Lazard Ltd Reports First-Quarter 2010 Results

27 Apr 2010

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NEW YORK, Apr 27, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net income on a fully exchanged basis was $61.4 million, or $0.46 per share (diluted), for the first quarter of 2010, excluding previously announced pre-tax special charges totaling $112.0 million(c), compared to a net loss of $29.7 million, or $(0.26) per share (diluted), excluding a pre-tax special charge of $62.6 million(d), for the first quarter of 2009.

Net income, on a U.S. GAAP basis, which is before exchange of exchangeable interests, and including the special charges, was a loss of $33.5 million, or $(0.38) per share, for the first quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss of $53.5 million, or $(0.77) per share (diluted), for the first quarter of 2009.

A reconciliation of the U.S. GAAP results to the adjusted results is presented on page 11 of this release.

Lazard believes that results assuming full exchange of outstanding exchangeable interests and excluding special charges provide the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Operating Revenue and Operating Income

Operating revenue was a first-quarter record of $456.9 million for the first quarter of 2010, a 67% increase over $272.9 million for the first quarter of 2009. Operating income was $77.5 million for the 2010 first quarter, compared to an operating loss of $28.2 million for the first quarter of 2009, excluding special charges in both periods.

The Company's quarterly revenue and profits can fluctuate materially depending on the number, size and timing of completed transactions on which it advised, as well as seasonality and other factors. Accordingly, the revenue and profits in any particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. As such, Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful.

Comments

"Our first quarter results, with 67% operating revenue growth over the same 2009 period, show continued strength and momentum in both our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses as we enter the gradual upturn of the next cycle," said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. "Our M&A advisory business has gained significant global market share over the past year, and our Restructuring and Sovereign Debt advisory businesses continue to lead the industry in the US and Europe. Our Asset Management business achieved its best first quarter ever for operating revenue and continues to report positive net inflows."

"We have maintained our focus on lowering compensation and non-compensation expenses," said Michael J. Castellano, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. "Compensation expense increased 35% compared to the 67% growth in revenue, consistent with our stated goal of growing revenues at a faster rate than our compensation expense on an annual basis. We reduced our compensation and non-compensation expense ratios in the quarter to 60.3%, excluding the special charge, and 18.3%, respectively."

Revenue

Financial Advisory

Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 65% to a first-quarter record of $269.1 million, compared to $163.5 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Lazard's Financial Advisory business of M&A and Strategic Advisory, Restructuring, and Capital Markets and Other Advisory encompasses general strategic and transaction-specific advice to public and private companies, governments and other parties, and includes various corporate finance advisory services. Some of our assignments and, therefore, related revenue, are not reflected in publicly available statistical information.

M&A and Strategic Advisory

M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $147.6 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $96.5 million for the first quarter of 2009. M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue generally does not include M&A fees for the sale of distressed assets, which are recognized in Restructuring operating revenue.

Among the transactions completed during the first quarter of 2010 on which Lazard advised were the following:

  • Kraft Foods' $21.6 billion acquisition of Cadbury
  • Kraft Foods' $3.7 billion sale of its North American pizza business to Nestlé
  • Océ's EUR 1.5 billion sale to Canon
  • Cazenove Group's £1.0 billion sale to J.P. Morgan
  • Nortel's $769 million sale of its Optical Networking and Carrier Ethernet businesses to Ciena
  • FGX International's $565 million sale to Essilor International
  • Lincoln Financial's $452 million sale of Delaware Investments to Macquarie
  • Sensor Technologies' $242 million sale to ManTech
  • ING's sale of three of its US independent retail broker-dealer units to Lightyear Capital
  • Marken Group Limited's sale to a consortium comprising funds advised by Apax Partners and company management
  • Carilion Labs' merger with Spectrum Laboratory Network

Among the pending, publicly announced M&A transactions on which Lazard advised in the first quarter, continued to advise, or completed since March 31, 2010, are the following:

