Form 8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


FORM 8-K

 


CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT

TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) October 31, 2007

 


Lazard Ltd

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 


Bermuda

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

001-32492   98-0437848
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda   HM 11
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

441-295-1422

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 


Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 



Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On October 31, 2007, Lazard Ltd issued a press release announcing financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2007. A copy of Lazard Ltd’s press release containing this information is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Lazard Ltd under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report on Form 8-K:

99.1 Press Release issued on October 31, 2007.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 8-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: October 31, 2007     
   LAZARD LTD
   By:  

/s/ Scott D. Hoffman

   Name:   Scott D. Hoffman
   Title:   Managing Director and General Counsel


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

99.1

  Press Release issued on October 31, 2007.
Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

Media contacts:        Investor contacts:
Judi Frost Mackey, +1 212 632 1428        Michael J. Castellano, +1 212 632 8262
judi.mackey@lazard.com        Chief Financial Officer
Richard Creswell, +1 44 207 187 2305        Jean Greene, +1 212 632 1905
richard.creswell@lazard.com        investorrelations@lazard.com

LAZARD LTD REPORTS RECORD NINE-MONTH

AND THIRD-QUARTER 2007 RESULTS

– Record nine-month and quarterly Net Income Per Share(a) (diluted) of $1.72 and $0.73 respectively –

– Record Assets Under Management (AUM) of $142.1 billion –

Highlights

 

 

 

Record nine-month and third-quarter net income of $200.1 million and $83.6 million, respectively, both on a fully exchanged basis(a), a 33% increase over nine-months 2006 and a 139% increase over third-quarter 2006

 

 

 

Record nine-month and quarterly operating revenue(b) of $1,397.2 million and $569.5 million, increases of 29% and 79% over the respective 2006 periods

 

   

Increased Financial Advisory operating revenue by 26% to a record $847.5 million for the first nine months and by 103% to a record quarter of $379.8 million

 

   

Record M&A nine-month and quarterly revenue of $655.8 million and $295.4 million, with 20% and 93% increases over the respective 2006 periods

 

   

Asset Management operating revenue increased to record levels with $486.1 million, a 30% increase, for the first nine months and $177.5 million, a 42% increase, for the third quarter, including record management fees of $430.3 million and $157.4 million in the respective periods

 

   

Achieved net inflows in AUM of $17.5 billion for the first nine months and $3.3 billion in the third quarter

 

   

Completed Financial Advisory strategic acquisitions in Australia and the US middle market

NEW YORK, October 31, 2007 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today announced financial results for the nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2007. Net income on a fully exchanged basis(a) increased 33% to a record $200.1 million for the first nine months of 2007 from $150.4 million for the first nine months of 2006. Net income per common share (diluted) increased 19% to a record $1.72 for the first nine months of 2007 compared to $1.45 for the first nine months of 2006, reflecting the 13% increase in the weighted average number of shares for the 2007 nine-month period. The increase in shares is primarily due to the issuance of 8.1 million common shares in the December 2006 equity offering and the dilutive effects of the equity securities units and of a convertible note issued in May 2006. Operating income(c) increased 35% to a record $286.0 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $212.0 million for the same period in 2006.

Operating revenue(b) increased 29% to a record $1,397.2 million for the first nine months of 2007 compared to $1,079.6 million for the first nine months of 2006, resulting primarily from an increase in completed transactions

 


(a) On a fully exchanged basis, which refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD Holdings and is a non-GAAP measure.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue relating to the consolidation of General Partnerships of Lazard Asset Management (LAM), each of which are included in net revenue.
(c) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and minority interests.


and other advisory assignments in Financial Advisory in the third quarter, the inclusion of the strategic acquisitions in Australia and the US middle market, and continued growth in Lazard’s Asset Management business. Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 26% to a record $847.5 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $671.3 million for the first nine months of 2006. This includes a 20% increase in M&A operating revenue to a record $655.8 million in the 2007 nine-month period. Asset Management operating revenue increased 30% during the first nine months of 2007 to a record of $486.1 million, compared to $373.9 million in the first nine months of 2006.

For the third quarter of 2007, net income on a fully exchanged basis increased 139% to $83.6 million, or $0.73 per common share (diluted), a record third quarter, compared to $35.0 million, or $0.34 per common share (diluted) for the third quarter of 2006. Operating income increased 141% to a quarterly record of $118.6 million for the third quarter of 2007, compared to $49.2 million for the third quarter of 2006. Operating revenue for the third quarter of 2007 increased 79% to a quarterly record of $569.5 million compared to $317.6 million for the third quarter of 2006, also resulting primarily from an increase in completed transactions in Financial Advisory and other advisory assignments in the third quarter, the inclusion of the firm’s strategic acquisitions in Australia and the US middle market, and continued growth in Lazard’s Asset Management business. Financial Advisory operating revenue in the third quarter of 2007 increased 103% to a quarterly record of $379.8 million, compared to $187.1 million in the third quarter of 2006. This includes a 93% increase in M&A operating revenue to a quarterly record of $295.4 million. Asset Management operating revenue increased 42% to a record quarter of $177.5 million, compared to $124.9 million in the third quarter of 2006.

