Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 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): April 23, 2013

 

 

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)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code 441-295-1422

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 April 26, 2013, Lazard Ltd (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2013. A copy of the Company’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 the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

 

Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

On April 23, 2013, the Company held its 2013 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, at which shareholders (i) voted upon the election of Laurent Mignon, Richard D. Parsons and Hal S. Scott to the Board of Directors for a three-year term expiring in 2016; (ii) voted upon the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2013 and authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors, acting by its Audit Committee, to set their remuneration, (iii) voted, on a non-binding advisory basis, upon a resolution regarding executive compensation and (iv) voted, on a non-binding advisory basis, upon a shareholder proposal regarding the separation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions.

The shareholders elected all three directors, approved the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2013, and approved, in a non-binding advisory vote, the resolution regarding executive compensation.

The shareholders did not approve the non-binding shareholder proposal regarding the separation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions.


On each matter voted upon, the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock voted together as a single class. The number of votes cast for, against or withheld and the number of abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to each matter voted upon, as reported by our tabulation agent, Computershare, Inc., is set forth below.

 

          For    Withheld    Abstain    Broker
Non-Votes

1.

   Election of Directors:            
   Laurent Mignon    89,995,515    11,501,894    *    19,323,477
   Richard D. Parsons    100,787,077    710,332    *    19,323,477
   Hal S. Scott    100,587,313    910,096    *    19,323,477
          For    Against    Abstain    Broker
Non-Votes

2.

   Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2013 and authorization of the Company’s Board of Directors, acting by its Audit Committee, to set their remuneration    120,161,449    642,344    17,093    0
          For    Against    Abstain    Broker
Non-Votes

3.

   A non-binding advisory vote regarding executive compensation    98,490,138    2,563,053    443,218    19,323,477
          For    Against    Abstain    Broker
Non-Votes

4.

   A non-binding shareholder proposal regarding the separation of the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions    31,263,274    70,004,842    229,293    19,323,477

 

* Not applicable

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are furnished as part of this Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on April 26, 2013.


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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

        LAZARD LTD
        (Registrant)
    By:  

/s/ Scott D. Hoffman

    Name:   Scott D. Hoffman
    Title:   Managing Director and General Counsel
Dated: April 26, 2013      


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on April 26, 2013.
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

LAZARD LTD REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2013 RESULTS

Highlights

 

 

Net income per share, as adjusted1, of $0.28 (diluted) for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, compared to $0.33 (diluted) for the 2012 first quarter, excluding charges in both periods2

 

 

Increasing quarterly dividend 25% to $0.25 per share

 

 

Operating revenue1 of $414 million for first-quarter 2013, down 17% from first-quarter 2012

 

 

Financial Advisory operating revenue of $168 million for first-quarter 2013, down 39% from prior-year period; M&A down 37% for the quarter

 

 

Asset Management operating revenue of $240 million for first-quarter 2013, up 14% from prior-year period. Management fees of $220 million, up 5% from fourth-quarter 2012 and up 10% from prior-year period

 

 

Record assets under management (AUM) of $172 billion as of March 31, 2013, up 3% from December 31, 2012, and up 10% from first-quarter 2012. Net outflows of $995 million for first-quarter 2013

 

 

First-quarter 2013 charge of $26 million related to previously announced cost saving initiatives; additional savings are expected

 

 

Return of capital to shareholders totaling $176 million3 in first-quarter 2013

 

($ in millions, except

per share data and AUM)

   Quarter Ended
March 31,
 
     2013      2012      %’13-’12  

As Adjusted1

        

Operating revenue

   $ 414       $ 499         (17 )% 

Financial Advisory

   $ 168       $ 277         (39 )% 

Asset Management

   $ 240       $ 210         14

Net income2

   $ 37       $ 45         (17 )% 

Diluted net income per share2

   $ 0.28       $ 0.33         (15 )% 

U.S. GAAP

        

