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) July 30, 2008

 

 

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 July 30, 2008, Lazard Ltd issued a press release announcing financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended June 30, 2008. 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 July 30, 2008.


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: July 30, 2008

 

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 July 30, 2008.
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, +44 207 187 2305   Jean Greene, +1 212 632 1905
richard.creswell@lazard.com   investorrelations@lazard.com

LAZARD LTD REPORTS FIRST-HALF AND SECOND-QUARTER 2008 RESULTS

– Net Income Per Share (diluted), on a fully exchanged basis,

of $0.71 for first-half and $0.54 for second-quarter 2008 –

Highlights

 

   

Core operating business revenue(a) increased 9% to a first-half record of $848.7 million and increased 15% to a second-quarter record of $467.8 million

 

   

Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 7% to a first-half record of $501.4 million and increased 18% to a second-quarter record of $289.0 million

 

   

M&A operating revenue increased 9% to $391.1 million in the first half of 2008 and increased 37% to a second-quarter record of $225.1 million

 

   

Asset Management operating revenue increased 13% to a first-half record of $347.3 million and increased 11% to a second-quarter record of $178.8 million; assets under management (AUM) of $134.1 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2008 included net inflows of $2.6 billion during the quarter

 

   

Corporate revenue was $26.2 million in the second quarter of 2008

 

   

Operating revenue(b) increased 1% to a first-half record of $835.2 million and increased 12% to a second-quarter record of $494.0 million

 

   

Net income on a fully-exchanged basis(c) decreased 31% to $80.5 million, or $0.71 per share (diluted), for the first half of the year and increased 5% to $64.6 million, or $0.54 per share (diluted), for the second quarter of 2008

NEW YORK, July 30, 2008 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today announced financial results for the first half and quarter ended June 30, 2008. Net income on a fully exchanged basis was $80.5 million, or $0.71 per share (diluted), for the first half of 2008, compared to $116.5 million, or $1.00 per share (diluted), for the first half of 2007. Net income on a fully exchanged basis was $64.6 million, or $0.54 per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $61.5 million, or $0.53 per share (diluted) for the second quarter of 2007.

 

(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses, and excludes the results of all investments in Corporate.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) relating to the consolidation of General Partnerships, each of which are included in net revenue.
(c) Refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD Holdings and is a non-GAAP measure.


Core operating business revenue increased 9% to a first-half record of $848.7 million, compared to $776.2 million for the first half of 2007, reflecting continued solid performance in Lazard’s core operating businesses of Financial Advisory and Asset Management. Financial Advisory operating revenue, which includes M&A and Strategic Advisory, Restructuring and Corporate Finance, increased 7% to a first-half record of $501.4 million, compared to $467.6 million for the first half of 2007. Asset Management operating revenue increased 13% to a first half record of $347.3 million, compared to $308.6 million in the first half of 2007.

Operating revenue was a first-half record of $835.2 million, compared to $827.7 million for the first half of 2007. Operating income(d) was $105.8 million for the first half of 2008, compared to $167.4 million for the first half of 2007, with the decrease primarily attributable to higher interest expense, facilities costs, business development expenses and continued investment in our businesses, offset by a modest increase in operating revenue.

Core operating business revenue increased 15% to a second-quarter record of $467.8 million, compared to $406.7 million in the second quarter of 2007, reflecting continued solid performance in Lazard’s core operating businesses of Financial Advisory and Asset Management. Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 18% to a second-quarter record of $289.0 million, compared to $245.0 million for the second quarter of 2007. Asset Management operating revenue increased 11% to a second-quarter record of $178.8 million, compared to $161.6 million in the second quarter of 2007.

Operating revenue increased 12% to a second-quarter record of $494.0 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $439.5 million for the second quarter of 2007. Operating revenue for the second quarter of 2008 includes Corporate revenue of $26.2 million, compared to $32.9 million for the second quarter of 2007. Operating income(d) was $87.7 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $89.2 million for the second quarter of 2007, with the decrease primarily attributable to higher interest expense, facilities costs, business development expenses and continued investment in our businesses, offset by the increase in operating revenue.

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

“We are pleased with the performance of our business in these turbulent times. Our core operating business of Financial Advisory and Asset Management achieved strong results, despite the ongoing softening of the markets,” said Bruce Wasserstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard.

“Although the outlook for market activity for the remainder of the year remains unclear, we are confident of the vitality of our firm and that our intellectual capital business model should continue to succeed,” said Mr. Wasserstein. “We also are focused on the long term. We continue to invest in our business, while providing our clients with strong, experienced teams of top talent, who are sought after by both strategic buyers and sellers, as well as asset management clients in this uncertain environment.”

 

(d) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and minority interests.

