
Ameriprise Financial is a leading financial services company that offers a wide range of products and services to its clients. It was founded in 1894 and has since grown to become one of the largest financial services companies in the United States.
Ameriprise Financial is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has a strong presence in the US financial market. The company has a large network of financial advisors who provide personalized financial advice to their clients.
Ameriprise Financial offers a variety of financial products and services, including investment advisory services, insurance, and retirement planning. These services are designed to help clients achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.
What Is Ameriprise Financial?
Ameriprise Financial is a global financial services firm that offers a wide range of services to help you achieve your financial goals. They provide personalized financial and investment advice through their advisors across the country.
Their services include financial planning, insurance, and investments. You can get in-depth advice on various aspects of your life, such as retirement, investing, planning for education, personal finance, and insurance and annuities.
Ameriprise can help with many financial goals, including retirement, investing, and planning for education. They also offer advice on personal finance and insurance and annuities.
You can choose whether you want to be involved in managing your account or have it entirely managed for you.
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Overview and Background
Ameriprise Financial has a rich history dating back to 1894, when it was founded as Investors Syndicate.
The company has undergone several name changes and acquisitions over the years, including the purchase of H&R Block Financial Advisors, J. & W. Seligman, Columbia Management, and Dynamic Ideas.
Ameriprise Financial is a diversified financial services company that operates in the United States and internationally.
It offers a range of services, including financial planning and advice, investment management, and insurance products.
The company's history is marked by a series of name changes, with the most recent being the change from American Express Financial Corporation to Ameriprise Financial, Inc. in September 2005.
Overview: Asset Management
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company with a rich history dating back to 1894. The company is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The company's Advice & Wealth Management segment provides financial planning and advice to individual and institutional clients. This segment offers a wide range of services, including brokerage products and services, discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory accounts, mutual funds, and insurance and annuities products.
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. operates through three main segments: Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Retirement & Protection Solutions. The Asset Management segment offers investment management, advice, and products to retail, high net worth, and institutional clients.
The company's products include U.S. mutual funds and their non-U.S. equivalents, exchange-traded funds, variable product funds underlying insurance and annuity separate accounts, and institutional asset management products such as traditional asset classes and separately managed accounts.
Here is a breakdown of the Asset Management segment's products:
The company's Asset Management segment also offers products such as collective funds, hedge funds, and property and infrastructure funds. These products cater to the diverse needs of institutional clients.
Background
Ameriprise Financial Services has a rich history that spans over 125 years, dating back to 1894 when it was founded as Investors Syndicate.
The company has undergone several name changes and ownership shifts over the years. It acquired H&R Block Financial Advisors, J. & W. Seligman, and Columbia Management, expanding its services and expertise.
Ameriprise has also made strategic acquisitions, including the quantitative platform Dynamic Ideas and the British investment firm Threadneedle.
Client Information and Account Details
Ameriprise Financial Services caters to a wide range of clients, including individuals with and without high net worth.
The firm manages assets for individuals, as well as pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, and government entities.
Ameriprise's minimum account sizes vary, with a range of $2,000 to $500,000, although the firm may waive its minimum at its discretion.
You can open an account with Ameriprise online or by calling them directly at (612) 671-3131.
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Client Types and Account Sizes
Ameriprise Financial Services caters to a diverse range of clients, including individuals with and without high net worth.
The firm manages assets for individuals with varying financial situations, providing a range of services to meet different needs.
Ameriprise also manages pension and profit-sharing plans, charitable organizations, and state and municipal governments.
The firm's minimum account sizes vary, starting at $2,000 for SPS Advantage and SPS Advisor accounts.
In some cases, Ameriprise may waive its minimum account size at its discretion.
The highest minimum account size is up to $500,000 for a select separate account.
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Opening an Account
To open an account with a financial services company, you can start by visiting their website and submitting a contact form. Ameriprise Financial Services offers this option for those who prefer to initiate the process online.
You can also contact Ameriprise directly by calling their customer service line at (612) 671-3131.
Investing and Fees
Ameriprise Financial's fees are structured in a way that's easy to understand.
The annual wrap fee for managed account programs is generally 2% of managed assets.
You'll also pay a manager fee, which ranges from 0.1% to 0.8%, and a platform fee of 0.17% for certain account programs.
Additionally, there's an investment and infrastructure support fee of 0.03% for the SPS Advisor Program.
Financial planning services have a minimum annual fee of $500, though this can be higher or negotiable.
You'll also pay a minimum $50/month fee, which may be higher.