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

Before exchange of exchangeable interests, net income increased 70% to a record $95.9 million, or $1.72 per common share (diluted) for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $56.4 million or $1.45 per common share (diluted) for the first nine months of 2006. The 70% increase exceeded the 33% increase in net income on a fully exchanged basis as the minority interest declined as a result of the secondary component of the December 2006 equity offering. Before exchange of exchangeable interests, net income increased 206% to a quarterly record of $40.3 million for the 2007 third quarter, or $0.73 per common share (diluted), compared to $13.2 million, or $0.34 per common share (diluted) for the 2006 third quarter.

“Our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses each achieved record outcomes,” said Bruce Wasserstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Ltd. “The results underscore our differentiated strategy and simple business model. We are an intellectual capital business focused on providing premium advice and asset management. Our diversity by geography, industry and client base contributes to our success, as does the breadth of our advisory practice. For example, we advised the UAW in its negotiations with the automakers regarding retiree health care obligations. As we pointed out last quarter, we have limited exposure to the volatile credit market environment. We are not in the sub-prime business, are not a public hedge fund nor do we have any SIVs. We don’t have a significant principal trading book or hanging bridge loans. We believe our exposure to a softening of leveraged buyouts is limited.”

“During the past six months we have invested in both our businesses, through acquisitions, hiring of talent, opening of offices, bolstering key industry sectors and investing in new asset products,” said Mr. Wasserstein. “We successfully completed and integrated acquisitions in the US Middle Market and in Australia. Through our cooperation agreements with Raiffeisen and MBA, and our joint venture with Signatura, we have broadened our financial advisory presence in Eastern Europe and Latin America. We have strengthened our technology offering through a new office in Boston, and have reinforced our international and UK investment banking business leadership by hiring Ken Costa, former Chairman of Europe Investment Banking for UBS. We expect to continue to invest toward growth across the firm.”

 

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“Our results were exceptional across the board,” said Steven J. Golub, Lazard’s Vice Chairman. “In the first half of this year, we reported that we expected completions for our Financial Advisory backlog to be weighted toward the second half of the year. Our results for this quarter support this statement, as our Financial Advisory business achieved a quarterly record and a record for the first nine months. Therefore, because of the impact of timing of completions of transactions, among other reasons, our results are measured best on an annual basis. In addition, our Asset Management business continued to grow, with $3.3 billion of net asset inflows in the quarter and a record AUM of $142.1 billion at September 30, 2007.”

“During the third quarter, Lazard advised on many of the most intellectually challenging and complex transactions of the time,” added Mr. Golub. “These included TXU’s $45.0 billion sale to an investor group led by KKR and TPG, Mellon Financial’s $16.5 billion merger with The Bank of New York, KeySpan’s $11.8 billion sale to National Grid, Chicago Board of Trade’s $11.1 billion merger with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Alinta’s A$9.2 billion sale to a consortium of Babcock & Brown and Singapore Power, Dollar General’s $7.3 billion sale to KKR, Microsoft’s $6.0 billion acquisition of aQuantive, Nestlé’s $5.5 billion acquisition of Gerber and its $2.5 billion acquisition of the medical nutrition business of Novartis and the $3.8 billion spin-off of WABCO from American Standard.”

“We also continue to advise on other major transactions, such as Acciona in its agreement with Enel concerning their €43.7 billion transaction with respect to Endesa, Gaz de France’s €37.8 billion merger with Suez, Groupe Danone’s €12.3 billion offer for Royal Numico and its $7.2 billion sale of its Biscuits and Cereal Products business to Kraft Foods, Coles Group’s A$18.0 billion sale to Wesfarmers, Resolution plc on offers received of about £5 billion to acquire its business, and Penn National Gaming’s $8.9 billion sale to funds affiliated with Fortress and Centerbridge,” added Mr. Golub.

“We remain focused on controlling costs, are investing for growth, and remain confident that our business model will continue to yield long-term attractive results,” added Mr. Golub.

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.

Net Revenue

Financial Advisory

Lazard’s Financial Advisory business encompasses general strategic and transaction-specific advice to public and private companies, governments and other parties, and includes Financial Restructuring as well as various corporate finance services. Some of our assignments and, therefore, related revenue, are not reflected in publicly available statistical information.

For the first nine months of 2007, Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 26% to a record $847.5 million, compared to $671.3 million for the first nine months of 2006. Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 103% to a record $379.8 million in the third quarter of 2007, compared to $187.1 million in the third quarter of 2006.

M&A

M&A operating revenue increased 20% to $655.8 million and 93% to $295.4 for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, both record levels, compared with $545.1 million and $153.2 million for the corresponding 2006 periods.

