of our fiscal year adjusted net income to
shareholders. Our board of directors determines the declaration and payment of dividends and is free to change our
dividend policy at any time. Our board of directors declared the following dividends on shares of our common stock:
Dividend
Declaration Date
Per Share
Record Date
Payment Date
Related to 2022:
February 3, 2023 (1)
$
1.25
March 3, 2023
March 17, 2023
Related to 2023:
February 3, 2023
0.60
March 3, 2023
March 17, 2023
May 2, 2023
0.60
May 26, 2023
June 9, 2023
July 28, 2023
0.60
August 25, 2023
September 8, 2023
October 27, 2023
0.60
November 21, 2023
December 8, 2023
February 2, 2024 (1)
1.00
March 4, 2024
March 15, 2024
Related to 2024:
February 2, 2024
0.60
March 4, 2024
March 15, 2024
April 26, 2024
0.60
May 24, 2024
June 7, 2024
August 2, 2024
0.65
August 29, 2024
September 13, 2024
October 25, 2024
0.65
November 22, 2024
December 13, 2024
January 31, 2025 (1)
3.00
March 4, 2025
March 14, 2025
Related to 2025:
January 31, 2025
0.65
March 4, 2025
March 14, 2025
May 2, 2025
0.65
May 30, 2025
June 13, 2025
August 1, 2025
0.70
August 29, 2025
September 12, 2025
October 31, 2025
0.70
November 25, 2025
December 12, 2025
February 6, 2026 (1)
5.00
March 3, 2026
March 13, 2026
Related to 2026:
February 6, 2026
0.70
March 3, 2026
March 13, 2026
(1)
Represents a special cash dividend.
Piper Sandler Companies | 43
Our board of directors has declared a special cash dividend on our common stock of $5.00 per share related to 2025
adjusted net income. This special dividend will be paid on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of
business on March 3, 2026. Including this special cash dividend, we will have returned $7.70 per share, or
approximately 43 percent of our fiscal year 2025 adjusted net income to shareholders.
As part of our capital management strategy, we repurchase our common stock over time in order to offset the dilutive
effect of our employee stock-based compensation awards and our grants of acquisition-related restricted stock, as well
as to return capital to shareholders.
Effective February 5, 2025, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $150.0 million in common shares
through December 31, 2026. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased 101,903 shares of our
common stock at an average price of $279.05 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $28.4 million related to this
authorization. At December 31, 2025, we had $121.6 million remaining under this authorization.
We also purchase shares of common stock from restricted stock award recipients upon the award vesting as recipients
sell shares to meet their employment tax obligations. In 2025, we purchased 318,801 shares of our common stock at an
average price of $303.03 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $96.6 million for these purposes.
Common Stock Split
On February 6, 2026, our board of directors approved a four-for-one forward split of our common stock to increase
liquidity and help make our common stock more accessible to a wider range of investors. The stock split will be effected
through the filing of an amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will be accompanied
by a proportionate increase in the number of shares of our authorized common stock. At the effective time of the filing of
the amendment on March 23, 2026, every share of our common stock will automatically become four shares of common
stock. Our common stock is expected to begin trading on the split-adjusted basis at the start of trading on March 24,
2026.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025 were $809.4 million, an increase of $326.6 million from December
31, 2024. Operating activities provided $586.6 million of cash, primarily driven by cash generated from earnings and an
increase in operating liabilities. The increase in operating liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accrued
compensation of $107.4 million, the result of higher compensation costs in 2025 resulting from increased revenues and
operating profits. In 2025, investing activities used $43.7 million, of which $34.7 million was used for the purchase of
fixed assets and $9.0 million was used for the acquisition of G Squared. The increase in cash used for the purchase of
fixed assets primarily related to relocating our Minneapolis corporate headquarters to a new building. In 2025, cash of
$218.7 million was used in financing activities, as we repurchased $125.0 million of common stock and paid
$114.1 million in dividends.
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 were $482.8 million, an increase of $99.7 million from December 31,
2023. Operating activities provided $313.3 million of cash, primarily driven by cash generated from earnings and an
increase in operating liabilities. The increase in operating liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accrued
compensation of $56.6 million, the result of higher compensation costs in 2024 resulting from increased revenues and
operating profits. In 2024, investing activities used $31.8 million, of which $16.3 million was used for the acquisition of
Aviditi Advisors and $15.5 million was used for the purchase of fixed assets. In 2024, cash of $180.6 million was used in
financing activities, as we paid $73.7 million in dividends, repurchased $66.4 million of common stock and reduced
short-term financing by $37.3 million.
44 | Piper Sandler Companies
Leverage
The following table presents total assets, adjusted assets, total shareholders' equity and tangible common shareholders'
equity with the resulting leverage ratios:
December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2025
2024
Total assets
$
2,592,646 $
2,255,936
Deduct: Goodwill and intangible assets
(418,856)
(419,528)
Deduct: Right-of-use lease assets
(64,004)
(66,618)
Deduct: Assets attributable to noncontrolling interests
(217,726)
(197,600)
Adjusted assets
$
1,892,060 $
1,572,190
Total shareholders' equity
$
1,582,793 $
1,415,773
Deduct: Goodwill and intangible assets
(418,856)
(419,528)
Deduct: Noncontrolling interests
(211,786)
(187,943)
Tangible common shareholders' equity
$
952,151 $
808,302
Leverage ratio (1)
1.6
1.6
Adjusted leverage ratio (2)
2.0
1.9
(1)
Leverage ratio equals total assets divided by total shareholders' equity.
(2)
Adjusted leverage ratio equals adjusted assets divided by tangible common shareholders' equity.
Adjusted assets and tangible common shareholders' equity are non-GAAP financial measures. Goodwill and intangible
assets are subtracted from total assets and total shareholders' equity in determining adjusted assets and tangible
common shareholders' equity, respectively, as we believe that goodwill and intangible assets do not constitute operating
assets that can be deployed in a liquid manner. Right-of-use lease assets are also subtracted from total assets in
determining adjusted assets as these are not operating assets that can be deployed in a liquid manner. Amounts
attributable to noncontrolling interests are subtracted from total assets and total shareholders' equity in determining
adjusted assets and tangible common shareholders' equity, respectively, as they represent assets and equity interests
in consolidated entities that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to Piper Sandler Companies. We view the
resulting measure of adjusted leverage, also a non-GAAP financial measure, as a more relevant measure of financial
risk when comparing financial services companies.
Funding and Capital Resources
The primary goal of our funding activities is to ensure adequate funding over a wide range of market conditions. Given
the mix of our business activities, funding requirements are fulfilled through a diversified range of financing
arrangements. We attempt to ensure that the tenor of our borrowing liabilities equals or exceeds the expected holding
period of the assets being financed. Our ability to support increases in total assets is largely a function of our ability to
obtain funding from external sources. Access to these external sources, as well as the cost of that financing, is
dependent upon various factors, including market conditions, the general availability of credit and credit ratings. We
currently do not have a credit rating, which could adversely affect our liquidity and competitive position by increasing our
financing costs and limiting access to sources of liquidity that require a credit rating as a condition to providing the
funds.
Our day-to-day funding and liquidity is obtained primarily through the use of cash from our operating activities, as well
as through the use of a clearing arrangement with Pershing and a clearing arrangement with bank financing, which are
typically collateralized by our securities inventory. These funding sources are critical to our ability to finance and hold
inventory, which is a necessary part of our institutional brokerage business. The majority of our inventory is liquid and is
therefore funded by short-term facilities or cash from our operating activities. Our funding sources are dependent on the
types of inventory that our counterparties are willing to accept as collateral and the number of counterparties available.
Our unsecured revolving credit facility has been established for working capital and general corporate purposes. Our
secured revolving credit facility has been established for our private capital advisory business. Funding is generally
obtained at rates based upon the federal funds rate or the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
Piper Sandler Companies | 45
Pershing Clearing Arrangement
We have established an arrangement to obtain financing from Pershing related to the majority of our trading activities.
Under our fully disclosed clearing agreement, all of our securities inventories with the exception of convertible securities,
and all of our customer activities are held by or cleared through Pershing. Financing under this arrangement is secured
primarily by securities, and collateral limitations could reduce the amount of funding available under this arrangement.
We may accommodate non-standard settlement timeframes for our clients, which can impact our funding and collateral
balances. Our clearing arrangement activities are recorded net of trading activity and reported within receivables from or
payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations. The funding is at the discretion of Pershing (i.e., uncommitted)
and could be denied without a notice period. Our fully disclosed clearing agreement includes a covenant requiring Piper
Sandler & Co., our U.S. broker dealer subsidiary, to maintain excess net capital of $120 million. At December 31, 2025,
we had $0.2 million of financing outstanding under this arrangement.
Clearing Arrangement with Bank Financing
We have established a financing arrangement with a U.S. branch of CIBC related to our convertible securities
inventories. Under this arrangement, our convertible securities inventories are cleared through a broker dealer affiliate
of CIBC and held by CIBC. We generally economically hedge changes in the market value of our convertible securities
inventories using the underlying common stock or the stock options of the underlying common stock. Financing under
this arrangement is secured primarily by convertible securities and collateral limitations could reduce the amount of
funding available. The funding is at the discretion of CIBC (i.e., uncommitted) and could be denied subject to a notice
period. This arrangement is reported within receivables from or payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations,
net of trading activity. At December 31, 2025, we had $40.2 million of financing outstanding under this arrangement.
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
We have an unsecured $120 million revolving credit facility with U.S. Bank N.A. The credit agreement will terminate on
December 20, 2028, unless otherwise terminated. At December 31, 2025, there were $10.0 million of advances against
this credit facility.
This credit facility includes customary events of default and covenants that, among other things, require Piper Sandler &
Co. to maintain a minimum regulatory net capital of $120 million, limit our leverage ratio, require maintenance of a
minimum ratio of operating cash flow to fixed charges, and impose certain limitations on our ability to make acquisitions
and make payments on our capital stock. At December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants.
Secured Revolving Credit Facility
We have a $30 million revolving credit facility with Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, formerly Cadence Bank,
related to our private capital advisory business. Advances under this facility are secured by certain installment fee
receivables. The credit agreement will terminate on August 23, 2027, unless otherwise terminated. At December 31,
2025, there were $5.0 million of advances against this credit facility.
This credit facility includes customary events of default and covenants that, among other things, require Piper Sandler &
Co. to maintain a minimum regulatory net capital of $120 million, limit our leverage ratio, require maintenance of a
minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and impose certain limitations on our ability to make acquisitions and make
payments on our capital stock. At December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all covenants.
46 | Piper Sandler Companies
Average Funding Balances Outstanding and Maximum Daily Funding By Quarter
The following tables present the average balances outstanding for our various funding sources by quarter for 2025 and
2024:
Average Balance for the Three Months Ended
(Amounts in millions)
Dec. 31, 2025
Sept. 30, 2025
June 30, 2025
Mar. 31, 2025
Funding source
Pershing clearing arrangement
$
10.3 $
5.3 $
80.9 $
9.7
Clearing arrangement with bank financing
58.4
46.9
57.9
51.9
Unsecured revolving credit facility
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
Secured revolving credit facility
5.0
5.0
5.0
1.2
Total
$
83.7 $
67.2 $
153.8 $
72.8
Average Balance for the Three Months Ended
(Amounts in millions)
Dec. 31, 2024
Sept. 30, 2024
June 30, 2024
Mar. 31, 2024
Funding source
Pershing clearing arrangement
$
6.2 $
6.4 $
7.1 $
43.2
Clearing arrangement with bank financing
73.7
63.4
66.0
85.3
Unsecured revolving credit facility
10.0
14.6
—
4.9
Total
$
89.9 $
84.4 $
73.1 $
133.4
The average funding in the fourth quarter of 2025 increased to $83.7 million, compared with $67.2 million during the
third quarter of 2025, primarily due to an increase in borrowings on our clearing arrangement with bank financing.
The following table presents the maximum daily funding amount by quarter for 2025 and 2024:
(Amounts in millions)
2025
2024
First Quarter
$
574.2 $
544.2
Second Quarter
615.5
466.6
Third Quarter
276.1
163.3
Fourth Quarter
305.2
270.2
Contractual Obligations
In July 2025, we entered into a lease agreement for approximately 135,000 square feet of office space related to our
New York City, New York location. Our contractual rental obligations over the 15-year lease term are $163.4 million. For
further discussion of our contractual rental obligations, see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in
Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Piper Sandler Companies | 47
Capital Requirements
As a registered broker dealer and member firm of FINRA, Piper Sandler & Co. is subject to the uniform net capital rule
of the SEC and the net capital rule of FINRA. We have elected to use the alternative method permitted by the uniform
net capital rule which requires that we maintain minimum net capital of $1.0 million. Advances to affiliates, repayment of
subordinated liabilities, dividend payments and other equity withdrawals are subject to certain approvals, notifications
and other provisions of the uniform net capital rules. We expect that these provisions will not impact our ability to meet
current and future obligations. At December 31, 2025, our net capital under the SEC's uniform net capital rule was
$288.5 million, and exceeded the minimum net capital required under the SEC rule by $287.5 million.
Although we operate with a level of net capital substantially greater than the minimum thresholds established by FINRA
and the SEC, a substantial reduction of our capital would curtail many of our capital markets revenue producing
activities.
Our unsecured revolving credit facility and secured revolving credit facility include covenants requiring Piper Sandler &
Co. to maintain a minimum regulatory net capital of $120 million. Our fully disclosed clearing agreement with Pershing
includes a covenant requiring Piper Sandler & Co. to maintain excess net capital of $120 million.
At December 31, 2025, Piper Sandler Ltd., our broker dealer subsidiary registered in the U.K., was subject to, and was
in compliance with, the capital requirements of the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority
pursuant to the Financial Services Act of 2012.
Aviditi Capital Advisors Europe GmbH, a European subsidiary, is authorized and regulated by the Federal Financial
Supervisory Authority ("BaFin") as a tied agent of AHP Capital Management GmbH, a third-party financial institution.
Piper Sandler MENA Ltd, an ADGM subsidiary, is authorized and regulated by the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory
Authority.
48 | Piper Sandler Companies
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In the ordinary course of business we enter into various types of off-balance sheet arrangements. The following table
summarizes the notional contract value of our off-balance sheet arrangements for the periods presented:
Expiration Per Period
Total Contractual Amount
2029
2031
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2026
2027
2028
- 2030
- 2032
Later
2025
2024
Customer matched-book
derivative contracts (1) (2)
$
70,000
$
2,357
$
—
$
20,222
$
—
$ 262,550
$
355,129
$
393,860
Trading securities derivative
contracts (1)
226,400
5,000
—
5,000
—
—
236,400
171,333
Investment commitments (3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
30,884
72,688
(1)
We believe the fair value of these derivative contracts is a more relevant measure of the obligations because we believe the notional or contract
amount overstates the expected payout. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the net fair value of these derivative contracts approximated
$4.0 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
(2)
We have three counterparties (contractual amount of $72.4 million at December 31, 2025) who are not required to post collateral. The
uncollateralized amounts, representing the fair value of the derivative contracts, expose us to the credit risk of these counterparties. At December
31, 2025, we had $4.7 million of credit exposure with these counterparties, including $4.1 million of credit exposure with one counterparty.
(3)
The investment commitments have no specified call dates. The timing of capital calls is based on market conditions and investment opportunities.
Derivatives
Derivatives' notional or contract amounts are not reflected as assets or liabilities on our consolidated statements of
financial condition. Rather, the fair value of the derivative transactions are reported on the consolidated statements of
financial condition as assets or liabilities in financial instruments and other inventory positions owned and financial
instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased, as applicable.
For a discussion of our activities related to derivative products, see Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements
included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Investment Commitments
We have investments, including those made as part of our alternative asset management activities, in limited
partnerships or limited liability companies that make direct or indirect equity or debt investments in companies. We
commit capital and/or act as the managing partner of these entities. We have committed capital of $30.9 million to
certain entities and these commitments generally have no specified call dates. For additional information on our
activities related to these types of entities, see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8
of this Form 10-K.
Piper Sandler Companies | 49
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk is an inherent part of our business. The principal risks we face in operating our business include: strategic risk,
market risk, liquidity risk, credit risk, operational risk, human capital risk, and legal and regulatory risk. The extent to
which we properly identify and effectively manage each of these risks is critical to our financial condition and profitability.
We have a formal risk management process to identify, assess and monitor each risk and mitigating controls in
accordance with defined policies and procedures. The risk management functions are independent of our business
lines. Our management takes an active role in the risk management process, and the results are reported to senior
management and the board of directors.
The audit committee of the board of directors oversees management's processes for identifying and evaluating our
major risks, and the policies, procedures and practices employed by management to govern its risk assessment and
risk management processes. The nominating and governance committee of the board of directors oversees the board of
directors' committee structures and functions as they relate to the various committees' responsibilities with respect to
oversight of our major risk exposures. With respect to these major risk exposures, the audit committee is responsible for
overseeing management's monitoring and control of our major risk exposures relating to market risk, credit risk, liquidity
risk, legal and regulatory risk, operational risk (including cybersecurity, as further described in Part I, Item 1C of this
Form 10-K), and human capital risk relating to misconduct, fraud, and legal and compliance matters. Our compensation
committee is responsible for overseeing management's monitoring and control of our major risk exposures relating to
compensation, organizational structure, and succession. Our board of directors is responsible for overseeing
management's monitoring and control of our major risk exposures related to our corporate strategy. Our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer meet with the audit committee on a quarterly basis to discuss our market, liquidity,
and legal and regulatory risks, and provide updates to the board of directors, audit committee, and compensation
committee concerning the other major risk exposures on a regular basis.
