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):    July 25, 2019    

 

 

Lazard Ltd

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Bermuda   001-32492   98-0437848

 

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(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))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A Common Stock   LAZ   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 2.02

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On July 25, 2019, Lazard Ltd (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2019. 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 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 July 25, 2019.


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on July 25, 2019


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:   Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel

Dated: July 25, 2019

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

LOGO

LAZARD LTD REPORTS

SECOND-QUARTER AND FIRST-HALF 2019 RESULTS

 

$630 million

operating revenue for

second quarter

    

$237 billion in average

assets under management,

up 4% from first quarter

    

$603 million of capital

returned to shareholders

in first half of 2019

NEW YORK, July 25, 2019 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported operating revenue1 of $630 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2019. Net income, as adjusted2, was $86 million, or $0.73 per share (diluted) for the quarter. On a U.S. GAAP basis, second-quarter 2019 net income was $66 million, or $0.55 per share (diluted).

First-half 2019 net income, as adjusted, was $191 million, or $1.61 per share (diluted). On a U.S. GAAP basis, first-half net income was $163 million, or $1.36 per share (diluted).

“With growing momentum in Financial Advisory and increased average assets under management, we are well positioned for the second half of the year,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “We are making significant investments in our technology infrastructure to create new and differentiated capabilities and insights for our clients, building a foundation for enhanced growth.”

 

 

($ in millions, except

per share data and AUM)

   Quarter Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2019      2018      %’19-’18     2019      2018      %’19-’18  

Net Income

                

U.S. GAAP

   $ 66      $ 147        (55 )%    $ 163      $ 307        (47 )% 

Per share, diluted

   $ 0.55      $ 1.13        (51 )%    $ 1.36      $ 2.34        (42 )% 

Adjusted2

   $ 86      $ 143        (40 )%    $ 191      $ 309        (38 )% 

Per share, diluted

   $ 0.73      $ 1.10        (34 )%    $ 1.61      $ 2.35        (31 )% 

Operating Revenue1

                

Total operating revenue

   $ 630      $ 741        (15 )%    $ 1,250      $ 1,465        (15 )% 

Financial Advisory

   $ 329      $ 415        (21 )%    $ 659      $ 804        (18 )% 

Asset Management

   $ 291      $ 329        (12 )%    $ 575      $ 659        (13 )% 

AUM ($ in billions)

                

Period End

   $ 237      $ 238        —          

Average

   $ 237      $ 245        (3 )%    $ 233      $ 251        (7 )% 

 

Media Contact: Judi Frost Mackey    +1 212 632 1428    judi.mackey@lazard.com
Investor Contact: Alexandra Deignan    +1 212 632 6886    alexandra.deignan@lazard.com

Note: Endnotes are on page 6 of this release. A reconciliation of adjusted GAAP to U.S. GAAP begins on page 13.

 

1


OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue1 was $630 million for the second quarter of 2019, and $1,250 million for the first half of 2019, down 15% and 15% for both periods from the respective 2018 periods.

Financial Advisory

Our Financial Advisory results include M&A Advisory, Capital Advisory, Capital Raising, Restructuring, Shareholder Advisory, Sovereign Advisory, and other strategic advisory work for clients.

For the second quarter of 2019, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $329 million, 21% lower than the second quarter of 2018. The decrease reflected softness in European M&A and global Restructurings.

For the first half of 2019, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $659 million, 18% lower than the first half of 2018.

During and since the second quarter of 2019, Lazard has been engaged in significant and complex M&A transactions and other advisory assignments globally, including: IBM’s $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat; Ingersoll-Rand in the $15 billion combination of its Industrial segment with Gardner Denver; Anheuser-Busch InBev’s AUD 16 billion sale of Carlton & United Breweries to Asahi Group Holdings; a consortium consisting of KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB, in its recommended acquisition of Merlin Entertainments, valuing Merlin at £5.9 billion; MassMutual in the $5.7 billion strategic combination of Invesco and OppenheimerFunds; Capgemini’s €5.0 billion acquisition of Altran; Gilead’s R&D collaboration with Galapagos, including $5.1 billion in an upfront payment and an equity investment; El Paso Electric’s $4.3 billion sale to Infrastructure Investments Fund; and Carrefour’s sale of an 80% interest in Carrefour China to Suning.com, based on an enterprise value of €1.4 billion.