  • BHP Billiton's $58.0 billion Western Australian iron ore production joint venture with Rio Tinto
  • Prudential plc's $35.5 billion acquisition of AIA Group
  • Qwest's $22.4 billion merger with CenturyLink
  • Coca-Cola Enterprises' $14.4 billion sale of its North American Operations to The Coca-Cola Company and related transactions
  • Newcrest Mining's PGK22.9 billion proposed combination with Lihir Gold
  • AREVA's EUR 4.1 billion sale of its transmission and distribution business
  • Deutsche Bahn's £2.6bn bid for Arriva
  • Cisco's NOK 19.0 billion acquisition of Tandberg
  • Royal Bank of Scotland's $1.7 billion sale of RBS Sempra Commodities' Metals, Oil and European Energy business lines to J.P. Morgan
  • NII Holdings' $1.4 billion sale of a 30% stake in Nextel Mexico to Grupo Televisa
  • Protection One's $828 million sale to GTCR
  • Chinatrust Financial's $660 million acquisition of a 30% stake in AIG's Nan Shan Life from China Strategic Holdings
  • Telefónica's EUR 400 million sale of its 32% stake in Medi Telecom (Méditel)
  • Eurasian Natural Resources' (Independent Directors) $300 million acquisition of Chambishi Metals and Comit Resources
  • Nortel's $282 million sale of Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions business
  • OSI Pharmaceuticals on the unsolicited approach by Astellas Pharma
  • Société Nationale d'Investissement's (SNI) acquisition of the remaining 65% stake of Omnium Nord Africain and COPROPAR's concurrent acquisition of the remaining 40% stake in SNI
  • France Telecom's and Orascom Telecom's agreement on Mobinil and ECMS
  • France Telecom in the merger of Orange Switzerland and Sunrise
  • Veolia Environnement in the merger of its Veolia Transport division with Transdev

Restructuring

Restructuring operating revenue was $100.2 million, compared to $60.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 and compared to $103.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2009. Restructuring operating revenue reflects continued restructuring advisory activity in the US and Europe as well as fees for advising on distressed asset sales.

Over the past decade, Lazard's global restructuring team, paired with its M&A industry specialist bankers, has advised on more than 450 restructurings worldwide, with an aggregate value over $1 trillion. The firm has been recognized as having the world's leading restructuring group, including receiving numerous awards, such as Euromoney's "Best Global Corporate Restructuring House" and IFR's "Americas Restructuring House" for 2009.

Completed first-quarter 2010 Restructuring assignments include advising Pacific Energy Resources and R.H. Donnelley in connection with their Chapter 11 filings.

Notable Chapter 11 bankruptcies, on which Lazard advised debtors or creditors during or since the first quarter of 2010, are:

  • Automotive: Cooper-Standard
  • Chemicals: Chemtura, Lyondell
  • Consumer Goods: Eddie Bauer
  • Gaming, Entertainment and Hospitality: Six Flags, Station Casinos, Tropicana Entertainment, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Twin River Casino
  • Paper and Packaging: AbitibiBowater, Smurfit-Stone Container, White Birch Paper Company, Xerium Technologies
  • Professional/Financial Services: Lehman Brothers
  • Real Estate/Property Development: Capmark Financial, Crescent Resources, Extended Stay Hotels, TOUSA
  • Technology/Media/Telecom: Citadel Broadcasting Group, MIG Inc., Nortel, Tribune Co.