 

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“The volatile environment heightens the need for our experience, diversity and global breadth to meet and overcome the challenges for our clients,” said Steven J. Golub, Vice Chairman of Lazard. “We continue to serve as independent, strategic advisors on many precedent-setting, cross-border and exceedingly complex transactions, including serving as lead advisor to InBev in its $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch, the largest cash M&A transaction in history; Gaz de France’s €44.6 billion merger with Suez, forming a world energy leader in gas and electricity; the Haas Family Trusts in the $18.8 billion sale of Rohm and Haas to Dow Chemical, one of the largest chemical transactions; the independent directors of KKR Private Equity Investors in its combination with KKR; The Royal Bank of Scotland Group’s $7.0 billion sale of Angel Trains to a consortium of global infrastructure investment funds led by Babcock & Brown; and APP Pharmaceuticals’ $5.6 billion sale to Fresenius, strengthening the combined German-American entity’s leadership in injectable hospital based markets; as well as restructuring assignments around the world from Tropicana Entertainment in Las Vegas to Centro Properties in Australia.”

“Our Asset Management business has continued to do well and is providing a wider range of investment solutions for our clients,” said Mr. Golub. “We also are continuing to expand our Asset Management business both by geography and by product.”

“Although this year’s record first-half and second-quarter revenues are stronger than the same periods in 2007, the second half of the year remains uncertain because the markets remain unpredictable,” said Michael J. Castellano, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. “We expect that Financial Advisory revenue and income will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter and that quarterly patterns may differ from year to year. This is why it is always best to measure our results on an annual basis, particularly in this uncertain market.”

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.

Operating Revenue

Core Operating Business

Lazard’s core operating business includes our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses. Operating revenue for our core operating business increased 9% to a first-half record of $848.7 million for the first half of 2008 and grew 15% to a second-quarter record of $467.8 million for the second quarter of 2008. This included increases of 7% and 18% in first-half and second-quarter 2008 Financial Advisory revenue, and increases of 13% and 11% in Asset Management revenue for the respective 2008 periods.

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. Restructuring assignments normally are executed over a six- to eighteen-month period.

Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 7% to a first-half record of $501.4 million for the first half of 2008 and increased 18% to a second-quarter record of $289.0 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $467.6 million and $245.0 million for the respective 2007 periods.

 

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M&A and Strategic Advisory

M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue increased 9% to $391.1 million for the first half of 2008, compared to $360.4 million for the first half of 2007, and increased 37% to a second-quarter record of $225.1 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $164.3 million for the second quarter of 2007.

Among the completed transactions in the second quarter of 2008 on which Lazard advised, were the following:

 

   

Trane’s $10.1 billion sale to Ingersoll-Rand

 

   

Resolution plc’s £5.0 billion sale to Pearl Group

 

   

Zinifex’s A$6.2 billion merger with Oxiana

 

   

Louis Dreyfus’ €2.1 billion sale of its 29% stake in Neuf Cegetel to SFR

 

   

Quanex’ $1.7 billion merger with Gerdau and spin-off of its building products business to shareholders

 

   

Bear Stearns’ $1.4 billion sale to JPMorgan Chase

 

   

Cookson’s £626 million acquisition of Foseco

 

   

H&R Block’s $1.1 billion sale of Option One mortgage loan servicing business to WL Ross

 

   

Sodexo’s $845 million public tender offer to repurchase shares representing 7.8% of its capital

 

   

Alfa Corp.’s Special Committee in its $840 million privatization

 

   

IBM’s SEK 5.2 billion acquisition of Telelogic

 

   

Trico Marine Service’s $810 million acquisition of DeepOcean

 

   

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

Among the pending, announced M&A transactions on which Lazard advised in the second quarter or continued to advise since June 30, 2008, are:

 

   

BHP Billiton’s $147.4 billion offer for Rio Tinto

 

   

Gaz de France’s €44.6 billion merger with Suez

 

   

InBev’s $52.0 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch

 

   

Haas Family Trusts in Rohm and Haas’ $18.8 billion sale to Dow Chemical

 

   

Independent directors of KKR Private Equity Investors, L.P. in its combination with KKR

 

   

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group’s $7.0 billion sale of Angel Trains to a consortium led by Babcock & Brown

 

   

International Paper’s $6.0 billion acquisition of Weyerhaeuser’s packaging business

 

   

APP Pharmaceuticals’ $5.6 billion sale to Fresenius

 

   

Corn Products’ $4.8 billion sale to Bunge

 

   

ENI’s €2.7 billion acquisition of Suez’s 57.243% stake in Distrigas

 

   

Banque Populaire’s €2.1 billion acquisition of seven French regional banks from HSBC France

 