During and since the second quarter of 2019 we have been engaged in a broad range of highly visible and complex restructuring and debt advisory assignments for debtors and creditors, including roles involving: Abengoa; Debenhams; FirstEnergy Solutions; Insys Therapeutics; Neiman Marcus; PG&E; Sears Holdings; Westmoreland Resource Partners; and Weatherford International.

Our Capital and Shareholder Advisory practices remain active globally, advising on a broad range of public and private assignments. Our Sovereign Advisory practice continues to be active advising governments, sovereign and sub-sovereign entities across developed and emerging markets.

For a list of publicly announced Financial Advisory transactions on which Lazard advised in the second quarter of 2019, or continued to advise or completed since June 30, 2019, please visit our website at www.lazard.com/businesses/transactions.

 

2


Asset Management

In the text portion of this press release, we present our Asset Management results as 1) Management fees and other revenue, and 2) Incentive fees.

For the second quarter of 2019, Asset Management operating revenue was $291 million, 12% lower than the second quarter of 2018. For the first half of 2019, Asset Management operating revenue was $575 million, 13% lower than the first half of 2018.

For the second quarter of 2019, management fees and other revenue was $286 million, 10% lower than the second quarter of 2018, and 1% higher than the first quarter of 2019. For the first half of 2019, management fees and other revenue was $569 million, 11% lower than the first half of 2018.

Average assets under management (AUM) for the second quarter of 2019 was $237 billion, 3% lower than the second quarter of 2018, and 4% higher than the first quarter of 2019. Average AUM for the first half of 2019 was $233 billion, 7% lower than the first half of 2018.

AUM as of June 30, 2019, was $237 billion, approximately even with June 30, 2018, and up 1% from March 31, 2019. The sequential increase was primarily driven by market appreciation and foreign exchange movement, offset by net outflows of $5.2 billion.

For the second quarter of 2019, incentive fees were $5 million, compared to $12 million for the second quarter of 2018. For the first half of 2019, incentive fees were $6 million, compared to $18 million for the first half of 2018.

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.

For the second quarter of 2019, we accrued compensation and benefits expense1 at an adjusted compensation1 ratio of 57.5%. This resulted in $362 million of adjusted compensation and benefits expense, compared to $413 million for the second quarter of 2018.

For the first half of 2019, adjusted compensation and benefits expense1 was $719 million, compared to $817 million for the first half of 2018.

 

3


We manage our compensation and benefits expense based on awarded compensation with a consistent deferral policy. We take a disciplined approach to compensation, and our goal is to maintain a compensation-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle in the mid- to high-50s percentage range on both an awarded and adjusted basis, with consistent deferral policies.

Non-Compensation Expense

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the second quarter of 2019 was $128 million, 8% higher than the second quarter of 2018. The increase includes our accelerating investments in technology infrastructure. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the second quarter of 2019 was 20.3%, compared to 16.0% for the second quarter of 2018.

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the first half of 2019 was $244 million, 5% higher than the first half of 2018. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the first half of 2019 was 19.5%, compared to 15.9% for the first half of 2018.

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 $35 million for the second quarter of 2019 and $60 million for the first half of 2019. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 28.8% for the second quarter and 23.9% for the first half of 2019, compared to 26.9% and 20.4% for the respective 2018 periods.

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 second quarter of 2019, Lazard returned $217 million to shareholders, which included: $52 million in dividends; $160 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $5 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

For the first half of 2019, Lazard returned $603 million to shareholders, which included: $155 million in dividends; $352 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $96 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During the first half of 2019, we repurchased 9.7 million shares at an average price of $36.20 per share, which included 4.5 million shares repurchased in the second quarter at an average price of $35.18 per share. In line with our objectives, these repurchases have more than offset the potential dilution from our 2018 year-end equity-based compensation awards (net of estimated forfeitures and tax withholding to be paid in cash in lieu of share issuances), which were granted at an average price of $37.69 per share. As of June 30, 2019, our remaining share repurchase authorization was $244 million.

 

4


On July 24, 2019, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on August 16, 2019, to stockholders of record on August 5, 2019.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of June 30, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents were $919 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $619 million.

***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on July 25, 2019, to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2019. 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 (800) 289-0438 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (323) 794-2423 (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 on July 25, 2019, 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 7242427.

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 43 cities across 27 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating 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. Follow Lazard at @Lazard.

***

 

5


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”, “could”, “would”, “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, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies, business plans and initiatives and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. 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 discussed 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 or regional financial markets;

 

   

A decline in our revenues, for example due to 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.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations and we do not intend to do so.