Among other publicly announced restructuring and debt advisory assignments on which Lazard has advised during or since the first quarter of 2010, are:

  • Alternative Hotel Group on its debt restructuring
  • Bavaria Yachtbau on its debt restructuring
  • Belvédère - advising the FRN noteholder committee
  • Chargeurs on its debt maturity rescheduling and convertible bonds issuance
  • EEMS on its debt restructuring
  • Gala Coral on its debt restructuring
  • Global Garden Products - advised the coordinating committee of senior and second lien lenders in the company's restructuring
  • Grupo Alfonso Gallardo on the extension of certain debt facilities and new financing
  • Grupo Reyal Urbis on its debt restructuring
  • Highstreet on its debt restructuring
  • Inmobiliaria Colonial on its debt restructuring
  • Italtel on its debt restructuring
  • Jost on its debt restructuring
  • JSC Alliance Bank on its debt restructuring
  • Lucchini on the refinancing of its current indebtedness
  • Medica France on its IPO related debt renegotiation
  • Polynt on its debt restructuring and covenant reset
  • Republic of Côte d'Ivoire - on its bond exchange offer
  • SGD on its debt restructuring
  • TAS Group on its debt restructuring and capital increase
  • Thomson - advising US private placement noteholders in the company's restructuring
  • Trident Resources - advised company's senior lenders on debt restructuring

Capital Markets and Other Advisory

Capital Markets and Other Advisory operating revenue was $21.3 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Assignments in the first quarter of 2010 included advising on:

  • IPOs: Baltic Trading
  • Follow-on offerings: Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, Art Technology Group, Broadwind Energy, Concho Resources, HeartWare International, Navios Maritime Partners
  • Convertible and convertible exchange transactions: Forest City Enterprises, Powerwave Technologies
  • PIPEs, Registered Directs, Underwritten Registered Directs and Private Placements as well as other convertible and capital markets transactions: Amonix, Capstone Turbine Corporation, Discovery Laboratories, Harvest Natural Resources, NGAS Resources, Synta Pharmaceuticals, Virgin America and XOMA

Asset Management

Asset Management operating revenue was a first-quarter record of $183.7 million, compared to $102.9 million for the 2009 first quarter, an increase of 78%.

Assets Under Management at March 31, 2010, were $135.0 billion, representing a 66% increase over Assets Under Management of $81.1 billion at March 31, 2009, and a 4% increase over Assets Under Management of $129.5 billion at December 31, 2009. The increase for the 2010 first quarter includes net inflows of $3.0 billion. At March 31, 2010, approximately 83% of Lazard's AUM was invested in equities and 13% in fixed income.

Average Assets Under Management were $132.3 billion for the first quarter of 2010, representing a 54% increase over average Assets Under Management of $86.1 billion for the first quarter of 2009, and a 6% increase compared to $124.9 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Management fees increased 73% to $161.8 million for the first quarter of 2010, the second highest quarter of management fees for the firm, compared to $93.5 million for the 2009 first quarter.

Incentive fees were $13.8 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $5.4 million for the comparable period in 2009. Incentive fees are recorded on the measurement date, which for most of our alternative strategies that are subject to incentive fees occurs in the fourth quarter.

Other Asset Management operating revenue was $8.1 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2009. The increase in the 2010 period was due to investment losses in the 2009 respective period, which did not occur in 2010, and to increased commission income.

Our Asset Management business provides investment management and advisory services to governments, institutions, financial intermediaries, private clients and investment vehicles around the world. Our goal in our Asset Management business is to produce superior risk-adjusted investment returns and provide investment solutions customized for our clients. Asset Management includes the management of equity and fixed income securities as well as alternative investment and private equity funds.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits

The accrual for compensation and benefits expense, excluding the special charge described below, includes base salaries and benefits, amortization of deferred incentive awards and estimated year-end discretionary cash incentive compensation. The accrual was $275.5 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $203.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, and represented a 35% increase, compared to the 67% increase in operating revenue. The ratio of compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue, excluding the special charge, was 60.3% for the first quarter of 2010, compared to 74.6% for the first quarter of 2009. The reduction in the compensation ratio is primarily due to execution on our previously announced goal to grow annual compensation expense at a slower rate than operating revenues, and to achieve over the cycle compensation levels on average consistent with the targets established at the time we went public in 2005.

During the first quarter of 2010, as previously announced, we implemented and amended a previously approved retirement policy, which accelerated the amortization of certain deferred stock awards and resulted in a non-cash pre-tax special charge of $24.9 million.

