8-K
false 0001311370 0001311370 2021-02-05 2021-02-05

 

 

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): February 5, 2021

 

 

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 (seeGeneral 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 February 5, 2021, Lazard Ltd (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for its full year 2020 and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2020. 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 8.01

Other Events.

As in recent years, the Company currently expects that the vesting and settlement of certain deferred incentive compensation awards that were previously granted to the Company’s employees (other than the Company’s named executive officers) under either the Company’s 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan or the Company’s 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan and that were originally scheduled to vest on March 1, 2021 may be accelerated to occur on one or more earlier dates during February 2021.

This Report on Form 8-K contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The timing of events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020, June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(d) Exhibits.

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

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on February 5, 2021
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on February 5, 2021
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


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: February 5, 2021

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

LAZARD LTD REPORTS

FULL-YEAR AND FOURTH-QUARTER 2020 RESULTS

 

Record quarterly

operating revenue of

$849 million

 

  

  

Record Financial Advisory

quarterly operating revenue of $509 million

       

Record year-end assets

under management of

$259 billion

NEW YORK, February 5, 2021 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported annual operating revenue1 of $2,524 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Net income, as adjusted2, was $410 million, or $3.60 per share (diluted) for the year. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income for the year was $402 million, or $3.54 per share (diluted).

For the fourth quarter of 2020, net income, as adjusted, was $192 million, or $1.66 per share (diluted), a quarterly record. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income for the fourth quarter was $190 million, or $1.64 per share (diluted).

“Our record quarterly results capped a remarkable year for Lazard. Our people overcame one of the most challenging environments in modern history to serve our clients with outstanding financial advice and solutions,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “We enter 2021 with momentum across our businesses globally and growth opportunities in which we continue to invest.”

 

($ in millions, except
per share data and AUM)
   Year Ended
Dec. 31,
    Quarter Ended
Dec. 31,
 
     2020      2019      %’20-’19     2020      2019      %’20-’19  

Net Income (loss)

                

US GAAP

   $ 402      $ 287        40   $ 190      $ 77        147

Per share, diluted

   $ 3.54      $ 2.44        45   $ 1.64      $ 0.67        145

Adjusted2

   $ 410      $ 385        7   $ 192      $ 105        83

Per share, diluted

   $ 3.60      $ 3.28        10   $ 1.66      $ 0.91        82

Operating Revenue1

                

Total operating revenue

   $ 2,524      $ 2,546        (1 )%    $ 849      $ 708        20

Financial Advisory

   $ 1,403      $ 1,357        3   $ 509      $ 395        29

Asset Management

   $ 1,111      $ 1,159        (4 )%    $ 336      $ 301        12

AUM ($ in billions)

                

Period End

   $ 259      $ 248        4        

Average

   $ 225      $ 234        (4 )%    $ 246      $ 238        3

 

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 to U.S. GAAP is on page 14-15.

 

1


OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue1 was $2,524 million for 2020, 1% lower than 2019. Fourth-quarter 2020 operating revenue was $849 million, a quarterly record and 20% higher than the fourth quarter of 2019.

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 full year of 2020, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $1,403 million, 3% higher than 2019.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $509 million, a quarterly record and 29% higher than the fourth quarter of 2019.

During and since the fourth quarter of 2020, Lazard has been engaged in significant and complex M&A transactions and other advisory assignments globally, including the following (clients are in italics): Exor in the $28.6 billion merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with Peugeot; Gileads $21 billion acquisition of Immunomedics; Teladoc Healths $18.5 billion merger with Livongo; Special Committee of the Board of Taubman Centers in Taubman’s $9.4 billion sale to Simon Property Group; Stonepeaks $8.1 billion acquisition of Astound Broadband from TPG; Telefonicas partnership with Allianz to deploy fiber in Germany involving expected overall investment of €5 billion; AVEVAs $5 billion acquisition of OSIsoft; Iliads $4.3 billion acquisition of Play; Engies €3.4 billion sale of a 29.9% stake in Suez to Veolia; MassMutuals $3.4 billion sale of its retirement plan business to Empower Retirement; Macquarie Infrastructure Corporations $2.7 billion sale of IMTT to Riverstone Holdings; Aimmunes $2.6 billion sale to Nestlé Health Science; Googles $2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit; Accor in its taking full ownership of sbe hotel brands; and Gardner-Gibsons sale to ICP Building Solutions Group.

