For the fourth time in as many studies, Edward Jones financial advisers rate the firm “Highest in Employee Adviser Satisfaction among Financial Investment Firms,” according to a newly released study by J.D. Power and Associates.

The J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Financial Adviser Satisfaction Study ranked Edward Jones Highest in Employee Adviser Satisfaction among Financial Investment Firms. Eight financial services firms ranked. This is the fourth time J.D. Power has conducted the study since 2007.

“For us, this honor is particularly significant because it is based upon input from our financial advisers and reflects their satisfaction at Edward Jones,” said Managing Partner Jim Weddle. “Our 25-point score improvement over our previous ranking is a tremendous vote of confidence in our firm as a great place to work.”

Edward Jones financial advisers gave the highest satisfaction ratings in seven of the nine study factors, which placed the firm 203 points ahead of the industry average and 37 points above its nearest competitor. Edward Jones performs particularly well in firm performance, technology and people factors, according to the study.

Edward Jones financial advisers also ranked the firm highest in firm performance, the highest-weighted factor in the study.

“I am extremely gratified that our financial advisers report they have confidence in our mission, our vision and our values,” Weddle said. “We are always striving for improvement, and these results validate our efforts. This is a wonderful tribute to the strength of our partnership and our culture.”

Edward Jones scored 895 in technology 61 points higher than its closest competitor and 24 points higher than previously.

“This reflects our many recent investments in resources, systems and tools,” Weddle said. “Our financial advisers indicated that our technology’s integrated functionality supports the work they do to help meet the needs of the individual investor.”

Additionally, Edward Jones financial advisers applauded the support they receive from the firm’s home office and, in particular, the branch office administrators who provide client service.

“We would like to thank our branch office administrators who support our clients and branch team,” Alex Johnston said. “These results make it clear that everything we do is aligned around one purpose: doing the best possible jobs for our clients as we strive to make a positive difference in their lives.”

Edward Jones also ranked highest in the 2007 and 2010 studies and tied for the highest ranking in 2008. The study was not conducted in 2009 or 2011.

The five Albert Lea Edward Jones financial advisers are: Joe Johnston, Alex Johnston, Troy Irvine, David Kramer and Andrew Irvine.