   

Geodis’ $2.5 billion sale to SNCF Participations

 

   

Criteria Caixa’s €1.5 billion acquisition of a 20% stake in GFInbursa

 

   

Meinl Bank’s €1.3 billion sale of right to manage Meinl European Land and new investment in Meinl European Land by Gazit Globe and Citi Property Investors

 

   

TM International’s INR72.9 billion acquisition of a 14.99% stake in Idea Cellular, and Idea Cellular’s subsequent merger with Spice Communications

 

   

Century Aluminum’s $1.7 billion unwinding of primary aluminum financial forward sales contracts

 

   

Penn National Gaming on raising $1.25 billion in new capital principally from private equity funds affiliated with Fortress and Centerbridge Partners

 

   

ING in its $900 million acquisition of CitiStreet

 

- 4 -


   

Polaris Acquisition Corp.’s $700 million acquisition of Hughes Telematics

 

   

GrainCorp’s A$592 million scrip takeover offer for Ridley Corporation

 

   

Capgemini’s €255 million acquisition of Getronics PinkRoccade Business Application Services

 

   

Church & Dwight’s $380 million acquisition of Del Pharmaceuticals from Coty

Financial Restructuring

Financial Restructuring operating revenue was $48.2 million for the first half of 2008, compared to $38.7 million for the first half of 2007, and was $32.7 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $29.1 million for the second quarter of 2007.

Notable Restructuring assignments completed in the second quarter of 2008 include advising Plastech Engineered Products in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy and asset sales; Movie Gallery on strategic issues, creditor negotiations and development of a plan of reorganization in connection with its emergence from bankruptcy; IAP Worldwide Services in connection with the out-of-court restructuring of its bank debt; and Weston Presidio with regards to its interest in Tekni-Plex.

We continue our work on a number of other Restructuring assignments both in and out-of-court in the second quarter 2008, including:

Chapter 11 restructuring advisory assignments:

 

   

Tropicana Casino & Resorts

 

   

Technical Olympic USA (TOUSA)

 

   

Wellman Inc.

 

   

LandSource Communities Development LLC

 

   

UAW in connection with Delphi’s bankruptcy

Other restructuring advisory assignments:

 

   

Centro Properties Limited

 

   

Tarragon Corporation

 

   

WCI Communities Inc

 

   

UAW in implementing its VEBA settlements with GM, Ford and Chrysler

 

   

Vertis Inc.

 

   

Journal Register Company

 

   

BLB Management Services

 

   

Inmobiliaria Colonial

Corporate Finance and Other

Corporate Finance and Other operating revenue decreased to $62.1 million for the first half of 2008 compared to $68.6 million for the first half of 2007, and decreased to $31.2 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $51.6 million for the second quarter of 2007. These results were due to a decline during the second quarter in the value of fund closings by our Private Fund Advisory Group and public offerings advised by our Equity Capital Markets Group. Our Equity Capital Markets transaction assignments in the second quarter of 2008 included advising Eurotunnel, Equitable Resources and Renesola on their follow-on capital raising transactions. In addition, the equity capital markets group also advised Endo Pharmaceuticals, Energy Conversion Devices and LDK Solar on their recent convertible securities offerings.

 

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Our Alternative Capital Finance Group also has served as placement agent on a number of Private Investment in Public Equity transactions (PIPEs) and Registered Direct Offerings (RDs). Notable assignments during the second quarter included PIPEs for Trico Marine and China Cablecom and RDs for Dendreon Corporation and Pacific Ethanol.

Asset Management

Asset Management operating revenue increased 13% to a first-half record of $347.3 million and 11% to a second-quarter record of $178.8 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, respectively, compared with $308.6 million and $161.6 million for the corresponding 2007 periods.

Management fees increased 15% to a first-half record of $315.1 million and 10% to a second-quarter record of $157.1 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, respectively, compared with $272.9 million and $142.2 million for the corresponding 2007 periods. Average assets under management rose 11% for the first half of 2008 to $136.6 billion from $123.5 billion for the first half of 2007. Assets under management at the end of the second quarter of 2008 were $134.1 billion, representing a 5% decrease from the level of assets under management at year-end 2007, as $4.3 billion of net inflows were offset by market depreciation of $12.6 billion over the 2008 six-month period. With net inflows in the second quarter of $2.6 billion, Lazard has now achieved net inflows in nine of the last eleven quarters.

Incentive fees were $8.4 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, compared with $10.8 million and $5.8 million for the comparable 2007 periods. Incentive fees are recorded on the measurement date, which for most of our funds that are subject to incentive fees falls in the fourth quarter.