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 mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.

***

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 Second-quarter and first-half 2019 adjusted results1 exclude pre-tax charges of (i) $7.6 million and $10.8 million, respectively, of costs associated with the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, (ii) $2.3 million and $6.8 million, respectively, relating to a first quarter debt refinancing by Lazard Ltd’s subsidiary Lazard Group LLC; (iii) $4.6 million and $7.7 million, respectively, of acquisition-related costs, primarily reflecting changes in fair value of contingent consideration associated with certain business acquisitions; and (iv) $11.9 million of private equity investment adjustments in the second quarter. On a U.S. GAAP basis, these items resulted in a net charge of $20 million, or $0.17 (diluted) per share, for the second quarter, and a net charge of $28 million, or $0.24 (diluted) per share, for the first half of 2019.

LAZ-EPE

###

 

6


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2019
    March 31,
2019
    June 30,
2018
    March 31,
2019
    June 30,
2018
 

Total revenue

   $ 650,801     $ 661,678     $ 771,528       (2 %)      (16 %) 

Interest expense

     (20,111     (18,004     (13,590    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net revenue

     630,690       643,674       757,938       (2 %)      (17 %) 

Operating expenses:

          

Compensation and benefits

     372,470       372,254       416,159       0     (10 %) 

Occupancy and equipment

     30,953       28,295       29,240      

Marketing and business development

     28,784       27,984       28,228      

Technology and information services

     38,825       32,055       32,527      

Professional services

     19,144       14,217       16,714      

Fund administration and outsourced services

     28,493       28,930       33,227      

Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs

     5,042       3,470       (8,483    

Other

     5,294       16,806       10,386      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Subtotal

     156,535       151,757       141,839       3     10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating expenses

     529,005       524,011       557,998       1     (5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating income

     101,685       119,663       199,940       (15 %)      (49 %) 

Provision for income taxes

     28,172       23,187       51,561       21     (45 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income

     73,513       96,476       148,379       (24 %)      (50 %) 

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     7,736       (566     1,416      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 65,777     $ 97,042     $ 146,963       (32 %)      (55 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

          

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     111,981,204       111,944,255       120,306,257       0     (7 %) 

Diluted

     116,175,349       120,820,084       130,249,054       (4 %)      (11 %) 

Net income per share:

          

Basic

   $ 0.57     $ 0.87     $ 1.22       (34 %)      (53 %) 

Diluted

   $ 0.55     $ 0.80     $ 1.13       (31 %)      (51 %) 

 

7


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Six Months Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2018
    % Change  

Total revenue

   $ 1,312,479     $ 1,539,733       (15 %) 

Interest expense

     (38,115     (27,097  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net revenue

     1,274,364       1,512,636       (16 %) 

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     744,724       821,206       (9 %) 

Occupancy and equipment

     59,248       59,478    

Marketing and business development

     56,768       53,887    

Technology and information services

     70,880       65,779    

Professional services

     33,361       29,145    

Fund administration and outsourced services

     57,423       68,411    

Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs

     8,512       (7,617  

Other

     22,100       36,579    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

     308,292       305,662       1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

     1,053,016       1,126,868       (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

     221,348       385,768       (43 %) 

Provision for income taxes

     51,359       75,728       (32 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

     169,989       310,040       (45 %) 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     7,170       3,385    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 162,819     $ 306,655       (47 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     111,962,729       120,118,182       (7 %) 

Diluted

     118,497,717       131,195,725       (10 %) 

Net income per share:

      

Basic

   $ 1.44     $ 2.55       (44 %) 

Diluted

   $ 1.36     $ 2.34       (42 %) 

 

8


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
($ in thousands)    2019     2018  
ASSETS

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 919,221     $ 1,246,537  

Deposits with banks and short-term investments

     1,301,520       1,006,969  

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     39,761       38,379  

Receivables

     705,114       685,534  

Investments

     575,424       575,148  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     374,436       375,318  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     477,432       —    

Deferred tax assets

     589,076       597,776  

Other assets

     525,489       471,580  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 5,507,473     $ 4,997,241  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 1,480,684     $ 1,154,207  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     331,636       585,484  

Senior debt

     1,678,131       1,434,260  

Tax receivable agreement obligation

     246,953       270,640  

Operating lease liabilities

     555,324        

Other liabilities

     496,867       582,557  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,789,595       4,027,148  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