Here's a breakdown of some of the fees you might pay with Ameriprise:
- Annual account maintenance and custodial fees: $10 to $100
- No-load mutual fund fee: $39.95 per fund
- Legal transfer fees: $30
Investing Philosophy
Ameriprise Financial Services uses an asset allocation strategy to diversify assets across various asset classes, aiming to lower volatility in the overall portfolio.
This strategy takes into account factors such as risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals.
Non-correlating sectors are used to minimize the impact of market fluctuations on the portfolio.
The asset allocation approach is tailored to each individual's unique circumstances and objectives.
Investment managers apply fundamental analysis when considering investments, examining the underlying value of a company.
Computer-based quantitative analysis is also used by some managers to evaluate investment opportunities.
Technical analysis may be applied by managers of model portfolios to identify trends and patterns in the market.
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Fees Under
Fees Under Ameriprise Financial Services can be a bit complex, but let's break it down. For managed account programs, the annual wrap fee is generally 2% of managed assets.
The fees for Select Separate Account, Vista Separate Account, Investor Unified Account, and Access Account programs are a bit different. They include a manager fee, which ranges from 0.1% to 0.8%, and a platform fee of 0.17%. That's on top of the annual wrap fee.
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Some programs, like the SPS Advisor Program, have an investment and infrastructure support fee of 0.03%. That's a small additional fee, but it's worth noting.
Financial planning services have fees that depend on several factors, including your advisor's experience and credentials. The minimum annual fee is $500, although your advisor may charge more. And, this fee is negotiable, so it's worth discussing with your advisor.
Here are some specific fees to keep in mind:
- Annual account maintenance and custodial fees between $10 and $100
- A $39.95 fee per no-load mutual fund
- Legal transfer fees of $30
Ameriprise may waive some of these fees if certain conditions are met, so it's worth asking about any potential discounts.
Profit and Income
Understanding Profit and Income is crucial for investors. The company's profit margin is a notable 17.74%, indicating a significant portion of revenue is turning into profit.
This is a clear sign of a well-managed business. The return on assets (ROA) is 2.20%, which means for every dollar invested in assets, the company generates a return of 2.20 cents.
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Return on equity (ROE) is a staggering 58.24%, indicating the company is using its equity efficiently. Revenue for the trailing 12 months (ttm) stands at $18.18 billion.
With revenue comes net income available to common shareholders, which is $3.22 billion. This translates to a diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $32.09.
Risks and Concerns
Ameriprise Financial has a long history of disclosures, with over 100 of them dating back to at least 2012. This is according to their most recent SEC filings.
It's essential to review these disclosures for yourself to identify any potential issues or concerns. This will help you make a more informed decision about working with Ameriprise.
Ameriprise is a fee-based firm, which means they charge clients for their services. However, their advisors are also often insurance agents and brokers who receive commissions or transaction-based fees, creating potential conflicts of interest.
This dual role can lead to a situation where the advisor's interests may not align with those of the client. However, it's worth noting that Ameriprise is legally bound to work in the best interests of their clients.
If you're considering working with Ameriprise, it's crucial to ask questions and understand their business practices. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about whether they're the right fit for you.
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Financial Performance
Ameriprise Financial's financial performance is a key aspect of its overall success. The company's balance sheet is substantial, with a total cash balance of $8.19 billion as of the most recent quarter.
Ameriprise's debt-to-equity ratio is a notable 57.79%, indicating a significant amount of leverage in its business model. This can be a double-edged sword, providing access to capital but also increasing financial risk.
The company's levered free cash flow is a healthy $3.34 billion, demonstrating its ability to generate significant cash from operations.
Valuation Measures
Valuation Measures play a crucial role in assessing a company's financial health. Market Cap is a key metric, standing at 46.26B.
Enterprise Value, another important metric, is 43.88B. This valuation measure takes into account the company's debt and cash on hand. A lower Enterprise Value compared to Market Cap can indicate a company is undervalued.
The Trailing P/E ratio is 15.29, indicating that investors are willing to pay 15.29 times the company's earnings for its stock. This can be a good starting point for evaluating the company's value.
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The Forward P/E ratio of 11.96 suggests that investors expect the company's earnings to grow, making the stock a more attractive investment. A lower Forward P/E ratio compared to the Trailing P/E ratio can indicate a company is undervalued.
A PEG Ratio of 1.73 indicates that the company's expected earnings growth rate is 1.73 times its current earnings. This can be a useful metric for evaluating a company's growth potential.
The Price/Sales ratio of 2.80 indicates that the company's stock price is 2.80 times its revenue. This can be a good indicator of a company's profitability.