Corporate

Corporate operating revenue was a negative $13.4 million in the first half of 2008, compared to income of $51.5 million in the first half of 2007, as the 2008 revenue was adversely impacted by mark-downs and losses reported in the first quarter of 2008. Corporate operating revenue was $26.2 million in the second quarter of 2008, compared to $32.9 million in the second quarter of 2007, as the 2007 revenue included a gain of $9.3 million representing our interest in the net proceeds from the sale by LFCM Holdings of a portion of its interest in Panmure Gordon & Co. plc. The improvement in the second quarter Corporate operating revenue, compared to the first quarter of 2008, was primarily due to reducing the volatility of our portfolio of debt securities to more closely align it with our long-term hold strategy.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits

The ratio of compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 56.7% for the first halves and second quarters of both 2008 and 2007. Compensation and benefits expense increased 1% to $473.6 million and 12% to $280.0 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to $469.1 million and $249.0 million for the first half and second quarter of 2007, respectively, consistent with the increase in operating revenue compared to the same periods in 2007.

Non-Compensation

Non-compensation expenses were $196.1 million and $99.6 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to $154.0 million and $83.2 million for the comparable 2007 periods. The ratio of non-compensation expenses to operating revenue was 23.0% and 19.7% in the first half and second quarter of 2008, compared to 18.6% and 18.9% in the respective 2007 periods. The ratios for the 2008 periods exclude the effect of amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions completed in the second half of 2007.

 

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Factors contributing to the increases include (i) the impact of new offices, acquisitions made in the second half of 2007 and other investments in our businesses, (ii) increased business development expenses for travel, market related data and AUM growth, and (iii) the continued impact of the weakened U.S. Dollar. In addition, the first halves of 2008 and 2007 expenses include a provision of $4.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, for costs related to leases on abandoned space. The 2008 provision was recorded in the first quarter and the 2007 provision was recorded in the second quarter.

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 fully exchanged basis was $26.8 million for the first half of 2008, compared to $45.3 million for the first half of 2007, and was $21.5 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $23.9 million for the second quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate for the first half and second quarter of 2008 was 25%, compared to 28% for the corresponding 2007 periods, exclusive of LAM general partnership interest-related revenue.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, the provision for income taxes was $23.0 million and $18.1 million for the first half and second quarter of 2008, respectively, compared with a provision for income taxes of $37.4 million and $20.3 million in the corresponding 2007 periods. The effective tax rate was 21.7% and 20.6% for the respective periods in 2008, compared to 22.3% and 22.8% in the corresponding 2007 periods.

Minority Interest

Minority interest, assuming full exchange of minority interests, amounted to a negative $1.6 million in the 2008 first half, compared to a positive $5.6 million in the first half of 2007, and a positive $1.6 in the second quarter of 2008 compared to a positive $3.7 million in the second quarter of 2007. Minority interest was included in net revenues and is attributable to various LAM-related general partnership interests held by our managing directors.

Minority interest expense on a US GAAP basis also includes the minority interest attributable to the exchangeable interests held by LAZ-MD Holdings LLC (LAZ-MD).

Capital and Other Matters

At June 30, 2008, Lazard reported total stockholders’ equity of $352.8 million. Equity, on a fully exchanged basis(e), was $526.4 million. During the second quarter of 2008, Lazard repurchased 1.245 million shares of Class A common stock for an aggregate cost of $46.0 million. Lazard’s remaining share repurchase authorization at June 30, 2008 was $243.1 million.

On May 15, 2008, Lazard settled the Forward Purchase Contracts underlying the Equity Security Units (ESUs) for $437.5 million in cash and issued 14.6 million shares of Class A common stock. Also on May 15, 2008, Lazard Group settled the remarketing of its $437.5 million in Senior Notes underlying our ESUs by repurchasing the remarketed notes for $438.6 million.

 

(e) Refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD Holdings and is a non-GAAP measure

 

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Strategic Business Developments

During the second quarter of 2008, and in the past month, Lazard continued to invest in both its Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses. The investments support the firm’s five-year strategy to create growth opportunities.

 

   

In our Financial Advisory business we added new senior advisory talent to our aerospace & defense sectors and the Lazard Middle Market business in the U.S. We also continued to strengthen our cross-border and debt advisory expertise with key hires in Europe.

 

   

In Asset Management we continued our geographic expansion, entering the Middle East with plans to open a new office in Bahrain. We also opened an office in Hong Kong. In addition, we continued to seed new strategies in our traditional and alternatives businesses.

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

 

   

Equity on a fully exchanged basis

*     *    *

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 40 cities across 23 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, 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.