Lazard has one of the world’s preeminent restructuring practices, with a long track record of successfully advising businesses and governments. During and since the fourth quarter of 2020, we have been engaged in a broad range of highly visible and complex restructuring and debt advisory assignments for debtors or creditors, including roles involving: 24 Hour Fitness; Abengoa; Belk; Bourbon; California Resources Corporation; CorpGroup; Corsair; Diamond Offshore Drilling; Express; FTS International; Gavilan Resources; Hi-Crush; JCPenney; Libbey; NMC Health; Peabody; Premier Oil; Prisa; Seadrill Limited; Transocean; Ursa Piceance; and Valaris. Lazard was the global leader in completed restructurings for 2020 (Source: Refinitiv).

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 Lazard’s publicly announced Financial Advisory transactions, 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 full year of 2020, Asset Management operating revenue was $1,111 million, 4% lower than 2019. For the fourth quarter of 2020, Asset Management operating revenue was $336 million, 12% higher than the fourth quarter of 2019.

Management fees and other revenue was $1,053 million for full-year 2020, 7% lower than 2019. For the fourth quarter of 2020, management fees and other revenue was $284 million, 1% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019, and 10% higher than the third quarter of 2020.

Average assets under management (AUM) for full-year 2020 was $225 billion, 4% lower than 2019. Average AUM for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $246 billion, 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2019, and 9% higher than the third quarter of 2020.

AUM as of December 31, 2020 was a year-end record of $259 billion, up 4% from December 31, 2019, and up 14% from September 30, 2020. The sequential increase from September 30, 2020 was driven by market appreciation of $25.4 billion and foreign exchange appreciation of $5.8 billion, partially offset by net outflows of $286 million.

For the full year of 2020, incentive fees were $58 million, compared to $21 million for 2019. For the fourth quarter of 2020, incentive fees were $52 million, compared to $14 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

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 compensation and benefits expense1 for 2020 was $1,502 million, 3% higher than 2019, with a consistent deferral policy. The corresponding adjusted compensation ratio1 was 59.5% for 2020, compared to 57.5% for 2019.

Awarded compensation expense1 for 2020 was $1,510 million, 3% higher than 2019. The corresponding awarded compensation ratio1 was 59.8% for 2020, compared to 57.7% for 2019.

 

3


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 2020 was $432 million, 13% lower than 2019. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue1 was 17.1% for 2020, compared to 19.6% for 2019.

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $117 million, 10% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue1 was 13.7% for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 18.3% for the fourth quarter of 2019.

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 $104 million for full-year 2020 and $24 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 20.2% for full-year 2020, compared to 24.1% for full-year 2019.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

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

In 2020, Lazard returned $365 million to shareholders, which included: $197 million in dividends; $95 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $73 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During 2020, we repurchased 2.9 million shares of our Class A common stock for an average price of $32.70 per share. As of January 1, 2021, our remaining share repurchase authorization was $300 million.

On February 4, 2021, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on March 2, 2021, to stockholders of record on February 19, 2021.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents were $1,390 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $912 million.

***

 

4


CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EST on February 5, 2021, to discuss the company’s financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2020. 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) 204-4368 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (323) 794-2551 (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. EST on February 5, 2021, 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 5881308.

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from more than 40 cities and 25 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.

***

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, Lazard’s Twitter account (twitter.com/Lazard) and other social media sites 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.

***

 

5


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 U.S. GAAP results, is the most meaningful and useful way to compare our operating results across periods.