We use internal committees to assist in governing risk and ensure that our business activities are properly assessed,
monitored and managed. Our executive financial risk committee manages our market, liquidity and credit risks;
oversees risk management practices related to these risks, including defining acceptable risk tolerances and approving
risk management policies; and responds to market changes in a dynamic manner. Membership is comprised of senior
leadership, including our Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Head of Market and
Credit Risk, and Head of Fixed Income Trading and Risk. Other committees that help evaluate and monitor risk include
underwriting, leadership team and operating committees. These committees help manage risk by ensuring that
business activities are properly managed and within a defined scope of activity. Our valuation committees, comprised of
members of senior management and risk management, provide oversight and overall responsibility for the internal
control processes and procedures related to fair value measurements. Additionally, our operational risk committees
address and monitor risk related to information systems and security, legal, regulatory and compliance matters, and
third parties such as vendors and service providers.
With respect to market risk and credit risk, the cornerstone of our risk management process is daily communication
among traders, trading department management and senior management concerning our inventory positions and
overall risk profile. Our risk management functions supplement this communication process by providing their
independent perspectives on our market and credit risk profile on a daily basis. The broader objectives of our risk
management functions are to understand the risk profile of each trading area, to consolidate risk monitoring company-
wide, to assist in implementing effective hedging strategies, to articulate large trading or position risks to senior
management, and to ensure accurate fair values of our financial instruments.
Risk management techniques, processes and strategies may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all
market environments or against all types of risk, and any risk management failures could expose us to material
unanticipated losses.
Strategic Risk
Strategic risk represents the risk associated with executive management failing to develop and execute on the
appropriate strategic vision which demonstrates a commitment to our culture, leverages our core competencies,
appropriately responds to external factors in the marketplace, and is in the best interests of our clients, employees and
shareholders.
Our leadership team is responsible for managing our strategic risks. The board of directors oversees the leadership
team in setting and executing our strategic plan.
50 | Piper Sandler Companies
Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of losses, or financial volatility, that may result from the change in value of a financial
instrument due to fluctuations in its market price. Our exposure to market risk is directly related to our role as a financial
intermediary for our clients and to our market-making activities. The scope of our market risk management policies and
procedures includes all market-sensitive cash and derivative financial instruments.
Our different types of market risk include:
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk represents the potential volatility from changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate
risk arising from changes in the level and volatility of interest rates, changes in the slope of the yield curve, changes in
credit spreads, and the rate of prepayments on our interest-earning assets (e.g., inventories) and our funding sources
(e.g., short-term financing) which finance these assets. Interest rate risk is managed by selling short U.S. government
securities, agency securities, corporate debt securities and derivative contracts. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial
statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on our derivative contracts. 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. Also, we establish limits on our long fixed income securities inventory, monitor these limits
on a daily basis and manage within those limits. Our limits include but are not limited to the following: position and
concentration size, dollar duration (i.e., DV01), credit quality and aging.
We estimate that a parallel 50 basis point adverse change in the market would result in a decrease of approximately
$1.6 million in the carrying value of our fixed income securities inventory as of December 31, 2025, including the effect
of the hedging transactions.
We also measure and monitor the aging and turnover of our long fixed income securities inventory. Turnover is
evaluated based on a five-day average by category of security. The vast majority of our fixed income securities
inventory generally turns over within three weeks.
In addition to the measures discussed above, we monitor and manage market risk exposure through evaluation of
spread DV01 and the MMD basis risk for municipal securities to movements in U.S. treasury securities. All metrics are
aggregated by asset concentration and are used for monitoring limits and exception approvals. In times of market
volatility, we may also perform ad hoc stress tests and scenario analysis as market conditions dictate.
Equity Price Risk
Equity price risk represents the potential loss in value due to adverse changes in the level or volatility of equity prices.
We are exposed to equity price risk through our trading activities primarily in the U.S. market. We attempt to reduce the
risk of loss inherent in our market-making and in our inventory of equity securities by establishing limits on our long
inventory, monitoring these limits on a daily basis, and by managing net position levels within those limits.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Foreign exchange risk represents the potential volatility to earnings or capital arising from movement in foreign
exchange rates. A modest portion of our business is conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and changes in
foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar can therefore affect the value of non-U.S. dollar net assets, revenues
and expenses.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that we are unable to timely access necessary funding sources in order to operate our business,
as well as the risk that we are unable to timely divest securities that we hold in connection with our market-making and
sales and trading activities. We are exposed to liquidity risk in our day-to-day funding activities, by holding potentially
illiquid inventory positions and in our role as a remarketing agent for variable rate demand notes.
Piper Sandler Companies | 51
Our inventory positions subject us to potential financial losses from the reduction in value of illiquid positions. Market
risk can be exacerbated in times of trading illiquidity when market participants refrain from transacting in normal
quantities or at normal bid-offer spreads. Depending on the specific security, the structure of the financial product, or
overall market conditions, we may be forced to hold a security for substantially longer than we had planned or forced to
liquidate into a challenging market if funding becomes unavailable.
See the section entitled "Liquidity, Funding and Capital Resources" for information regarding our liquidity and how we
manage liquidity risk.
Credit Risk
Credit risk refers to the potential for loss due to the default or deterioration in credit quality of a counterparty, customer,
borrower or issuer of securities we hold in our trading inventory. The nature and amount of credit risk depends on the
type of transaction, the structure and duration of that transaction and the parties involved. Credit risk also results from
an obligor's failure to meet the terms of any contract with us or otherwise fail to perform as agreed. This may be
reflected through issues such as settlement obligations or payment collections.
A key tenet of our risk management procedures related to credit risk is the daily monitoring of the credit quality of our
long fixed income securities inventory. These rating trends and the credit quality mix are regularly reviewed with the
executive financial risk committee. The following table summarizes the credit rating for our long corporate fixed income
securities, taxable and tax-exempt municipal securities, and U.S. government and agency securities as a percentage of
the total of these asset classes as of December 31, 2025:
AAA
AA
A
BBB
BB
Not Rated
Corporate fixed income securities
— %
— %
— %
0.2 %
— %
— %
Taxable and tax-exempt municipal
securities
17.3
33.9
8.1
2.2
0.5
6.2
U.S. government and agency securities
—
31.6
—
—
—
—
17.3 %
65.5 %
8.1 %
2.4 %
0.5 %
6.2 %
Convertible and preferred securities are excluded from the table above as they are typically unrated.
Our different types of credit risk include:
Credit Spread Risk
Credit spread risk arises from the possibility that changes in credit spreads will affect the value of financial instruments.
Credit spreads represent the credit risk premiums required by market participants for a given credit quality (e.g., the
additional yield that a debt instrument issued by a AA-rated entity must produce over a risk-free alternative). Changes in
credit spreads result from potential changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of the issuer's
creditworthiness. We are exposed to credit spread risk with the debt instruments held in our trading inventory. We enter
into transactions to hedge our exposure to credit spread risk with derivatives and certain other financial instruments.
These hedging strategies may not work in all market environments and as a result may not be effective in mitigating
credit spread risk.
Deterioration/Default Risk
Deterioration/default risk represents the risk due to an issuer, counterparty or borrower failing to fulfill its obligations. We
are exposed to deterioration/default risk in our role as a trading counterparty to dealers and customers, as a holder of
securities, and as a member of exchanges. The risk of default depends on the creditworthiness of the counterparty or
issuer of the security. We mitigate this risk by establishing and monitoring individual and aggregate position limits for
each counterparty relative to potential levels of activity, holding and marking to market collateral on certain transactions.
Our risk management functions also evaluate the potential risk associated with institutional counterparties with whom
we hold derivatives, TBAs and other documented institutional counterparty agreements that may give rise to credit
exposure.
52 | Piper Sandler Companies
Collections Risk
Collections risk arises from ineffective management and monitoring of collecting outstanding debts and obligations,
including those related to our customer trading activities. Our client activities involve the execution, settlement and
financing of various transactions. Client activities are transacted on a delivery versus payment, cash or margin basis.
Our credit exposure to institutional client business is mitigated by the use of industry-standard delivery versus payment
through depositories and clearing banks. Our risk management functions have credit risk policies establishing
appropriate credit limits and collateralization thresholds for our customers and counterparties.
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk is the risk due to concentrated exposure to a particular product; individual issuer, borrower or
counterparty; financial instrument; or geographic area. We are subject to concentration risk if we hold large individual
securities positions, execute large transactions with individual counterparties or groups of related counterparties, or
make substantial underwriting commitments. Potential concentration risk is monitored through review of counterparties
and borrowers and is managed using policies and limits established by senior management.
Within our customer matched-book derivative portfolio, we have concentrated counterparty credit exposure with three
non-publicly rated entities totaling $4.7 million at December 31, 2025. This counterparty credit exposure relates to our
public finance business and consists primarily of interest rate swaps. One derivative counterparty represented 87.7
percent, or $4.1 million, of this exposure. Credit exposure associated with our derivative counterparties is driven by
uncollateralized market movements in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts and is monitored regularly by our
financial risk committee. We attempt to minimize the credit (or repayment) risk in derivative instruments by entering into
transactions with high-quality counterparties that are reviewed periodically by senior management.
Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk of loss, or damage to our reputation, resulting from inadequate or failed processes, people
and systems or from external events. We rely on the ability of our employees and our systems, both internal and at
computer centers operated by third parties, to process a large number of transactions. Our systems may fail to operate
properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. In the event of a
breakdown or improper operation of our systems or improper action by our employees or third-party vendors, we could
suffer financial loss, a disruption of our businesses, regulatory sanctions and damage to our reputation. We also face
the risk of operational failure or termination of our relationship with any of the exchanges, fully disclosed clearing firms,
or other financial intermediaries we use to facilitate our securities transactions. Any such failure or termination could
adversely affect our ability to effect transactions and manage our exposure to risk.
Our operations rely on secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information in our internal
and outsourced computer systems and networks. Our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to
unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code, internal misconduct or inadvertent errors and other
events that could have an information security impact. The occurrence of one or more of these events could jeopardize
our or our clients' or counterparties' confidential and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through,
our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, our clients', our
counterparties' or third parties' operations. We take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances
warrant. A further discussion of our procedures for cybersecurity risk management is included in Part I, Item 1C of this
Form 10-K.
In order to mitigate and control operational risk, we have developed and continue to enhance policies and procedures
that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization. Important
aspects of these policies and procedures include segregation of duties, management oversight, internal control over
financial reporting and independent risk management activities within such functions as Risk Management, Compliance,
Operations, Internal Audit, Treasury, Finance, Information Technology and Legal. Internal Audit oversees, monitors,
evaluates, analyzes and reports on operational risk across the firm. We also have business continuity plans in place that
we believe will cover critical processes on a company-wide basis, and redundancies are built into our systems as we
have deemed appropriate. 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.
Piper Sandler Companies | 53
We operate under a fully disclosed clearing model for all of our securities inventories with the exception of convertible
securities, and for all of our client clearing activities. In a fully disclosed clearing model, we act as an introducing broker
for client transactions and rely on Pershing, our clearing broker dealer, to facilitate clearance and settlement of our
clients' securities transactions. The clearing services provided by Pershing are critical to our business operations, and
similar to other services performed by third-party vendors, any failure by Pershing with respect to the services we rely
upon Pershing to provide could cause financial loss, significantly disrupt our business, damage our reputation, and
adversely affect our ability to serve our clients and manage our exposure to risk.
Human Capital Risk
Our business is a human capital business and our success is dependent upon the skills, expertise and performance of
our employees. Human capital risks represent the risks posed if we fail to attract and retain qualified individuals who are
motivated to serve the best interests of our clients, thereby serving the best interests of our company. Attracting and
retaining employees depends, among other things, on our company's culture, management, work environment,
geographic locations and compensation. There are risks associated with the proper recruitment, development and
rewards of our employees to ensure quality performance and retention.
Legal and Regulatory Risk
Legal and regulatory risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and loss
to our reputation we may suffer as a result of failure to comply with laws, regulations, rules, related self-regulatory
organization standards and codes of conduct applicable to our business activities. We are generally subject to extensive
regulation in the various jurisdictions in which we conduct our business. We have established procedures that are
reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, such as public
company reporting obligations, regulatory net capital requirements, sales and trading practices, potential conflicts of
interest, anti-money laundering, privacy, and financial and electronic recordkeeping. We have also established
procedures that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with our policies relating to ethics and business
conduct. The legal and regulatory focus on the financial services industry presents a continuing business challenge for
us.
Our business also subjects us to the complex income tax laws of the jurisdictions in which we have business operations,
and these tax laws may be subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant governmental taxing
authorities. We must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws
when determining the provision for income taxes.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Because our assets are liquid and generally short-term in nature, they are not significantly affected by inflation.
However, the rate of inflation affects our expenses, such as employee compensation, office space occupancy costs,
communications charges and travel costs, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of services we offer to our
clients. To the extent inflation results in rising interest rates and has adverse effects upon the securities markets, it may
adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk.
The information under the caption "Risk Management" in Part II, Item 7 of this Form 10-K entitled, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," is incorporated herein by reference.
54 | Piper Sandler Companies
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting.
Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of 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.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. 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 framework). Based on its assessment
and those criteria, management has concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2025.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements
of Piper Sandler Companies included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. Their report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of Piper Sandler Companies' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, is included
herein.
Piper Sandler Companies | 55
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Piper Sandler Companies
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Piper Sandler Companies’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, 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, Piper Sandler Companies (the
Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2025, 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 the Company as of December 31, 2025 and
2024, 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, 2025, and the related notes and our report
dated February 26, 2026 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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 26, 2026
56 | Piper Sandler Companies
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Piper Sandler Companies
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Piper Sandler Companies (the
Company) as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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,
2025, 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, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2025, 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, 2025, 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 26, 2026 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
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.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements
that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or
complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the
consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below,
providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Piper Sandler Companies | 57
Valuation of Investments at Fair Value
Description of
the Matter
At December 31, 2025, the Company’s investments at fair value totaled $305.5 million, primarily
consisting of investments in private companies. These investments are held in consolidated alternative
asset management funds, which include $216.8 million of noncontrolling interests attributable to
unrelated third-party ownership. Of the total investments at fair value, $218.0 million are categorized
as Level III within the fair value hierarchy. As described in Notes 2 and 6 of the consolidated financial
statements, management determines the fair values of these investments internally using the best
information available. These investments in private companies are valued based on an assessment of
each underlying security, considering rounds of financing, the financial condition and operating results
of the private company, third-party transactions and market-based information, including comparable
company transactions, trading multiples (e.g., multiples of revenue and earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)), discounted cash flow analyses and changes in market
outlook, among other factors.
Auditing the fair value of the Company’s investments related to its alternative asset management
funds was complex, as the inputs and assumptions used by the Company are highly judgmental and
could have a significant effect on the fair value measurements of such investments.
How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of
controls over the Company’s investment valuation process. This included controls over management’s
assessment of the valuation methodologies, the inputs and assumptions used in determining fair value
measurements, and the valuation committees' reviews of investment valuations on a quarterly basis.
