8-K
false 0001311370 0001311370 2021-07-30 2021-07-30

 

 

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 30, 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 July 30, 2021, Lazard Ltd (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2021. 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 filed or furnished as part of this Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Exhibit

99.1    Press Release issued on July 30, 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 July 30, 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: July 30, 2021

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

LAZARD LTD REPORTS SECOND-QUARTER AND FIRST-HALF 2021 RESULTS

 

Record operating revenue

for the second quarter

and first half of 2021

 

  

  

Record Financial Advisory

second quarter with high

levels of activity globally

       

Record Asset Management

quarter with average AUM at

new high of $276 billion

NEW YORK, July 30, 2021 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported operating revenue1 of $821 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Net income, as adjusted2, was $146 million, or $1.28 per share (diluted) for the quarter. On a U.S. GAAP basis, second-quarter 2021 net income was $123 million, or $1.08 per share (diluted).

First-half 2021 net income, as adjusted, was $247 million, or $2.15 per share (diluted). On a U.S. GAAP basis, first-half 2021 net income was $210 million, or $1.83 per share (diluted).

“Lazard had record second-quarter and first-half operating revenue,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “We are benefitting from investments in our people and technology, our global platform and strong macroeconomic trends, leading to unprecedented activity levels in our businesses.”

 

($ in millions, except

per share data and AUM)

   Quarter Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2021      2020      %’21-20     2021      2020      %’21-20  

Net Income

                

U.S. GAAP

   $ 123      $ 73        68   $ 210      $ 137        53

Per share, diluted

   $ 1.08      $ 0.66        64   $ 1.83      $ 1.22        50

Adjusted2

   $ 146      $ 75        94   $ 247      $ 142        74

Per share, diluted

   $ 1.28      $ 0.67        91   $ 2.15      $ 1.25        72
                

Operating Revenue1

                

Total operating revenue

   $ 821      $ 543        51   $ 1,469      $ 1,106        33

Financial Advisory

   $ 471      $ 293        61   $ 788      $ 588        34

Asset Management

   $ 343      $ 245        40   $ 671      $ 514        31
                

AUM ($ in billions)

                

Period End

   $ 277      $ 215        29        

Average

   $ 276      $ 208        32   $ 269      $ 215        25

 

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 is on pages 13-14.

 

1


OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue1 was $821 million for the second quarter of 2021, and $1,469 million for the first half of 2021, both record levels, up 51% and 33% respectively from the comparable 2020 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 2021, Financial Advisory operating revenue was a record $471 million, 61% higher than the second quarter of 2020.

For the first half of 2021, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $788 million, 34% higher than the first half of 2020.

During and since the second quarter of 2021, Lazard has been engaged in significant and complex M&A transactions and other advisory assignments globally, including the following (clients are in italics): Vivendis distribution of 60% of Universal Music Group shares, valued at €19.8 billion and listing of UMG on Euronext Amsterdam, with a total combined equity value of €33 billion; Canada Development Investment Corporation in providing CAD 5.9 billion in financial assistance to Air Canada; Macquarie Infrastructure Corporations $4.5 billion sale of Atlantic Aviation to KKR; Prudential Financials $3.6 billion sale of its full-service retirement business to Empower Retirement; Allstates $2.8 billion sale of Allstate Life Insurance to Blackstone; Charterhouse Capital Partners in Mirion Technologies’ combination with GS Acquisition Holdings Corp II, valuing Mirion at $2.6 billion; Danones €1.6 billion sale of its stake in Mengniu; The Special Committee of the Board of Tribune Publishing in its $630 million sale to Alden Global Capital; IBMs acquisition of Turbonomic; DTE Energy on the spin-off of its Midstream business; Accor in the combination with Ennismore; and Pete & Gerrys Organics in its sale of a majority stake to Butterfly Equity.

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 second quarter of 2021, 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: Abengoa; AccorInvest; Assured Guaranty in connection with Puerto Rico’s restructuring; Brazos Electric Power Cooperative; Cinepolis; Corp Group Banking S.A.; Diamond Offshore Drilling; Garrett Motion; Groupo GICSA; Intelsat S.A.; NMC Health; Seadrill Limited; Stoneway Capital; and Valaris.