Non-Compensation

The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue, excluding amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, was 18.3% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 26.7% in the respective 2009 period. The lower ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue was due primarily to the operating leverage from the 67% increase in operating revenue compared to a 14.7% increase in such adjusted non-compensation expense.

Total non-compensation expense increased 17% to $85.2 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $73.1 million for the first quarter of 2009, including amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions of $1.8 million and $0.3 million in the respective periods. Other factors contributing to the quarter-over-quarter increase include higher business development expenses for travel and market related data and fund administration expenses related to the increased level of business activity and assets under management.

The percentage of non-compensation expenses to operating revenue can vary from quarter to quarter due to quarterly fluctuation in revenues, among other things. Accordingly, the results in a particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison.

Restructuring Expense

As previously announced, we selectively planned to reduce staffing during the first quarter of 2010 to further optimize our mix of personnel, create greater efficiency, productivity and shareholder value, while simultaneously maintaining a program to selectively hire senior bankers and Asset Management professionals. As a result, we expected to record a pre-tax charge of approximately $90 million in the first quarter of 2010. Of that $90 million charge, we have to date taken a pre-tax charge of $87.1 million from reductions made during the first quarter. The charge included (i) severance and benefit payments, (ii) a non-cash charge of $47 million relating to restricted stock units previously granted to individuals who were terminated, and (iii) certain other expenses related to the restructuring initiative.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes, on a fully exchanged basis, was $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $2.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, excluding the effects of special charges in each period. The effective tax rate on the same basis for the first quarter of 2010 was 18.2%, exclusive of noncontrolling interests. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2009 was not meaningful due to the pre-tax loss.

Noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, on a fully exchanged basis, amounted to $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2009. Noncontrolling interests, on a fully exchanged basis, principally represents interests that the Company is deemed to control but not own in (i) various LAM-related general partnerships and (ii) in Edgewater management vehicles acquired during the third quarter of 2009.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Items

Lazard continues to maintain a strong liquidity position with over $900 million at March 31, 2010, in cash, US Government and agency securities, and marketable equity securities.

At March 31, 2010, total stockholders' equity related to Lazard's interests was $398 million, which includes negative adjustments to total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss during the first quarter of 2010, due primarily to (i) net negative foreign currency translation adjustments of $21.4 million, and (ii) net unrealized gains of $4.0 million related to securities designated as available for sale.

Non-GAAP Information

Lazard discloses certain non-GAAP financial information, which management believes provides the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods. The following are non-GAAP measures used in the accompanying financial information:

  • Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis) and excluding special items
  • Net income (loss) assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis) and excluding special items
  • Operating revenue
  • Operating income, excluding special items
  • Noncontrolling interests assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests
  • Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special items
  • Net income (loss) per share, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special items
  • Provision (benefit) for income taxes on a fully exchanged basis
  • Net income (loss) attributable to LAZ-MD
  • Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

Additional financial, statistical and business-related information is included in a financial supplement. This earnings release, the financial supplement and selected transaction information will be available today on our website at www.lazard.com.

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 41 cities across 26 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "might", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential" or "continue", and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A "Risk Factors," and also disclosed from time to time in reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K including the following:

  • A decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets;
  • Losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third parties;
  • Losses due to unidentified or unanticipated risks;
  • A lack of liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds, for use in our businesses; and
  • Competitive pressure.

Lazard Ltd is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, Lazard and its operating companies use their websites to convey information about their businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information, and the posting of updates of assets under management in various hedge funds and mutual funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries. Monthly updates of these funds will be posted to the Lazard Asset Management website (www.lazardnet.com) on the third business day following the end of each month. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.

LAZ-G

_____________________________________

(a) Refers to net income or loss attributable to Lazard Ltd.
(b)

Refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD holdings and is a non-GAAP measure. (c) Refers to previously announced pre-tax charges during the first quarter of 2010 of $87.1 million as a result of staff reductions, and a $24.9 million non-cash special charge related to the implementation and amendment of a previously approved retirement policy which accelerated the accounting for certain deferred stock awards.