 

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Lazard advised on the following M&A transactions, which were completed in the third quarter of 2007, including:

 

   

TXU’s $45.0 billion sale to an investor group led by KKR and TPG

 

   

Mellon Financial’s $16.5 billion merger with The Bank of New York

 

   

KeySpan’s $11.8 billion sale to National Grid

 

   

Chicago Board of Trade’s Special Transaction Committee in its $11.1 billion merger with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange

 

   

Alinta’s A$9.2 billion sale to a consortium of Babcock & Brown and Singapore Power

 

   

Dollar General’s $7.3 billion sale to KKR

 

   

Microsoft’s $6.0 billion acquisition of aQuantive

 

   

Nestlé’s $5.5 billion acquisition of Gerber and its $2.5 billion acquisition of the medical nutrition business of Novartis

 

   

American Standard’s $3.8 billion spin-off of WABCO

 

   

First Choice Holidays’ £1.7 billion merger with TUI Travel

 

   

Arrow International’s $2.0 billion sale to Teleflex

 

   

Caisse d’Epargne’s €1.3 billion strategic partnership in real estate with Nexity

 

   

Carlyle Group’s €1.0 billion combination of Zodiac’s Marine division with WaterPik

 

   

Barclays Private Equity’s €800 million sale of TUJA to Adecco

 

   

Royal Bank of Scotland’s £452 million sale of Bank of America’s London HQ at Canary Wharf

 

   

Air Liquide’s €550 million acquisition of Lurgi

 

   

Ameristar Casinos’ $675 million acquisition of Resorts East Chicago

 

   

Groupama’s €486 million sale of the Gan Tower (La Defense business district) to Fonciere des Regions

 

   

BlueScope Steel’s A$700 acquisition of the steel and metal merchandising division of Smorgon Steel

 

   

America First Apartment Investors’ $532 million sale to an affiliate of Sentinel Real Estate

 

   

IXEurope’s £254 million sale to Equinix

 

   

Eckes in the sale of its spirits division to Oaktree

 

   

Louis Dreyfus Group’s reorganization of family shareholdings

 

   

MF Global in its separation from Man Group

Pending, announced M&A transactions on which Lazard has advised or continued to advise since September 30, 2007, include:

 

   

Acciona in its agreement with Enel concerning their €43.7 billion transaction with respect to Endesa

 

   

Gaz de France’s €37.8 billion merger with Suez

 

   

Groupe Danone’s €12.3 billion offer for Royal Numico and its $7.2 billion sale of its Biscuits and Cereal Products business to Kraft Foods

 

   

Coles Group’s A$18.0 billion sale to Wesfarmers

 

   

Resolution plc on offers received of about £5 billion to acquire its business

 

   

Penn National Gaming’s $8.9 billion sale to funds affiliated with Fortress and Centerbridge

 

   

Florida Rock’s $4.6 billion sale to Vulcan Materials

 

   

PPG’s €2.2 billion offer for SigmaKalon Group

 

   

Sempra Energy’s $2.7 billion commodity marketing joint venture with Royal Bank of Scotland

 

   

Royal Bank of Scotland’s £1.0 billion sale of Citigroup Tower

 

   

France Telecom’s €1.4 billion acquisition of One GmbH with Mid Europa Partners

 

   

American Standard’s $1.8 billion sale of its Bath and Kitchen business to Bain Capital

 

   

France Telecom’s €1.3 billion sale of Orange mobile and internet operations in the Netherlands to Deutsche Telekom

 

- 4 -


   

ITT’s $1.7 billion acquisition of EDO

 

   

Catalina Marketing’s Special Committee in its $1.7 billion sale to Hellman & Friedman

 

   

Minnesota Steel’s sale to Essar and Essar’s $1.7 billion investment in an integrated steel plant

 

   

Aldabra’s $1.6 billion acquisition of paper and packaging assets from Boise Cascade

 

   

Medco Health Solution’s $1.5 billion acquisition of PolyMedica

 

   

American Express’ $1.1 billion sale of American Express Bank to Standard Chartered

 

   

Veolia Environnement’s $788 million acquisition of Thermal North America

 

   

Telent’s £398 million sale to Co-Investment No. 5 LP (Pension Corporation)

 

   

IBM’s SEK 5.2 billion acquisition of Telelogic

 

   

Hearst’s $600 million acquisition of the public minority stake in Hearst-Argyle Television

 

   

InBev’s €419 million sale of 90% of Immobrew (Belgian and Dutch real estate) to Cofinimmo

 

   

Lattelecom’s $570 million sale to the Blackstone Group

 

   

Schneider Electric’s €425 million sale of MGE UPS Systems operations in small systems to Eaton

 

   

Infineon Technologies’ €367 million acquisition of the mobility products business of LSI

 

   

Eiffage S.A. in its defense against an approach by Sacyr

 

   

Advent and The Carlyle Group’s sale of HT Troplast to Arcapita

 

   

L’Oreal USA’s acquisition of Maly’s West

 

   

Emap in its review of its strategic options

Financial Restructuring

Financial Restructuring operating revenue was $94.9 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $50.2 million for the first nine months of 2006, and was $56.2 million for the 2007 third quarter, compared to $15.6 million for the third quarter of 2006.