Net income

   $ 15       $ 26         (40 )% 

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.12       $ 0.20         (40 )% 

Assets Under Management

        

Ending AUM ($ in billions)

   $ 172       $ 157         10

Average AUM ($ in billions)

   $ 171       $ 150         14

 

Media Contact:    Judi Frost Mackey    +1 212 632 1428    judi.mackey@lazard.com
Investor Contact:    Kathryn Harmon    +1 212 632 6637    kathryn.harmon@lazard.com

Note: Endnotes are on page 10 of this release. A reconciliation of adjusted GAAP to U.S. GAAP is on page 15.

 

1


NEW YORK, April 26, 2013 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported operating revenue1 of $414 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Net income, as adjusted1, was $37 million, or $0.28 (diluted) per share for the quarter. These results exclude a pre-tax charge of $26 million in the quarter relating to the implementation of previously announced cost saving initiatives.

First-quarter 2013 net income on a U.S. GAAP basis was $15 million, or $0.12 (diluted) per share. A reconciliation of our U.S. GAAP results to the adjusted results is presented on page 15 of this press release.

“Our first-quarter results reflect the uneven pace of the M&A markets, balanced by the strength of the equity markets,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “Record first-quarter operating revenue in our Asset Management business was offset by a weak quarter in Financial Advisory.”

“In Financial Advisory we continue to be involved in many of the largest, most complex and transformational transactions globally, and we are poised to capitalize on an upturn in the M&A market. Our Asset Management business is positioned for long-term growth,” said Mr. Jacobs.

“Lazard continues to be a strong cash generator,” said Matthieu Bucaille, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. “Consistent with our capital management objectives, we are increasing our quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share.”

“The cost saving initiatives that began in the fourth quarter of 2012 are nearly complete,” said Mr. Bucaille. “We expect to realize additional savings, with associated costs, and, as planned, we believe all of these initiatives will be finished by the end of the second quarter of 2013, with the full impact realized in 2014.”

OPERATING REVENUE

Financial Advisory

In the text portion of this press release, we present our Financial Advisory results as Strategic Advisory and Restructuring. Strategic Advisory includes 1) M&A and Other Advisory (Other includes Capital Structure Advisory and Sovereign Advisory) and 2) Capital Raising (includes Capital Markets Advisory and Private Fund Advisory).

Financial Advisory operating revenue was $168 million in the first quarter of 2013, 39% lower than the record first quarter of 2012.

 

2


Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $135 million, 35% lower than the first quarter of 2012, driven by a 37% decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue was primarily due to market conditions.

Restructuring operating revenue of $33 million was 53% lower than the first quarter of 2012. This decline reflected a comparison to high first-quarter 2012 revenue, which was driven by the closings of several large assignments. Restructuring revenue continues to be generally in line with the industry-wide low level of corporate restructuring activity. Lazard remains the leader in global announced restructurings.1

During the first quarter of 2013, Lazard remained engaged in highly visible, complex M&A transactions and other advisory assignments, including cross-border transactions, distressed asset sales, capital structure and sovereign advisory, in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Lazard is advising on several of the largest global M&A transactions announced year to date, including (clients are in italics): Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital’s $28 billion acquisition of H.J. Heinz; the Allied Pilots Association in the $11 billion merger of American Airlines and US Airways Group; and D.E Master Blenders 1753 in its €7.8 billion sale to a Joh. A. Benckiser-led investor group.

Our Sovereign Advisory business remained active in worldwide assignments, including: advising on various privatizations in Greece; the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund on the merger of NBG-EFG; Piraeus Bank’s acquisition of the Greek banking operations of Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank and Hellenic Bank; and acting as financial agent to the U.S. Department of Treasury with respect to General Motors and Ally Financial.

During and since the first quarter of 2013 we remained engaged in many of the most highly visible and complex restructuring and debt advisory assignments, including for Cengage Learning, Eastman Kodak and the Allied Pilots Association with respect to American Airlines.