(d) Refers to a $62.6 million pre-tax charge during the first quarter of 2009 as a result of staff reductions and realignments.
(e) Refers to compensation expense excluding a $24.9 million charge as described in footnote (c) above.
(f) Refers to non-compensation expense excluding the amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions.

LAZARD LTD

OPERATING REVENUE
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2010 2009 % Change
($ in thousands)
Financial Advisory
M&A and Strategic Advisory $147,557 $96,474 53 %
Restructuring 100,188 60,929 64 %
Capital Markets & Other Advisory 21,331 6,094 250 %
Total 269,076 163,497 65 %
Asset Management
Management Fees 161,796 93,500 73 %
Incentive Fees 13,787 5,435 154 %
Other Revenue 8,147 4,000 104 %
Total 183,730 102,935 78 %
Core Operating Business Revenue (a) 452,806 266,432 70 %
Corporate 4,104 6,473 (37 %)
Operating Revenue (b) 456,910 272,905 67 %
Revenue (loss) related to noncontrolling interests (c) 4,339 (1,070 )
Other Interest Expense (23,038 ) (23,440 )
Net Revenue $438,211 $248,395 76 %
(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue (loss) relating to noncontrolling interests, each of which are included in net revenue.
(c) Represents the revenues related to noncontrolling interests other than LAZ-MD in which the company has no economic interest.
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
Ended March 31,
2010 2009 % Change
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Total revenue (a) $459,469 $276,922 66 %
LFB interest expense (2,559 ) (4,017 )
Operating revenue 456,910 272,905 67 %
Revenue (loss) related to noncontrolling interests 4,339 (1,070 )
Other interest expense (23,038 ) (23,440 )
Net revenue 438,211 248,395 76 %
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits 300,377 203,532 48 %
Occupancy and equipment 21,270 20,094
Marketing and business development 15,603 13,453
Technology and information services 17,652 15,922
Professional services 8,171 8,189
Fund administration and outsourced services 11,374 7,746
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions 1,770 344
Other 9,367 7,334
Total non-compensation expense 85,207 73,082 17 %
Restructuring expense (b) 87,108 62,550
Operating expenses 472,692 339,164 39 %
Operating loss (34,481 ) (90,769 ) 62 %
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 6,413 (4,175 ) NM
Net loss (40,894 ) (86,594 ) 53 %
Net loss attributable to LAZ-MD (9,719 ) (32,027 )
Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests 2,359 (1,071 )
Net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd ($33,534 ) ($53,496 ) 37 %
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding (c):
Basic 89,736,137 70,144,338 28 %
Diluted 89,736,137 70,144,338 28 %
Net loss per share:
Basic ($0.38 ) ($0.77 )
Diluted ($0.38 ) ($0.77 )
Supplemental Information Assuming Full Exchange of Exchangeable Interests and excluding Special Charges (d):
Compensation and benefits excluding special charges $275,517 $203,532 35 %
Operating income (loss) excluding special charges $77,487 ($28,219 ) NM
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd assuming full exchange
of exchangeable interests and excluding special charges $61,431 ($29,691 ) NM
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming full
exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding
special charges (e):
Basic 120,146,231 116,012,322 4 %
Diluted 136,518,694 116,012,322 18 %
Net income (loss) per share - assuming full exchange
of exchangeable interests and excluding
special charges:
Basic $0.51 ($0.26 )
Diluted $0.46 ($0.26 )
Ratio of compensation to operating revenue (f) 60.3 % 74.6 %
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue (g) 18.3 % 26.7 %