Notable announced assignments since the second quarter of 2007 include: Movie Gallery, Tarragon Corporation and Technical Olympic USA. Restructuring assignments completed in the third quarter of 2007 include Tower Automotive, Northwest Airlines Creditors Committee, Sons of Gwalia and InSight Health Services. In addition, third quarter revenue included our contingent fee in connection with the Eurotunnel restructuring. We are continuing our work on a number of other Restructuring assignments, including those involving Collins & Aikman, Calpine’s Unsecured Creditors Committee, an ad hoc committee of second lien holders in connection with Dura Automotive’s Chapter 11 filing and the UAW in connection with its ongoing contract discussions with GM, Ford and Chrysler over their retiree health care obligations and in connection with Delphi’s bankruptcy.

Corporate Finance and Other

Corporate Finance and Other operating revenue was $96.8 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $76.0 million for the first nine months of 2006, and was $28.3 million for the 2007 third quarter compared to $18.3 million for the third quarter of 2006. These increases were primarily driven by the fact that we advised on a number of recent capital markets transactions, including Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation transactions (SPACs) for Hicks Acquisition Co. and Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corp. Lazard’s Equity Capital Markets group advised First Solar on its secondary equity offering, and E-House China Holdings on its IPO, among others.

Our Alternative Capital Finance Group also has served as placement agent on a number of Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPEs) and Registered Direct Offerings (RDs). Notable transactions during the third quarter included a PIPE for Via Pharmaceuticals and an RD for CombinatoRx. We also advised Euromedica on its private placement of equity and convertible bonds.

 

- 5 -


Asset Management

Asset Management operating revenue increased 30% to $486.1 million and 42% to $177.5 for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, both record levels, compared with $373.9 million and $124.9 million for the corresponding 2006 periods.

Management fees increased 31% to a record $430.3 million and 40% to a record $157.4 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, compared with $328.7 million and $112.7 million for the corresponding 2006 periods. Average AUM rose 44% for the third quarter of 2007 to $138.7 billion from $96.6 billion for the third quarter of 2006. AUM at the end of the third quarter of 2007 were $142.1 billion, representing a 29% increase over the level of AUM at year-end 2006, due principally to net asset inflows of $17.5 billion and market appreciation of $13.1 billion for the first nine months of 2007. With net asset inflows in the third quarter of $3.3 billion, Lazard has now achieved net asset inflows in seven of the last eight quarters.

Incentive fees were $18.1 million and $7.3 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, compared with $17.4 million and $3.4 million for the comparable 2006 periods. Incentive fees are recorded on the measurement date, which for most of Lazard’s funds that are subject to incentive fees fall in the fourth quarter.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits

The ratio of compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue measured 56.7% for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, compared to 57.0% for the comparable 2006 periods. Compensation and benefits expense increased 29% to $792.2 million and 79% to $323.2 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, compared with $615.3 million and $181.0 million for the respective 2006 periods, reflecting increases in operating revenue in the respective periods.

Non-Compensation

Non-compensation expenses, excluding $18.2 million in amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions completed during the third quarter, were $236.2 million or 16.9% of operating revenue and $82.1 million or 14.4% of operating revenue for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, compared to $193.4 million or 17.9% of operating revenue and $67.3 million or 21.2% of operating revenue for the comparable 2006 periods. The increase reflects one-time VAT and other recoveries in the first nine months of 2006, as well as increases in 2007 in expenses related to (i) increased business activity, including fund administration and services associated with the growth in AUM, (ii) investments in our businesses including recruitment costs, travel and other market development costs, and (iii) the impact of the strengthening of the Euro, Pound and other currencies against the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the first nine months of 2007 includes a $4 million provision for occupancy and equipment costs relating to leases on abandoned space, which was recorded in the second quarter of 2007.

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.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes on a U.S. GAAP basis was $65.7 million and $28.3 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, compared with a provision for income taxes of $44.8 million and $10.2 million for the corresponding 2006 periods. The effective tax rates for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007 were 23.0% and 23.9% respectively, compared to 21.1% and 20.6% for the corresponding 2006 periods. On a fully exchanged basis, the effective tax rate for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007 and 2006 was 28% in each period.

 

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Minority Interest

Minority interest expense, assuming full exchange of minority interests, was $8.1 million and $2.5 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, representing the LAM general partnership interests held by certain of our managing directors. In the corresponding 2006 periods, minority interest expense was $3.1 million and a $0.6 million, respectively.

Minority interest expense on a US GAAP basis also includes the minority interest attributable to the exchangeable interests held by LAZ-MD Holdings LLC. Such minority interest expense increased due to the significant increase in operating income in the third quarter, offset in part as the decrease in the ownership interest represented by the exchangeable interests declined to 52% in the first nine months and third quarter of 2007 compared to 62% in the corresponding 2006 periods, as a result of the primary and secondary offering of the Company’s common stock in December 2006.

