Stephens Announces Retirement of Retail Hardlines Analyst Rick Nelson

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stephens, an independent financial services firm, announced effective today, the retirement of Rick Nelson, managing director and the lead equity research analyst of its retail hardlines practice. Mr. Nelson spent 24 years with Stephens, earning a reputation for incisive investment research focused on automotive and specialty retailers. Recognized for stock selection by the Wall Street Journal and Institutional Investor, his work and distinctive perspectives have been integral to the growth and ensuing success of Stephens’ retail hardlines practice. Broadly, Mr. Nelson has embodied the best of Stephens, fostering lasting relationships with management teams, industry groups and his colleagues, all while operating with the utmost integrity.

“Having worked with Rick since 1998, I have long admired the quality of his work, and his contributions to the firm. Rick has had an incredible journey with Stephens. Since joining, he has been the foremost voice on the Street on the automotive retailer group and high-growth specialty retailers. On behalf of our group, and the firm, we thank Rick for his dedication and diligence throughout his time at Stephens and wish him all the best in retirement,” said Nik Fisken, Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Equities at Stephens.

Added Kyle Evans, Director of Research, “It has been a pleasure working with Rick. In an industry where turnover is increasingly common, his impressive career affirms that there’s value in tenure, patience and knowledge. In anticipation of Rick’s retirement, we built a strong team around him, particularly with Daniel Imbro, who covers the retail hardlines and broadlines sectors. This allows for the seamless transfer of almost all coverage to Daniel, with research analysts Vincent Caintic and Trey Grooms each picking up one company.”

Stephens equity research is comprised of 25 publishing analysts covering roughly 450 stocks in five core sectors and over 30 sub-industries.

About Stephens

“Stephens” (the company brand name) is a leading family-owned investment firm that includes Stephens Inc. (member NYSE/SIPC), Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, Stephens Insurance, LLC, Stephens Capital Partners LLC and Stephens Europe Limited.

Stephens Inc. is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Founded in 1933, Stephens Inc. provides securities brokerage, investment banking and other financial services to a broad client base which includes corporations, state and local governments, financial institutions, institutional investors and individual investors throughout the United States and overseas. Stephens Inc. (Home Office: 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AR USA, 501-377-2000) is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Member SIPC/NYSE. For more information, visit www.stephens.com.