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP RESULTS TO FULL EXCHANGE EXCLUDING SPECIAL CHARGES (d)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Ended March 31,
2010 2009
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation & benefits - U.S. GAAP Basis $300,377 $203,532
Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):
Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy change (24,860 ) -
Compensation & benefits excluding special charges $275,517 $203,532
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income (loss) - U.S. GAAP Basis ($34,481 ) ($90,769 )
Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):
Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy change 24,860 -
Restructuring expense 87,108 62,550
Operating income (loss) excluding special charges $77,487 ($28,219 )
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis ($33,534 ) ($53,496 )
Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):
Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy (net of tax benefit of $1,363) 23,497 -
Restructuring expense (net of tax benefit of $5,680 in 2010 and $6,401 in 2009) 81,428 56,149
Net loss attributable to LAZ-MD (24,388 ) (21,075 )
Adjustment for full exchange of exchangeable interests (e):
Tax adjustment for full exchange (242 ) (317 )
Amount attributable to LAZ-MD 14,670 (10,952 )
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd excluding
special charges and assuming full exchange
of exchangeable interests $61,431 ($29,691 )
Diluted net income (loss) per share (c):
U.S. GAAP Basis - Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd ($0.38 ) ($0.77 )
Net income (loss) assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests
and excluding special charges $0.46 ($0.26 )
This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, see item (d) in notes to unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and reconciliation of US GAAP results to full exchange excluding special charges. Lazard believes that results assuming full exchange of outstanding exchangeable interests and excluding special charges provides the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges
LAZARD LTD
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges
(a) Excludes revenue/(loss) related to noncontrolling interests.
(b) Expenses related to severance, benefits and other charges in the three month period ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 in connection with the reduction and realignment of staff.
(c) See "Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share".
(d) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, special charges consist of (i) the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff noted in (b) above and (ii) a charge aggregating $24,860 recorded to compensation and benefits expense in connection with the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units related to the Company's change in retirement policy.
(e) Represents a reversal of noncontrolling interests related to LAZ-MD Holdings' ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests net of an adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level taxes to effect a full exchange of interests and excluding the items noted in (d) above (see "Reconciliation of US GAAP to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges").
(f) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, excludes the charges noted in (d) above.
(g) Excludes the amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions for the three month ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
NM Not meaningful
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
( $ in thousands)
March 31, December 31,
2010 2009