*    *     *

 

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Conference Call

Bruce Wasserstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steven Golub, Vice Chairman, and Michael Castellano, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call today at 10am EST to discuss the company’s financial results for the first half and second quarter of 2008. The conference call can be accessed via a live audio web cast available through Lazard’s Investor Relations website at www.lazard.com, or by dialing 1 (877) 718-5099 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 325-4775 (outside of the U.S. and Canada), 15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

A replay of the web cast will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. EDT on July 30, 2008 through August 6, 2008, via the Lazard website, or by dialing 1 (888) 203-1112 (for the U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 457-0820 (outside of the U.S. and Canada); the access code is 6047402.

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 June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     Increase /
(Decrease)
    2008     2007     Increase /
(Decrease)
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Financial Advisory

                

M&A and Strategic Advisory

   $ 225,108     $ 164,318     $ 60,790     37 %   $ 391,092     $ 360,386     $ 30,706     9 %

Financial Restructuring

     32,666       29,073       3,593     12 %     48,204       38,693       9,511     25 %

Corporate Finance and Other

     31,220       51,619       (20,399 )   (40 )%     62,126       68,554       (6,428 )   (9 )%
                                                    

Total

     288,994       245,010       43,984     18 %     501,422       467,633       33,789     7 %

Asset Management

                

Management Fees

     157,108       142,230       14,878     10 %     315,117       272,869       42,248     15 %

Incentive Fees

     8,429       5,752       2,677     47 %     8,429       10,758       (2,329 )   (22 )%

Other Revenue

     13,289       13,666       (377 )   (3 )%     23,713       24,938       (1,225 )   (5 )%
                                                    

Total

     178,826       161,648       17,178     11 %     347,259       308,565       38,694     13 %
                                                    

Core Operating Business Revenue (a)

     467,820       406,658       61,162     15 %     848,681       776,198       72,483     9 %

Corporate

     26,219       32,868       (6,649 )   (20 )%     (13,439 )     51,525       (64,964 )   NM  
                                                    

Operating Revenue (b)

     494,039       439,526       54,513     12 %     835,242       827,723       7,519     1 %

LAM GP Related Revenue/(Loss)

     1,643       3,724       (2,081 )   —         (1,610 )     5,555       (7,165 )   —    

Other Interest Expense

     (28,294 )     (21,890 )     (6,404 )   —         (58,165 )     (42,720 )     (15,445 )   —    
                                                    

Net Revenue

   $ 467,388     $ 421,360     $ 46,028     11 %   $ 775,467     $ 790,558     $ (15,091 )   (2 )%
                                                    

 

(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of all investments in Corporate.
(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.

NM - Not meaningful

 

- 10 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     % Change     2008     2007     % Change  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Total revenue (a)

   $ 504,002     $ 447,178     13 %   $ 854,106     $ 845,790     1 %

LFB interest expense

     (9,963 )     (7,652 )       (18,864 )     (18,067 )  
                                    

Operating revenue

     494,039       439,526     12 %     835,242       827,723     1 %

LAM GP related revenue/(loss)

     1,643       3,724         (1,610 )     5,555    

Other interest expense

     (28,294 )     (21,890 )       (58,165 )     (42,720 )  
                                    

Net revenue

     467,388       421,360     11 %     775,467       790,558     (2 )%

Operating expenses:

            

Compensation and benefits

     280,021       249,046     12 %     473,582       469,084     1 %

Occupancy and equipment

     22,277       24,285         51,771       43,974    

Marketing and business development

     25,220       16,964         45,684       33,366    

Technology and information services

     17,089       14,161         33,330       26,767    

Professional services

     16,237       13,711         29,504       22,529    

Fund administration and outsourced services

     6,573       4,459         13,143       8,968    

Amortization of intangible assets (b)

     2,525       —           3,745       —      

Other

     9,708       9,571         18,948       18,439    
                                    

Total non-compensation expense

     99,629       83,151     20 %     196,125       154,043     27 %
                                    

Operating expenses

     379,650       332,197     14 %     669,707       623,127     7 %
                                    

Operating income

     87,738       89,163     (2 )%     105,760       167,431     (37 )%

Provision for income taxes

     18,110       20,313     (11 )%     22,950       37,374     (39 )%
                                    

Income before minority interest in net income

     69,628       68,850     1 %     82,810       130,057     (36 )%

Minority interest in net income (excluding LAZ-MD)

     1,644       3,725         (1,609 )     5,558    

Minority interest in net income (LAZ-MD only)

     33,667       35,829         42,303       68,849    
                                    

Net income

   $ 34,317     $ 29,296     17 %   $ 42,116     $ 55,650     (24 )%
                                    

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (c)

   $ 64,570     $ 61,515     5 %   $ 80,526     $ 116,548     (31 )%
                                    

Weighted average shares outstanding (d):

            