To test the valuation of the Company’s investments related to its alternative asset management funds,
our procedures included, among others, involving internal valuation specialists to assist in our
evaluation of the Company’s valuation methodologies, testing the significant inputs and assumptions
used by the Company in determining the fair values, and testing the mathematical accuracy of the
Company’s valuation calculations. For example, we agreed model inputs to source information
including capital structure, investee-provided financial information or projections, and publicly available
information on comparable transactions (e.g., transaction multiples). We assessed the issuer’s
financial projections by comparing them to historical performance, obtaining an understanding of key
events impacting the issuer and performing sensitivity analyses as needed to evaluate the impact to
fair value that would result from changes in these projections. To the extent available, we evaluated
subsequent events and other information and considered whether it corroborated or contradicted the
Company’s year-end valuations.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2003.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 26, 2026
58 | Piper Sandler Companies
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
2025
2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
809,415 $
482,834
Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
53,612
174,491
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned:
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
435,204
351,178
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned and pledged as
collateral
67,066
74,550
Total financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
502,270
425,728
Investments (including noncontrolling interests of $216,838 and $187,624,
respectively)
322,518
281,962
Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $89,312 and
$106,944, respectively)
77,329
59,400
Right-of-use lease assets
64,004
66,618
Goodwill
319,258
312,024
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $170,774 and $160,775,
respectively)
99,598
107,504
Net deferred income tax assets
156,124
161,583
Other assets
188,518
183,792
Total assets
$
2,592,646 $
2,255,936
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Short-term financing
$
15,000 $
10,000
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
22,358
5,862
Financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased
48,514
76,982
Accrued compensation
702,847
563,088
Accrued lease liabilities
101,351
88,819
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
119,783
95,412
Total liabilities
1,009,853
840,163
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
Shares authorized: 100,000,000;
Shares issued: 19,562,729 and 19,557,804, respectively;
Shares outstanding: 16,870,858 and 16,111,723, respectively
195
195
Additional paid-in capital
957,729
981,724
Retained earnings
728,931
561,746
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost: 2,691,871 shares and 3,446,081
shares, respectively
(318,581)
(314,656)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
2,733
(1,179)
Total common shareholders' equity
1,371,007
1,227,830
Noncontrolling interests
211,786
187,943
Total shareholders' equity
1,582,793
1,415,773
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
2,592,646 $
2,255,936
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
Piper Sandler Companies | 59
Investment banking
$
1,400,866 $
1,105,135 $
923,812
Institutional brokerage
433,198
401,442
377,539
Interest income
36,904
32,908
26,723
Investment income/(loss)
33,249
(7,890)
30,039
Total revenues
1,904,217
1,531,595
1,358,113
Interest expense
4,841
5,681
10,146
Net revenues
1,899,376
1,525,914
1,347,967
Non-interest expenses
Compensation and benefits
1,186,370
1,004,173
897,034
Outside services
58,674
55,756
51,754
Occupancy and equipment
73,451
66,530
64,356
Communications
56,247
54,917
52,718
Marketing and business development
47,201
42,239
37,734
Deal-related expenses
43,483
30,491
28,189
Trade execution and clearance
19,599
19,836
19,972
Restructuring and integration costs
6,144
2,586
7,749
Intangible asset amortization
9,999
10,288
19,440
Other operating expenses
23,661
20,686
46,435
Total non-interest expenses
1,524,829
1,307,502
1,225,381
Income before income tax expense
374,547
218,412
122,586
Income tax expense
80,582
60,972
23,613
Net income
293,965
157,440
98,973
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
12,634
(23,674)
13,482
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
281,331 $
181,114 $
85,491
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
16.89 $
11.44 $
5.72
Diluted
$
15.82 $
10.24 $
4.96
Dividends declared per common share
$
5.70 $
3.50 $
3.65
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic
16,658
15,838
14,958
Diluted
17,785
17,695
17,224
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
2023
Revenues
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies
Consolidated Statements of Operations
60 | Piper Sandler Companies
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Net income
$
293,965 $
157,440 $
98,973
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax — Foreign
currency translation adjustment
3,912
(285)
1,605
Comprehensive income
297,877
157,155
100,578
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling
interests
12,634
(23,674)
13,482
Comprehensive income attributable to Piper Sandler
Companies
$
285,243 $
180,829 $
87,096
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Piper Sandler Companies | 61
Net income
—
—
—
85,491
—
—
85,491
13,482
98,973
Dividends
—
—
—
(84,444)
—
—
(84,444)
—
(84,444)
Amortization/issuance of
restricted stock (1)
—
—
98,285
—
—
—
98,285
—
98,285
Issuance of treasury
shares for restricted
stock vestings
2,013,046
—
(156,036)
—
156,036
—
—
—
—
Repurchase of common
stock from employees
(494,555)
—
—
—
(70,680)
—
(70,680)
—
(70,680)
Shares reserved/issued for
director compensation
8,594
—
1,168
—
—
—
1,168
—
1,168
Other comprehensive
income
—
—
—
—
—
1,605
1,605
—
1,605
Fund capital
contributions, net
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
538
538
Balance at
December 31, 2023
15,200,149
$
195
$ 988,136
$ 454,358
$ (356,297) $
(894) $
1,085,498
$
213,975
$
1,299,473
Net income/(loss)
—
—
—
181,114
—
—
181,114
(23,674)
157,440
Dividends
—
—
—
(73,726)
—
—
(73,726)
—
(73,726)
Amortization/issuance of
restricted stock (1)
—
—
93,801
—
—
—
93,801
—
93,801
Issuance of treasury
shares for options
exercised
8,000
—
75
—
717
—
792
—
792
Issuance of treasury
shares for restricted
stock vestings
1,224,008
—
(105,384)
—
105,384
—
—
—
—
Issuance of treasury
shares for acquisitions
21,835
—
4,016
—
1,966
—
5,982
—
5,982
Repurchase of common
stock from employees
(346,972)
—
—
—
(66,426)
—
(66,426)
—
(66,426)
Shares reserved/issued for
director compensation
4,703
—
1,080
—
—
—
1,080
—
1,080
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
—
—
(285)
(285)
—
(285)
Fund capital
distributions, net
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2,358)
(2,358)
Balance at
December 31, 2024
16,111,723
$
195
$ 981,724
$ 561,746
$ (314,656) $
(1,179) $
1,227,830
$
187,943
$
1,415,773
Net income
—
—
—
281,331
—
—
281,331
12,634
293,965
Dividends
—
—
—
(114,146)
—
—
(114,146)
—
(114,146)
Amortization/issuance of
restricted stock (1)
—
—
91,558
—
—
—
91,558
—
91,558
Repurchase of common
stock through share
repurchase program
(101,903)
—
—
—
(28,436)
—
(28,436)
—
(28,436)
Issuance of treasury
shares for options
exercised
42,900
—
(402)
—
4,649
—
4,247
—
4,247
Issuance of treasury
shares for restricted
stock vestings
1,132,014
—
(116,469)
—
116,469
—
—
—
—
Repurchase of common
stock from employees
(318,801)
—
—
—
(96,607)
—
(96,607)
—
(96,607)
Shares reserved/issued for
director compensation
4,925
—
1,318
—
—
—
1,318
—
1,318
Other comprehensive
income
—
—
—
—
—
3,912
3,912
—
3,912
Fund capital
contributions, net
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11,209
11,209
Balance at
December 31, 2025
16,870,858
$
195
$ 957,729
$ 728,931
$ (318,581) $
2,733
$
1,371,007
$
211,786
$
1,582,793
Accumulated
Total
Common
Additional
Other
Common
Total
(Amounts in thousands,
Shares
Common
Paid-In
Retained
Treasury
Comprehensive
Shareholders'
Noncontrolling
Shareholders'
except share amounts)
Outstanding
Stock
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Income/(Loss)
Equity
Interests
Equity
Balance at
December 31, 2022
13,673,064
$
195
$ 1,044,719
$ 453,311
$ (441,653) $
(2,499) $
1,054,073
$
199,955
$
1,254,028
(1)
Includes amortization of restricted stock issued in conjunction with the Company's acquisitions.
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
62 | Piper Sandler Companies
Net income
$
293,965 $
157,440 $
98,973
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
17,388
16,783
17,932
Deferred income taxes
5,459
17,624
11,426
Stock-based compensation
123,914
103,363
93,768
Amortization of intangible assets
9,999
10,288
19,440
Amortization of forgivable loans
25,352
16,635
10,816
Decrease/(increase) in operating assets:
Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
120,879
37,513
88,459
Net financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
(105,010)
(63,169)
(6,434)
Investments
(40,556)
16,086
(12,322)
Other assets
(22,091)
(66,171)
28,756
Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
16,496
4,883
(3,643)
Accrued compensation
107,367
56,604
(74,689)
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
33,465
5,376
3,147
Net cash provided by operating activities
586,627
313,255
275,629
Investing Activities
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(8,989)
(16,268)
—
Purchases of fixed assets, net
(34,665)
(15,498)
(10,051)
Net cash used in investing activities
(43,654)
(31,766)
(10,051)
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term financing
5,000
(37,342)
30,000
Repayment of long-term financing
—
—
(125,000)
Payment of contingent consideration
—
(1,550)
—
Payment of cash dividends
(114,146)
(73,726)
(84,444)
Increase/(decrease) in noncontrolling interests
11,209
(2,358)
538
Repurchase of common stock
(125,043)
(66,426)
(70,680)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,247
792
—
Net cash used in financing activities
(218,733)
(180,610)
(249,586)
Currency adjustment:
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
2,341
(1,143)
1,482
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
326,581
99,736
17,474
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
482,834
383,098
365,624
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
809,415 $
482,834 $
383,098
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest
$
4,905 $
5,691 $
10,163
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Operating Activities
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Piper Sandler Companies | 63
Index
Note 1
Organization and Basis of Presentation
65
Note 2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
65
Note 3
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
71
Note 4
Acquisitions
71
Note 5
Receivables from and Payables to Brokers, Dealers and Clearing Organizations
74
Note 6
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
74
Note 7
Financial Instruments and Other Inventory Positions
81
Note 8
Investments
83
Note 9
Variable Interest Entities
83
Note 10
Fixed Assets
84
Note 11
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
85
Note 12
Other Assets
86
Note 13
Short-Term Financing
86
Note 14
Leases
87
Note 15
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
87
Note 16
Shareholders' Equity
89
Note 17
Business Segment and Revenues Information
91
Note 18
Compensation Plans
92
Note 19
Employee Benefit Plans
100
Note 20
Restructuring and Integration Costs
100
Note 21
Income Taxes
101
Note 22
Earnings Per Share
105
Note 23
Net Capital Requirements and Other Regulatory Matters
106
Note 24
Parent Company Only
106
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
64 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 1 | ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Organization
Piper Sandler Companies is the parent company of Piper Sandler & Co., a securities broker dealer and investment
banking firm; Piper Sandler Ltd., a firm providing securities brokerage and mergers and acquisitions services in the
United Kingdom ("U.K."); Piper Sandler Investment Group Inc., PSC Capital Management LLC, PSC Capital
Management II LLC and PSC Capital Management III LLC, entities providing alternative asset management services;
Piper Sandler Hedging Services, LLC, an entity that assists clients with hedging strategies; Piper Sandler Financial
Products II Inc., an entity that facilitates derivative transactions; and other immaterial subsidiaries.
Piper Sandler Companies and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") operate in one reporting segment providing
investment banking services and institutional sales, trading and research services. Investment banking services include
financial advisory services, management of and participation in underwritings, and municipal financing activities.
Revenues are generated through the receipt of advisory and financing fees. Institutional sales, trading and research
services focus on the trading of equity and fixed income products with institutions, corporations, government and non-
profit entities. Revenues are generated through commissions and sales credits earned on equity and fixed income
institutional sales activities, net interest revenues on trading securities held in inventory, profits and losses from trading
these securities, and fees for research services and corporate access offerings. Also, the Company has created
alternative asset management funds in merchant banking and healthcare in order to invest firm capital and to manage
capital from outside investors. The Company records gains and losses from investments in these funds and receives
management and performance fees.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States ("U.S.")
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Piper Sandler Companies, its wholly
owned subsidiaries, and all other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Noncontrolling
interests represent equity interests in consolidated entities that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to Piper
Sandler Companies. Noncontrolling interests include the minority equity holders' proportionate share of the equity in the
Company's alternative asset management funds. All material intercompany balances have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates
and assumptions are based on the best information available, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Common Stock Split
On February 6, 2026, the Company's board of directors approved a four-for-one forward split of its common stock. The
stock split will be effected through the filing of an amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of
incorporation, which will be accompanied by a proportionate increase in the number of shares of the Company's
authorized common stock. At the effective time of the filing of the amendment on March 23, 2026, every share of the
Company's common stock will automatically become four shares of the Company's common stock. The Company's
common stock is expected to begin trading on the split-adjusted basis at the start of trading on March 24, 2026.
As the stock split has not yet been effected, the accompanying financial statements and per-share data do not reflect
the impact of the stock split. The stock split will be reflected in future financial statements following its effective date.
See Note 22 for the unaudited proforma earnings per share on a post-split basis.
NOTE 2 | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company determines whether it
has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE") or
a voting interest entity.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 65
VIEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities
independently or (ii) the at-risk equity holders do not have the normal characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A
controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has one or more variable interests that have both (i)
the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the
obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to
the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIE.
Voting interest entities lack one or more of the characteristics of a VIE. The usual condition for a controlling financial
interest is ownership of a majority voting interest for a corporation or a majority of kick-out or participating rights for a
limited partnership.
When the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in an entity but exerts significant influence over the
entity's operating and financial policies, the Company's investment is accounted for under the equity method of
accounting. If the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in, or exert significant influence over, an entity,
the Company accounts for its investment at fair value, if the fair value option was elected, or at cost.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of
origination.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned and financial instruments and other inventory positions sold,
but not yet purchased on the consolidated statements of financial condition consist of financial instruments (including
securities with extended settlements and derivative contracts) recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses
related to these financial instruments are reflected on the consolidated statements of operations. Securities (both long
and short), including securities with extended settlements, are recognized on a trade-date basis. Additionally, the
Company's investments on the consolidated statements of financial condition are principally recorded at fair value.
Fair Value Measurement – Definition and Hierarchy
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, "Fair Value
Measurement," ("ASC 820") defines fair value as the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in an orderly
transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value
hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy maximizes the use of observable
inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available.
Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data
obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect management's 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 observability of inputs as follows:
Level I – Quoted prices (unadjusted) are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the report
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 II – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly
observable as of the report date. 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 III – Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the report date. These financial instruments
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.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
66 | Piper Sandler Companies
Valuation of Financial Instruments
Based on the nature of the Company's business and its role as a "dealer" in the securities industry or as a manager of
alternative asset management funds, the fair values of its financial instruments are determined internally. When
available, the Company values financial instruments at observable market prices, observable market parameters, or
broker or dealer prices (i.e., bid and ask prices). 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 the Company's financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
and financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased, is 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. Results
from valuation models and other techniques in one period may not be indicative of future period fair value
measurement.
For investments in illiquid or privately held securities that do not have readily determinable fair values, the determination
of fair value requires the Company to estimate the value of the securities using the best information available. Among
the factors considered by the Company in determining the fair value of such financial instruments are the cost, terms
and liquidity of the investment, the financial condition and operating results of the issuer, the quoted market price of
publicly traded securities with similar quality and yield, and other factors generally pertinent to the valuation of
investments. In addition, even where the Company derives the value of a security based on information from an
independent source, certain assumptions may be required to determine the security's fair value. For instance, the
Company assumes that the size of positions in securities that it holds would not be large enough to affect the quoted
price of the securities if the Company sells them, and that any such sale would happen in an orderly manner. The actual
value realized upon disposition could be different from the currently estimated fair value.
Investments
The Company's investments include equity investments in private companies and partnerships, as well as mutual funds
related to deferred compensation plans. Equity investments in private companies and mutual funds related to deferred
compensation plans are accounted for at fair value. Investments in partnerships are accounted for under the equity
method, which is generally the net asset value.
Fixed Assets
Fixed assets include furniture and equipment, software, and leasehold improvements. Furniture and equipment and
software are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of three to ten years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over 15 years or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter.
Leases
A lease is a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property or equipment for
a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception.
The Company leases its corporate headquarters and other offices under various non-cancelable leases, all of which are
operating leases. In addition to rent, the leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and common area
maintenance. Some of the leases contain renewal and/or termination options, escalation clauses, rent-free holidays and
operating cost adjustments. The original terms of the Company's lease agreements generally range up to 15 years.
The Company recognizes a right-of-use ("ROU") lease asset and lease liability on the consolidated statements of
financial condition for leases with a term greater than 12 months. The lease liability represents the Company’s obligation
to make future lease payments and is recorded at an amount equal to the present value of the remaining lease
payments due over the lease term. The ROU lease asset, which represents the right to use the underlying asset during
the lease term, is measured based on the carrying value of the lease liability, adjusted for lease incentives and uneven
rent payments.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 67
The discount rate used to determine the present value of the remaining lease payments reflects the Company’s
incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a
similar term in a similar economic environment. In calculating its discount rates, the Company takes into consideration
financing arrangements that are on a secured (i.e., collateralized) basis, as well as market interest rates and spreads,
other reference points, and the respective tenors of the Company’s designated lease term ranges. The Company
applies the portfolio approach in determining the discount rates for its leases.
The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis from the date it takes possession of the property to the
end of the initial lease term. Lease incentives are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense over
the lease term.
Rent expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term in the
consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the fair value of the consideration transferred in excess of the fair value of identifiable net assets at
the acquisition date. The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual
basis and on an interim basis when circumstances exist that could indicate possible impairment.
The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is generally one level below its operating
segment. The Company has identified one reporting unit. When testing for impairment, the Company has the option to
first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying amount. If, after making an assessment, the Company determines it is not more likely than not that the
fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then further analysis is unnecessary. However, if the
Company concludes otherwise, then the Company is required to perform a quantitative goodwill test, which requires
management to make judgments in determining what assumptions to use in the calculation. The quantitative goodwill
test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including allocated goodwill. An impairment is
recognized for the excess amount of a reporting unit's carrying value over its fair value. The estimated fair value of the
reporting unit is derived based on valuation techniques that a market participant would use. The Company estimates the
fair value of the reporting unit using the income approach (e.g., discounted cash flow method) and market approach
(e.g., earnings and/or transaction multiples).
At December 31, 2025, intangible assets with determinable lives consisted of customer relationships that are amortized
over their original estimated useful lives ranging from one to eight years. The pattern of amortization reflects the timing
of the realization of the economic benefits of such intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are not
amortized, are evaluated for impairment annually, at a minimum, or on an interim basis if events or circumstances
indicate a possible inability to realize the carrying amount.
Other Assets
Other assets include receivables and prepaid expenses. Receivables primarily include installment fee receivables, fee
receivables and loans made to employees, typically in connection with their recruitment. Installment fee receivables are
related to the Company's private fund placement services and are generally paid in installments over a period of two to
four years. Fee receivables are primarily related to the Company's advisory services and are generally collected within
30 days. Employee loans are forgiven based on continued employment and are amortized to compensation and
benefits expense using the straight-line method over the respective terms of the loans, which generally range from one
to five years.
The Company estimates the allowance for credit losses using relevant available information from internal and external
sources relating to historical credit loss experience, current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable
forecasts that could potentially affect the collectibility of the reported amounts.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in various pending and potential legal proceedings related to its business, including litigation,
arbitration and regulatory proceedings. The Company establishes accruals for potential losses to the extent that claims
are probable of loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The determination of the outcome and
accrual amounts requires significant judgment on the part of the Company's management.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
68 | Piper Sandler Companies
Revenue Recognition
See Note 17 for revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by major business activity.
Investment Banking
Investment banking revenues, which include advisory and underwriting fees, are recorded when the performance
obligation for the transaction is satisfied 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 gross of related client reimbursed deal expenses. Expenses for completed deals are
reported separately in deal-related expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Expenses related to
investment banking deals not completed are recognized as non-interest expenses in their respective category on the
consolidated statements of operations.
The Company's advisory fees generally consist of a nonrefundable up-front fee and a success fee. The nonrefundable
fee is recorded as deferred revenue upon receipt and recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is
satisfied, or when the transaction is deemed by management to be terminated. Management's judgment is required in
determining when a transaction is considered to be terminated. Certain engagements, such as restructuring advisory
transactions, consist of services provided on an ongoing basis, and the fees are recognized over time as the
performance obligation is satisfied. Fees related to the private fund placement services are recognized at a point in time
as the performance obligation is satisfied upon the closing date of the committed capital.
The substantial majority of the Company's advisory and underwriting fees (i.e., the success-related advisory fee) is
considered variable consideration and recognized when it is probable that the variable consideration will not be
reversed in a future period. The variable consideration is considered to be constrained until satisfaction of the
performance obligation. The Company's performance obligation is generally satisfied at a point in time upon the closing
of a strategic transaction, completion of a financing or underwriting arrangement, or some other defined outcome (e.g.,
providing a fairness opinion). At this time, the Company has transferred control of the promised service and the
customer obtains control. As these arrangements represent a single performance obligation, allocation of the
transaction price is not necessary. The Company has elected to apply the following optional exemptions regarding
disclosure of its remaining performance obligations: (i) the Company's performance obligation is part of a contract that
has an original expected duration of one year or less and/or (ii) the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a
wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct service that forms part of a single performance obligation.