Please see a list of M&A and Restructuring assignments on which Lazard advised in the 2013 first quarter, continued to advise, or completed since March 31, 2013, on pages 8 - 10 of this release.

Asset Management

Asset Management operating revenue was a first-quarter record of $240 million, a 14% increase from the first quarter of 2012.

AUM was a record $172 billion as of March 31, 2013, a 3% increase from AUM as of December 31, 2012, due to market appreciation, and a 10% increase from AUM as of March 31, 2012, reflecting market appreciation and net inflows over the 12-month period. Net outflows were $995 million in the first quarter of 2013.

 

1  Source: Thomson Reuters

 

3


Average AUM in the first quarter of 2013 was up 4% from the average AUM in the fourth quarter of 2012, and up 14% from the average AUM in the first quarter of 2012.

Management fees were $220 million in the first quarter of 2013, 5% higher than the fourth quarter of 2012, and 10% higher than the first quarter of 2012, primarily reflecting the increase in average AUM. Incentive fees during the period were $9 million, compared to $3 million in the first quarter of 2012.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Compensation and Benefits

In managing compensation and benefits expense, we focus on annual awarded compensation (cash compensation and benefits plus deferred incentive compensation with respect to the applicable year, net of estimated future forfeitures and excluding charges). We believe annual awarded compensation reflects the actual annual compensation cost more accurately than the GAAP measure of compensation cost, which includes applicable-year cash compensation and the amortization of deferred incentive compensation principally attributable to previous years’ deferred compensation. We believe that by managing our business using awarded compensation with a consistent deferral policy, we can better manage our compensation costs, increase our flexibility in the future and build shareholder value over time.

Adjusted GAAP compensation and benefits expense1, including related accruals, was $248 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to $313 million in the 2012 first quarter, excluding charges in both periods2. The corresponding adjusted GAAP compensation ratio was 60.0% compared to 62.7% for the 2012 first quarter and 61.8% for the full-year 2012.

The first-quarter 2013 adjusted GAAP compensation ratio assumes, based on current market conditions, a full-year awarded compensation ratio of approximately 58.5%, compared to 59.4% for the full year of 2012.

Our goal remains to grow awarded compensation expense at a slower rate than revenue growth, and to achieve a compensation-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle in the mid- to high-50s percentage range on both an awarded and adjusted GAAP basis, with consistent deferral policies.

 

4


Non-Compensation Expense

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the first quarter of 2013 was $100 million, excluding related charges2, 5% lower than the first quarter of 2012. We are starting to see the initial benefits of our cost saving initiatives.

The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the first quarter of 2013 was 24.1%, compared to 21.1% for the first quarter of 2012. The increase in the first-quarter 2013 ratio was impacted by the level of operating revenue in the quarter.

Our goal remains to achieve an adjusted non-compensation expense-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle of 16% to 20%.

TAXES

The provision for taxes, on an adjusted basis1, was $9 million for the first quarter of 2013. The effective tax rate on such adjusted basis was 18.9% for the first quarter of 2013, compared to 21.3% for full-year 2012, primarily due to a change in the geographic mix of our business.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

Our primary capital management goals include managing debt and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

For the first quarter of 2013, Lazard returned $176 million3 to shareholders, which included $59 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock and $117 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants. The repurchases were made at an average price of $32.85 per share.

On April 25, 2013, our Board of Directors voted to increase the quarterly dividend on Lazard’s outstanding Class A common stock by 25%, to $0.25 per share. The dividend is payable on May 24, 2013, to stockholders of record on May 6, 2013.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. Our cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2013, were $586 million, the majority of which were invested in U.S. Government and agency money market funds. As of March 31, 2013, total stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $497 million.

 

5


COST SAVING INITIATIVES

In 2012, Lazard announced cost saving initiatives that were expected to result in approximately $125 million in annual savings from the compensation and non-compensation cost base at that time. Implementation began in the fourth quarter of 2012, with the goal of completion by the end of the 2013 first half.