2 Fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 adjusted results1 exclude pre-tax charges of $4.2 million and $12.6 million, respectively, of costs relating to an office space reorganization and $0.4 million in the fourth quarter and full year relating to the reduction of our Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) obligation. On a U.S. GAAP basis, these charges resulted in a net charge of $2.6 million, or $0.02 (diluted) per share, for the fourth quarter, and a net charge of $7.8 million, or $0.07 (diluted) per share, for the full year of 2020.

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)    December 31,
2020
    September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    September 30,
2020
     December 31,
2019
 

Total revenue

   $ 898,326     $ 598,022     $ 743,406       50%        21%   

Interest expense

     (20,172     (20,344     (22,065     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net revenue

     878,154       577,678       721,341       52%        22%   

Operating expenses:

           

Compensation and benefits

     524,736       354,625       427,308       48%        23%   

Occupancy and equipment

     33,592       31,318       34,045       

Marketing and business development

     8,161       7,562       30,947       

Technology and information services

     36,100       33,457       38,783       

Professional services

     20,330       14,701       23,386       

Fund administration and outsourced services

     26,431       26,196       28,201       

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     436       458       9,876       

Other

     11,308       4,681       10,321       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Subtotal

     136,358       118,373       175,559       15%        (22%)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement

     (439     —         (503     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Operating expenses

     660,655       472,998       602,364       40%        10%   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Operating income

     217,499       104,680       118,977       108%        83%   

Provision for income taxes

     22,729       28,165       39,446       (19%)        (42%)  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net income

     194,770       76,515       79,531       155%        145%   

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     4,881       1,423       2,554       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 189,889     $ 75,092     $ 76,977       153%        147%   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     107,316,315       107,168,615       107,548,260       0%        (0%)  

Diluted

     115,144,030       113,181,564       113,442,101       2%        2%   

Net income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 1.73     $ 0.69     $ 0.70       151%        147%   

Diluted

   $ 1.64     $ 0.66     $ 0.67       148%        145%   

 

7


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Year Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    % Change  

Total revenue

   $ 2,646,769     $ 2,666,958       (1 %) 

Interest expense

     (80,631     (80,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net revenue

     2,566,138       2,586,773       (1 %) 

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     1,550,684       1,563,395       (1 %) 

Occupancy and equipment

     127,682       123,149    

Marketing and business development

     42,426       115,033    

Technology and information services

     133,544       143,739    

Professional services

     66,304       71,852    

Fund administration and outsourced services

     103,070       114,049    

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     1,795       19,410    

Other

     38,931       43,951    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

     513,752       631,183       (19 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement

     (439     (503  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

     2,063,997       2,194,075       (6 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

     502,141       392,698       28

Provision for income taxes

     99,449       94,982       5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

     402,692       297,716       35

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     231       11,216    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 402,461     $ 286,500       40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     106,862,739       110,189,862       (3 %) 

Diluted

     113,483,380       116,079,806       (2 %) 

Net income per share:

      

Basic

   $ 3.69     $ 2.57       44

Diluted

   $ 3.54     $ 2.44       45

 

8


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(U.S. GAAP)

 

($ in thousands)    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
ASSETS

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,389,876     $ 1,231,593  

Deposits with banks and short-term investments

     1,134,463       1,180,686  

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     44,488       43,280  

Receivables

     743,141       663,138  

Investments

     658,532       531,995  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     384,071       373,594  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     513,923       551,504  

Deferred tax assets

     538,448       586,750  

Other assets

     564,919       477,041  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 5,971,861     $ 5,639,581  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 1,201,150     $ 1,246,200  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     734,544       602,777  

Operating lease liabilities

     606,963       644,345  

Tax receivable agreement obligation

     221,451       247,344  

Senior debt

     1,682,741       1,679,562  

Other liabilities

     525,579       537,779  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,972,428       4,958,007  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

     1,128       1,128  

Additional paid-in capital

     135,439       41,020  

Retained earnings

     1,295,386       1,193,570  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (238,368     (293,648
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     1,193,585       942,070  

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost

     (281,813     (332,079
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     911,772       609,991  

Noncontrolling interests

     87,661       71,583  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     999,433       681,574  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 5,971,861     $ 5,639,581  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2020
    September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 