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $704,107 $917,329
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash 18,973 20,217
Receivables 727,350 669,475
Investments (a)
Debt:
U.S. Government and agencies 147,412 147,507
Other 275,693 313,342
423,105 460,849
Equities 80,146 82,442
Other 219,628 264,402
722,879 807,693
Goodwill and other intangible assets 316,297 317,780
Other assets 395,924 415,268
Total Assets $2,885,530 $3,147,762

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities
Deposits and other customer payables $349,718 $322,101
Accrued compensation and benefits 167,825 515,033
Senior debt 1,086,850 1,086,850
Other liabilities 562,214 550,681
Subordinated debt 150,000 150,000
Total liabilities 2,316,607 2,624,665
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:
Series A - -
Series B - -
Common stock, par value $.01 per share:
Class A 1,014 922
Class B - -
Additional paid-in capital 606,392 549,931
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (75,173 ) (57,048 )
Retained earnings 6,160 52,726
538,393 546,531
Class A common stock held by a subsidiary, at cost (140,581 ) (191,140 )
Total Lazard Ltd stockholders' equity 397,812 355,391
Noncontrolling interests 171,111 167,706
Total stockholders' equity 568,923 523,097
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,885,530 $3,147,762
(a) At fair value, with the exception of $148,301 and $199,188 of investments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, at amortized cost and equity method.
LAZARD LTD
SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30, Mar. 31,
2010 (a) 2009 (b) 2009 2009 2009 (c) 2008 2008 (d) 2008 2008
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Financial Advisory
M&A and Strategic Advisory $147,557 $170,206 $124,691 $134,855 $96,474 $192,678 $230,890 $225,108 $165,984
Restructuring 100,188 103,449 119,101 93,231 60,929 47,135 23,944 32,666 15,538
Capital Markets & Other Advisory 21,331 39,943 16,390 25,005 6,094 12,542 15,349 31,220 30,906
Total 269,076 313,598 260,182 253,091 163,497 252,355 270,183 288,994 212,428
Asset Management
Management Fees 161,796 152,810 133,377 107,123 93,500 107,987 145,332 157,108 158,009
Incentive Fees 13,787 40,988 15,202 13,170 5,435 16,353 10,179 8,429 -
Other Revenue 8,147 10,324 8,769 11,273 4,000 1,018 536 13,289 10,424
Total 183,730 204,122 157,348 131,566 102,935 125,358 156,047 178,826 168,433
Core operating business revenue (e) 452,806 517,720 417,530 384,657 266,432 377,713 426,230 467,820 380,861
Corporate 4,104 (3,327 ) 13,953 14,190 6,473 24,835 11,076 26,219 (39,658 )
Operating revenue (f) $456,910 $514,393 $431,483 $398,847 $272,905 $402,548 $437,306 $494,039 $341,203
Operating income (loss) (g) $77,487 $(74,550 ) $73,165 $56,946 $(28,219 ) $54,093 $64,837 $87,738 $18,022
Net income (loss) attributable to
Lazard Ltd $47,003 $(34,705 ) $37,418 $28,187 $(18,422 ) $37,979 $31,671 $34,317 $7,799
Net income (loss) per share
attributable to Lazard Ltd
Basic $0.53 ($0.40 ) $0.47 $0.38 ($0.27 ) $0.54 $0.48 $0.61 $0.16
Diluted $0.46 ($0.40 ) $0.41 $0.34 ($0.27 ) $0.50 $0.44 $0.54 $0.14
Supplemental Information:
Net income (loss) attributable to
Lazard Ltd assuming full exchange
of exchangeable interests $61,431 $(54,870 ) $52,487 $43,145 $(29,691 ) $61,154 $54,750 $64,570 $15,956
Net income (loss) attributable to
Lazard Ltd per share assuming full
exchange of exchangeable interests
Basic $0.51 ($0.46 ) $0.46 $0.37 ($0.26 ) $0.52 $0.47 $0.58 $0.15
Diluted $0.46 ($0.46 ) $0.41 $0.34 ($0.26 ) $0.50 $0.44 $0.54 $0.14
Assets Under Management ($ millions) $134,972 $129,543 $120,185 $98,020 $81,084 $91,109 $113,287 $134,139 $134,193

(a) The three month period ended March 31, 2010 represents U.S. GAAP results less restructuring expense of $87,108 and operating expenses related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units in connection with the company's change in retirement policy of $24,860 and related tax effect.
(b) The three month period ended December 31, 2009 represents U.S. GAAP results less operating expenses related to the acceleration of unamortized restricted stock units previously granted to our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the accelerated vesting of deferred cash awards previously granted of $86,514 and $60,512, respectively and related tax effect.
(c) The three month period ended March 31, 2009 represents U.S. GAAP results less restructuring expense of $62,550 and related tax effect.
(d) The three month period ended September 30, 2008 represents U.S. GAAP results less an operating expense charge of $199,550 and related tax effect in connection with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(e) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(f) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) related to the consolidation of noncontrolling interests, each of which are included in net revenue.
(g) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and noncontrolling interests.
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
(unaudited)