The cost saving initiatives are intended to improve the firm’s profitability with minimal impact on revenue growth. The initiatives include: streamlining our corporate structure and consolidating support functions; realigning the firm’s investments into areas with potential for the greatest long-term return; and creating greater flexibility to retain and attract the best people and invest in new growth areas.

Most of the cost saving initiatives have been completed. In the first quarter of 2013, associated implementation expenses were approximately $26 million, and in the fourth quarter of 2012, associated implementation expenses were approximately $103 million, for a total of approximately $129 million.

As planned, we expect implementation of the initiatives to be finished by the end of the second quarter of 2013, which we expect will include additional cost savings that we have identified. We anticipate that the ratio of these additional cost savings to expenses will approximate the ratio expected for the initiatives currently underway. We expect that the expenses in the second quarter that are associated with the additional savings will not exceed the level of first-quarter 2013 expenses. We believe the full impact of all the savings will be reflected in our 2014 results.

***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 26, 2013, to discuss the company’s financial results for the first quarter of 2013. The conference call can be accessed via a live audio webcast available through Lazard’s Investor Relations website at www.lazard.com, or by dialing 1 (888) 600-4863 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (913) 312-1517 (outside of the U.S. and Canada), 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A replay of the conference call will be available by 10:00 a.m. EDT April 26, 2013, through May 10, 2013, via the Lazard Investor Relations website, or by dialing 1 (888) 203-1112 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 457-0820 (outside of the U.S. and Canada). The replay access code is 2904820.

 

6


ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 40 cities across 26 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com.

***

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “target,” “goal”, 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. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of our estimated targets, future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. 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 our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, including the following:

 

 

A decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets;

 

 

A decline in overall mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, our share of the M&A market or our assets under management (AUM);

 

 

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 on our businesses and on our ability to retain and attract employees at current compensation levels.

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. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.

***

 

7


FINANCIAL ADVISORY ASSIGNMENTS

Mergers and Acquisitions (Completed in the first quarter of 2013)

Among the large, publicly announced M&A Advisory transactions or assignments completed during the first quarter of 2013 on which Lazard advised were the following:

 

 

Cerberus in Albertsons’ $3.5 billion acquisition of five grocery banners from SUPERVALU and purchase of a 21% interest in SUPERVALU’s public shares

 

 

PPG Industries on the $2.1 billion merger of its commodity chemicals business with Georgia Gulf

 

 

Principal Financial Group’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Cuprum

 

 

CVC Capital Partners in its €1.1 billion acquisition of Cerved

 

 

Unilever in the $700 million sale of its Skippy peanut butter business to Hormel

 

 

Danone in its €543 million acquisition of a 38% stake in Centrale Laitière du Maroc

 

 

Sportingbet in its £485 million sale to William Hill and GVC Holdings

 

 

Caisse des Dépôts on the reorganization of Dexia

 

 

Scailex on the sale of an interest in Partner Communications to Saban Capital Group

 

 

Hera’s merger with AcegasAps

 

 

United Technologies on the sale of its UTC Power unit to ClearEdge Power

Mergers and Acquisitions (Announced)

Among the ongoing, large, publicly announced M&A transactions and assignments on which Lazard advised in the 2013 first quarter, or continued to advise, or completed since March 31, 2013, are the following:

 

 

Deutsche Telekom on the $29.0 billion combination of T-Mobile and MetroPCS

 

 

Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital in their $28.0 billion acquisition of H.J. Heinz

 

 

Microsoft in its role in Dell’s $24.4 billion going-private transaction

 

 

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s $20.1 billion acquisition of the remaining stake in Grupo Modelo it does not already own and Grupo Modelo’s related $4.8 billion sale of its U.S.-related operations to Constellation Brands

 

 