Revenues:

          

Financial Advisory

   $ 508,626     $ 306,977     $ 394,689       66     29

Asset Management

     336,152       261,047       301,046       29     12

Corporate

     3,990       1,023       12,275       290     (67 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 848,768     $ 569,047     $ 708,010       49     20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Expenses:

          

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 497,260     $ 341,428     $ 407,106       46     22
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     58.6     60.0     57.5    

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 116,568     $ 103,081     $ 129,615       13     (10 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     13.7     18.1     18.3    

Earnings:

          

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 234,940     $ 124,538     $ 171,289       89     37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating margin (f)

     27.7     21.9     24.2    

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 192,444     $ 76,102     $ 105,268       153     83
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 1.66     $ 0.67     $ 0.91       148     82
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     115,831,033       113,780,625       115,522,380       2     0

Effective tax rate (i)

     11.1     27.9     29.7    

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.

 

10


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Year Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    % Change  

Revenues:

      

Financial Advisory

   $ 1,403,282     $ 1,357,398       3

Asset Management

     1,111,498       1,158,645       (4 %) 

Corporate

     8,760       29,919       (71 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 2,523,540     $ 2,545,962       (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 1,502,123     $ 1,463,928       3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     59.5     57.5  

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 431,898     $ 498,551       (13 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     17.1     19.6  

Earnings:

      

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 589,519     $ 583,483       1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating margin (f)

     23.4     22.9  

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 410,249     $ 384,811       7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 3.60     $ 3.28       10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     113,904,200       117,348,401       (3 %) 

Effective tax rate (i)

     20.2     24.1  

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.

 

11


LAZARD LTD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - ANALYSIS

(unaudited)

($ in millions except share price)

 

     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     2020  
ADJUSTED U.S. GAAP BASIS (c)

 

Base salary

   $ 339.3     $ 354.0     $ 355.8     $ 372.7     $ 404.9     $ 431.9     $ 446.9     $ 455.0  

Benefits and other

     191.2       215.6       228.3       201.9       243.4       263.6       258.3       227.7  

Cash incentive compensation

     368.5       432.9       413.9       398.3       465.5       445.5       390.8       435.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash compensation, benefits and other

     899.0       1,002.5       998.0       972.9       1,113.8       1,141.0       1,096.0       1,118.0  

Amortization of deferred incentive awards

     297.6       299.2       320.8       352.4       367.3       375.6       367.9       384.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits—Adjusted U.S. GAAP basis (j)

   $ 1,196.6     $ 1,301.7     $ 1,318.8     $ 1,325.3     $ 1,481.1     $ 1,516.6     $ 1,463.9     $ 1,502.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

% of Operating Revenue

     58.8     55.6     55.4     56.5     55.8     55.1     57.5     59.5
AWARDED BASIS

 

Total cash compensation and benefits (per above)

   $ 899.0     $ 1,002.5     $ 998.0     $ 972.9     $ 1,113.8     $ 1,141.0     $ 1,096.0     $ 1,118.0  

Deferred year-end incentive awards

     291.0       325.2       336.1       342.4       351.0       377.8       361.3       364.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits before sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards

     1,190.0       1,327.7       1,334.1       1,315.3       1,464.8       1,518.8       1,457.3       1,482.4  

Sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards (k)

     22.1       14.2       26.4       29.9       36.2       45.7       37.6       54.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and benefits—Notional

     1,212.1       1,341.9       1,360.5       1,345.2       1,501.0       1,564.5       1,494.9       1,537.3  

Adjustment for actual/estimated forfeitures (l)

     (27.3     (25.4     (27.2     (27.9     (25.3     (27.5     (25.9     (27.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits—Awarded (m)

   $ 1,184.8     $ 1,316.5     $ 1,333.3     $ 1,317.3     $ 1,475.7     $ 1,537.0     $ 1,469.0     $ 1,510.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

% of Operating Revenue—Awarded Basis (m)

     58.2     56.3     56.0     56.2     55.6     55.8     57.7     59.8

Memo:

                

Total value of deferred equity-based year end incentive awards

   $ 180.9     $ 219.0     $ 267.7     $ 234.8     $ 216.4     $ 253.8     $ 165.5       TBD  

Equity-based year end awards—share equivalents (‘000)

     4,146       4,329       7,778       5,395       3,850       6,735       3,858       TBD  

Price at issuance

   $ 43.62     $ 50.60     $ 34.42     $ 43.43     $ 56.22     $ 37.69     $ 42.89       TBD  

Deferred compensation awards ratio (n)

     24.5     24.5     25.2     26.0     24.0     24.9     24.8     24.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue

   $ 2,034.3     $ 2,340.2     $ 2,380.1     $ 2,344.3     $ 2,654.5     $ 2,754.8     $ 2,546.0     $ 2,523.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, see Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information and Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

12


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

(unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

     As of      Variance  
     December 31,
2020
    September 30,
2020
     December 31,
2019
     Qtr to Qtr     YTD  

Equity:

            

Emerging Markets

   $ 33,254     $ 29,942      $ 40,612        11.1     (18.1 %) 

Global

     56,246       48,382        49,759        16.3     13.0

Local

     48,672       43,559        48,985        11.7     (0.6 %) 

Multi-Regional

     71,560       61,872        66,185        15.7     8.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total Equity

     209,732       183,755        205,541        14.1     2.0

Fixed Income:

            

Emerging Markets

     13,651       12,743        14,387        7.1     (5.1 %) 

Global

     11,962       9,948        9,233        20.2     29.6

Local

     5,600       5,554        5,450        0.8     2.8

Multi-Regional

     12,571       11,252        9,193        11.7     36.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total Fixed Income

     43,784       39,497        38,263        10.9     14.4

Alternative Investments

     2,748       2,283        2,149        20.4     27.9

Private Equity

     1,420       1,396        1,385        1.7     2.5

Cash Management

     958       821        901        16.7     6.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total AUM

   $ 258,642     $ 227,752      $ 248,239        13.6     4.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      
     Three Months Ended December 31,             Year Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019             2020     2019  

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 227,752     $ 230,874         $ 248,239     $ 214,734  

Net Flows

     (286     519           (11,368     (9,074

Market and foreign exchange appreciation

     31,176       16,846           21,771       42,579  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUM - End of Period

   $ 258,642     $ 248,239         $ 258,642     $ 248,239  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average AUM

   $ 245,604     $ 238,197         $ 225,361     $ 234,374  
  

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

% Change in average AUM

     3.1           (3.8 %)   
  

 

 

         

 

 

   

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

 

13


LAZARD LTD

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

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    2020     2020     2019     2020     2019  
Operating Revenue

 

Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 878,154     $ 577,678     $ 721,341     $ 2,566,138     $ 2,586,773  

Adjustments:

          

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (8,054     (4,042     (5,172     (11,497     (23,426

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

     (25,207     (11,261     (9,539     (40,634     (31,657

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

     (14,647     (12,016     (22,930     (64,983     (76,032

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     —         —         108       —         12,056  

Interest expense

     18,522       18,688       20,475       74,516       74,521  

Losses associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         3,727       —         3,727  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)

   $ 848,768     $ 569,047     $ 708,010     $ 2,523,540     $ 2,545,962  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Compensation and Benefits Expense

 

Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 524,736     $ 354,625     $ 427,308     $ 1,550,684     $ 1,563,395  

Adjustments:

          

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         (7,516     —         (56,635

Charges pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements

     (25,207     (11,261     (9,539     (40,634     (31,657

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (2,269     (1,936     (3,147     (7,927     (11,175
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)

   $ 497,260     $ 341,428     $ 407,106     $ 1,502,123     $ 1,463,928  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Non-Compensation Expense

 

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

   $ 136,358     $ 118,373     $ 175,559     $ 513,752     $ 631,183  

Adjustments:

          

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         (5,112     —         (6,922

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     —         —         (4,166     —         (17,359

Expenses related to office space reorganization (t)