Institutional Brokerage
Institutional brokerage revenues include (i) commissions received from customers for the execution of brokerage
transactions in listed and over-the-counter ("OTC") equity, fixed income, convertible debt and derivative securities,
which are recognized at a point in time on the trade date because the customer has obtained the rights to the underlying
security provided by the trade execution service, (ii) trading gains and losses, recorded based on changes in the fair
value of long and short security positions in the reporting period, and (iii) fees received by the Company for research
services and corporate access offerings, which are primarily recognized at a point in time. The Company permits
institutional customers to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research products and other services
provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as commission share
agreements or "soft dollar" arrangements. As the Company is not acting as a principal in satisfying the performance
obligation for these arrangements, expenses relating to soft dollars are netted against commission revenues and
included in other liabilities and accrued expenses on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 69
Interest Income and Expense
The Company nets interest expense within net revenues to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in interest rates on the
Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognizes contractual interest on financial
instruments owned and financial instruments sold, but not yet purchased (excluding derivative instruments) on an
accrual basis as a component of interest income and expense. The Company recognizes contractual interest on
installment fee receivables on an accrual basis as interest income. The Company accounts for interest related to its
financing arrangements on an accrual basis with related interest recorded as interest expense.
Investment Income/(Loss)
Investment income/(loss) includes realized and unrealized gains and losses from the Company's investments, as well
as management and performance fees generated from the Company’s alternative asset management funds.
The performance obligation related to the transfer of management and investment advisory services is satisfied over
time and the related management fees are recognized under the output method, which reflects the fees that the
Company has a right to invoice based on the services provided during the period. Fees are defined as a percentage of
committed and/or invested capital. Amounts related to remaining performance obligations are not disclosed as the
Company applies the output method.
Performance fees, if earned, are recognized when it is probable that such revenue will not be reversed in a future
period. Management will consider such factors as the remaining assets and residual life of the fund to conclude whether
it is probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur in the future.
Stock-Based Compensation
FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, "Compensation – Stock Compensation," ("ASC 718") requires all
stock-based compensation to be expensed on the consolidated statements of operations based on the grant date fair
value of the award. Compensation expense related to stock-based awards that do not require future service are
recognized in the year in which the awards were deemed to be earned. Stock-based awards that require future service
are amortized over the relevant service period. Forfeitures of awards with service conditions are accounted for when
they occur. See Note 18 for additional information on the Company's accounting for stock-based compensation.
Income Taxes
The Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, which includes all of its qualifying subsidiaries. The
Company is also subject to income tax in various states and municipalities and those foreign jurisdictions in which it
operates. Income taxes are provided for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between amounts reported
for income tax purposes and financial statement purposes, using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income
in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The realization of deferred
tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recognized to the extent that it is more likely than not that any
portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Tax reserves for uncertain tax positions are recorded in accordance
with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740").
Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is
calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive stock
options, restricted stock units and restricted shares. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate diluted
earnings per common share. See Note 22 for additional information on the Company's calculation of EPS.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company consolidates foreign subsidiaries which have designated their local currency as their functional currency.
Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated at period-end rates of exchange. The gains or losses
resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements are included in other comprehensive income/(loss).
Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
70 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 3 | RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Adoption of New Applicable Accounting Standards
Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, "Improvements to Income Tax
Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09"). This guidance enhances the annual income tax disclosure requirements by requiring
disaggregated information related to the effective tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid, as well as other
disclosure requirements. ASU 2023-09 became effective for the Company's 2025 Form 10-K. The Company adopted
this guidance on a prospective basis. See Note 21 for the applicable financial statement disclosures.
Future Adoption of New Applicable Accounting Standards
Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, "Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses" ("ASU
2024-03"). This guidance enhances the disclosure of income statement expenses by requiring disaggregated
information about certain income statement expense line items. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual periods beginning
after December 15, 2026 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The
Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2024-03 on its financial statement disclosures.
NOTE 4 | ACQUISITIONS
The following acquisitions were accounted for pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805,
"Business Combinations." Accordingly, the purchase price of each acquisition was allocated to the acquired assets and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the respective acquisition dates. The excess of the
purchase price over the net assets acquired was allocated between goodwill and intangible assets. The fair value of the
equity consideration and retention-related restricted stock was determined using the market price of the Company's
common stock on the date of the respective acquisition.
2025 Acquisition
G Squared Capital Partners LLC ("G Squared")
On September 12, 2025, the Company completed the acquisition of G Squared, a boutique investment bank
specializing in government services and defense technology. The acquisition expands the scale of the Company's
investment banking technology sector. The purchase price consisted of cash consideration, and restricted stock and
restricted cash were granted for retention purposes.
Additional cash of up to $8.0 million may be earned by certain employees if a net revenue target is achieved during the
performance period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027 and they are employed by the Company at the time of
the respective payment. Amounts estimated to be payable, if any, will be recorded as compensation expense on the
consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period. If earned, amounts will be paid in the first
quarter of 2028 and in the first quarter of 2029.
The Company recorded $7.3 million of goodwill on the consolidated statements of financial condition, all of which is
expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. In management's opinion, the goodwill represents the reputation
and operating expertise of G Squared. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by the Company consisted of customer
relationships with an acquisition date fair value of $2.2 million.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 71
2024 Acquisition
Aviditi Capital Advisors, LLC ("Aviditi Advisors")
On August 23, 2024, the Company completed the acquisition of Aviditi Advisors, an alternative investment bank
providing full lifecycle services to financial sponsors, global alternative investment managers and limited partner
investors. The acquisition added private capital advisory capabilities to the platform.
The economic value on the acquisition date was $70 million, which consisted of cash consideration, equity
consideration, contingent consideration and contingently returnable consideration, as well as various compensation
obligations, as described below.
The equity consideration of $6.0 million consisted of 21,835 shares, which vested immediately and were not subject to
service requirements. The contingently returnable consideration of $4.1 million represents the fair value of consideration
that is contingently returnable to the Company if certain revenue thresholds are not achieved during the performance
period ended December 31, 2024. The equity consideration and contingently returnable consideration were included in
the purchase price in addition to the cash consideration of $23.9 million and contingent consideration, which was
immaterial based on the acquisition date fair value. The net assets acquired by the Company of $34.5 million are
described below.
The compensation obligations of $35.7 million include existing deferred compensation obligations of Aviditi Advisors that
were assumed by the Company on the acquisition date and acquisition-related arrangements entered into with certain
employees for retention purposes. These compensation obligations consisted of restricted stock ($11.8 million),
restricted mutual fund shares of investment funds ($8.6 million), restricted cash ($5.3 million) and forgivable loans
($10.0 million). As employees must fulfill service requirements in exchange for the rights to the restricted shares,
restricted mutual fund shares and restricted cash, compensation expense will be amortized on a straight-line basis over
the requisite service period. See Note 18 for further discussion on the restricted shares and restricted mutual fund
shares. The restricted cash will generally vest in quarterly installments through the first quarter of 2028. The loans will
be forgiven, so long as the applicable employees remain continuously employed for the loan term of three to five years.
Compensation expense will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the loan term.
Additional cash of up to $86.3 million may be earned if certain net revenue targets are achieved during the performance
period from August 23, 2024 to December 31, 2028. Certain amounts may be earned by Aviditi Advisors' non-employee
equity owners with no service requirements. The Company recorded a liability as of the acquisition date for the fair
value of this contingent consideration, which was included in the purchase price. Adjustments to this liability after the
acquisition date, if any, will be recorded as non-compensation expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
The remaining amounts may be earned by employee owners in exchange for service requirements. As these amounts
compensate employees for future services, the value was not part of the purchase price. Amounts estimated to be
payable, if any, will be recorded as compensation expense on the consolidated statements of operations over the
respective requisite service period. If earned, amounts will be paid on various dates through the second quarter of 2029.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
72 | Piper Sandler Companies
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the
acquisition, including measurement period adjustments:
(Amounts in thousands)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
11,717
Right-of-use lease assets
1,898
Goodwill
10,184
Intangible assets
1,471
Other assets (1)
43,211
Total assets acquired
68,481
Liabilities
Short-term financing (2)
17,342
Accrued compensation
12,898
Accrued lease liabilities
1,898
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
1,794
Total liabilities assumed
33,932
Net assets acquired
$
34,549
(1)
Primarily consists of installment fee receivables.
(2)
Amount was immediately repaid in full on August 23, 2024. See Note 13 for further information.
The Company recorded $10.2 million of goodwill on the consolidated statements of financial condition, all of which is
expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. In management's opinion, the goodwill represents the reputation
and operating expertise of Aviditi Advisors. Identifiable intangible asset purchased by the Company consisted of
customer relationships with an acquisition date fair value of $1.5 million.
Integration costs of $2.5 million were incurred for the year ended December 31, 2024, and are included in restructuring
and integration costs on the consolidated statements of operations.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The results of operations of G Squared and Aviditi Advisors have been included in the Company's consolidated financial
statements prospectively beginning on the respective acquisition dates. The acquisitions have been fully integrated with
the Company's existing operations. Accordingly, post-acquisition revenues and net income are not discernible. Pro
forma financial information for G Squared is not presented as the acquisition is not material. Pro forma financial
information for Aviditi Advisors is not presented as the impact to the Company's historical results is not material.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 73
NOTE 5 | RECEIVABLES FROM AND PAYABLES TO BROKERS, DEALERS AND CLEARING
ORGANIZATIONS
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
Receivable from clearing organizations
$
33,482 $
154,409
Receivable from brokers and dealers
20,130
20,082
Total receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
$
53,612 $
174,491
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
Payable to brokers and dealers
$
22,358 $
5,862
Total payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations
$
22,358 $
5,862
Under the Company's fully disclosed clearing agreement, all of its securities inventories with the exception of convertible
securities, and all of its customer activities are held by or cleared through Pershing LLC ("Pershing"). The Company has
established an arrangement to obtain financing from Pershing related to the majority of its trading activities. The
Company also has a clearing arrangement with bank financing related to its convertible securities inventories. Financing
under these arrangements is secured primarily by securities, and collateral limitations could reduce the amount of
funding available under these arrangements. The funding is at their discretion and could be denied. The Company's
clearing arrangement activities are recorded net of trading activity. The Company's fully disclosed clearing agreement
includes a covenant requiring Piper Sandler & Co. to maintain excess net capital of $120 million.
NOTE 6 | FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Based on the nature of the Company's business and its role as a "dealer" in the securities industry or as a manager of
alternative asset management funds, the fair values of its financial instruments are determined internally. The
Company's processes are designed to ensure that the fair values used for financial reporting are based on observable
inputs wherever possible. In the event that observable inputs are not available, unobservable inputs are developed
based on an evaluation of all relevant empirical market data, including prices evidenced by market transactions, interest
rates, credit spreads, volatilities and correlations and other security-specific information. Valuation adjustments related
to illiquidity or counterparty credit risk are also considered. In estimating fair value, the Company may utilize information
provided by third-party pricing vendors to corroborate internally-developed fair value estimates.
The Company employs specific control processes to determine the reasonableness of the fair value of its financial
instruments. The Company's processes are designed to ensure that the internally-estimated fair values are accurately
recorded and that the data inputs and the valuation techniques used are appropriate, consistently applied, and that the
assumptions are reasonable and consistent with the objective of determining fair value. Individuals outside of the trading
departments perform independent pricing verification reviews as of each reporting date. The Company has established
parameters which set forth when the fair value of securities is independently verified. The selection parameters are
generally based upon the type of security, the level of estimation risk of a security, the materiality of the security to the
Company's consolidated financial statements, changes in fair value from period to period, and other specific facts and
circumstances of the Company's securities portfolio. In evaluating the initial internally-estimated fair values made by the
Company's traders, the nature and complexity of securities involved (e.g., term, coupon, collateral, and other key drivers
of value), level of market activity for securities, and availability of market data are considered. The independent price
verification procedures include, but are not limited to, analysis of trade data (both internal and external where available),
corroboration to the valuation of positions with similar characteristics, risks and components, or comparison to an
alternative pricing source, such as a discounted cash flow model. The Company's valuation committees, comprised of
members of senior management and risk management, provide oversight and overall responsibility for the internal
control processes and procedures related to fair value measurements.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
74 | Piper Sandler Companies
The following is a description of the valuation techniques used to measure fair value.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Actively traded money
market funds are measured at their net asset value and classified as Level I.
Financial Instruments and Other Inventory Positions
The Company records financial instruments and other inventory positions owned and financial instruments and other
inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with
unrealized gains and losses reflected on the consolidated statements of operations.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities are valued based on observable trades, when available, and therefore are generally categorized
as Level II.
Equity Securities
Exchange traded equity securities are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange for identical assets or liabilities
as of the period-end date. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied,
they are categorized as Level I.
Corporate Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities include corporate bonds which are valued based on recently executed market transactions of
comparable size, internally-developed fair value estimates based on observable inputs, or broker quotations.
Accordingly, these corporate bonds are categorized as Level II.
Taxable Municipal Securities
Taxable municipal securities are valued using recently executed observable trades or market price quotations and
therefore are generally categorized as Level II.
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities
Tax-exempt municipal securities are valued using recently executed observable trades or market price quotations and
therefore are generally categorized as Level II. Certain illiquid tax-exempt municipal securities are valued using market
data for comparable securities (e.g., maturity and sector) and management judgment to infer an appropriate current
yield or other model-based valuation techniques deemed appropriate by management based on the specific nature of
the individual security and therefore are categorized as Level III.
Short-Term Municipal Securities
Short-term municipal securities include variable rate demand notes and other short-term municipal securities. Variable
rate demand notes and other short-term municipal securities are valued using recently executed observable trades or
market price quotations and therefore are generally categorized as Level II.
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities are valued using recently executed observable trades, when available, and therefore are
generally categorized as Level II. Certain asset-backed securities are valued using models where inputs to the model
are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Accordingly, these asset-backed securities are categorized as Level II.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 75
U.S. Government Agency Securities
U.S. government agency securities include agency debt bonds, mortgage bonds and Small Business Administration
("SBA") loans. Agency debt bonds are valued by using either direct price quotes or price quotes for comparable bond
securities and are categorized as Level II. Mortgage bonds include bonds secured by mortgages, mortgage pass-
through securities, agency collateralized mortgage-obligation ("CMO") securities and agency interest-only securities.
Mortgage pass-through securities, CMO securities and interest-only securities are valued using recently executed
observable trades or other observable inputs, such as prepayment speeds and therefore are generally categorized as
Level II. Mortgage bonds are valued using observable market inputs, such as market yields on spreads over U.S.
treasury securities, or models based upon prepayment expectations and are categorized as Level II. The Company
purchases the guaranteed portions of SBA loans, which are aggregated into pools for securitization and sold in the
secondary market. Prior to securitization, the SBA loans are valued using third-party price quotations. The securitized
pools of SBA loans are valued using direct price quotations or price quotations for comparable securities and are
generally categorized as Level II.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. government securities include highly liquid U.S. treasury securities which are generally valued using quoted market
prices and therefore are categorized as Level I. The Company does not transact in securities of countries other than the
U.S. government.
Derivative Contracts
Derivative contracts include interest rate swaps, interest rate locks, U.S. treasury bond futures, and equity option
contracts. These instruments derive their value from underlying assets, reference rates, indices or a combination of
these factors. The majority of the Company's interest rate derivative contracts, including both interest rate swaps and
interest rate locks, are valued using market standard pricing models based on the net present value of estimated future
cash flows. The valuation models used do not involve material subjectivity as the methodologies do not entail significant
judgment and the pricing inputs are market observable, including contractual terms, yield curves and measures of
volatility. These instruments are classified as Level II within the fair value hierarchy. Certain interest rate locks transact
in less active markets and are valued using valuation models that include the previously mentioned observable inputs
and certain unobservable inputs that require significant judgment, such as the premium over the Municipal Market Data
("MMD") curve. These instruments are classified as Level III.
Investments
The Company's investments valued at fair value include equity investments in private companies and mutual funds
related to deferred compensation plans. Investments in private companies are valued based on an assessment of each
underlying security, considering rounds of financing, the financial condition and operating results of the private company,
third-party transactions and market-based information, including comparable company transactions, trading multiples
(e.g., multiples of revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")), discounted
cash flow analyses and changes in market outlook, among other factors. These securities are categorized based on the
lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Certain underlying securities, as well as
investments in mutual funds, are valued based on quoted prices from the exchange for identical assets as of the period-
end date. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are
categorized as Level I. See Note 18 for additional information about the Company's deferred compensation plans.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
76 | Piper Sandler Companies
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company's financial instruments by pricing observability levels
defined in ASC 820 as of December 31, 2025:
Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
(Amounts in thousands)
Level I
Level II
Level III
Netting (1)
Total
Assets
Financial instruments and other
inventory positions owned:
Corporate securities:
Convertible securities
$
— $
140,306 $
— $
— $
140,306
Fixed income securities
—
2,831
—
—
2,831
Municipal securities:
Taxable securities
—
33,021
—
—
33,021
Tax-exempt securities
—
125,419
—
—
125,419
Short-term securities
—
19,531
—
—
19,531
Asset-backed securities
—
92,472
—
—
92,472
U.S. government agency securities
—
82,666
—
—
82,666
U.S. government securities
201
—
—
—
201
Derivative contracts
—
5,744
2,352
(2,273)
5,823
Total financial instruments and
other inventory positions owned
201
501,990
2,352
(2,273)
502,270
Cash equivalents
717,600
—
—
—
717,600
Investments at fair value (2)
87,507
—
217,966
—
305,473
Total assets
$
805,308 $
501,990 $
220,318 $
(2,273) $
1,525,343
Liabilities
Financial instruments and other
inventory positions sold, but not
yet purchased:
Corporate securities:
Fixed income securities
$
— $
3,300 $
— $
— $
3,300
U.S. government securities
43,403
—
—
—
43,403
Derivative contracts
—
4,039
6,534
(8,762)
1,811
Total financial instruments and
other inventory positions sold,
but not yet purchased
$
43,403 $
7,339 $
6,534 $
(8,762) $
48,514
(1)
Represents cash collateral and the impact of netting on a counterparty basis. The Company had no securities posted as
collateral to its counterparties.