D.E Master Blenders 1753 in its €7.8 billion sale to an investor group led by Joh. A. Benckiser

 

 

IntercontinentalExchange’s $8.2 billion acquisition of NYSE Euronext

 

 

Industry Funds Management-led consortium in its A$5.1 billion acquisition of 99-year leases for Port Botany and Port Kembla from the New South Wales government

 

 

Caisse des Dépôts’ €2.6 billion indirect acquisition of Silic from Groupama

 

 

BayernLB’s €2.5 billion sale of GBW to Patrizia Immobilien

 

8


 

Total’s €2.4 billion proposed sale of TIGF to a consortium

 

 

Ameristar Casinos’ $2.8 billion sale to Pinnacle Entertainment

 

 

*Permian Mud Service (parent company of Champion Technologies and CorsiTech) in its $2.2 billion merger with Ecolab

 

 

The Special Committee of CNH Global on Fiat Industrial’s $1.7 billion acquisition of the remaining shares in CNH Global that it does not already own

 

 

Athene Holding in its $1.6 billion acquisition of Aviva’s U.S. annuity and life insurance operations

 

 

CH Energy Group’s $1.5 billion sale to Fortis

 

 

*LNR Property’s $1.05 billion sale to Starwood Property Trust and Starwood Capital Group

 

 

EQT in the exchange of its natural gas distribution business with SteelRiver Infrastructure Partners for $720 million and the receipt of assets and other consideration

 

 

The Special Committee of CreXus Investment Corp. in the company’s sale to Annaly Capital Management for an implied valuation of $1.0 billion

 

 

Petra Foods’ $950 million sale of its cocoa ingredients business to Barry Callebaut

 

 

*The Special Committee of Sauer-Danfoss on Danfoss’s $690 million acquisition of the remaining 24.4% of Sauer-Danfoss that it does not already own

 

 

Piraeus Bank’s €524 million acquisition of the Greek banking operations of Bank of Cyprus, Cyprus Popular Bank and Hellenic Bank

 

 

Dynegy’s $599 million acquisition of Ameren Energy Resources

 

 

Qatar Holding on its approximately 12% stake in Xstrata in connection with the proposed merger with Glencore International

 

 

*EADS on the reorganization of its governance and shareholding structure

 

 

Jereissati Group and Renosa in the merger of Norsa, Renosa and Guararapes

 

 

*Utex Industries’ sale to Riverstone Holdings

 

 

PPR/Kering on the distribution of Groupe Fnac shares to shareholders of PPR/Kering and listing on Euronext Paris

 

* Notes transactions completed since March 31, 2013.

Restructuring and Debt Advisory Assignments

Restructuring and debtor or creditor advisory assignments completed during the first quarter of 2013 on which Lazard advised include: A123 Systems, Indianapolis Downs, and MSR Resorts in connection with their Chapter 11 filings; Euroports Italy and Palmer & Harvey on their refinancings; Italtel on its debt restructuring; the working group of first and second lien lenders in connection with the debt restructuring of Mediannuaire Holding; and the senior lenders to Quick Restaurants on the company’s debt restructuring.

Notable Chapter 11 bankruptcies on which Lazard advised debtors or creditors, or related parties, during or since the first quarter of 2013, are:

 

 

Airlines: Allied Pilots Association with respect to American Airlines

 

 

Consumer/Food: Hostess Brands

 

 

Professional/Financial Services: Ambac

 

 

Technology/Media/Telecom: Eastman Kodak, LightSquared

 

9


Among other publicly announced restructuring and debt advisory assignments on which Lazard has advised debtors or creditors during or since the first quarter of 2013, are:

 

 

Belvédère – advising the FRN noteholder committee

 

 

Capita Asset Services – financial advisor to the Master Servicer for Theatre (Hospitals) No.1 and Theatre (Hospitals) No.2

 

 

Cengage Learning – advising the company on its debt restructuring

 

 

Exide Technologies - advising the company on financing alternatives

 