     1,298       1,298  

Additional paid-in capital

     582,342       750,692  

Retained earnings

     1,179,901       1,195,563  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (271,984     (273,818
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     1,491,557       1,673,735  

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost

     (872,755     (756,884
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     618,802       916,851  

Noncontrolling interests

     99,076       53,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     717,878       970,093  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 5,507,473     $ 4,997,241  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
     June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     March 31,     June 30,  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    2019     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Revenues:

          

Financial Advisory

   $ 328,814     $ 329,994     $ 415,006       (0 %)      (21 %) 

Asset Management

     291,269       283,734       329,409       3     (12 %) 

Corporate

     9,617       6,262       (3,713     54       NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 629,700     $ 619,990     $ 740,702       2     (15 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Expenses:

          

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 362,078     $ 356,494     $ 413,312       2     (12 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     57.5     57.5     55.8    

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 128,014     $ 115,737     $ 118,481       11     8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     20.3     18.7     16.0    

Earnings:

          

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 139,608     $ 147,759     $ 208,909       (6 %)      (33 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating margin (f)

     22.2     23.8     28.2    

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 85,746     $ 105,537     $ 143,020       (19 %)      (40 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 0.73     $ 0.87     $ 1.10       (16 %)      (34 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     117,422,884       120,934,661       130,249,054       (3 %)      (10 %) 

Effective tax rate (i)

     28.8     19.4     26.9    

This presentation includes 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.

 

10


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2018
    % Change  

Revenues:

      

Financial Advisory

   $ 658,808     $ 803,862       (18 %) 

Asset Management

     575,003       659,264       (13 %) 

Corporate

     15,879       1,511       NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 1,249,690     $ 1,464,637       (15 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 718,572     $ 817,268       (12 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     57.5     55.8  

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 243,751     $ 232,562       5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     19.5     15.9  

Earnings:

      

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 287,367     $ 414,807       (31 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating margin (f)

     23.0     28.3  

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 191,283     $ 308,935       (38 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 1.61     $ 2.35       (31 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     119,178,774       131,195,725       (9 %) 

Effective tax rate (i)

     23.9     20.4  

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

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

(unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

     As of      Variance  
     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,               
     2019     2019     2018      Qtr to Qtr     YTD  

Equity:

           

Emerging Markets

   $ 42,836     $ 45,112     $ 41,899        (5.0 %)      2.2

Global

     47,559       46,788       41,490        1.6     14.6

Local

     40,575       40,083       36,020        1.2     12.6

Multi-Regional

     64,888       63,112       57,589        2.8     12.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Equity

     195,858       195,095       176,998        0.4     10.7

Fixed Income:

           

Emerging Markets

     15,692       15,308       14,980        2.5     4.8

Global

     6,195       6,410       4,851        (3.4 %)      27.7

Local

     5,767       5,378       6,113        7.2     (5.7 %) 

Multi-Regional

     8,935       7,912       6,994        12.9     27.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Fixed Income

     36,589       35,008       32,938        4.5     11.1

Alternative Investments

     2,492       2,659       2,430        (6.3 %)      2.6

Private Equity

     1,383       1,393       1,469        (0.7 %)      (5.9 %) 

Cash Management

     1,144       824       899        38.8     27.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total AUM

   $ 237,466     $ 234,979     $ 214,734        1.1     10.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
     Three Months Ended June 30,            Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2019     2018            2019     2018  

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 234,979     $ 251,680        $ 214,734     $ 249,459  

Net Flows

     (5,246     (3,846        (5,208     (1,439

Market and foreign exchange appreciation (depreciation)

     7,733       (9,958        27,940       (10,144
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUM - End of Period

   $ 237,466     $ 237,876        $ 237,466     $ 237,876  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average AUM

   $ 236,978     $ 245,127        $ 232,740     $ 250,614  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

% Change in average AUM

     (3.3%          (7.1%  
  

 

 

        

 

 

   

Note: Average AUM generally represents the average of the monthly ending AUM balances for the period.