(2)
Includes noncontrolling interests of $216.8 million attributable to unrelated third-party ownership in consolidated alternative asset
management funds, of which $171.8 million is classified as Level III.
At December 31, 2025, the Company's Level I investments at fair value included $8.3 million of equity securities subject
to contractual sale restrictions which will expire in the first quarter of 2027.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 77
The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company's financial instruments by pricing observability levels
defined in ASC 820 as of December 31, 2024:
Counterparty
and Cash
Collateral
(Amounts in thousands)
Level I
Level II
Level III
Netting (1)
Total
Assets
Financial instruments and other
inventory positions owned:
Corporate securities:
Convertible securities
$
— $
136,176 $
— $
— $
136,176
Equity securities
2
—
—
—
2
Fixed income securities
—
1,583
—
—
1,583
Municipal securities:
Taxable securities
—
21,171
—
—
21,171
Tax-exempt securities
—
126,672
273
—
126,945
Short-term securities
—
1,075
—
—
1,075
Asset-backed securities
—
50,188
—
—
50,188
U.S. government agency securities
—
78,256
—
—
78,256
U.S. government securities
4,633
—
—
—
4,633
Derivative contracts
—
10,185
1,819
(6,305)
5,699
Total financial instruments and
other inventory positions owned
4,635
425,306
2,092
(6,305)
425,728
Cash equivalents
446,844
—
—
—
446,844
Investments at fair value (2)
90,348
—
176,970
—
267,318
Total assets
$
541,827 $
425,306 $
179,062 $
(6,305) $
1,139,890
Liabilities
Financial instruments and other
inventory positions sold, but not
yet purchased:
Corporate securities:
Equity securities
$
19,740 $
— $
— $
— $
19,740
Fixed income securities
—
614
—
—
614
U.S. government securities
54,249
—
—
—
54,249
Derivative contracts
—
8,080
991
(6,692)
2,379
Total financial instruments and
other inventory positions sold,
but not yet purchased
$
73,989 $
8,694 $
991 $
(6,692) $
76,982
(1)
Represents cash collateral and the impact of netting on a counterparty basis. The Company had no securities posted as
collateral to its counterparties.
(2)
Includes noncontrolling interests of $187.6 million attributable to unrelated third-party ownership in consolidated alternative asset
management funds, of which $136.3 million is classified as Level III.
The carrying values of the Company's cash, receivables and payables either from or to brokers, dealers and clearing
organizations, and short-term financings approximate fair value due to either their liquid or short-term nature.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
78 | Piper Sandler Companies
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value associated with Level III financial instruments held at the
beginning or end of the periods presented:
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
2,869 $
5,834 $
224,280 $
7,962
Purchases
—
—
38,378
—
Sales
(1,901)
—
(41,042)
—
Settlements
—
(4,097)
—
(6,191)
Transfers in (1)
—
—
—
—
Transfers out (2)
—
—
(48,546)
—
Total realized and unrealized
gains/(losses)
(695)
82
3,900
(780)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
273 $
1,819 $
176,970 $
991
Purchases
—
—
35,334
—
Sales
—
—
(248)
—
Settlements
—
(2,705)
—
(2,475)
Transfers in (1)
—
—
963
—
Transfers out (2)
(276)
—
(8,182)
—
Total realized and unrealized
gains/(losses)
3
3,238
13,129
8,018
Balance at December 31, 2025
$
— $
2,352 $
217,966 $
6,534
Unrealized gains/(losses) for
assets/liabilities held at:
December 31, 2024
$
6 $
1,819 $
(28,420) $
991
December 31, 2025
$
— $
2,352 $
19,684 $
6,534
Level III
Assets
Liabilities
(Amounts in thousands)
Tax-Exempt
Municipal
Securities
Derivative
Contracts
Investments at
Fair Value
Derivative
Contracts
(1)
Transfers into Level III are primarily due to observable inputs becoming unobservable.
(2)
Transfers out of Level III are primarily due to unobservable inputs becoming observable.
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to financial instruments, with the exception of customer matched-book
derivatives, are reported in institutional brokerage on the consolidated statements of operations. Realized and
unrealized gains/(losses) related to customer matched-book derivatives are reported in investment banking. Realized
and unrealized gains/(losses) related to investments are principally reported in investment income/(loss) on the
consolidated statements of operations.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 79
The following table summarizes quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value
measurement of the Company's Level III financial instruments as of December 31, 2025:
Valuation
Weighted
Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Average (1)
Assets
Derivative contracts
Discounted cash flow
Premium over the MMD curve in
basis points ("bps") (3)
0 - 26 bps
8.0 bps
Investments at fair value (2)
Market approach
Revenue multiple (3)
2 - 10 times
6.7 times
EBITDA multiple (3)
11 - 19 times
14.5 times
Equity value as multiple of
independent financing value (3)
1 - 3 times
2.0 times
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate (4)
15 - 25%
21.3%
Liabilities
Derivative contracts
Discounted cash flow
Premium over the MMD curve in
bps (4)
0 - 46 bps
11.8 bps
(1)
Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the financial instruments.
(2)
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $218.0 million of Level III investments at fair value, of which $54.4 million was
valued based on a recent round of independent financing.
(3)
There is uncertainty in the determination of fair value. Significant increase/(decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would
have resulted in a significantly higher/(lower) fair value measurement.
(4)
There is uncertainty in the determination of fair value. Significant increase/(decrease) in the unobservable input in isolation would
have resulted in a significantly lower/(higher) fair value measurement.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
80 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 7 | FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INVENTORY POSITIONS
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
Corporate securities:
Convertible securities
$
140,306 $
136,176
Equity securities
—
2
Fixed income securities
2,831
1,583
Municipal securities:
Taxable securities
33,021
21,171
Tax-exempt securities
125,419
126,945
Short-term securities
19,531
1,075
Asset-backed securities
92,472
50,188
U.S. government agency securities
82,666
78,256
U.S. government securities
201
4,633
Derivative contracts
5,823
5,699
Total financial instruments and other inventory positions owned
$
502,270 $
425,728
Financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet
purchased
Corporate securities:
Equity securities
$
— $
19,740
Fixed income securities
3,300
614
U.S. government securities
43,403
54,249
Derivative contracts
1,811
2,379
Total financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet
purchased
$
48,514 $
76,982
At December 31, 2025 and 2024, financial instruments and other inventory positions owned in the amount of
$67.1 million and $74.6 million, respectively, had been pledged as collateral for short-term financing arrangements.
Financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased represent obligations of the Company to
deliver the specified security at the contracted price, thereby creating a liability to purchase the security in the market at
prevailing prices. The Company is obligated to acquire the securities sold short at prevailing market prices, which may
exceed the amount reflected on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company economically hedges
changes in the market value of its financial instruments and other inventory positions owned using inventory positions
sold, but not yet purchased, interest rate derivatives, U.S. treasury bond futures and options, and equity option
contracts.
Derivative Contract Financial Instruments
Customer Matched-Book Derivatives
The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts in a principal capacity as a dealer to satisfy the financial
needs of its customers. The Company simultaneously enters into an interest rate derivative contract with a third party for
the same notional amount to hedge the interest rate and credit risk of the initial client interest rate derivative contract. In
certain instances, the Company has only hedged interest rate risk with a third party, and retains uncollateralized credit
risk as described below. These instruments use rates based upon the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR")
index, the MMD index or the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association ("SIFMA") index.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 81
Trading Securities Derivatives
The Company enters into interest rate derivative contracts and uses U.S. treasury bond futures and options to hedge
interest rate and market value risks primarily associated with its fixed income securities. These instruments use rates
based upon the MMD index. The Company also enters into equity option contracts to hedge market value risk
associated with its convertible securities. The Company may enter into credit default swap contracts to hedge credit
spread risk associated with the debt instruments held in our trading inventory. These instruments use rates based upon
the Credit Default Swap Index ("CDX").
Derivatives are reported on a net basis by counterparty (i.e., the net payable or receivable for derivative assets and
liabilities for a given counterparty) when a legal right of offset exists and on a net basis by cross product when
applicable provisions are stated in master netting agreements. Cash collateral received or paid is netted on a
counterparty basis, provided a legal right of offset exists. The total absolute notional contract amount, representing the
absolute value of the sum of gross long and short derivative contracts, provides an indication of the volume of the
Company's derivative activity and does not represent gains and losses. The following table presents the gross fair
market value and the total absolute notional contract amount of the Company's outstanding derivative instruments, prior
to counterparty netting, by asset or liability position:
December 31, 2025
December 31, 2024
(Amounts in thousands)
Derivative
Derivative
Notional
Derivative
Derivative
Notional
Derivative Category
Assets (1)
Liabilities (2)
Amount
Assets (1)
Liabilities (2)
Amount
Interest rate:
Customer matched-book
$
7,033 $
4,878 $
355,129 $
10,906 $
8,629 $
393,860
Trading securities
1,063
5,695
236,400
1,098
442
171,333
$
8,096 $
10,573 $
591,529 $
12,004 $
9,071 $
565,193
(1)
Derivative assets are included within financial instruments and other inventory positions owned on the consolidated statements of
financial condition.
(2)
Derivative liabilities are included within financial instruments and other inventory positions sold, but not yet purchased on the
consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company's derivative contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, unrealized gains and losses are
recorded on the consolidated statements of operations. The gains and losses on the related economically hedged
inventory positions are not disclosed below as they are not in qualifying hedging relationships. The following table
presents the Company's unrealized gains/(losses) on derivative instruments:
(Amounts in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Derivative Category
Operations Category
2025
2024
2023
Interest rate derivative contract
Investment banking
$
(108) $
(3,361) $
(426)
Interest rate derivative contract
Institutional brokerage
(5,132)
2,963
(5,790)
$
(5,240) $
(398) $
(6,216)
Credit risk associated with the Company's derivatives is the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in
accordance with the terms of the applicable derivative contract. Credit exposure associated with the Company's
derivatives is driven by uncollateralized market movements in the fair value of the contracts with counterparties and is
monitored regularly by the Company's financial risk committee. The Company considers counterparty credit risk in
determining derivative contract fair value. The Company's derivative contracts are generally collateralized by its
counterparties, who are major financial institutions. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $4.7 million of
uncollateralized credit exposure with three counterparties (notional contract amount of $72.4 million), including
$4.1 million of uncollateralized credit exposure with one counterparty.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
82 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 8 | INVESTMENTS
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Investments at fair value
$
305,473 $
267,599
Investments accounted for under the equity method
17,045
14,363
Total investments
322,518
281,962
Less: Investments attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)
(216,838)
(187,624)
Total investments attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
105,680 $
94,338
(1)
Noncontrolling interests are attributable to unrelated third-party ownership in consolidated alternative asset management funds.
Investments at fair value include equity investments in private companies and mutual funds related to deferred
compensation plans. See Note 6 for additional information on the Company's investments at fair value.
Investments accounted for under the equity method include general and limited partnership interests. The carrying value
of these investments is based on the investment vehicle's net asset value. The net assets of investment partnerships
consist of investments in both marketable and non-marketable securities. The underlying investments held by such
partnerships are valued based on the estimated fair value determined by management in the Company's capacity as
general partner or investor and, in the case of investments in unaffiliated investment partnerships, are based on
financial statements prepared by the unaffiliated general partners.
NOTE 9 | VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company has investments in and/or acts as the managing partner of various partnerships and limited liability
companies. These entities were established for the purpose of investing in securities of public or private companies, and
were initially financed through the capital commitments or seed investments of the members.
VIEs are entities in which equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have
sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities. The determination as to whether an entity is a VIE is based
on the structure and nature of each entity. The Company also considers other characteristics such as the power through
voting rights or similar rights to direct the activities of an entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic
performance and how the entity is financed.
The Company is required to consolidate all VIEs for which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The
determination as to whether the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary is based on whether the Company
has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance
and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the
VIE.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 83
Consolidated VIEs
The Company's consolidated VIEs include certain alternative asset management funds in which the Company has an
investment and, as the managing partner, is deemed to have both the power to direct the most significant activities of
the funds and the right to receive benefits (or the obligation to absorb losses) that could potentially be significant to
these funds. The following table presents information about the carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the
alternative asset management funds that are consolidated by the Company and included on the consolidated
statements of financial condition. The assets can only be used to settle the liabilities of the respective fund, and the
creditors of the funds do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. The alternative asset management
funds have a combined $56.0 million of bank line financing available with interest rates based on SOFR plus an
applicable margin. The assets and liabilities are presented prior to consolidation, and thus a portion of these assets and
liabilities is eliminated in consolidation.
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
249 $
10,078
Investments
268,121
236,138
Other assets
844
1,099
Total assets
$
269,214 $
247,315
Liabilities
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
$
7,990 $
12,166
Total liabilities
$
7,990 $
12,166
The Company has investments in a grantor trust which was established as part of a nonqualified deferred compensation
plan. The Company is the primary beneficiary of the grantor trust. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the grantor
trust are consolidated by the Company on the consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 18 for additional
information on the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plan.
Nonconsolidated VIEs
The Company determined it is not the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs and, accordingly, does not consolidate them.
These VIEs had net assets approximating $777.0 million and $1.09 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024,
respectively. The Company's exposure to loss from these VIEs is $17.0 million, which is the carrying value of its capital
contributions recorded in investments on the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2025. The
Company had no liabilities related to these VIEs at December 31, 2025 and 2024. Furthermore, the Company has not
provided financial or other support to these VIEs that it was not previously contractually required to provide as of
December 31, 2025.
NOTE 10 | FIXED ASSETS
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Furniture and equipment
$
59,950 $
62,908
Leasehold improvements
98,773
89,519
Software
7,918
13,917
Total fixed assets
166,641
166,344
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(89,312)
(106,944)
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
$
77,329 $
59,400
For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, depreciation and amortization of furniture and equipment,
leasehold improvements and software totaled $17.4 million, $16.8 million and $17.9 million, respectively, and are
included in occupancy and equipment expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
84 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 11 | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
(Amounts in thousands)
Goodwill
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
301,760
Goodwill acquired
10,264
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
312,024
Goodwill acquired
7,234
Balance at December 31, 2025
$
319,258
Intangible assets
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
116,197
Intangible assets acquired
1,595
Amortization of intangible assets
(10,288)
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
107,504
Intangible assets acquired
2,093
Amortization of intangible assets
(9,999)
Balance at December 31, 2025
$
99,598
As discussed in Note 4, the addition of goodwill and intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2025 related
to the acquisition of G Squared. Management identified $2.2 million of customer relationship intangible assets, which
are being amortized over a weighted average life of 0.6 years. The addition of goodwill and intangible assets during the
year ended December 31, 2024 related to the acquisition of Aviditi Advisors. Management identified $1.5 million of
customer relationship intangible assets, which were amortized over a weighted average life of 0.8 years.
At December 31, 2025, intangible assets with determinable lives consisted of customer relationships. The following
table summarizes the future aggregate amortization expense of the Company's intangible assets with determinable
lives:
(Amounts in thousands)
2026
$
7,986
2027
3,480
2028
2,191
2029
541
Total
$
14,198
Indefinite-lived intangible assets of $85.4 million consist of a trade name, which is not subject to amortization.
The Company performed its annual impairment testing as of October 31, which resulted in no impairment related to
goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets in 2025, 2024 and 2023.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 85
NOTE 12 | OTHER ASSETS
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Installment fee receivables
$
39,736 $
43,993
Fee receivables
48,129
53,189
Forgivable employee loans
60,437
45,526
Prepaid expenses
27,657
26,478
Other
12,559
14,606
Total other assets
$
188,518 $
183,792
The Company's installment fee receivables and forgivable employee loans are carried at amortized cost, which
approximates fair value, and would be categorized as Level II assets in the fair value hierarchy if they were carried at
fair value.
The allowance for credit losses was immaterial at December 31, 2025 and 2024.
NOTE 13 | SHORT-TERM FINANCING
Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured $120 million revolving credit facility with U.S. Bank N.A. The credit agreement will
terminate on December 20, 2028, unless otherwise terminated. The interest rate is variable and based on either the
federal funds rate or prime rate plus an applicable margin. This credit facility includes customary events of default and
covenants that, among other things, require the Company's U.S. broker dealer subsidiary to maintain a minimum
regulatory net capital of $120 million, limit the Company's leverage ratio, require maintenance of a minimum ratio of
operating cash flow to fixed charges, and impose certain limitations on the Company's ability to make acquisitions and
make payments on its capital stock. At December 31, 2025, there were $10.0 million of advances against this credit
facility, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.64 percent. At December 31, 2024, there were $10.0 million of
advances against this credit facility, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.33 percent.
Secured Revolving Credit Facility
The Company has a $30 million revolving credit facility with Huntington Bancshares Incorporated, formerly Cadence
Bank. Advances under this facility are secured by certain installment fee receivables. The credit agreement will
terminate on August 23, 2027, unless otherwise terminated. The interest rate is variable and based on either the federal
funds rate, prime rate, or SOFR plus an applicable margin. This credit facility includes customary events of default and
covenants that, among other things, require the Company's U.S. broker dealer subsidiary to maintain a minimum
regulatory net capital of $120 million, limit the Company's leverage ratio, require maintenance of a minimum fixed
charge coverage ratio, and impose certain limitations on the Company's ability to make acquisitions and make
payments on its capital stock. At December 31, 2025, there were $5.0 million of advances against this credit facility, with
a weighted average interest rate of 5.69 percent. At December 31, 2024, the Company had no advances against this
credit facility.