Basic

     56,416,850       51,439,125     10 %     53,198,522       51,439,097     3 %

Diluted

     126,711,796       62,737,737     NM       113,713,062       90,477,035     26 %

Net income per share:

            

Basic

   $ 0.61     $ 0.57     7 %   $ 0.80     $ 1.08     (26 )%

Diluted

   $ 0.54     $ 0.52     4 %   $ 0.70     $ 0.98     (29 )%

Supplemental Information:

            

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

            

Basic

     110,463,868       107,512,179     3 %     107,883,427       107,524,848     0 %

Diluted

     126,711,796       118,810,791     7 %     118,554,347       118,513,562     0 %

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

            

Basic

   $ 0.58     $ 0.57     2 %   $ 0.75     $ 1.08     (31 )%

Diluted

   $ 0.54     $ 0.53     2 %   $ 0.71     $ 1.00     (29 )%

Ratio of compensation to operating revenue

     56.7 %     56.7 %       56.7 %     56.7 %  

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     20.2 %     18.9 %       23.5 %     18.6 %  

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue as adjusted (e)

     19.7 %     18.9 %       23.0 %     18.6 %  

 

(a) Excluding LAM General Partnership related revenue
(b) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes amortization of intangible assets resulting from 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, 2007 (see “Reconciliation of US GAAP to Full Exchange Results”).
(d) See “Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net Income Per Share”.
(e) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, excludes the amortization of intangible assets.

NM - Not meaningful

 

- 11 -


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
     June 30,
2008
   Mar. 31,
2008
    Dec. 31,
2007
    Sept. 30,
2007
   June 30,
2007
   Mar. 31,
2007
   Dec. 31,
2006
   Sept. 30,
2006
   June 30,
2006
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Financial Advisory

                        

M&A and Strategic Advisory

   $ 225,108    $ 165,984     $ 313,622     $ 295,401    $ 164,318    $ 196,068    $ 247,483    $ 153,215    $ 197,856

Financial Restructuring

     32,666      15,538       32,321       56,161      29,073      9,620      20,423      15,562      21,047

Corporate Finance and Other

     31,220      30,906       47,190       28,255      51,619      16,935      34,260      18,291      43,149
                                                                

Total

     288,994      212,428       393,133       379,817      245,010      222,623      302,166      187,068      262,052

Asset Management

                        

Management Fees

     157,108      158,009       165,432       157,424      142,230      130,639      121,589      112,726      112,203

Incentive Fees

     8,429      —         48,959       7,315      5,752      5,006      42,009      3,423      7,456

Other Revenue

     13,289      10,424       16,782       12,798      13,666      11,272      10,961      8,720      10,159
                                                                

Total

     178,826      168,433       231,173       177,537      161,648      146,917      174,559      124,869      129,818
                                                                

Core operating business revenue (a)

     467,820      380,861       624,306       557,354      406,658      369,540      476,725      311,937      391,870

Corporate

     26,219      (39,658 )     (6,710 )     12,164      32,868      18,657      14,774      5,668      18,970
                                                                

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 494,039    $ 341,203     $ 617,596     $ 569,518    $ 439,526    $ 388,197    $ 491,499    $ 317,605    $ 410,840
                                                                

Operating income (c)

   $ 87,738    $ 18,022     $ 132,278     $ 118,586    $ 89,163    $ 78,268    $ 115,207    $ 49,193    $ 84,693
                                                                

Net income

   $ 34,317    $ 7,799     $ 59,125     $ 40,267    $ 29,296    $ 26,354    $ 36,596    $ 13,158    $ 23,545
                                                                

Net income per share

                        

Basic

   $ 0.61    $ 0.16     $ 1.17     $ 0.79    $ 0.57    $ 0.51    $ 0.88    $ 0.35    $ 0.63

Diluted

   $ 0.54    $ 0.14     $ 1.04     $ 0.73    $ 0.52    $ 0.47    $ 0.78    $ 0.34    $ 0.59

Supplemental Information:

                        

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 64,570    $ 15,956     $ 122,577     $ 83,565    $ 61,515    $ 55,033    $ 85,817    $ 34,983    $ 62,939
                                                                

Net income per share— assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

                        

Basic

   $ 0.58    $ 0.15     $ 1.16     $ 0.78    $ 0.57    $ 0.51    $ 0.84    $ 0.35    $ 0.63

Diluted

   $ 0.54    $ 0.14     $ 1.04     $ 0.73    $ 0.53    $ 0.47    $ 0.78    $ 0.34    $ 0.60

Assets Under Management ($ millions)

   $ 134,139    $ 134,193     $ 141,413     $ 142,084    $ 135,350    $ 124,852    $ 110,437    $ 99,334    $ 93,901

 

(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of all investments in Corporate.
(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.