Strategic Business Developments

During the third quarter of 2007, Lazard continued to execute on transactions as part of its five-year strategy to enhance the firm’s financial advisory capabilities in geographies and markets where it anticipates significant growth opportunities.

 

   

On July 31, Lazard completed its acquisition of Carnegie, Wylie & Company, one of Australia’s leading independent financial advisory firms. We have integrated the acquisition with our existing Australian business, and it is operating as Lazard Carnegie Wylie. Located in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the firm provides mergers and acquisitions advisory services, and manages a private equity fund.

 

   

On August 13, Lazard completed the acquisition of Goldsmith Agio Helms, a specialist investment bank focused on financial advisory for U.S. mid-sized private companies. As a result, Lazard added to its geographic footprint, especially in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Chicago, and through this new growth initiative, Lazard Middle Market will provide access for Lazard’s current Financial Advisory clients to mid-sized, U.S. private companies.

 

   

In September 2007, Lazard expanded into two new markets by opening offices in Boston, as part of its global technology expansion, and Zurich, as part of the firm’s commitment to expand its European Financial Advisory business.

 

   

Also in September 2007, the firm announced it had hired Ken Costa, Chairman of Lazard International, to lead the firm’s UK Investment Banking business alongside William Rucker, CEO of Lazard in London. Mr. Costa joined the firm from UBS, where he was Chairman of Investment Banking for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

 

   

During the third quarter, Lazard has activated its cooperation agreement with Raiffeisen, to jointly pursue financial advisory assignments in Russia, and Central and Eastern Europe.

Lazard’s nine-month and third-quarter 2007 results include $46 million in revenues related to the recent acquisitions of Carnegie Wylie and Goldsmith Agio Helms. However, principally as a result of purchase accounting adjustments, the acquisitions did not significantly impact the firm’s fully diluted net income per share for both the nine-month period in 2007 and the third quarter of 2007.

 

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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 assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis)

 

   

Operating Revenue

 

   

Minority interest assuming full exchange of exchangeable 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 35 cities across 17 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and capital raising, 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.

###

 

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LAZARD LTD

OPERATING REVENUE

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    

2007

   

2006

    Increase /
(Decrease)
   

2007

   

2006

    Increase /
(Decrease)
 
            
     ($ in thousands)  

Financial Advisory

                

M&A

   $ 295,401     $ 153,215     $ 142,186     93 %   $ 655,787     $ 545,054     $ 110,733     20 %

Financial Restructuring

     56,161       15,562       40,599     261 %     94,854       50,202       44,652     89 %

Corporate Finance and Other

     28,255       18,291       9,964     54 %     96,809       76,013       20,796     27 %
                                                    

Total

     379,817       187,068       192,749     103 %     847,450       671,269       176,181     26 %

Asset Management

                

Management Fees

     157,424       112,726       44,698     40 %     430,293       328,734       101,559     31 %

Incentive Fees

     7,315       3,423       3,892     114 %     18,073       17,362       711     4 %

Other Revenue

     12,798       8,720       4,078     47 %     37,737       27,809       9,928     36 %
                                                    

Total

     177,537       124,869       52,668     42 %     486,103       373,905       112,198     30 %

Corporate

     12,164       5,668       6,496     —         63,688       34,394       29,294     —    
                                                    

Operating Revenue*

     569,518       317,605       251,913     79 %     1,397,241       1,079,568       317,673     29 %

LAM GP Related Revenue

     2,521       600       1,921     —         8,076       3,137       4,939     —    

Other Interest Expense

     (29,991 )     (20,693 )     (9,298 )   —         (72,711 )     (62,027 )     (10,684 )   —    
                                                    

Net Revenue

   $ 542,048     $ 297,512     $ 244,536     82 %   $ 1,332,606     $ 1,020,678     $ 311,928     31 %
                                                    

* Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue relating to the consolidation of LAM General Partnerships, each of which are included in net revenue.

 

- 9 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Total revenue (a)

   $ 577,601     $ 323,422     $ 1,423,391     $ 1,094,434  

LFB interest expense

     (8,083 )     (5,817 )     (26,150 )     (14,866 )
                                

Operating revenue

     569,518       317,605       1,397,241       1,079,568  

LAM GP related revenue

     2,521       600       8,076       3,137  

Other interest expense

     (29,991 )     (20,693 )     (72,711 )     (62,027 )
                                

Net revenue

     542,048       297,512       1,332,606       1,020,678  

Operating expenses:

        

Compensation and benefits

     323,152       180,982       792,236       615,269  

Occupancy and equipment

     21,462       18,257       65,436       55,710  

Marketing and business development

     16,898       13,852       50,264       41,702  

Technology and information services

     15,204       11,943       41,971       35,914  

Professional services

     13,166       14,316       35,695       34,366  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     6,074       3,703       15,042       10,831  