Short-Term Financing Arrangement Assumed in Acquisition of Aviditi Advisors
In 2024, the Company assumed $17.3 million of short-term financing in conjunction with its acquisition of Aviditi
Advisors, as discussed in Note 4. The outstanding balance was immediately repaid in full on August 23, 2024 and the
financing arrangement was subsequently terminated.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
86 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 14 | LEASES
The Company leases office space throughout the U.S. and in a limited number of foreign countries where its
international operations reside. Aggregate minimum lease payments on an undiscounted basis for the Company's
operating leases and a reconciliation to accrued lease liabilities included on the consolidated statements of financial
condition as of December 31, 2025 were as follows:
(Amounts in thousands)
2026
$
26,835
2027
24,937
2028
16,876
2029
15,177
2030
13,015
Thereafter
56,254
Total operating lease payments
153,094
Less: Tenant improvement allowances
(1,427)
Less: Present value discount
(50,316)
Total accrued lease liabilities
$
101,351
The following table summarizes the Company's operating lease costs:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2025
2024
2023
Operating lease costs
$
24.5 $
22.6 $
21.9
Other information related to the Company's operating leases is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2025
2024
Cash paid for lease liabilities
$
27.4 $
25.9
ROU lease assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities (i.e., new leases and
amendments commenced during the period)
36.3
19.1
December 31,
December 31,
2025
2024
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
7.9
5.3
Weighted average discount rate
5.9 %
5.0 %
In July 2025, the Company entered into a lease agreement for its office space in New York City, New York. As the
Company anticipates taking possession of the space in 2026, no ROU lease asset or accrued lease liability is recorded
in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2025. The Company's contractual rent
commitment over the 15-year lease term is $163.4 million.
NOTE 15 | CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES
Legal Contingencies
The Company has been named as a defendant in various legal actions, including complaints and litigation and
arbitration claims, arising from its business activities. Such actions include claims related to securities brokerage and
investment banking activities, and certain class actions that primarily allege violations of securities laws and seek
unspecified damages, which could be substantial. Also, the Company is involved from time to time in investigations and
proceedings by governmental agencies and self-regulatory organizations ("SROs") which could result in adverse
judgments, settlements, penalties, fines or other relief.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 87
The Company accrues for potential losses resulting from pending and potential legal actions, investigations and
regulatory proceedings when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable. In many cases, however, it is
inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or even 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 develop before a probability of loss can be determined or range
of loss can reasonably be estimated. Given uncertainties regarding the timing, scope, volume and outcome of pending
and potential legal actions, investigations and regulatory proceedings and other factors, the amounts of accruals and
ranges of reasonably possible losses are difficult to determine and of necessity subject to future revision. Subject to the
foregoing, management of the Company believes, based on currently available information, after consultation with
outside legal counsel and taking into account any prior accruals, that pending legal actions, investigations and
regulatory proceedings will be resolved with no material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations
or cash flows of the Company.
If during any period a potential adverse contingency becomes probable or is resolved for an amount in excess of the
established accrual, the results of operations and cash flows in that period and the financial condition as of the end of
that period could be materially adversely affected. In addition, there can be no assurance that material losses will not be
incurred from claims that have not yet been brought to the Company's attention or are not yet determined to be
reasonably possible. Reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued at December 31, 2025 are not material.
In 2024, the Company settled investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") regarding compliance with recordkeeping requirements for business-related
communications sent over unapproved electronic messaging channels. The settlement with the SEC included a civil
penalty of $14.0 million and the settlement with the CFTC included a civil penalty of $2.0 million. The Company
recorded a $4.0 million reversal of other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, and $20.0 million
in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to these investigations.
Litigation-related accrual activity included $0.8 million in other operating expenses for the year ended December 31,
2025, a $2.2 million reversal of other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 and $20.2 million in
other operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Investment Commitments
As of December 31, 2025, the Company had commitments to invest $30.9 million in limited partnerships or limited
liability companies that make direct or indirect equity or debt investments in companies.
Other Guarantees
The Company is a member of numerous exchanges. Under the membership agreements with these entities, members
generally are required to guarantee the performance of other members, and if a member becomes unable to satisfy its
obligations to the exchange, other members would be required to meet shortfalls. To mitigate these performance risks,
the exchanges often require members to post collateral. In addition, the Company identifies and guarantees certain
clearing agents against specified potential losses in connection with providing services to the Company or its affiliates.
The Company's maximum potential liability under these arrangements cannot be quantified. However, management
believes the likelihood that the Company would be required to make payments under these arrangements is remote.
Accordingly, no liability is recorded in the consolidated statements of financial condition for these arrangements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company provides investment, capital-raising and related services to a diverse group of domestic and foreign
customers, including governments, corporations, and institutional investors. The Company's 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 alleviate 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.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
88 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 16 | SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
The Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides for the issuance of up to 100,000,000
shares of common stock with a par value of $0.01 per share and up to 5,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred
stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.
Common Stock
The holders of the Company's common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the
shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock of Piper Sandler
Companies, the holders of its common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared
out of funds legally available for that purpose. There are also restrictions on the payment of dividends as set forth in
Note 23. The Company's board of directors determines the declaration and payment of dividends and is free to change
the Company's dividend policy at any time.
Dividends
The Company's current dividend policy is intended to return a metric based on fiscal year net income to its
shareholders.
In 2025, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, aggregating $2.70 per share,
and a special cash dividend on its common stock related to fiscal year 2024 results of $3.00 per share. Total dividends
paid, including accrued forfeitable dividends paid on restricted stock vestings, were $114.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2025.
In 2024, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, aggregating $2.50 per share,
and a special cash dividend on its common stock related to fiscal year 2023 results of $1.00 per share. Total dividends
paid, including accrued forfeitable dividends paid on restricted stock vestings, were $73.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2024.
In 2023, the Company declared and paid quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, aggregating $2.40 per share,
and a special cash dividend on its common stock related to fiscal year 2022 results of $1.25 per share. Total dividends
paid, including accrued forfeitable dividends paid on restricted stock vestings, were $84.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2023.
On February 6, 2026, the board of directors declared both a quarterly and a special cash dividend on its common stock
of $0.70 and $5.00 per share, respectively, to be paid on March 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of
business on March 3, 2026. The special cash dividend relates to the Company's fiscal year 2025 results.
In the event that Piper Sandler Companies is liquidated or dissolved, the holders of its common stock are entitled to
share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to any prior distribution rights of Piper Sandler
Companies preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. Currently, there is no outstanding preferred stock. The holders of
the common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or
sinking fund provisions applicable to Piper Sandler Companies common stock.
Share Repurchases
The Company purchases shares of common stock pursuant to share repurchase programs authorized by the
Company's board of directors. The Company also purchases shares of common stock from restricted stock award
recipients upon the award vesting as recipients sell shares to meet their employment tax obligations.
The following table summarizes the repurchase programs authorized by the Company's board of directors:
Effective Date
Authorized Amount
Expiration Date
Remaining Authorization
at December 31, 2025
February 5, 2025
$150.0 million
December 31, 2026
$121.6 million
May 6, 2022
$150.0 million
December 31, 2024
$—
January 1, 2022
$150.0 million
December 31, 2023
$—
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 89
The following table summarizes the Company's share repurchase activity:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
2024
2023
Shares repurchased pursuant to repurchase authorizations
Common shares repurchased
101,903
—
—
Aggregate purchase price (in millions)
$
28.4 $
— $
—
Average price per share
$
279.05 $
— $
—
Shares repurchased from employees related to employment
tax obligations
Common shares repurchased
318,801
346,972
494,555
Aggregate purchase price (in millions)
$
96.6 $
66.4 $
70.7
Average price per share
$
303.03 $
191.44 $
142.92
Issuance of Shares
The Company issues common shares out of treasury stock as a result of employee restricted share vesting and
exercise transactions as discussed in Note 18. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the
Company issued 1,174,914 shares, 1,232,008 shares and 2,013,046 shares, respectively, related to these obligations.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company also issued 21,835 common shares out of treasury stock for
equity consideration related to the acquisition of Aviditi Advisors, as discussed in Note 4.
Preferred Stock
The Piper Sandler Companies board of directors has the authority, without action by its shareholders, to designate and
issue preferred stock in one or more series and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of each series, which
may be greater than the rights associated with the common stock. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the
issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of common stock until the Piper Sandler
Companies board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of preferred stock. However, the effects might
include, among other things, the following: restricting dividends on its common stock, diluting the voting power of its
common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of its common stock and delaying or preventing a change in control of
Piper Sandler Companies without further action by its shareholders.
Noncontrolling Interests
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Piper Sandler Companies, its wholly owned subsidiaries
and other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Noncontrolling interests represent equity
interests in consolidated entities that are not attributable, either directly or indirectly, to Piper Sandler Companies.
Noncontrolling interests represent the minority equity holders' proportionate share of the equity in the Company's
alternative asset management funds.
Ownership interests in entities held by parties other than the Company's common shareholders are presented as
noncontrolling interests within shareholders' equity, separate from the Company's own equity. Revenues, expenses and
net income or loss are reported on the consolidated statements of operations on a consolidated basis, which includes
amounts attributable to both the Company's common shareholders and noncontrolling interests. Net income or loss is
then allocated between the Company and noncontrolling interests based upon their relative ownership interests. Net
income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is deducted from consolidated net income to determine net income
attributable to the Company. The Company does not have other comprehensive income or loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
90 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 17 | BUSINESS SEGMENT AND REVENUES INFORMATION
The Company's activities as an investment bank and institutional securities firm constitute a single business segment.
Revenues for the Company are derived from investment banking services and institutional sales, trading and research
services. The Company is organized as one reportable segment in order to maximize the value provided to clients by
leveraging the diversified expertise and broad relationships of its experienced professionals across the Company.
Substantially all of the Company's net revenues and long-lived assets are located in the U.S. The accounting policies for
the reportable segment are the same as those described in Note 2.
The Company's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is the chief executive officer. The CODM, who manages
business activities on a consolidated basis, considers monthly plan-to-actual variances of net income attributable to
Piper Sandler Companies in assessing performance, determining compensation and making decisions about the use of
capital, including repurchases of common stock, dividend payments, and acquisitions.
The CODM evaluates the performance and allocates resources of the reportable segment based on net income
attributable to Piper Sandler Companies as reported on the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended
December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies was $281.3 million,
$181.1 million and $85.5 million, respectively. The significant expense categories of the reportable segment are
consistent with the presentation of non-interest expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The measure of
reportable segment assets is reported on the consolidated statements of financial condition as total assets. At
December 31, 2025 and 2024, total assets were $2.59 billion and $2.26 billion, respectively.
The components of net revenues are as follows:
Revenues from contracts with customers:
Investment banking:
Advisory services
$
1,037,959 $
808,746 $
709,316
Corporate financing
217,156
173,876
131,077
Municipal financing
145,751
122,513
83,419
Total investment banking
1,400,866
1,105,135
923,812
Institutional brokerage:
Equity brokerage
230,273
215,275
209,512
Fixed income services
202,925
186,167
168,027
Total institutional brokerage
433,198
401,442
377,539
Total revenues from contracts with customers
1,834,064
1,506,577
1,301,351
Interest income
36,904
32,908
26,723
Investment income/(loss)
33,249
(7,890)
30,039
Total revenues
1,904,217
1,531,595
1,358,113
Interest expense
4,841
5,681
10,146
Net revenues
$
1,899,376 $
1,525,914 $
1,347,967
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Revenues
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 91
NOTE 18 | COMPENSATION PLANS
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
The Company has three outstanding stock-based compensation plans: the Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"), the 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2022 Inducement
Plan") and the 2024 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2024 Inducement Plan"). The Company's equity awards
are recognized on the consolidated statements of operations at grant date fair value over the service period of the
award, less forfeitures.
The following table provides a summary of the Company's outstanding equity awards (in shares or units, as applicable)
as of December 31, 2025:
Restricted stock
Restricted stock related to compensation plans:
Annual grants
395,782
Sign-on grants
93,064
Inducement grants
9,234
2022 Inducement Plan grants
63,305
2024 Inducement Plan grants
34,746
Total restricted stock related to compensation plans
596,131
Restricted stock related to acquisitions (1)
266,505
Total restricted stock
862,636
Restricted stock units
113,685
Stock options
105,767
(1)
Includes restricted stock with service conditions issued in conjunction with certain acquisitions.
Incentive Plan
The Incentive Plan permits the grant of equity awards, including restricted stock, restricted stock units and non-qualified
stock options, to the Company's employees and directors for up to 10.9 million shares of common stock (1.8 million
shares remained available for future issuance under the Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2025). The Company
believes that such awards help align the interests of employees and directors with those of shareholders and serve as
an employee retention tool. The Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting of awards if there is a severance event,
a change in control of the Company (as defined in the Incentive Plan), in the event of a participant's death, and at the
discretion of the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock grants are valued at the market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and are
amortized over the requisite service period. The Company grants shares of restricted stock to employees as part of
year-end compensation ("Annual Grants") and upon initial hiring or as a retention award ("Sign-on Grants" or
"Inducement Grants").
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
92 | Piper Sandler Companies
The Company's Annual Grants are made each year in February. Annual Grants vest ratably over three or four years in
equal installments. Substantially all Annual Grants provide for continued vesting after termination of employment, so
long as the employee does not violate certain post-termination restrictions set forth in the award agreement or any
agreements entered into upon termination. The Company determined the service inception date precedes the grant
date for these Annual Grants, and that the post-termination restrictions do not meet the criteria for an in-substance
service condition, as defined by ASC 718. Accordingly, restricted stock granted as part of these Annual Grants is
expensed in the one-year period in which those awards are deemed to be earned, which is generally the calendar year
preceding the February grant date. For example, the Company recognized compensation expense during fiscal year
2025 for its February 2026 Annual Grant. If an equity award related to these Annual Grants is forfeited as a result of
violating the post-termination restrictions, the lower of the fair value of the award at grant date or the fair value of the
award at the date of forfeiture is recorded within the consolidated statements of operations as a reversal of
compensation expense.
Sign-on Grants are used as a recruiting tool for new employees and are issued to current employees as a retention tool.
These awards have both cliff and ratable vesting terms, and the employees must fulfill service requirements in
exchange for rights to the awards. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis from the grant date over
the requisite service period, generally three to five years. Employees forfeit unvested shares upon termination of
employment and a reversal of compensation expense is recorded.
Inducement Grants are issued as a retention tool in conjunction with certain acquisitions. These restricted shares are
subject to graded or ratable vesting terms, and employees must fulfill service requirements in exchange for the rights to
the restricted shares. Compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period,
generally three to four years. Employees forfeit unvested shares upon termination of employment and a reversal of
compensation expense is recorded. During 2022, the Company granted $9.3 million (65,125 shares) in restricted stock
under the Incentive Plan in conjunction with its acquisitions of Cornerstone Macro Research LP, including its subsidiary,
Cornerstone Macro LLC (collectively, "Cornerstone Macro") and Stamford Partners LLP.
Annually, the Company grants stock to its non-employee directors. The stock-based compensation paid to non-
employee directors is fully expensed on the grant date and included within outside services expense on the
consolidated statements of operations.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants restricted stock units to its leadership team ("Leadership Grants"). Restricted stock units will vest
and convert to shares of common stock at the end of each 36-month performance period only if the Company satisfies
predetermined performance and/or market conditions over the performance period. The performance condition requires
the Company to achieve certain average adjusted return on equity targets, as defined in the terms of the award
agreements. The market condition requires the Company to achieve a certain total shareholder return ("TSR") relative
to members of a predetermined peer group. Under the terms of these awards, the number of units that will actually vest
and convert to shares will be based on the extent to which the Company achieves the specified targets during each
performance period. The maximum payout leverage by grant year is as follows:
Maximum Payout Leverage
Grant Year
Performance Condition
Market Condition
Total
2025
75%
75%
150%
2024
75%
75%
150%
2023
100%
100%
200%
2022
75%
75%
150%
2021
75%
75%
150%
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 93
The fair value of the performance condition portion of the award was based on the closing price of the Company's
common stock on the grant date. If the Company determines that it is probable that the performance condition will be
achieved, compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 36-month performance period. The
Company reevaluates achievement of the performance condition by grant year each reporting period with changes in
estimated outcomes accounted for using a cumulative effect adjustment to compensation expense. Compensation
expense will be recognized only if the performance condition is met. Employees forfeit unvested restricted stock units
upon termination of employment with a corresponding reversal of compensation expense. As of December 31, 2025, the
expected payout leverage for the performance condition portion of the award by grant year is as follows:
Expected Payout
Grant Year
Leverage
2025
75%
2024
75%
2023
63%
The market condition must be met for the market condition portion of the award to vest. Compensation expense will be
recognized regardless if the market condition is satisfied, and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the 36-month
requisite service period (or earlier if age and service conditions are met, as described below). Employees forfeit
unvested restricted stock units upon termination of employment with a corresponding reversal of compensation
expense. The fair value of the market condition portion of the award was determined on the grant date using a Monte
Carlo simulation with the following assumptions:
Risk-Free
Expected Stock
Grant Year
Vesting Year
Interest Rate
Price Volatility
2025
2028
4.32%
34.0%
2024
2027
4.38%
34.3%
2023
2026
4.35%
47.5%
2022
2025
1.80%
43.8%
2021
2024
0.23%
43.2%
2020
2023
1.40%
27.3%
Because the vesting of the market condition portion of the award depends on the Company's TSR relative to a peer
group, the valuation modeled the performance of the peer group as well as the correlation between the Company and
the peer group. The expected stock price volatility assumptions were determined using historical volatility, as correlation
coefficients can only be developed through historical volatility. The risk-free interest rates were determined based on
three-year U.S. Treasury bond yields.
The compensation committee of the Company's board of directors included defined retirement provisions in its
Leadership Grants. Certain grantees meeting defined age and service requirements will be fully vested in the awards as
long as performance and post-termination obligations are met throughout the performance period. These retirement-
eligible grants are expensed in the period in which those awards are deemed to be earned, which is the calendar year
preceding the February grant date.