 

12


LAZARD LTD

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

(unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
($ in thousands, except per share data)   2019     2019     2018     2019     2018  
Operating Revenue

 

Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis

  $ 630,690     $ 643,674     $ 757,938     $ 1,274,364     $ 1,512,636  

Adjustments:

         

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (j)

    (11,819     (2,271     (5,622     (14,090     (10,839

(Gains) losses related to Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar arrangements

    (6,484     (13,870     499       (20,354     1,935  

Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs and bad debt expense (k)

    (13,357     (24,332     (24,718     (37,689     (64,232

Private Equity investment adjustment (l)

    11,948       —         —         11,948       —    

Interest expense

    18,722       16,789       12,605       35,511       25,137  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)

  $ 629,700     $ 619,990     $ 740,702     $ 1,249,690     $ 1,464,637  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Compensation and Benefits Expense

 

Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

  $ 372,470     $ 372,254     $ 416,159     $ 744,724     $ 821,206  

Adjustments:

         

(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements

    (6,484     (13,870     499       (20,354     1,935  

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (j)

    (3,908     (1,890     (3,346     (5,798     (5,873
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)

  $ 362,078     $ 356,494     $ 413,312     $ 718,572     $ 817,268  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Non-Compensation Expense

 

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

  $ 156,535     $ 151,757     $ 141,839     $ 308,292     $ 305,662  

Adjustments:

         

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (m)

    (7,626     (3,205     (5,404     (10,831     (12,830

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

    —         —         (1,036     —         (2,425

Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs and bad debt expense (k)

    (13,357     (24,332     (24,718     (37,689     (64,232

Amortization and other acquisition-related benefits (costs) (o)

    (5,042     (3,470     8,483       (8,512     7,617  

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (p)

    (2,262     (4,243     —         (6,505     —    

Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (j)

    (234     (770     (683     (1,004     (1,230
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

  $ 128,014     $ 115,737     $ 118,481     $ 243,751     $ 232,562  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations

 

Operating Income - U.S. GAAP Basis

  $ 101,685     $ 119,663     $ 199,940     $ 221,348     $ 385,768  

Adjustments:

         

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (m)

    7,626       3,205       5,404       10,831       12,830  

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

    —         —         1,036       —         2,425  

Acquisition-related (benefits) costs (o)

    4,612       3,039       (9,346     7,651       (9,313

Private Equity investment adjustment (l)

    11,948       —         —         11,948       —    

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (p)

    2,348       4,457       —         6,805       —    

Net (income) loss related to noncontrolling
interests (j)

    (7,736     566       (1,416     (7,170     (3,385
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax income, as adjusted

    120,483       130,930       195,618       251,413       388,325  

Interest expense

    18,636       16,575       12,605       35,211       25,137  

Amortization (LAZ only)

    489       254       686       743       1,345  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)

  $ 139,608     $ 147,759     $ 208,909     $ 287,367     $ 414,807  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

 

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

  $ 65,777     $ 97,042     $ 146,963     $ 162,819     $ 306,655  

Adjustments:

         

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (m)

    7,626       3,205       5,404       10,831       12,830  

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

    —         —         1,036       —         2,425  

Acquisition-related (benefits) costs (o)

    4,612       3,039       (9,346     7,651       (9,313

Private Equity investment adjustment (l)

    11,948       —         —         11,948       —    

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (p)

    2,348       4,457       —         6,805       —    

Tax benefit allocated to adjustments

    (6,565     (2,206     (1,037     (8,771     (3,662
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income, as adjusted (g)

  $ 85,746     $ 105,537     $ 143,020     $ 191,283     $ 308,935  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - U.S. GAAP Basis

    116,175,349       120,820,084       130,249,054       118,497,717       131,195,725  

Adjustment: participating securities

    1,247,535       114,577       —         681,057       —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, as
adjusted (h)

    117,422,884       120,934,661       130,249,054       119,178,774       131,195,725  

Diluted net income per share:

         

U.S. GAAP Basis

  $ 0.55     $ 0.80     $ 1.13     $ 1.36     $ 2.34  

Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted

  $ 0.73     $ 0.87     $ 1.10     $ 1.61     $ 2.35  

This presentation includes 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.

See Notes to Financial Schedules

 

13


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF NON-COMPENSATION U.S. GAAP TO ADJUSTED (a)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
($ in thousands)    June 30,
2019
    March 31,
2019
    June 30,
2018
    June 30,
2019
    June 30,
2018
 

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

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 30,953     $ 28,295     $ 29,240     $ 59,248     $ 59,478  

Marketing and business development

     28,784       27,984       28,228       56,768       53,887  

Technology and information services

     38,825       32,055       32,527       70,880       65,779  

Professional services

     19,144       14,217       16,714       33,361       29,145  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     28,493       28,930       33,227       57,423       68,411  

Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs

     5,042       3,470       (8,483     8,512       (7,617

Other

     5,294       16,806       10,386       22,100       36,579  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 156,535     $ 151,757     $ 141,839     $ 308,292     $ 305,662  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:

          

Occupancy and equipment (j) (n)

   ($ 25   ($ 33   ($ 1,106   ($ 58   ($ 2,565

Marketing and business development (j) (k) (m)

     (6,493     (3,404     (4,621     (9,897     (8,730

Technology and information services (j) (k) (m)

     (7,427     (3,276     (5,258     (10,703     (12,315

Professional services (j) (k) (m)

     (2,091     (1,364     (1,898     (3,455     (2,593

Fund administration and outsourced services (k)

     (12,549     (15,909     (17,606     (28,458     (36,855

Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs (o)

     (5,042     (3,470     8,483       (8,512     7,617  

Other (j) (k) (m) (p)

     5,106       (8,564     (1,352     (3,458     (17,659
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments

   ($ 28,521   ($ 36,020   ($ 23,358   ($ 64,541   ($ 73,100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted:

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 30,928     $ 28,262     $ 28,134     $ 59,190     $ 56,913  

Marketing and business development

     22,291       24,580       23,607       46,871       45,157  

Technology and information services

     31,398       28,779       27,269       60,177       53,464  

Professional services

     17,053       12,853       14,816       29,906       26,552  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     15,944       13,021       15,621       28,965       31,556  

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     —         —         —         —         —    

Other

     10,400       8,242       9,034       18,642       18,920  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 128,014     $ 115,737     $ 118,481     $ 243,751     $ 232,562  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

This presentation includes 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.

See Notes to Financial Schedules

 

14


LAZARD LTD

Notes to Financial Schedules

 

(a)

Selected Summary Financial Information are 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.

 

(b)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) revenue related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below), (ii) (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, (iii) revenue related to distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance and bad debt expense (see (k) below), (iv) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (l) below), (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, and (vi) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, excess interest expense pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (p) below).

 

(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, and (ii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below).

 

(d)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (m) below), (ii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), (iii) expenses related to distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance and bad debt expense (see (k) below), (iv) amortization and other acquisition-related benefits (costs) (see (o) below), (v) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (p) below), and (vi) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below).

 

(e)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (m) below), (ii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), (iii) amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs (see (o) below), (iv) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (l) below), (v) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (p) below), (vi) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below), and (vii) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities.

 

(f)

Represents earnings from operations as a percentage of operating revenue, and is a non-GAAP measure.

 

(g)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (m) below), (ii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), (iii) amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs (see (o) below), (iv) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019, private equity investment adjustment, (see (l) below), and (v) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (p) below), net of tax benefits.

 

(h)

A non-GAAP measure which includes for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2019, units of the newly established long-term incentive compensation program consisting of profits interest participation rights, which are equity incentive awards that, subject to certain conditions, may be exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock. Profits interest participation rights and other participating securities are excluded from the computation of outstanding stock equivalents for U.S. GAAP net income per share.

 

(i)

Effective tax rate is a non-GAAP measure based upon the U.S. GAAP rate with adjustments for the tax applicable to the non-GAAP adjustments to operating income, generally based upon the effective marginal tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction of the adjustments. The computation is based on a quotient, the numerator of which is the provision for income taxes of $34,737, $25,393, and $52,599 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019, and June 30, 2018, respectively, $60,130 and $79,391 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $120,483, $130,930, and $195,618 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2019, March 31, 2019, and June 30, 2018, respectively, $251,413 and $388,325 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

 

(j)

Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater, and is a non-GAAP measure.

 

(k)

Represents certain distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs paid to third parties for which an equal amount is excluded from both non-GAAP operating revenue and non-compensation expense, respectively, and excludes bad debt expense, which represents fees that are deemed uncollectible.

 

(l)

Represents write-down of private equity investment to potential transaction value.

 

(m)

Represents expenses associated with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation.

 

(n)

Represents incremental rent expense and lease abandonment costs related to office space reorganization and an onerous lease provision.

 

(o)

Primarily represents the change in fair value of the contingent consideration associated with certain business acquisitions.

 

(p)

The company incurred charges related to the extinguishment of the remaining 4.25% Senior Notes maturing in November 2020. $168 million of the 2020 Notes were redeemed in March 2019 and the remaining $82 million have been redeemed in April 2019. The charges include a pre-tax loss on the extinguishment of $6.5 million and excess interest expense of $0.3 million (due to the period of time between the issuance of the 2029 notes and the settlement of the 2020 notes).

NM Not meaningful

 

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