Amortization of intangible assets (b)

     18,156       —         18,156       —    

Other

     9,350       5,266       27,789       14,884  
                                

Total non-compensation expense

     100,310       67,337       254,353       193,407  
                                

Operating expenses

     423,462       248,319       1,046,589       808,676  
                                

Operating income

     118,586       49,193       286,017       212,002  

Provision for income taxes

     28,284       10,153       65,658       44,827  
                                

Income before minority interest in net income

     90,302       39,040       220,359       167,175  

Minority interest in net income (excluding LAZ-MD)

     2,523       604       8,081       3,144  

Minority interest in net income (LAZ-MD only)

     47,512       25,278       116,361       107,642  
                                

Net income

   $ 40,267     $ 13,158     $ 95,917     $ 56,389  
                                

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (c)

   $ 83,565     $ 34,983     $ 200,113     $ 150,376  
                                

Weighted average shares outstanding (d):

        

Basic

     51,078,444       37,388,185       51,318,879       37,457,275  

Diluted

     116,344,656       41,577,615       61,879,027       41,747,068  

Net income per share:

        

Basic

   $ 0.79     $ 0.35     $ 1.87     $ 1.51  

Diluted

   $ 0.73     $ 0.34     $ 1.72     $ 1.45  

Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (d):

        

Basic

     106,641,641       99,486,633       107,230,445       99,562,490  

Diluted

     116,344,656       103,676,063       117,790,593       104,305,340  

Net income per share - assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests:

        

Basic

   $ 0.78     $ 0.35     $ 1.87     $ 1.51  

Diluted

   $ 0.73     $ 0.34     $ 1.72     $ 1.45  

(a) Excluding LAM General Partnership related revenue
(b) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes amortization expense related to the $30,987 of intangible assets recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as a result of the acquisition of Goldsmith Agio Helms & Lynner, LLC (“GAHL”) and Carnegie, Wylie & Company (“CWC”).
(c) Represents a reversal of the minority 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 as of January 1, 2006 (see “Reconciliation of US GAAP to Full Exchange Results”).
(d) See “Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net Income Per Share”.

 

- 10 -


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
    

Sept. 30,

2007

   June 30,
2007
   Mar. 31,
2007
   Dec. 31,
2006
   Sept. 30,
2006
   June 30,
2006
   Mar. 31,
2006
  

Pro Forma(a)

Dec. 31,

2005

                       
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Financial Advisory

                       

M&A

   $ 295,401    $ 164,318    $ 196,068    $ 247,483    $ 153,215    $ 197,856    $ 193,983    $ 182,984

Financial Restructuring

     56,161      29,073      9,620      20,423      15,562      21,047      13,593      23,037

Corporate Finance and Other

     28,255      51,619      16,935      34,260      18,291      43,149      14,573      32,216
                                                       

Total

     379,817      245,010      222,623      302,166      187,068      262,052      222,149      238,237

Asset Management

                       

Management Fees

     157,424      142,230      130,639      121,589      112,726      112,203      103,805      98,366

Incentive Fees

     7,315      5,752      5,006      42,009      3,423      7,456      6,483      33,977

Other Revenue

     12,798      13,666      11,272      10,961      8,720      10,159      8,930      7,170
                                                       

Total

     177,537      161,648      146,917      174,559      124,869      129,818      119,218      139,513

Corporate

     12,164      32,868      18,657      14,774      5,668      18,970      9,756      9,965
                                                       

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 569,518    $ 439,526    $ 388,197    $ 491,499    $ 317,605    $ 410,840    $ 351,123    $ 387,715
                                                       

Operating income (c)

   $ 118,586    $ 89,163    $ 78,268    $ 115,207    $ 49,193    $ 84,693    $ 78,116    $ 77,084
                                                       

Net income

   $ 40,267    $ 29,296    $ 26,354    $ 36,596    $ 13,158    $ 23,545    $ 19,686    $ 21,743
                                                       

Net income per share

                       

Basic

   $ 0.79    $ 0.57    $ 0.51    $ 0.88    $ 0.35    $ 0.63    $ 0.52    $ 0.58

Diluted

   $ 0.73    $ 0.52    $ 0.47    $ 0.78    $ 0.34    $ 0.59    $ 0.51    $ 0.57

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 83,565    $ 61,515    $ 55,033    $ 85,817    $ 34,983    $ 62,939    $ 52,454    $ 57,261
                                                       

Net income per share - assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

                       

Basic

   $ 0.78    $ 0.57    $ 0.51    $ 0.84    $ 0.35    $ 0.63    $ 0.53    $ 0.57

Diluted

   $ 0.73    $ 0.53    $ 0.47    $ 0.78    $ 0.34    $ 0.60    $ 0.51    $ 0.57

(a) The unaudited pro forma selected quarterly operating results for December 31, 2005 present Lazard’s historical financial information adjusted to reflect the separation and recapitalization transactions, including its initial public offering and the additional financing transactions, assuming they had been completed as of January 1, 2005.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) relating to the consolidation of LAM General Partnerships, each of which are included in net revenue.
(c) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and minority interests.