Stock Options
On February 15, 2023 and February 15, 2018, the Company granted options to certain executive officers. These options
are expensed on a straight-line basis over the required service period of five years, based on the estimated fair value of
the award on the respective date of grant. The exercise price per share is equal to the closing price on the respective
date of grant plus ten percent. These options are subject to graded vesting, beginning on the third anniversary of the
respective grant date, so long as the employee remains continuously employed by the Company. The maximum term of
these stock options is ten years.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
94 | Piper Sandler Companies
The fair value of these stock option awards was estimated on the respective date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
February 2023
February 2018
Grant
Grant
Risk-free interest rate
3.94 %
2.82 %
Dividend yield
3.21 %
3.22 %
Expected stock price volatility
38.50 %
37.20 %
Expected life of options (in years)
7.0
7.0
Fair value of options granted (per share)
$
46.71
$
24.49
The risk-free interest rate assumption was based on the U.S. Treasury bond yield with a maturity equal to the expected
life of the options. The dividend yield assumption was based on the assumed dividend payout over the expected life of
the options. The expected stock price volatility assumption was determined using historical volatility, as correlation
coefficients can only be developed through historical volatility. The expected life of options assumption was determined
using the simplified method due to the Company's limited exercise information. The simplified method calculates the
expected term as the midpoint of the vesting term and the original contractual term of the options.
Inducement Plans
Inducement plan awards are amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service
period. Employees forfeit unvested shares upon termination of employment and a reversal of compensation expense is
recorded.
The Company established the 2024 Inducement Plan in conjunction with its acquisition of Aviditi Advisors. On
August 23, 2024, the Company granted $11.8 million (42,980 shares) in restricted stock. These restricted shares have
both ratable and graded vesting terms with vesting periods of three or five years.
The Company established the 2022 Inducement Plan in conjunction with its acquisition of DBO Partners Holding LLC,
including its subsidiary, DBO Partners LLC (collectively, "DBO Partners"). On October 7, 2022, the Company granted
$17.4 million (161,030 shares) in restricted stock. These restricted shares are generally subject to ratable vesting over a
five-year vesting period.
The Company established the 2020 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2020 Inducement Plan") in conjunction
with its acquisition of SOP Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries, including Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. On January 3,
2020, the Company granted $96.9 million (1,217,423 shares) in restricted stock. These restricted shares had both cliff
and graded vesting terms with vesting periods of 18 months, three years or five years (with a weighted average service
period of 3.7 years). On April 3, 2020, the Company granted $5.5 million (114,000 shares) in restricted stock under the
2020 Inducement Plan in conjunction with its acquisition of The Valence Group ("Valence"). These restricted shares
were subject to graded vesting through April 3, 2025. On December 31, 2020, the Company granted $2.9 million
(29,194 shares) in restricted stock under the 2020 Inducement Plan in conjunction with its acquisition of TRS Advisors
LLC ("TRS"). These restricted shares were subject to ratable vesting through December 31, 2023. The Company
terminated the 2020 Inducement Plan in April 2025.
The Company established the 2019 Employment Inducement Award Plan (the "2019 Inducement Plan") in conjunction
with its acquisition of Weeden & Co. L.P. ("Weeden & Co."). On August 2, 2019, the Company granted $7.3 million
(97,752 shares) in restricted stock. These restricted shares were subject to graded vesting through August 2, 2023. The
Company terminated the 2019 Inducement Plan in August 2023.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 95
Stock-Based Compensation Activity
The following table summarizes the Company's stock-based compensation activity:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in millions)
2025
2024
2023
Stock-based compensation expense
$
121.8 $
101.9 $
92.3
Forfeitures
1.8
2.6
1.9
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation expense
23.5
16.4
17.9
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's unvested restricted stock:
Unvested
Weighted Average
Restricted Stock
Grant Date
(in Shares)
Fair Value
December 31, 2022
4,219,826 $
92.43
Granted
336,093
153.89
Vested
(1,932,950)
85.62
Canceled
(29,047)
144.34
December 31, 2023
2,593,922 $
104.89
Granted
311,014
217.55
Vested
(1,128,342)
99.15
Canceled
(36,466)
139.97
December 31, 2024
1,740,128 $
128.01
Granted
194,572
310.86
Vested
(1,059,929)
109.51
Canceled
(12,135)
213.25
December 31, 2025
862,636 $
190.79
The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was
$116.1 million, $111.9 million and $165.5 million, respectively.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
96 | Piper Sandler Companies
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's unvested restricted stock units:
Unvested
Weighted Average
Restricted
Grant Date
Stock Units
Fair Value
December 31, 2022
188,328 $
115.16
Granted
48,931
177.75
Vested
(56,066)
86.01
Canceled
—
—
December 31, 2023
181,193 $
141.08
Granted
33,694
199.39
Vested
(62,569)
103.69
Canceled
—
—
December 31, 2024
152,318 $
169.34
Granted
31,060
298.65
Vested
(69,693)
148.90
Canceled
—
—
December 31, 2025
113,685 $
217.19
As of December 31, 2025, there was $55.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock
and restricted stock units expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's outstanding stock options:
Weighted Average
Weighted
Remaining
Options
Average
Contractual Term
Aggregate
Outstanding
Exercise Price
(in Years)
Intrinsic Value
December 31, 2022
81,667 $
99.00
5.1
$
2,547,194
Granted
75,000
170.76
Exercised
—
—
Canceled
—
—
Expired
—
—
December 31, 2023
156,667 $
133.35
6.5
$
6,504,325
Granted
—
—
Exercised
(8,000)
99.00
1,334,949
Canceled
—
—
Expired
—
—
December 31, 2024
148,667 $
135.20
5.7
$
24,492,634
Granted
—
—
Exercised
(42,900)
99.00
9,341,557
Canceled
—
—
Expired
—
—
December 31, 2025
105,767 $
149.89
5.7
$
20,077,175
Options exercisable at:
December 31, 2023
81,667 $
99.00
4.1
$
6,196,075
December 31, 2024
73,667 $
99.00
3.1
$
14,803,384
December 31, 2025
30,767 $
99.00
2.1
$
7,405,925
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 97
As of December 31, 2025, there was $1.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options expected
to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. There was no tax benefit recorded as a result of stock
option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.
The Company has a policy of issuing shares out of treasury (to the extent available) to satisfy share option exercises
and restricted stock vesting. The Company expects to withhold approximately 0.1 million shares from employee equity
awards vesting in 2026, related to employee individual income tax withholding obligations on restricted stock vesting.
For accounting purposes, withholding shares to cover employees' tax obligations is deemed to be a repurchase of
shares by the Company.
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company maintains various deferred compensation arrangements for employees as described below.
Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan
The Mutual Fund Restricted Share ("MFRS") Investment Plan is a fully funded deferred compensation plan which allows
eligible employees to receive a portion of their incentive compensation or retention awards in restricted mutual fund
shares of investment funds. Compensation expense for MFRS awards is recognized over the period in which the award
is deemed to be earned, as discussed below. Forfeitures of MFRS awards are recorded as a reduction of compensation
and benefits expense within the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded compensation expense
of $153.1 million, $82.3 million and $75.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively,
related to MFRS awards, less forfeitures. Forfeitures were $4.6 million, $4.4 million and $1.3 million for the years ended
December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company grants MFRS awards to qualifying employees in February of each year ("Annual MFRS Awards"). Annual
MFRS Awards represent a portion of these employees' compensation for performance in the preceding year, similar to
the Company's Annual Grants. Annual MFRS Awards vest ratably over three or four years in equal installments. Annual
MFRS Awards provide for continued vesting after termination of employment so long as the employee does not violate
certain post-termination restrictions set forth in the award agreement or any agreement entered into upon termination.
Annual MFRS Awards are owned by employee recipients (subject to the aforementioned vesting restrictions) and as
such are not included on the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The Company also grants MFRS awards for retention purposes ("Retention MFRS Awards"). As employees must fulfill
service requirements in exchange for rights to these awards, compensation expense is amortized on a straight-line
basis over the requisite service period. Retention MFRS Awards have both ratable and graded vesting terms with
vesting periods of three to five years. The Company purchased selected mutual funds to economically hedge its
obligation related to the Retention MFRS Awards. These amounts are included in investments on the consolidated
statements of financial condition. The related compensation liability is included in accrued compensation on the
consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the investments made by the Company are
reported in investment income/(loss) and changes in the corresponding compensation liability are reflected as
compensation and benefits expense on the consolidated statements of operations.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
The nonqualified deferred compensation plan is an unfunded plan which allows certain highly compensated employees,
at their election, to defer a portion of their compensation. This plan was closed to future deferral elections by
participants for performance periods beginning after December 31, 2017. The amounts deferred under this plan are held
in a grantor trust. The Company invests, as a principal, in investments to economically hedge its obligation under the
nonqualified deferred compensation plan. The investments in the grantor trust consist of mutual funds which are
categorized as Level I in the fair value hierarchy. These investments totaled $19.3 million and $22.0 million as of
December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and are included in investments on the consolidated statements of financial
condition. A corresponding deferred compensation liability is included in accrued compensation on the consolidated
statements of financial condition. The compensation deferred by the employees was expensed in the period earned.
Changes in the fair value of the investments made by the Company are reported in investment income/(loss) and
changes in the corresponding deferred compensation liability are reflected as compensation and benefits expense on
the consolidated statements of operations.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
98 | Piper Sandler Companies
Acquisition-Related Compensation Arrangements
In conjunction with the 2025 acquisition of G Squared and the 2024 acquisition of Aviditi Advisors, additional cash may
be earned if certain net revenue targets are achieved. See Note 4 for additional information.
In conjunction with the 2022 acquisition of DBO Partners, additional cash of up to $25.0 million was available to be
earned (the "DBO Earnout") if a net revenue target was achieved during the performance period from January 1, 2023
to December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the DBO Earnout was not earned and therefore the Company had no
accrual recorded related to this additional cash payment. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company
recorded a $1.7 million reversal of other operating expenses related to the additional cash payment with no service
requirements.
In conjunction with the 2022 acquisition of Cornerstone Macro, additional cash of up to $27.8 million was available to be
earned based on achieving a net revenue target during the performance period from July 1, 2022 to December 31,
2023. Of the total amount, up to $6.0 million was available to be earned by Cornerstone Macro's equity owners with no
service requirements. The Company paid the maximum amount of $6.0 million related to this additional cash payment in
2024. The remaining amount may be earned by the equity owners, whom are now employees of the Company, and
certain employees in exchange for service requirements. The Company expects $5.2 million will be earned related to
these additional cash payments, of which $2.6 million was paid in the second quarter of 2025. The Company expects
the remaining $2.6 million will be paid by June 30, 2026 and has accrued $1.8 million related to this additional cash
payment. Amounts estimated to be payable will be recorded as compensation expense on the consolidated statements
of operations over the requisite service period. The Company recorded $1.0 million and $1.9 million in compensation
expense related to these additional cash payments for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively and
was immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In conjunction with the 2020 acquisition of TRS, additional cash was available to be earned by certain employees if a
revenue threshold was exceeded during the three-year post-acquisition period (the "TRS Earnout"). The Company paid
the maximum amount of $7.0 million related to the TRS Earnout in 2024. Amounts payable were recorded as
compensation expense on the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period. The Company
recorded $0.5 million and $2.2 million in compensation expense related to the TRS Earnout for the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In conjunction with the 2020 acquisition of Valence, additional cash was available to be earned by certain employees if a
revenue threshold was exceeded during the three-year post-acquisition period (the "Valence Earnout"). The Company
paid $10.0 million related to the Valence Earnout in 2023. Amounts payable were recorded as compensation expense
on the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period. The Company recorded $2.2 million in
compensation expense related to the Valence Earnout for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In conjunction with the 2019 acquisition of Weeden & Co., the Company granted $10.1 million in restricted cash for
retention purposes. Compensation expense was amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The
restricted cash award was subject to graded vesting, beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date through
August 2, 2023. The final payment was made in 2023.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 99
NOTE 19 | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company has various employee benefit plans, and substantially all employees are covered by at least one plan.
The plans include health and welfare plans and a tax-qualified retirement plan (the "Retirement Plan"). During the years
ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred employee benefits expenses of $41.4 million,
$36.9 million and $35.9 million, respectively.
Health and Welfare Plans
Company employees who meet certain work schedule and service requirements are eligible to participate in the
Company's health and welfare plans. The Company subsidizes the cost of coverage for employees. The health plans
contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.
The Company is self-insured for losses related to health claims, although it obtains third-party stop loss insurance
coverage on an individual plan basis. Self-insured liabilities are based on a number of factors, including historical claims
experience, an estimate of claims incurred but not reported and valuations provided by third-party actuaries. For the
years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized expense of $24.3 million, $21.3 million and
$20.9 million, respectively, in compensation and benefits expense on the consolidated statements of operations related
to its health plans.
Retirement Plan
The Retirement Plan is a defined contribution retirement savings plan. The defined contribution retirement savings plan
allows qualified employees, at their option, to make contributions through salary deductions under Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Employee contributions are 100 percent matched by the Company to a maximum of six percent
of recognized compensation up to the social security taxable wage base. The Retirement Plan also provides for a
discretionary profit sharing contribution by the Company. Payment and amount of the profit sharing contribution are
determined annually on a discretionary basis. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company
did not make a profit sharing contribution. Although the Company's matching and profit sharing contributions vest
immediately, a participant must be employed on December 31 to receive that year's employer contributions.
NOTE 20 | RESTRUCTURING AND INTEGRATION COSTS
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Restructuring and integration costs
Restructuring costs:
Severance, benefits and outplacement
$
2,773 $
(297) $
6,658
Vacated leased office space
1,802
255
896
Contract termination
79
—
109
Total restructuring costs
4,654
(42)
7,663
Integration costs
1,490
2,628
86
Total restructuring and integration costs
$
6,144 $
2,586 $
7,749
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
100 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 21 | INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense is provided using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized
for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between amounts reported for income
tax purposes and financial statement purposes, using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The disclosure requirements of ASU 2023-09 have been disclosed on a prospective basis for fiscal year 2025. See Note
3 for additional details on the Company's adoption of this guidance.
The components of income before income tax expense by jurisdiction, in accordance with the updated disclosure
requirements of ASU 2023-09, are as follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
Domestic
$
347,539
Foreign
27,008
Total income before income tax expense
$
374,547
The components of income tax expense are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Current
Federal
$
49,167 $
30,429 $
3,988
State
19,695
10,679
5,292
Foreign
6,261
2,747
684
Total current
75,123
43,855
9,964
Deferred
Federal
5,028
10,329
11,856
State
576
5,913
1,546
Foreign
(145)
875
247
Total deferred
5,459
17,117
13,649
Total income tax expense
$
80,582 $
60,972 $
23,613
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 101
A reconciliation of federal income taxes at statutory rate to the Company's effective tax rate for the year ended
December 31, 2025, in accordance with the updated disclosure requirements of ASU 2023-09, is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
(Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
Amount
Percent
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
78,655
21.0 %
Increase/(decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (1)
21,328
5.7
Foreign tax effects
444
0.1
Non-taxable or non-deductible items:
Non-deductible compensation
11,809
3.2
Vestings of stock awards
(28,142)
(7.5)
Tax-exempt interest income
(1,603)
(0.4)
(Income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
(2,653)
(0.7)
Other non-taxable or non-deductible items
2,505
0.7
Total non-taxable or non-deductible items
(18,084)
(4.8)
Other, net
(1,761)
(0.5)
Total income tax expense and effective tax rate
$
80,582
21.5 %
(1)
For the year ended December 31, 2025, state and local income taxes in New York, California, and New York City made up the
majority (greater than 50 percent) of the tax effect in this category.
As previously disclosed for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09, the
reconciliation of federal income taxes at statutory rate to the Company's effective tax rate is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2024
2023
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
45,867 $
25,743
Increase/(decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
13,433
7,994
Tax-exempt interest income
(1,332)
(1,613)
Foreign jurisdictions tax rate differential
1,076
993
Non-deductible compensation
8,362
3,645
Change in valuation allowance
—
(159)
Vestings of stock awards
(13,146)
(13,714)
(Income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
4,972
(2,831)
Other, net
1,740
3,555
Total income tax expense
$
60,972 $
23,613
In accordance with ASC 740, U.S. income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries
that are permanently reinvested. As of December 31, 2025, no deferred taxes have been provided for withholding taxes
or other taxes that would result upon repatriation of the Company's foreign earnings to the U.S.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
102 | Piper Sandler Companies
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for the same items for income tax reporting
purposes. The net deferred income tax assets consisted of the following items:
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Deferred tax assets
Deferred compensation
$
127,015 $
119,916
Accrued lease liabilities
24,454
20,588
Goodwill tax basis in excess of book basis
28,877
36,415
Net operating loss carryforwards
—
536
Liabilities/accruals not currently deductible
1,246
2,949
Other
7,049
5,252
Total deferred tax assets
188,641
185,656
Deferred tax liabilities
Right-of-use lease assets
15,283
15,564
Unrealized gains on firm investments
3,928
1,388
Fixed assets
12,691
6,545
Other
615
576
Total deferred tax liabilities
32,517
24,073
Net deferred tax assets
$
156,124 $
161,583
The realization of deferred tax assets is assessed and 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 Company believes that its future tax
profits will be sufficient to recognize its deferred tax assets.
The Company accounts for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, which requires tax
reserves to be recorded for uncertain tax positions on the consolidated statements of financial condition. A reconciliation
of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
(Amounts in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2022
$
2,151
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
—
Additions for tax positions of prior years
—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
(42)
Settlements
(305)
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
1,804
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
—
Additions for tax positions of prior years
113
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
—
Settlements
—
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
1,917
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
—
Additions for tax positions of prior years
283
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
—
Settlements
—
Balance at December 31, 2025
$
2,200
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 103
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of the Company's unrecognized tax
benefits included above would impact the annual effective rate, if recognized.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of
income tax expense. The Company had $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million accrued related to the payment of
interest and penalties at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company or one of its subsidiaries files
income tax returns with the various states and foreign jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company is not
subject to examination by U.S. federal tax authorities for years before 2022 and is not subject to examination by state
and local or non-U.S. tax authorities for taxable years before 2018.