 

- 12 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

($ in thousands)

 

     June 30,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 758,664     $ 1,055,844  

Cash segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing organizations

     16,993       24,585  

Receivables

     1,310,856       1,097,178  

Investments*

    

Debt

     432,973       585,433  

Equity

     204,688       333,796  

Other

     260,874       169,612  
                
     898,535       1,088,841  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     201,972       187,909  

Other assets

     445,291       386,056  
                

Total assets

   $ 3,632,311     $ 3,840,413  
                
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 1,095,801     $ 858,733  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     109,649       498,058  

Other liabilities

     553,405       623,008  

Senior notes:

    

Underlying equity security units

     —         437,500  

Others

     1,150,000       1,150,000  

Subordinated loans

     150,000       150,000  
                

Total liabilities

     3,058,855       3,717,299  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Minority interest **

     220,627       52,775  

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Series A

     —         —    

Series B

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Class A

     687       517  

Class B

     —         —    

Additional paid-in capital

     251,748       (161,924 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

     41,047       52,491  

Retained earnings

     277,111       248,551  
                
     570,593       139,635  

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

     (217,764 )     (69,296 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     352,829       70,339  
                

Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders’ equity

   $ 3,632,311     $ 3,840,413  
                

 

* Principally at fair value, with the exception of $76,054 and $755 of investments accounted for under the equity method at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
** Includes $173,541 and $nil attributable to exchangeable interests held by members of LAZ-MD Holdings at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

- 13 -


LAZARD LTD

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

BEFORE FULL EXCHANGE

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Basic

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 34,317    $ 29,296    $ 42,116    $ 55,650

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

     308      —        397      —  
                           

Basic net income

   $ 34,625    $ 29,296    $ 42,513    $ 55,650
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding (a)

     56,416,850      51,439,125      53,198,522      51,439,097
                           

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.61    $ 0.57    $ 0.80    $ 1.08
                           

Diluted

           

Numerator:

           

Basic net income

   $ 34,625    $ 29,296    $ 42,513    $ 55,650

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

           

Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax (b)

     1,785      469      —        930

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

     31,554      3,061      37,527      32,156
                           

Diluted net income

   $ 67,964    $ 32,826    $ 80,040    $ 88,736
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

     56,416,850      51,439,125      53,198,522      51,439,097

Add—dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:

           

Restricted stock units

     5,005,928      2,600,936      4,240,368      2,310,190

Equity security units (c)

     7,051,000      6,066,106      —        6,046,954

Convertible notes (c)

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

Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (d)

     1,559,430      —        1,589,267      —  

Exchangeable interests (e)

     54,047,018      —        54,684,905      28,049,224
                           

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     126,711,796      62,737,737      113,713,062      90,477,035
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.54    $ 0.52    $ 0.70    $ 0.98
                           

 

(a) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes 1,185,282 weighted average shares, related to the 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 June 30, 2008, includes interest expense, net of tax related to the equity security units and convertible notes. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes.
(c) For the six month period ended June 30, 2008, the shares assumed issued from equity security units and convertible notes were not dilutive.
(d) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes 12,155 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.
(e) For the three month period ended June 30, 2007, the LAZ-MD exchangeable interests were antidilutive.

 

- 14 -


LAZARD LTD

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

ASSUMING FULL EXCHANGE OF EXCHANGEABLE INTERESTS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2007

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2008    2007    2008    2007
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Basic

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 64,570    $ 61,515    $ 80,526    $ 116,548
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding (a)

     110,463,868      107,512,179      107,883,427      107,524,848
                           

Basic net income per share

   $ 0.58    $ 0.57    $ 0.75    $ 1.08
                           

Diluted

           

Numerator:

           

Net income

   $ 64,570    $ 61,515    $ 80,526    $ 116,548

Add dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:

           

Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax (b)

     3,396      887      3,396      1,764
                           

Diluted net income

   $ 67,966    $ 62,402    $ 83,922    $ 118,312
                           

Denominator:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding

     110,463,868      107,512,179      107,883,427      107,524,848

Add—dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:

           

Restricted stock units

     5,005,928      2,600,936      4,240,368      2,310,190

Equity security units

     7,051,000      6,066,106      3,525,500      6,046,954

Convertible notes

     2,631,570      2,631,570      1,315,785      2,631,570

Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (c)

     1,559,430      —        1,589,267      —  
                           

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     126,711,796      118,810,791      118,554,347      118,513,562
                           

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.54    $ 0.53    $ 0.71    $ 1.00
                           

 

(a) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes 1,185,282 weighted average shares, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of GAHL.
(b) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes interest expense, net of tax related to the equity security units and convertible notes. For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes.
(c) For the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008, includes 12,155 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 June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in thousands)  

Net income—US GAAP

   $ 34,317     $ 29,296     $ 42,116     $ 55,650  

Provision for income taxes (d)

     (3,414 )     (3,610 )     (3,893 )     (7,951 )

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

     33,667       35,829       42,303       68,849  
                                

Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 64,570     $ 61,515     $ 80,526     $ 116,548  
                                

 

(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 on operating income less LAM GP related revenue of 25.0% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 28.0% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 respectively.
(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, 2007.