 

- 11 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

($ in thousands)

 

     September 30,
2007
   

December 31,

2006*

 
    
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 959,122     $ 969,483  

Cash segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations

     29,946       16,023  

Securities owned - at fair value **

     765,168       579,335  

Receivables

     1,021,726       1,234,896  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     184,292       16,945  

Other assets

     547,142       391,983  
                

Total assets

   $ 3,507,396     $ 3,208,665  
                
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY     

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 914,039     $ 1,195,014  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     341,670       437,738  

Other liabilities

     534,403       473,712  

Senior notes:

    

Underlying equity security units

     437,500       437,500  

Others

     1,155,351       649,557  

Subordinated loans

     150,000       200,000  
                

Total liabilities

     3,532,963       3,393,521  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Minority interest

     48,972       55,497  

Stockholders' deficiency

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Series A

     —         —    

Series B

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Class A

     517       516  

Class B

     —         —    

Additional paid-in capital

     (249,602 )     (396,792 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     52,187       32,494  

Retained earnings

     194,563       127,608  
                
     (2,335 )     (236,174 )

Less: Class A common stock held by a subsidiary, at cost

     (72,204 )     (4,179 )
                

Total stockholders' deficiency

     (74,539 )     (240,353 )
                

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders' deficiency

   $ 3,507,396     $ 3,208,665  
                

* Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
** At September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, 29% and 1%, respectively, of securities owned - at fair value represent corporate investments primarily in equity securities.

 

- 12 -


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

BEFORE FULL EXCHANGE

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Basic

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 40,267    $ 13,158    $ 95,917    $ 56,389

Add (deduct) - net income associated with Class A common shares issuable on a non-contingent basis (a)

     173      —        173      —  
                           

Basic net income

   $ 40,440    $ 13,158    $ 96,090    $ 56,389
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding (a)

     51,078,444      37,388,185      51,318,879      37,457,275
                           

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.79    $ 0.35    $ 1.87    $ 1.51
                           

Diluted

           

Numerator:

           

Basic net income

   $ 40,440    $ 13,158    $ 96,090    $ 56,389

Add (deduct) - dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:

           

Interest expense on convertible notes, net of tax

     460      —        1,385      —  

Minority interest in net income resulting from assumed share issuances (see incremental issuable shares in the denominator calculation below) and Ltd level income tax effect

     43,542      880      9,007      3,938
                           

Diluted net income

   $ 84,442    $ 14,038    $ 106,482    $ 60,327
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

     51,078,444      37,388,185      51,318,879      37,457,275

Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:

           

Equity security units

     4,091,143      3,219,113      5,395,017      3,481,668

Restricted stock units

     2,368,298      970,317      2,329,560      808,125

Convertible notes (b)

     2,631,570      —        2,631,570      —  

Exchangeable interests (c)

     55,563,197      —        —        —  

Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (d)

     612,004      —        204,001      —  
                           

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     116,344,656      41,577,615      61,879,027      41,747,068
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.73    $ 0.34    $ 1.72    $ 1.45
                           

(a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 425,509 and 141,836 weighted average shares, respectively related to 815,558 shares of Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of GAHL.
(b) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, the shares assumed issued from convertible notes were not dilutive.
(c) For the nine month period ended September 30, 2007 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, the LAZ-MD exchangeable interests were not dilutive, consequently, the effect of their conversion to shares of Class A common stock has been excluded from diluted earnings per share during such period.
(d) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 9,724 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and 277 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock that will be convertible into Class A common stock on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of CWC. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock will be dependant, 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.

 

- 13 -


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE

ASSUMING FULL EXCHANGE OF EXCHANGEABLE INTERESTS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2006

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,    Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006    2007    2006
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Basic

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 83,565    $ 34,983    $ 200,113    $ 150,376
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding (a)

     106,641,641      99,486,633      107,230,445      99,562,490
                           

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.78    $ 0.35    $ 1.87    $ 1.51
                           

Diluted

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 83,565    $ 34,983    $ 200,113    $ 150,376

Add dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:

           

Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax

     877      —        2,633      458
                           

Diluted net income

   $ 84,442    $ 34,983    $ 202,746    $ 150,834
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

     106,641,641      99,486,633      107,230,445      99,562,490

Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:

           

Equity security units

     4,091,143      3,219,113      5,395,017      3,481,668

Restricted stock units

     2,368,298      970,317      2,329,560      808,125

Convertible notes (b)

     2,631,570      —        2,631,570      453,057

Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (c)

     612,004      —        204,001      —  
                           

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     116,344,656      103,676,063      117,790,593      104,305,340
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.73    $ 0.34    $ 1.72    $ 1.45
                           

(a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 425,509 and 141,836 weighted average shares, respectively related to 815,558 shares of Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of GAHL.
(b) For the three month period ended September 30, 2006, the shares assumed issued from convertible notes were not dilutive.
(c) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 9,724 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and 277 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock that will be convertible into Class A common stock on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of CWC. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock will be dependant, 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.