The components of income taxes paid, in accordance with the updated disclosure requirements of ASU 2023-09, are as
follows:
Year Ended
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
Federal
$
32,800
State
5,848
Foreign
United Kingdom
2,388
Other
59
Total foreign
2,447
Total income taxes paid
$
41,095
As previously disclosed for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, prior to the adoption of ASU 2023-09,
income taxes paid were $10.9 million and $19.4 million, respectively.
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
104 | Piper Sandler Companies
NOTE 22 | EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is
calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive stock
options, restricted stock units and restricted shares. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate diluted
earnings per common share.
The computation of EPS is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
2023
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
281,331 $
181,114 $
85,491
Shares for basic and diluted calculations
Average shares used in basic computation
16,658
15,838
14,958
Stock options
60
55
25
Restricted stock units
153
184
163
Restricted shares
914
1,617
2,079
Average shares used in diluted computation
17,785
17,695
17,224
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
16.89 $
11.44 $
5.72
Diluted
$
15.82 $
10.24 $
4.96
The anti-dilutive effects from stock options and restricted shares were immaterial for the years ended December 31,
2025, 2024 and 2023.
Common Stock Split
As discussed in Note 1, on February 6, 2026, the Company's board of directors approved a four-for-one forward split of
its common stock, which will be effected through the filing of an amendment to the Company's amended and restated
certificate of incorporation on March 23, 2026. The unaudited proforma computation of EPS on a post-split basis is as
follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
2025
2024
2023
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies, as
reported
$
281,331 $
181,114 $
85,491
Proforma shares for basic and diluted calculations
Proforma average shares used in basic computation
66,632
63,354
59,830
Proforma stock options
239
221
99
Proforma restricted stock units
614
736
651
Proforma restricted shares
3,655
6,469
8,316
Proforma average shares used in diluted computation
71,140
70,780
68,896
Proforma earnings per common share
Proforma basic
$
4.22 $
2.86 $
1.43
Proforma diluted
$
3.95 $
2.56 $
1.24
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 105
NOTE 23 | NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS
Piper Sandler & Co. is registered as a securities broker dealer with the SEC and is a member of various SROs and
securities exchanges. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") serves as Piper Sandler & Co.'s
primary SRO. Piper Sandler & Co. is subject to the uniform net capital rule of the SEC and the net capital rule of FINRA.
Piper Sandler has elected to use the alternative method permitted by the SEC rule which requires that it maintain
minimum net capital of $1.0 million. Advances to affiliates, repayment of subordinated debt, dividend payments and
other equity withdrawals by Piper Sandler & Co. are subject to certain approvals, notifications and other provisions of
SEC and FINRA rules.
At December 31, 2025, net capital calculated under the SEC rule was $288.5 million, and exceeded the minimum net
capital required under the SEC rule by $287.5 million.
The Company's unsecured revolving credit facility and secured revolving credit facility include covenants requiring Piper
Sandler & Co. to maintain a minimum regulatory net capital of $120 million. The Company's fully disclosed clearing
agreement with Pershing includes a covenant requiring Piper Sandler & Co. to maintain excess net capital of
$120 million.
Piper Sandler Ltd., a broker dealer subsidiary registered in the U.K., is subject to the capital requirements of the
Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. As of December 31, 2025, Piper Sandler Ltd. was
in compliance with the capital requirements of the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Aviditi Capital Advisors Europe GmbH, a European subsidiary, is authorized and regulated by the Federal Financial
Supervisory Authority ("BaFin") as a tied agent of AHP Capital Management GmbH, a third-party financial institution.
Piper Sandler MENA Ltd, an Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM") subsidiary, is authorized and regulated by the ADGM
Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
NOTE 24 | PARENT COMPANY ONLY
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
December 31,
December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
2 $
1
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries
1,398,188
1,218,689
Other assets
74,386
73,389
Total assets
$
1,472,576 $
1,292,079
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Short-term financing
$
15,000 $
10,000
Accrued compensation
82,235
51,180
Other liabilities and accrued expenses
4,334
3,069
Total liabilities
101,569
64,249
Shareholders' equity
1,371,007
1,227,830
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
1,472,576 $
1,292,079
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
106 | Piper Sandler Companies
Condensed Statements of Operations
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Revenues
Dividends from subsidiaries
$
207,000 $
149,725 $
118,934
Interest income
6,227
2,988
917
Investment income
4,978
3,263
1,823
Total revenues
218,205
155,976
121,674
Interest expense
1,383
958
6,083
Net revenues
216,822
155,018
115,591
Total non-interest expenses
7,411
6,401
6,319
Income before income tax expense and equity in income of
subsidiaries
209,411
148,617
109,272
Income tax expense
55,494
38,641
28,957
Income of parent company
153,917
109,976
80,315
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
127,414
71,138
5,176
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
281,331 $
181,114 $
85,491
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31,
(Amounts in thousands)
2025
2024
2023
Operating Activities
Net income
$
281,331 $
181,114 $
85,491
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Stock-based compensation
1,318
1,080
1,168
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries
(127,414)
(71,138)
(5,176)
Net cash provided by operating activities
155,235
111,056
81,483
Financing Activities
Net change in short-term financing
5,000
(20,000)
30,000
Repayment of long-term financing
—
—
(125,000)
Advances from subsidiaries
74,708
48,205
168,541
Payment of cash dividends
(114,146)
(73,726)
(84,444)
Repurchase of common stock
(125,043)
(66,426)
(70,680)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,247
792
—
Net cash used in financing activities
(155,234)
(111,155)
(81,583)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
1
(99)
(100)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1
100
200
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
2 $
1 $
100
Piper Sandler Companies
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Piper Sandler Companies | 107
2025 Fiscal Quarter
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Total revenues
$
358,554 $
398,577 $
480,094 $
666,992
Interest expense
1,282
1,799
818
942
Net revenues
357,272
396,778
479,276
666,050
Total non-interest expenses
327,839
347,854
371,849
477,287
Income before income tax expense/(benefit)
29,433
48,924
107,427
188,763
Income tax expense/(benefit)
(7,335)
17,169
24,949
45,799
Net income
36,768
31,755
82,478
142,964
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
(28,147)
(10,427)
22,212
28,996
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
64,915 $
42,182 $
60,266 $
113,968
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
3.96 $
2.53 $
3.61 $
6.77
Diluted
$
3.65 $
2.38 $
3.38 $
6.40
Dividends declared per common share
$
3.65 $
0.65 $
0.70 $
0.70
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding
Basic
16,378
16,703
16,716
16,829
Diluted
17,788
17,726
17,808
17,813
2024 Fiscal Quarter
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Total revenues
$
344,439 $
340,844 $
360,928 $
485,384
Interest expense
1,383
1,665
1,356
1,277
Net revenues
343,056
339,179
359,572
484,107
Total non-interest expenses
290,634
310,933
303,957
401,978
Income before income tax expense
52,422
28,246
55,615
82,129
Income tax expense
2,844
13,276
15,225
29,627
Net income
49,578
14,970
40,390
52,502
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
7,085
(19,803)
5,601
(16,557)
Net income attributable to Piper Sandler Companies
$
42,493 $
34,773 $
34,789 $
69,059
Earnings per common share
Basic
$
2.74 $
2.19 $
2.19 $
4.30
Diluted
$
2.43 $
1.97 $
1.96 $
3.86
Dividends declared per common share
$
1.60 $
0.60 $
0.65 $
0.65
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding
Basic
15,499
15,879
15,921
16,052
Diluted
17,504
17,633
17,769
17,870
Piper Sandler Companies
Supplementary Data — Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
108 | Piper Sandler Companies
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, of our disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our
principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange
Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and
(b) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and our principal
financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
During the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, there was no change in our system of internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) 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 and the attestation report of our independent
registered public accounting firm on management's assessment of internal control over financial reporting are included
in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K entitled "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" and are incorporated herein
by reference.
Item 9B. Other Information.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2025, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated any "Rule
10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of
Regulation S-K.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent
Inspections.
Not applicable.
Piper Sandler Companies | 109
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information regarding our executive officers included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the caption
"Information About our Executive Officers" is incorporated herein by reference. The information in the definitive proxy
statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20, 2026, under the captions "Proposal One
— Election of Directors," "Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Committees of
the Board — Audit Committee," "Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Codes of
Ethics and Business Conduct," "Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Insider
Trading Policies" and "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports" is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information in the definitive proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20,
2026, under the captions "Executive Compensation," "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Corporate
Governance — Compensation Program for Non-Employee Directors" and "Information Regarding the Board of Directors
and Corporate Governance — Non-Employee Director Compensation for 2025" is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information in the definitive proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20,
2026, under the captions "Security Ownership — Beneficial Ownership of Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers,"
"Security Ownership — Beneficial Owners of More than Five Percent of Our Common Stock," "Executive Compensation
— Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End" and "Executive Compensation — Equity Compensation Plan
Information" is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and
Director Independence.
The information in the definitive proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20,
2026, under the captions "Information Regarding the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance — Director
Independence," "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Transactions with Related Persons" and "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions — Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons" is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information in the definitive proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 20,
2026, under the captions "Audit Committee Report and Payment of Fees to Our Independent Auditor — Auditor Fees"
and "Audit Committee Report and Payment of Fees to Our Independent Auditor — Auditor Services Pre-Approval
Policy" is incorporated herein by reference.
110 | Piper Sandler Companies
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
The Consolidated Financial Statements are incorporated herein by reference and included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form
10-K.
(a)(2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
All financial statement schedules for the Company have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the
related footnotes, or are either inapplicable or not required.
(a)(3) EXHIBITS.
2.1
Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of December 23, 2003, between U.S. Bancorp and Piper
Sandler Companies (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, filed March 8, 2004). #
2.2
Agreement and Plans of Merger, dated July 9, 2019, by and among Piper Sandler Companies, SOP
Holdings, LLC, Sandler O’Neill & Partners Corp., Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. and the other parties
thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July
10, 2019). #
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 18, 2023).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws (as of February 9, 2023) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 10, 2023).
4.1
Form of Specimen Certificate for Piper Sandler Companies Common Stock (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017,
filed February 26, 2018).
4.2
Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed February 28, 2020).
10.1
Form of director indemnification agreement between Piper Sandler Companies and its directors
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 17,
2014). †
10.2
Office Lease Agreement, dated May 30, 2012, by and among Piper Sandler & Co. and Wells REIT – 800
Nicollett Avenue Owner, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report
on Form 8-K, filed June 1, 2012).
10.3
Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (as
amended and restated May 17, 2023) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed May 18, 2023). †
10.4
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for 2023 Leadership Team Grants under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022, filed February 24, 2023). †
10.5
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for 2024 Leadership Team Grants under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023, filed February 26, 2024). †
10.6
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for 2025 Leadership Team Grants under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2024, filed February 27, 2025). †
10.7
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement for 2026 Leadership Team Grants under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan. †*
Number
Description
Piper Sandler Companies | 111
10.8
Piper Sandler Companies Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and
restated effective May 4, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2016, filed August 5, 2016). †
10.9
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation Program. †*
10.10
Form of Notice Period Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, filed March 1, 2007). †
10.11
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2022, by and between Piper Sandler
Companies and U.S. Bank National Association (as conformed through the Fifth Amendment to Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement, dated December 19, 2025). *
10.12
Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated December 28, 2012, between Piper Sandler & Co. and
U.S. Bank National Association (as conformed through the Tenth Amendment to Amended and Restated
Loan Agreement, dated December 9, 2022) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed February 24, 2023).
10.13
Eleventh Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated December 8, 2023, by and
between Piper Sandler & Co. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.15 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed
February 26, 2024).
10.14
Credit Agreement, dated August 23, 2024, among Piper Sandler Companies and Cadence Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended September 30, 2024, filed November 7, 2024).
10.15
Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan,
effective as of November 16, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed February 24, 2023). †
10.16
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for 2018 Promotional Grants under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 9, 2018). †
10.17
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for 2023 Special Grant under the Piper Sandler
Companies Amended and Restated 2003 Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 10, 2023). †
10.18
Form of Restricted Stock and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Agreement for Employee Grants in 2023
(related to performance in 2022) under the Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated 2003
Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022, filed February 24, 2023). †
10.19
Form of Restricted Stock and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Agreement for Employee Grants in 2024
(related to performance in 2023) under the Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated 2003
Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023, filed February 26, 2024). †
10.20
Form of Restricted Stock and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Agreement for Employee Grants in 2025
(related to performance in 2024) under the Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated 2003
Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2024, filed February 27, 2025). †
10.21
Form of Restricted Stock and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Agreement for Employee Grants in 2026
(related to performance in 2025) under the Piper Sandler Companies Amended and Restated 2003
Annual and Long-Term Incentive Plan and Mutual Fund Restricted Share Investment Plan. †*
10.22
Piper Sandler Companies 2019 Employment Inducement Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed March 13, 2019). †
10.23
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Grants under the Piper Sandler Companies 2019 Employment
Inducement Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-8, filed March 13, 2019). †
10.24
Letter Agreement, dated July 8, 2019, by and between Piper Sandler Companies and Jonathan J. Doyle
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed January 6,
2020). †
10.25
Amendment Letter, dated March 10, 2021, by and between Piper Sandler Companies and Jonathan J.
Doyle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended March 31, 2021, filed May 6, 2021). †
Number
Description
112 | Piper Sandler Companies
10.26
Equity Consideration Restricted Stock Agreement, dated July 9, 2019, by and between Piper Sandler
Companies and Jonathan J. Doyle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed February 28, 2020). †
10.27
Piper Sandler Companies 2020 Employment Inducement Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed November 29, 2019). †
10.28
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Grants under the Piper Sandler Companies 2020 Employment
Inducement Award Plan (Years 3, 4 and 5 Pro-rata Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to
the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed November 29, 2019). †
10.29
Piper Sandler Companies 2022 Employment Inducement Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.5 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed September 23, 2022). †
10.30
Piper Sandler Companies 2024 Employment Inducement Award Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed August 19, 2024). †
10.31
Letter Agreement, dated August 8, 2023, by and between Piper Sandler Companies and Katherine P.
Clune (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
September 12, 2023). †
19.1
Director, Executive Officer and Employee Insider Trading Policy. *
21.1
Subsidiaries of Piper Sandler Companies *
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP *
24.1
Power of Attorney *
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. *
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. *
32.1
Section 1350 Certifications. **
97.1
Piper Sandler Companies Incentive Compensation Recovery Policy for Accounting Restatements
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2023, filed February 26, 2024).
101
The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2025, formatted in iXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated
Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders'
Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. *
104
The cover page from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, formatted
in iXBRL and included in Exhibit 101. *
Number
Description
#
The Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission upon request any omitted exhibit or schedule.
†
This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or agreement.
*
Filed herewith.
**
This information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Section 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
None.
Piper Sandler Companies | 113
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 26, 2026.
PIPER SANDLER COMPANIES
By
/s/ Chad R. Abraham
Name
Chad R. Abraham
Its
Chief Executive Officer
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 26, 2026.
SIGNATURE
TITLE
/s/ Chad R. Abraham
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Chad R. Abraham
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Katherine P. Clune
Chief Financial Officer
Katherine P. Clune
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Jonathan J. Doyle
Director
Jonathan J. Doyle
/s/ Stuart M. Essig
Director
Stuart M. Essig
/s/ Ann C. Gallo
Director
Ann C. Gallo
/s/ Victoria M. Holt
Director
Victoria M. Holt
/s/ Robbin Mitchell
Director
Robbin Mitchell
/s/ Thomas S. Schreier Jr.
Director
Thomas S. Schreier Jr.
/s/ Philip E. Soran
Director
Philip E. Soran
/s/ Brian R. Sterling
Director
Brian R. Sterling
/s/ Scott C. Taylor
Director
Scott C. Taylor
114 | Piper Sandler Companies
Corporate Headquarters
Piper Sandler Companies
Office of the Secretary
350 North 5th Street, Suite 1000
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612 303-6000
Company Website
www.pipersandler.com
Common Stock Listing
New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PIPR)
Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar
Broadridge acts as transfer agent and registrar for
Piper Sandler Companies and maintains all
shareholder records for the company. If you have
questions regarding the Piper Sandler Companies
stock you own, stock transfers, address corrections
or changes, lost stock certificates or duplicate
mailings, please contact Broadridge.
Online:
shareholder.broadridge.com/PIPR
Telephone:
Toll-Free
800 872-4409
Outside of U.S.
720 501-4324
Shareowner relations specialists available
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
Written correspondence:
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc
PO Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
Certified and overnight delivery:
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc
ATTN: IWS
1155 Long Island Avenue
Edgewood, NY 11717
Independent Accountants
Ernst & Young LLP
Investor Inquiries
Shareholders, securities analysts and investors
seeking more information about the company should
contact Kate Clune, chief financial officer, at 212
466-7799 or investorrelations@psc.com; or the
corporate headquarters address.
Website Access to SEC Reports and Corporate
Governance Information
Piper Sandler Companies makes available free of
charge on its website, www.pipersandler.com, its
annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and
amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as all
other reports filed by Piper Sandler Companies with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, as soon
as reasonably practicable after it electronically files
them with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and
Exchange Commission. These reports are also
available at the Securities and Exchange
Commission website, www.sec.gov.
Piper Sandler Companies also makes available free
of charge on its website the company’s codes of
ethics and business conduct, its corporate
governance principles and the charters of the audit,
compensation, and nominating and governance
committees of the board of directors. Printed copies
of these materials will be mailed upon request.
Dividends
Piper Sandler Companies began paying cash
dividends on its common stock in 2017. The decision
to pay future dividends is at the discretion of the
board of directors.
Shareholder information
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