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 2021, or continued to advise or completed since June 30, 2021, 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 2021, Asset Management operating revenue was a record $343 million, 40% higher than the second quarter of 2020. For the first half of 2021, Asset Management operating revenue was a record $671 million, 31% higher than the first half of 2020.

For the second quarter of 2021, management fees and other revenue was a record $309 million, 26% higher than the second quarter of 2020, and 5% higher than the first quarter of 2021. For the first half of 2021, management fees and other revenue was $604 million, 18% higher than the first half of 2020.

Average assets under management (AUM) for the second quarter of 2021 was a record $276 billion, 32% higher than the second quarter of 2020, and 6% higher than the first quarter of 2021. Average AUM for the first half of 2021 was $269 billion, 25% higher than the first half of 2020.

AUM as of June 30, 2021, was $277 billion, a quarter-end record, up 29% from June 30, 2020, and up 5% from March 31, 2021. The sequential increase from March 31, 2021 was primarily driven by market appreciation of $12 billion and foreign exchange appreciation of $1.2 billion, partially offset by net outflows of $0.8 billion.

For the second quarter of 2021, incentive fees were $34 million, compared to $1 million for the second quarter of 2020. For the first half of 2021, incentive fees were $67 million, compared to $2 million for the first half of 2020.

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), a non-GAAP measure. We believe annual awarded compensation is an appropriate measure to assess actual annual compensation cost when also presented with 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 2021, we accrued compensation and benefits expense1 at an adjusted compensation1 ratio of 59.5%, compared to the second-quarter 2020 ratio of 60.0%. This resulted in $489 million of adjusted compensation and benefits expense, compared to $326 million for the second quarter of 2020.

For the first half of 2021, adjusted compensation and benefits expense1 was $874 million, compared to $663 million for the first half of 2020.

 

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 2021 was $119 million, 19% higher than the second quarter of 2020. The increase primarily reflects higher marketing and business development expenses, including travel and technology investments. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the second quarter of 2021 was 14.5%, compared to 18.3% for the second quarter of 2020.

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the first half of 2021 was $221 million, 4% higher than the first half of 2020. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the first half of 2021 was 15.1%, compared to 19.2% for the first half of 2020.

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 $49 million for the second quarter and $90 million for the first half of 2021. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 25.2% for the second quarter and 26.7% for the first half of 2021, compared to 23.9% and 26.3% for the respective 2020 periods.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

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

In the second quarter of 2021, Lazard returned $161 million to shareholders, which included: $50 million in dividends; $111 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $1 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

In the first half of 2021, Lazard returned $398 million to shareholders, which included: $99 million in dividends; $234 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $66 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During the first half of 2021, we repurchased 5.3 million shares at an average price of $43.86 per share, which included 2.4 million shares repurchased in the second quarter at an average price of $45.72 per share. As of June 30, 2021, our remaining share repurchase authorization was $366 million.

 

4


On July 29, 2021, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on August 20, 2021, to stockholders of record on August 9, 2021.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of June 30, 2021, our cash and cash equivalents were $980 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $827 million.

***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on July 30, 2021, to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2021. 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) 794-2423 (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 30, 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 5906953.

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 41 cities across 26 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 a meaningful and useful basis to compare our operating results across periods.

 

2 

Second-quarter and first-half 2021 adjusted results1 exclude losses of $23.6 million associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices; pre-tax charges of $1.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, relating to office space reorganization; and $5.7 million and $15.3 million, respectively, relating to expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices. On a U.S. GAAP basis, these resulted in a net charge of $22.6 million, or $0.20 (diluted) per share, for the second quarter, and a net charge of $36.5 million, or $0.32 (diluted) per share, for the first half of 2021.