     (4,184     (2,311     (3,568     (12,646     (4,711

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

     (14,647     (12,016     (22,930     (64,983     (76,032

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (u)

     (436     (458     (9,876     (1,795     (19,410

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         —         (6,505

Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (523     (507     (292     (2,430     (1,693
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 116,568     $ 103,081     $ 129,615     $ 431,898     $ 498,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations

 

Operating Income - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 217,499     $ 104,680     $ 118,977     $ 502,141     $ 392,698  

Adjustments:

          

Reduction of tax receivable agreement obligation (“TRA”)

     (439     —         (503     (439     (503

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         16,355       —         67,809  

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     —         —         4,166       —         17,359  

Expenses related to office space reorganization (t)

     4,184       2,311       3,568       12,646       4,711  

Acquisition-related costs (u)

     —         —         9,594       —         17,171  

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     —         —         108       —         12,056  

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         —         6,805  

Net income related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (4,881     (1,423     (2,554     (231     (11,216
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax income, as adjusted

     216,363       105,568       149,711       514,117       506,890  

Interest expense

     18,522       18,688       20,474       74,516       74,220  

Amortization (LAZ only)

     55       282       1,104       886       2,373  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)

   $ 234,940     $ 124,538     $ 171,289     $ 589,519     $ 583,483  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd

 

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

   $ 189,889     $ 75,092     $ 76,977     $ 402,461     $ 286,500  

Adjustments:

          

Reduction of tax receivable agreement obligation (“TRA”)

     (439     —         (503     (439     (503

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         16,355       —         67,809  

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     —         —         4,166       —         17,359  

Expenses related to office space reorganization (t)

     4,184       2,311       3,568       12,646       4,711  

Acquisition-related costs (u)

     —         —         9,594       —         17,171  

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     —         —         108       —         12,056  

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         —         6,805  

Tax benefit allocated to adjustments

     (1,190     (1,301     (4,997     (4,419     (27,097
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income, as adjusted (g)

   $ 192,444     $ 76,102     $ 105,268     $ 410,249     $ 384,811  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

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

     115,144,030       113,181,564       113,442,101       113,483,380       116,079,806  

Adjustment: participating securities including profits interest participation rights

     687,003       599,061       2,080,279       420,820       1,268,595  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, as adjusted (h)

     115,831,033       113,780,625       115,522,380       113,904,200       117,348,401  

Diluted net income per share:

          

U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 1.64     $ 0.66     $ 0.67     $ 3.54     $ 2.44  

Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted

   $ 1.66     $ 0.67     $ 0.91     $ 3.60     $ 3.28  

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

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

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
($ in thousands)    2020     2020     2019     2020     2019  

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

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 33,592     $ 31,318     $ 34,045     $ 127,682     $ 123,149  

Marketing and business development

     8,161       7,562       30,947       42,426       115,033  

Technology and information services

     36,100       33,457       38,783       133,544       143,739  

Professional services

     20,330       14,701       23,386       66,304       71,852  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     26,431       26,196       28,201       103,070       114,049  

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     436       458       9,876       1,795       19,410  

Other

     11,308       4,681       10,321       38,931       43,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 136,358     $ 118,373     $ 175,559     $ 513,752     $ 631,183  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:

          

Occupancy and equipment (o) (r) (t)

   ($ 3,419   ($ 2,278   ($ 3,925   ($ 11,878   ($ 5,178

Marketing and business development (o) (p) (r) (s)

     (383     (185     (3,908     (4,014     (16,810

Technology and information services (o) (p) (r) (s)

     155       (169     (4,426     (616     (17,525

Professional services (o) (p) (r) (s) (t)

     (4,101     (2,269     (3,825     (9,806     (8,672

Fund administration and outsourced services (o) (p)

     (12,114     (13,593     (13,756     (47,956     (55,543

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (r) (u)

     (436     (458     (9,876     (1,795     (19,410

Other (o) (p) (r) (s) (t) (v)

     508       3,660       (6,228     (5,789     (9,494
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments

   ($ 19,790   ($ 15,292   ($ 45,944   ($ 81,854   ($ 132,632
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted:

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 30,173     $ 29,040     $ 30,120     $ 115,804     $ 117,971  

Marketing and business development

     7,778       7,377       27,039       38,412       98,223  

Technology and information services

     36,255       33,288       34,357       132,928       126,214  

Professional services

     16,229       12,432       19,561       56,498       63,180  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     14,317       12,603       14,445       55,114       58,506  

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     —         —         —         —         —    

Other

     11,816       8,341       4,093       33,142       34,457  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 116,568     $ 103,081     $ 129,615     $ 431,898     $ 498,551  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

15


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 non-controlling interests (see (o) below), (ii) gains 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 (p) below), (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, (vi) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019, excess interest expense pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), and (vii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, losses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below).

 

(c)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (ii) charges 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 (iii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below).

 

(d)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iii) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (iv) expenses related to distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance and bad debt expense (see (p) below), (v) amortization other acquisition-related costs (see (u) below), (vi) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), and (vii) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below).

 

(e)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, a benefit relating to the reduction in our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (iii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iv) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (v) amortization and for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, other acquisition-related costs (see (u) below), (vi) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), (vii) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), (viii) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below), and (ix) 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) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, a benefit relating to the reduction in our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (iii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iv) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (v) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, acquisition-related costs (see (u) below), (vi) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), and (vii) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2019, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), net of tax benefits.

 

(h)

A non-GAAP measure which includes units of the 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 common stock. Certain profits interest participation rights and other participating securities may be 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 $23,919, $29,466 and $44,442 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively, $103,868 and $122,079 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $216,363, $105,568 and $149,711 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, $514,117 and $506,890 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

(j)

A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP compensation and benefits expense to compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
($ in thousands)    2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     2020  

Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 1,278,534     $ 1,313,606     $ 1,319,746     $ 1,340,543     $ 1,512,873     $ 1,514,735     $ 1,563,395     $ 1,550,684  

Adjustments:

                

Charges associated with business realignment (r)

     —         —         —         —         —         —         (56,635     —    

Charges pertaining to ERP system implementation (s)

     —         —         —         —         —         (1,190     —         —    

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

     (51,399     —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements comp. liability

     (14,099     (7,326     3,827       (3,318     (23,526     14,086       (31,657     (40,634

Charges pertaining to Private Equity incentive compensation

     (12,203     —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (4,232     (4,567     (4,776     (11,900     (8,285     (10,999     (11,175     (7,927
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted

   $ 1,196,601     $ 1,301,713     $ 1,318,797     $ 1,325,325     $ 1,481,062     $ 1,516,632     $ 1,463,928     $ 1,502,123  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(k)

Special deferred incentive awards are granted outside the year end compensation process and include grants to new hires, retention awards, and performance units earned under PRSU grants.

 

(l)

Under U.S. GAAP, an estimate is made for future forfeitures of the deferred portion of such awards. This estimate is based on both historical experience and future expectations. The result reflects the cost associated with awards that are expected to vest. This calculation is undertaken in order to present awarded compensation on a similar basis to GAAP compensation. Amounts for 2013-2016 represent actual forfeiture experience. The 2017-2020 amounts represent estimated forfeitures.

 

(m)

Awarded Compensation and Benefits was restated in 2017 to eliminate the year-end foreign exchange adjustment to better align awarded compensation with revenue. The impact of the change is not material.

 

(n)

Deferred compensation awards ratio is deferred year-end incentive awards, divided by total awarded compensation excluding sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards and actual/estimated forfeitures.

 

(o)

Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater and ESC Funds.

 

(p)

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.

 

(q)

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

 

(r)

Represents expenses and losses associated with a business realignment which included employee reductions and the closing of subscale offices and investment strategies.

 

(s)

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

 

(t)

Primarily represents incremental rent expense, building depreciation, impairment losses, and legal fees related to office space reorganization.

 

(u)

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

 

(v)

In 2019, 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).

TBD To be determined

 

16