 

Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (FGIC) – advisor to Weil, Gotshal & Manges in its capacity as counsel to the New York Liquidation Bureau

 

 

Munshaat – on its debt restructuring

 

 

National Association of Letter Carriers – in connection with the USPS’s restructuring efforts

 

 

PMI – advisor to the receiver of PMI on certain asset dispositions

 

 

Prelios – on its group refinancing, financial rebalancing and industrial re-launch

***

ENDNOTES

 

  1

A non-U.S. GAAP measure. See attached financial schedules and related notes for a detailed explanation of adjustments to corresponding U.S. GAAP results. We believe that presenting our results on an adjusted basis, in addition to the U.S. GAAP results, is the most meaningful and useful way to compare our operating results across periods.

 

  2

First quarter 2013 results exclude pre-tax charges of $24 million of compensation expense and $2 million of non-compensation costs relating to the previously announced cost saving initiatives. First quarter 2012 results exclude pre-tax charges of $22 million related to staff reductions and $3 million of non-compensation costs.

 

  3

In the first quarter of 2013, we: (i) repurchased $59 million of our Class A common stock, which included $29 million in settlement of stock purchase agreements, at an average price of $32.85 per share; and (ii) satisfied employee tax obligations of $117 million in cash in lieu of share issuance upon vesting of equity grants. All our share repurchases served to directly offset the expected potential dilution upon vesting of our year-end equity-based compensation awards.

LAZ-EPE

LAZ-C

###

 

10


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
 

Revenues:

          

Financial Advisory

          

M&A and Other Advisory

   $ 120,756      $ 233,517      $ 192,611        (48 %)      (37 %) 

Capital Raising

     14,686        27,685        14,370        (47 %)      2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Strategic Advisory

     135,442        261,202        206,981        (48 %)      (35 %) 

Restructuring

     33,020        48,095        70,215        (31 %)      (53 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

     168,462        309,297        277,196        (46 %)      (39 %) 

Asset Management

          

Management fees

     219,992        208,637        199,860        5     10

Incentive fees

     8,794        26,755        2,596        (67 %)      NM   

Other

     10,922        9,815        7,636        11     43
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total

     239,708        245,207        210,092        (2 %)      14

Corporate

     5,534        19,143        11,461        (71 %)      (52 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 413,704      $ 573,647      $ 498,749        (28 %)      (17 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Expenses:

          

Compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 248,222      $ 341,766      $ 312,716        (27 %)      (21 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of compensation to operating revenue

     60.0     59.6     62.7    

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 99,581      $ 114,908      $ 105,235        (13 %)      (5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     24.1 %      20.0 %      21.1 %     

Earnings:

          

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 65,901      $ 116,973      $ 80,798        (44 %)      (18 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating margin (f)

     15.9 %      20.4 %      16.2 %     

Net income (g)

   $ 37,163      $ 81,627      $ 44,812        (54 %)      (17 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted net income per share

   $ 0.28      $ 0.61      $ 0.33        (54 %)      (15 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average shares

     132,815,560        133,855,611        136,594,178        (1 %)      (3 %) 

Effective tax rate (h)

     18.9 %      15.1 %      25.7 %     

This presentation includes non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, see Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information and Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

11


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
 

Total revenue

   $ 422,058      $ 580,857      $ 506,461        (27 %)      (17 %) 

Interest expense

     (20,155     (20,164     (20,422    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net revenue

     401,903        560,693        486,039        (28 %)      (17 %) 

Operating expenses:

          

Compensation and benefits

     277,739        445,602        338,317        (38 %)      (18 %) 

Occupancy and equipment

     29,304        32,854        26,282       

Marketing and business development

     18,192        25,888        28,267       

Technology and information services

     22,980        23,750        20,393       

Professional services

     8,613        12,859        9,311       

Fund administration and outsourced services

     13,465        12,090        13,451       

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     877        2,187        1,118       

