Raymond James gains after unveiling $2 billion buyback program

** Shares of wealth manager Raymond James RJF rise 2.7% to $163.06

** RJF announced a buyback program of up to $2 billion late Wednesday

** Repurchases may be made both through the open market and privately negotiated transactions

** RJF also boosted its quarterly cash dividend by 8% to 54 cents per share

** Five of 14 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, and nine "hold"; median PT is $185 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, RJF stock up 2.2% YTD