Is T. Rowe Price Group (TROW) the Worst Depressed Stock to Buy Now?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the financial markets, identifying the right stock to invest in can be a daunting task. One stock that has recently caught the attention of investors is T. Rowe Price Group (TROW). With a market capitalization of $1.63 trillion as of February 28, 2025, T. Rowe Price is a global asset management giant known for its investment excellence and retirement leadership. However, the stock has been experiencing a depressed state, raising the question: Is T. Rowe Price Group the worst depressed stock to buy now?



To answer this question, let's delve into the key factors contributing to the current state of T. Rowe Price's stock and compare it to its historical performance and industry trends.

One of the primary factors affecting T. Rowe Price's stock is the recent net outflows reported for February 2025. The firm experienced preliminary net outflows of $4.7 billion, which is a significant decrease from the previous month's assets under management of $1.650 trillion. This outflow indicates that investors are withdrawing their funds from T. Rowe Price, which could be contributing to the depressed state of the stock.

Another factor to consider is the shift in asset allocation. As of February 28, 2025, the firm's equity holdings decreased to $827 billion from $854 billion the previous month, and fixed income, including money market, also saw a slight decrease to $192 billion from $190 billion. This shift in asset allocation could be indicative of market conditions or investor sentiment, which might be affecting the stock's performance.

Comparing these factors to historical performance and industry trends, T. Rowe Price has historically been known for its investment excellence, retirement leadership, and independent proprietary research. The firm has managed to maintain a culture of integrity that puts client interests first, which has been a key factor in its success. However, the current net outflows and shifts in asset allocation suggest that the firm may be facing challenges that are affecting its stock performance.

Industry trends also play a role in the current state of T. Rowe Price's stock. The investment services industry is highly competitive, with firms like Apollo Global Management Inc, The Goldman Sachs Group Inc, and Morgan Stanley holding significant market shares. T. Rowe Price's market share, as of Q4 2024, was 1.90%, which is relatively lower compared to its competitors. This competitive landscape could be contributing to the depressed state of T. Rowe Price's stock, as investors may be seeking out other firms with higher market shares and potentially better performance.



Despite these challenges, T. Rowe Price has several strengths that position it well for recovery. The firm's focus on retirement-related assets provides it with a somewhat stickier client base compared to many of its peers. Approximately two-thirds of T. Rowe Price's assets under management are retirement-related, which helps mitigate the impact of market fluctuations and sudden withdrawals.

Additionally, T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research. This strategy has allowed the firm to maintain a strong presence in various asset classes, including equity, fixed income, alternatives, and multi-asset portfolios. For instance, as of February 28, 2025, T. Rowe Price's equity holdings amounted to $827 billion, fixed income to $192 billion, multi-asset to $555 billion, and alternatives to $53 billion. This diversification helps mitigate risks and ensures that the firm can adapt to changing market conditions.

In conclusion, while T. Rowe Price Group's stock may be experiencing a depressed state, the firm's strengths and strategic focus provide it with the potential for recovery and continued growth. Investors should consider the firm's historical performance, industry trends, and current challenges before making an investment decision. However, with its strong market position, diversified asset management strategies, and focus on retirement-related assets, T. Rowe Price Group may not be the worst depressed stock to buy now.