Other

     9,136        10,660        11,077       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Subtotal

     102,567        120,288        109,899        (15 %)      (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating expenses

     380,306        565,890        448,216        (33 %)      (15 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating income (loss)

     21,597        (5,197     37,823        NM        (43 %) 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     3,948        (1,091     8,767        NM        (55 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income (loss)

     17,649        (4,106     29,056        NM        (39 %) 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2,289        1,259        3,504       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 15,360      ($ 5,365   $ 25,552        NM        (40 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

          

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     117,708,204        114,747,744        119,229,541        3     (1 %) 

Diluted

     132,815,560        114,747,744        136,594,178        16     (3 %) 

Net income (loss) per share:

          

Basic

   $ 0.13      ($ 0.05   $ 0.21        NM        (38 %) 

Diluted

   $ 0.12      ($ 0.05   $ 0.20        NM        (40 %) 

 

12


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(U.S. GAAP)

 

($ in thousands)    March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 
ASSETS     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 586,111      $ 850,190   

Deposits with banks

     254,143        292,494   

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     60,484        65,232   

Receivables

     459,880        478,043   

Investments

     406,256        414,673   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     393,317        392,822   

Other assets

     567,976        493,439   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 2,728,167      $ 2,986,893   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 246,792      $ 269,763   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     273,962        467,578   

Senior debt

     1,076,850        1,076,850   

Other liabilities

     553,462        521,162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,151,066        2,335,353   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

     —           —      

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

     1,282        1,282   

Additional paid-in capital

     605,166        846,050   

Retained earnings

     197,297        182,647   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (124,758     (110,541
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     678,987        919,438   

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost

     (182,387     (349,782
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     496,600        569,656   

Noncontrolling interests

     80,501        81,884   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     577,101        651,540   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,728,167      $ 2,986,893   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

13


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

(unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

     As of      Variance  
     March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
     Qtr to Qtr     1Q 2013 vs.
1Q 2012
 

Equities

   $ 142,802      $ 138,171      $ 130,653         3.4     9.3

Fixed Income

     23,130        22,718        19,249         1.8     20.2

Alternative Investments

     4,591        4,600        5,296         (0.2 %)      (13.3 %) 

Private Equity

     1,301        1,398        1,424         (6.9 %)      (8.6 %) 

Cash

     141        173        86         (18.5 %)      64.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total AUM

   $ 171,965      $ 167,060      $ 156,708         2.9     9.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended March 31,            Year Ended
December 31,
       
     2013     2012            2012        

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 167,060      $ 141,039         $ 141,039     

Net Flows

     (995     (162        2,741     

Market and foreign exchange appreciation (depreciation)

     5,900        15,831           23,280     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

AUM - End of Period

   $ 171,965      $ 156,708         $ 167,060     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

Average AUM

   $ 170,665      $ 150,315         $ 155,549     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

% Change in average AUM

     13.5         
  

 

 

          

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

 

14


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP TO SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    March 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2012
 
Operating Revenue       

Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 401,903      $ 560,693      $ 486,039   

Adjustments:

      

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (i)

     (4,322     (3,963     (4,439

Loss (gain) related to Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar arrangements

     (3,725     (2,918     (2,767

Interest expense

     19,848        19,835        19,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue, as adjusted

   $ 413,704      $ 573,647      $ 498,749   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Compensation & Benefits Expense       

Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 277,739      $ 445,602      $ 338,317   

Adjustments:

      

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

     (24,671     (99,987     —      

Charges pertaining to staff reductions

     —           —           (21,754

Charges pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements

     (3,725     (2,918     (2,767

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (i)

     (1,121     (931     (1,080
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted

   $ 248,222      $ 341,766      $ 312,716   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Non-Compensation Expense       

Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 102,567      $ 120,288      $ 109,899   

Adjustments:

      

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

     (1,651     (2,589     —      

Charges pertaining to staff reductions

     —           —           (2,905

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     (877     (2,187     (1,118

Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (i)

     (458     (604     (641
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted

   $ 99,581      $ 114,908      $ 105,235   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Earnings From Operations       

Operating Income (loss) - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 21,597      ($ 5,197   $ 37,823   

Other adjustments:

      

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

     26,322        102,576        —      

Charges pertaining to staff reductions

     —           —           24,659   

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (i)

     (4,322     (3,963     (4,439

Interest expense

     19,848        19,835        19,916   

Expenses related to noncontrolling interests (i)

     1,579        1,535        1,721   

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     877        2,187        1,118   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as adjusted

   $ 65,901      $ 116,973      $ 80,798   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd       

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 15,360      ($ 5,365   $ 25,552   

Adjustments:

      

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

     26,322        102,576        —      

Charges pertaining to staff reductions

     —           —           24,659   

Tax (benefits) allocated to adjustments

     (4,687     (15,542     (6,249

Amount attributable to LAZ-MD Holdings

     (272     (1,340     (1,045

Adjustment for full exchange of exchangeable interests (j):

      

Tax adjustment for full exchange

     (24     (200     (475

Amount attributable to LAZ-MD Holdings

     464        1,498        2,370   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income, as adjusted

   $ 37,163      $ 81,627      $ 44,812   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

      

U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 0.12      ($ 0.05   $ 0.20   

Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted

   $ 0.28      $ 0.61      $ 0.33   

This presentation includes non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

 

15


LAZARD LTD

Notes to Financial Schedules

 

(a) Selected Summary Financial Information are non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Lazard believes that presenting results and measures on an adjusted basis in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures provides the most meaningful basis for comparison of its operating results across periods. (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(b) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) gains/losses related to the changes in the fair value of investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements for which a corresponding equal amount is excluded from compensation & benefits expense, (ii) revenues related to non-controlling interests (see (i) below), and (iii) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities. (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(c) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) charges/credits related to the changes in the fair value of the compensation liability recorded in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, (ii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (i) below), (iii) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, charges pertaining to the implementation of cost saving initiatives (see (g) below), and (iv) for the three month period ended March 31, 2012, certain charges pertaining to staff reductions (see (g) below). (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(d) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, (ii) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (i) below), (iii) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, charges pertaining to the implementation of cost saving initiatives (see (g) below), and (iv) for the three month period ended March 31, 2012, certain charges pertaining to staff reductions (see (g) below). (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(e) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, (ii) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, (iii) revenues and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (i) below), (iv) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, charges pertaining to the implementation of cost saving initiatives (see (g) below), and (v) for the three month period ended March 31, 2012, certain charges pertaining to staff reductions (see (g) below). (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(f) Represents earnings from operations as a percentage of operating revenue, and is a non-GAAP measure. (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(g) A non-GAAP measure which is adjusted to reflect the full conversion of outstanding exchangeable interests held by members of LAZ-MD Holdings and excludes (i) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives including severance benefit payments, acceleration of unrecognized amortization of deferred incentive compensation previously granted to individuals terminated and other non-compensation related costs, net of applicable tax benefits, and (ii) for the three month period ended March 31, 2012, certain charges pertaining to staff reductions including severance, benefit payments and acceleration of unrecognized amortization of deferred incentive compensation previously granted to individuals terminated, net of applicable tax benefits. (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(h) Effective tax rate is a non-GAAP measure which is computed based on a quotient, the numerator of which is the provision for income taxes of $8,661, $14,572 and $15,491 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively, and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $47,920, $97,300 and $62,482 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively, exclusive of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $2,097, $1,101 and $2,179 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively.

 

(i) Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater, and is a non-GAAP measure. (See Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information)

 

(j) Represents a reversal of noncontrolling interests related to LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests and an adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level taxes to affect a full exchange of interests and excluding the adjustments noted in (g) above.

NM Not meaningful

 

16