RECONCILIATION OF US GAAP TO FULL EXCHANGE RESULTS

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
     ($ in thousands)  

Net income - US GAAP

   $ 40,267     $ 13,158     $ 95,917     $ 56,389  

Provision for income taxes (d)

     (4,214 )     (3,453 )     (12,165 )     (13,655 )

Minority interest in net income (LAZ-MD only) (e)

     47,512       25,278       116,361       107,642  
                                

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 83,565     $ 34,983     $ 200,113     $ 150,376  
                                

(d) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision to effect a full exchange of LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests at an effective rate of 28.0% of operating income less LAM GP related revenue.
(e) Represents a reversal of the minority interests related to LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests to effect a full exchange of interests as of January 1, 2006.

 

- 14 -


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

 

     As of
     September 30,
2007
   June 30,
2007
   March 31,
2007
   December 31,
2006
   September 30,
2006
              
     ($ in millions)

Equities

   $ 120,602    $ 114,805    $ 105,483    $ 92,194    $ 81,786

Fixed Income

     13,956      13,232      12,587      11,823      11,113

Alternative Investments

     3,609      3,581      3,292      3,457      3,653

Private Equity

     1,117      1,100      936      883      854

Cash

     2,800      2,632      2,554      2,080      1,928
                                  

Total AUM

   $ 142,084    $ 135,350    $ 124,852    $ 110,437    $ 99,334
                                  

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,
     2007    2006     2007    2006
     ($ in millions)     ($ in millions)

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 135,350    $ 93,901     $ 110,437    $ 88,234

Net Flows

     3,295      1,693       17,485      983

Market Appreciation

     2,733      3,792       13,122      9,337

Foreign Currency Adjustments

     706      (52 )     1,040      780
                            

AUM - End of Period

   $ 142,084    $ 99,334     $ 142,084    $ 99,334
                            

Average AUM *

   $ 138,717    $ 96,618     $ 128,181    $ 94,151
                            

* Average AUM is based on an average of quarterly ending balances for the respective periods.

 

- 15 -


LAZARD LTD

SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAX PROVISION

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
Lazard Ltd Consolidated Effective Tax Rate    ($ in thousands)  

Operating Income

        

Lazard Group

        

Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings (weighted average ownership of 51.8% and 52.0% and 62.3% and 62.4% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively)

   $ 61,440     $ 30,691     $ 148,917     $ 132,517  

Allocable to Lazard Ltd (weighted average ownership of 48.2% and 48.0% and 37.7% and 37.6% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively)

     57,130       18,539       137,551       80,005  
                                

Total Lazard Group operating income

     118,570       49,230       286,468       212,522  

Lazard Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiaries

     16       (37 )     (451 )     (520 )
                                

Total Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income

   $ 118,586     $ 49,193     $ 286,017     $ 212,002  
                                

Provision for income taxes

        

Lazard Group (effective tax rates of 20.6% and 19.0% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 16.4% and 17.3% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006, respectively)

        

Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings

   $ 12,624     $ 5,036     $ 28,356     $ 22,901  

Allocable to Lazard Ltd

     11,744       3,045       26,208       13,826  
                                

Total Lazard Group provision for income taxes

     24,368       8,081       54,564       36,727  

Tax adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level (a)

     3,916       2,072       11,094       8,100  
                                

Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes

   $ 28,284     $ 10,153     $ 65,658     $ 44,827  
                                

Lazard Ltd consolidated effective tax rate

     23.9 %     20.6 %     23.0 %     21.1 %
                                

Lazard Ltd Fully Exchanged Tax Rate

        

Operating Income

        

Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income

     118,586       49,193       286,017       212,002  

Less: LAM GP related loss/(revenue) allocable to Lazard Ltd

     (2,521 )     (600 )     (8,076 )     (3,137 )
                                

Operating income excluding LAM GP related revenue

   $ 116,065     $ 48,593     $ 277,941     $ 208,865  
                                

Provision for income taxes

        

Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes

   $ 28,284     $ 10,153     $ 65,658     $ 44,827  

Tax adjustment for full exchange (b)

     4,214       3,453       12,165       13,655  
                                

Total fully exchanged provision for income taxes

   $ 32,498     $ 13,606     $ 77,823     $ 58,482  
                                

Lazard Ltd fully exchanged tax rate

     28.0 %     28.0 %     28.0 %     28.0 %
                                

(a) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 from $11,744 to $15,660 and $26,208 to $37,302 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 from $3,045 to $5,117 and $13,826 to $21,926 to reflect an effective tax rate of 28.0% of Lazard Ltd's share of operating income less its share of LAM GP related revenue, respectively.
(b) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision to effect a full exchange of LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests at an effective rate of 28.0% of operating income less LAM GP related revenue.

 

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