SEI Investments (SEIC) Faces Crossroads: Institutional Buying, Insider Selling, and Analyst Optimism in a Volatile Market

The stock of SEI Investments Co (SEIC) has faced recent volatility, with mixed signals emerging from institutional activity, insider transactions, and analyst forecasts. While Wall Street analysts remain bullish on the asset management giant, recent insider selling and a potential confusion in institutional buying data between SEI tickers complicate the narrative. This analysis unpacks the key factors shaping SEIC's trajectory.

Institutional Buying: A Tale of Two SEIs

A critical point of confusion in recent coverage is the distinction between SEI Investments Co (SEIC) and Solaris Energy Infrastructure (SEI). According to a report by MarketBeat, Boston Partners increased its stake in Solaris Energy (SEI) by 14.2% in Q3 2025, purchasing 6,571 additional shares to hold 52,909 shares valued at $1.50 million. However, no evidence of Boston Partners' involvement in SEIC was found in recent SEC filings or institutional holder data according to Yahoo Finance. This conflation of tickers highlights the need for precision in interpreting institutional activity. While Solaris Energy's sector strength may reflect broader market optimism, SEIC's institutional backing remains unconfirmed in the latest data.

Insider Activity: Profit-Taking or Red Flag?

Recent insider transactions at SEIC reveal a pattern of selling by top executives. On November 12, 2025, Vice President Michael N. Peterson filed a Form 144 to sell 25,000 restricted shares of SEIC through Charles Schwab & Co Inc as reported by Reuters. The following day, Peterson executed the sale, exercising 25,000 shares at $54.34 per share before selling them at $84.21, netting $2.1 million. Similarly, Director Carmen V. Romeo filed to sell 5,000 restricted shares on the same date as reported by Reuters. While insider selling can signal lack of confidence, these transactions may also reflect personal financial planning or the unlocking of liquidity after long-term restrictions. Post-transaction, Peterson retained 13,500 shares directly owned, suggesting continued alignment with shareholder interests.

Analyst Sentiment: A $105.25 Price Target Amid Earnings Optimism

Contrary to the $49.44 price target cited in some reports, recent analyst consensus from TipRanks pegs the average price target at $105.25, implying a 29% upside from its November 2025 closing price of $81.57. This optimism is underpinned by SEIC's Q3 2025 performance, where the company reported GAAP EPS of $1.30-beating estimates by $0.05-despite missing revenue forecasts by $3.18 million. Analysts highlight SEIC's operational resilience, including 9% year-over-year diluted EPS growth and margin expansion, as key drivers of long-term value. The disparity between the $49.44 figure and the $105.25 target likely stems from outdated or misattributed data, underscoring the importance of relying on recent filings and analyst updates.

The Path Forward: Balancing Risks and Opportunities

SEIC's stock faces a crossroads. On one hand, strong analyst sentiment and earnings outperformance suggest a potential reversal in its recent underperformance. On the other, the lack of confirmed institutional buying in SEIC (as opposed to Solaris Energy) and insider selling raise caution. Investors should monitor upcoming earnings reports for signs of sustained revenue growth and keep an eye on further insider activity. If SEIC can demonstrate consistent operational improvements and attract new institutional investors, the $105.25 price target could become a reality. However, without addressing revenue shortfalls and aligning executive actions with long-term shareholder value, volatility may persist.