BEFORE FULL EXCHANGE

Three Months Ended March 31,
2010 2009
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd ($33,534 ) ($53,496 )
Add - net loss associated with Class A
common shares issuable on a non-contingent basis (a) (214 ) (815 )
Basic net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd ($33,748 ) ($54,311 )
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding (a) 89,736,137 70,144,338
Basic net loss per share attributable to Lazard Ltd ($0.38 ) ($0.77 )
Diluted
Numerator:
Basic net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd ($33,748 ) ($54,311 )
Add - dilutive effect of adjustments to income for (b):
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of tax - -
Noncontrolling interest in net income resulting from
assumed share issuances (see incremental issuable
shares in the denominator calculation below) and
Ltd level income tax effect - -
Diluted net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd ($33,748 ) ($54,311 )
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 89,736,137 70,144,338
Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares (c):
Restricted stock units - -
Convertible notes - -
Series A convertible preferred stock - -
Exchangeable interests - -
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 89,736,137 70,144,338
Diluted net loss per share attributable to Lazard Ltd ($0.38 ) ($0.77 )
(a) For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 662,015 and 993,024 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to acquisitions. For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 2,247,711 and 2,201,457 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(b) Incremental income included if related shares are dilutive.
(c) Incremental issuable shares included if dilutive.
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

ASSUMING FULL EXCHANGE OF EXCHANGEABLE INTERESTS

& EXCLUDING SPECIAL CHARGES (a)

Three Months Ended March 31,
2010 2009
Basic ($ in thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd $61,431 ($29,691 )
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding (b) 120,146,231 116,012,322
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Lazard Ltd $0.51 ($0.26 )
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd $61,431 ($29,691 )
Add dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:
Interest expense on convertible notes, net of tax (c) 998 -
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd $62,429 ($29,691 )
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 120,146,231 116,012,322
Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares (d):
Restricted stock units 12,938,152 -
Convertible notes 2,631,570 -
Series A convertible preferred stock (e) 802,741 -
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 136,518,694 116,012,322
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Lazard Ltd. $0.46 ($0.26 )
(a) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, special charges consist of (i) the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff of $87,108 and (ii) a charge aggregating $24,860 recorded to compensation and benefits expense in connection with the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units related to the Company's change in retirement policy. For the three month period ended March 31, 2009, special charge consists of the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff of $62,550.
(b) For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 662,015 and 993,024 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to acquisitions. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 2,247,711 and 2,201,457 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(c) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes.
(d) Incremental issuable shares included if dilutive.
(e) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 includes 7,293 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock is dependent, in part, on the future value of the Class A common stock and currency exchange rates, therefore, the shares are excluded from the basic net income per share calculation but included in the diluted net income per share calculation.
LAZARD LTD
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ("AUM")
As of Variance
March 31, December 31, March 31, 1Q 2010 vs. 1Q 2010 vs.
2010 2009 2009 4Q 2009 1Q 2009
($ in millions)
Equities $112,635 $106,603 $61,773 5.7 % 82.3 %
Fixed Income 17,073 18,056 14,818 (5.4 %) 15.2 %
Alternative Investments 4,297 3,936 2,805 9.2 % 53.2 %
Private Equity 896 839 1,512 6.8 % (40.7 %)
Cash 71 109 176 (34.9 %) (59.7 %)
Total AUM $134,972 $129,543 $81,084 4.2 % 66.5 %
Year Ended
Three Months Ended March 31, December 31,
2010 2009 2009
($ in millions)
AUM - Beginning of Period $129,543 $91,109 $91,109
Net Flows 2,967 (2,447 ) 10,253
Acquisitions (dispositions) - - (831 )
Market and foreign exchange
appreciation (depreciation) 2,462 (7,578 ) 29,012
AUM - End of Period (a) $134,972 $81,084 $129,543
Average AUM (b) $132,256 $86,097 $103,988
% Change in average AUM 53.6 %
(a) AUM as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 reflects $0.6 billion for both dates related to the 2009 third quarter acquisition of Edgewater management vehicles.
(b) Average AUM is based on an average of quarterly ending balances for the respective periods.

SOURCE: Lazard Ltd

Lazard Ltd
Media:
Judi Frost Mackey, +1 212-632-1428
judi.mackey@lazard.com
or
Richard Creswell, +44 207 187 2305
richard.creswell@lazard.com
or
Investor:
Michael J. Castellano, +1 212-632-8262
Chief Financial Officer
or
Investor Relations, +1 212-632-2685
or +1 877-266-8601(US only)
investorrelations@lazard.com

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