 

- 15 -


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

 

     As of    Variance  
     June 30,
2008
   March 31,
2008
   December 31,
2007
   Qtr to Qtr     YTD  
     ($ in millions)             

Equities

   $ 109,250    $ 110,018    $ 119,276    (0.7 )%   (8.4 )%

Fixed Income

     14,630      15,398      14,233    (5.0 )%   2.8 %

Alternative Investments

     4,420      3,941      3,577    12.2 %   23.6 %

Private Equity

     1,661      1,547      1,401    7.4 %   18.6 %

Cash

     4,178      3,289      2,926    27.0 %   42.8 %
                                 

Total AUM

   $ 134,139    $ 134,193    $ 141,413    (0.0 )%   (5.1 )%
                                 

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,
     2008     2007    2008     2007
     ($ in millions)    ($ in millions)

AUM—Beginning of Period

   $ 134,193     $ 124,852    $ 141,413     $ 110,437

Net Flows

     2,550       2,627      4,265       14,191

Market Appreciation / (Depreciation)

     (2,567 )     7,680      (12,572 )     10,388

Foreign Currency Adjustments

     (37 )     191      1,033       334
                             

AUM—End of Period

   $ 134,139     $ 135,350    $ 134,139     $ 135,350
                             

Average AUM *

   $ 134,166     $ 130,101    $ 136,582     $ 123,547
                             

% Change in average AUM

     3.1 %        10.6 %  
                     

 

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

 

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LAZARD LTD

SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAX PROVISION

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  
     ($ in thousands)  

Lazard Ltd Consolidated Effective Tax Rate

  

Operating Income

        

Lazard Group

        

Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings (weighted average ownership of 46.8% and 47.6% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 52.1% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively)

   $ 41,217     $ 46,691     $ 50,413     $ 87,477  

Allocable to Lazard Ltd (weighted average ownership of 53.2% and 52.4% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 47.9% for the three and six month periods end June 30, 2007, respectively)

     46,933       42,939       55,534       80,421  
                                

Total Lazard Group operating income

     88,150       89,630       105,947       167,898  

Lazard Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiaries

     (412 )     (467 )     (187 )     (467 )
                                

Total Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income

   $ 87,738     $ 89,163     $ 105,760     $ 167,431  
                                

Provision for income taxes

        

Lazard Group (effective tax rates of 15.9% and 17.4% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 19.1% and 18.0% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively)

        

Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings

   $ 6,669     $ 8,920     $ 8,910     $ 15,732  

Allocable to Lazard Ltd

     7,386       8,205       9,482       14,464  
                                

Total Lazard Group provision for income taxes

     14,055       17,125       18,392       30,196  

Tax adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level (a)

     4,055       3,188       4,558       7,178  
                                

Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes

   $ 18,110     $ 20,313     $ 22,950     $ 37,374  
                                

Lazard Ltd consolidated effective tax rate

     20.6 %     22.8 %     21.7 %     22.3 %
                                

Lazard Ltd Fully Exchanged Tax Rate

        

Operating Income

        

Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income

     87,738       89,163       105,760       167,431  

Adjustments for LAM GP related loss/(revenue)

     (1,643 )     (3,724 )     1,610       (5,555 )
                                

Operating income excluding LAM GP related revenue

   $ 86,095     $ 85,439     $ 107,370     $ 161,876  
                                

Provision for income taxes

        

Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes

   $ 18,110     $ 20,313     $ 22,950     $ 37,374  

Tax adjustment for full exchange (b)

     3,414       3,610       3,893       7,951  
                                

Total fully exchanged provision for income taxes

   $ 21,524     $ 23,923     $ 26,843     $ 45,325  
                                

Lazard Ltd fully exchanged tax rate

     25.0 %     28.0 %     25.0 %     28.0 %
                                

 

(a) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 from $7,386 to $11,441 and $9,482 to $14,040 and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 from $8,205 to $11,393 and from $14,464 to $21,642 to reflect an effective rate on operating income less LAM GP related revenue of 25.0% for the three month period ended June 30, 2008 and 28.0% for the three month period June 30, 2007 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 on operating income less LAM GP related revenue of 25.0% for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 28.0% for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 respectively.

 

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