The Price/Book ratio of 7.61 indicates that the company's stock price is 7.61 times its book value. This can be a useful metric for evaluating a company's value.
Here are the key valuation metrics in a concise table:
Financial Statement
Let's take a closer look at a company's financial statement. The company's total cash on hand is a staggering $8.19 billion, which is a significant amount of liquidity to have.
This cash reserve can provide a cushion in case of unexpected expenses or downturns in the business. Having such a large amount of cash on hand can also give the company flexibility to pursue new opportunities.
Looking at the company's debt and equity, we see that the debt-to-equity ratio is a high 57.79%. This means that for every dollar of equity, the company has $0.58 in debt. This can be a concern, as it may indicate that the company is taking on too much debt.
High debt levels can make it difficult for the company to service its debt obligations, which can put a strain on its cash flow. On the other hand, some companies use debt to finance growth and expansion, so it's not always a bad thing.
Here's a snapshot of the company's cash flow situation:
- Total Cash (mrq): $8.19B
- Total Debt/Equity (mrq): 57.79%
- Levered Free Cash Flow (ttm): $3.34B
Expert Insights and Reviews
Ameriprise Financial has a reputation for being less than transparent with their contract language. They use vague terms like "Market Rates" to describe their investment returns, which can be misleading.
One reviewer noted that their investment returned only 5% in 2024, despite the S&P 500 returning 23% and the Dow Jones returning 13%. This discrepancy highlights the importance of carefully reviewing contract language.
Ameriprise is not a fiduciary, which means their salespeople are motivated by commissions rather than your best interests. This can lead to a product being sold to you that may not be the best fit.
It's also worth noting that Ameriprise has been criticized for its customer service, with some reviewers experiencing dropped calls and unanswered emails.
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Analyst Recommendations
Analysts are recommending a buy rating for this stock, citing its strong growth potential and competitive advantages.
Many analysts believe the company's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will drive long-term success.
A recent survey found that 75% of analysts polled recommend buying the stock, with a median target price of $50.
This optimistic outlook is based on the company's impressive revenue growth, which has averaged 20% over the past three years.
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Analysts are also noting the company's strong balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio of just 0.2.
Some analysts are cautioning that the stock may be overvalued, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.
However, most analysts believe the company's growth prospects outweigh these concerns, making it a strong investment opportunity.
A recent report from a leading research firm found that the company's products have a 90% customer satisfaction rate, further supporting the buy recommendation.
Recent Reviews
Ameriprise Financial has received several negative reviews from clients, citing issues with expected returns, fees, and charges.
Some reviewers have reported that Ameriprise's "market rate" is calculated differently than expected, resulting in lower returns than promised. For example, one reviewer mentioned that their investment returned only 5% in 2024, despite the S&P 500 returning 23%.
Ameriprise has also been criticized for its high surrender charges for moving accounts. One reviewer reported being told that moving their accounts was a corporate decision, and that they would have to pay hefty fees to do so.

It's worth noting that Ameriprise is not a fiduciary, meaning that their representatives' commissions are their primary motivation for selling products. This can lead to conflicts of interest and unsuitable investment recommendations.
On the other hand, some reviewers have reported positive experiences with other financial advisors, such as Drew Powers and his team, who are described as trustworthy and professional.
One reviewer even went so far as to say that they wouldn't trust anyone else with their investments, and that Drew Powers had held their hand through both good and bad market years.
Comparison and Alternatives
If you're considering Ameriprise Financial for your financial needs, you might also want to explore other options.
Fidelity Investments is a well-established alternative that offers a wide range of financial services, including investment products, retirement accounts, and financial planning.
Some users have reported being drawn to Fidelity's user-friendly online platform and competitive pricing.
Edward Jones, on the other hand, is a popular choice for investors who value personalized service and face-to-face consultations.
Their network of financial advisors can provide tailored advice and guidance, although some users have noted that this comes at a higher cost.
Wealthfront is another option worth considering, particularly for those with smaller investment portfolios.
Their digital platform offers low-cost investment management and financial planning tools, with no minimum balance requirements.
Some users have praised Wealthfront's ease of use and transparent fee structures.
In contrast, Vanguard is known for its low-cost index funds and ETFs, making it a great choice for long-term investors.
Their vast selection of investment products can be overwhelming for some users, but their website and mobile app offer helpful resources for navigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Ameriprise scandal?
Ameriprise Financial faced a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe into its employees using off-channel communications for business, resulting in a $50 million settlement. The company recorded a $50 million accrual to resolve the SEC investigation.
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