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,
2021
    March 31,
2021
    June 30,
2020
    March 31,
2021
     June 30,
2020
 

Total revenue

   $ 843,264     $ 679,904     $ 592,264       24%        42%  

Interest expense

     (20,127     (19,797     (19,972     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net revenue

     823,137       660,107       572,292       25%        44%  

Operating expenses:

           

Compensation and benefits

     514,918       401,546       351,568       28%        46%  

Occupancy and equipment

     29,875       34,748       30,574       

Marketing and business development

     9,332       6,651       6,517       

Technology and information services

     35,774       33,670       32,629       

Professional services

     19,996       14,948       16,728       

Fund administration and outsourced services

     31,302       29,279       24,053       

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     15       15       455       

Other

     15,664       4,960       13,903       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Subtotal

     141,958       124,271       124,859       14%        14%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Operating expenses

     656,876       525,817       476,427       25%        38%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Operating income

     166,261       134,290       95,865       24%        73%  

Provision for income taxes

     41,345       43,464       22,789       (5%)        81%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net income

     124,916       90,826       73,076       38%        71%  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     1,738       3,526       (382     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 123,178     $ 87,300     $ 73,458       41%        68%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

           

Weighted average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     106,746,654       107,291,560       106,662,064       (1%)        0%  

Diluted

     113,603,478       115,822,294       111,487,749       (2%)        2%  

Net income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 1.14     $ 0.80     $ 0.68       43%        68%  

Diluted

   $ 1.08     $ 0.75     $ 0.66       44%        64%  

 

7


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Six Months Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2021
    June 30,
2020
    % Change  

Total revenue

   $ 1,523,168     $ 1,150,421       32

Interest expense

     (39,924     (40,115  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net revenue

     1,483,244       1,110,306       34

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     916,464       671,323       37

Occupancy and equipment

     64,623       62,772    

Marketing and business development

     15,983       26,703    

Technology and information services

     69,444       63,987    

Professional services

     34,944       31,273    

Fund administration and outsourced services

     60,581       50,443    

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     30       901    

Other

     20,624       22,942    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     266,229       259,021       3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses

     1,182,693       930,344       27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     300,551       179,962       67

Provision for income taxes

     84,809       48,555       75
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     215,742       131,407       64

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     5,264       (6,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 210,478     $ 137,480       53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     107,019,107       106,483,013       1

Diluted

     114,712,885       112,803,964       2

Net income per share:

      

Basic

   $ 1.94     $ 1.27       53

Diluted

   $ 1.83     $ 1.22       50

 

8


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(U.S. GAAP)

 

($ in thousands)    June 30,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
ASSETS

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 979,899     $ 1,389,876  

Deposits with banks and short-term investments

     1,111,347       1,134,463  

Restricted cash

     614,291       44,488  

Receivables

     818,800       743,141  

Investments

     867,707       658,532  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     380,867       384,071  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     479,238       513,923  

Deferred tax assets

     492,364       538,448  

Other assets

     662,287       564,919  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 6,406,800     $ 5,971,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 1,228,248     $ 1,201,150  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     644,777       734,544  

Operating lease liabilities

     567,726       606,963  

Tax receivable agreement obligation

     211,236       221,451  

Senior debt

     1,683,984       1,682,741  

Other liabilities

     563,974       525,579  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,899,945       4,972,428  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     575,000       —    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

     1,128       1,128  

Additional paid-in capital

     58,000       135,439  

Retained earnings

     1,348,121       1,295,386  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (226,648     (238,368
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     1,180,601       1,193,585  

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost

     (353,718     (281,813
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     826,883       911,772  

Noncontrolling interests

     104,972       87,661  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     931,855       999,433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders’ equity

   $ 6,406,800     $ 5,971,861  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2021
    March 31,
2021
    June 30,
2020
    March 31,
2021
    June 30,
2020
 

Revenues:

          

Financial Advisory

   $ 471,075     $ 317,300     $ 292,906       48     61

Asset Management

     343,453       327,914       245,346       5     40

Corporate

     6,918       2,648       4,662       161     48
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 821,446     $ 647,862     $ 542,914       27     51
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Expenses:

          

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 488,760     $ 385,478     $ 325,749       27     50
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     59.5     59.5     60.0    

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 118,830     $ 102,480     $ 99,617       16     19
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     14.5     15.8     18.3    

Earnings:

          

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 213,856     $ 159,904     $ 117,548       34     82
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating margin (f)

     26.0     24.7     21.7    

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 145,798     $ 101,221     $ 75,151       44     94
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 1.28     $ 0.87     $ 0.67       47     91
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     114,058,944       115,857,922       111,845,101       (2 %)      2

Effective tax rate (i)

     25.2     28.6     23.9    

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)

 

     Six Months Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    June 30,
2021
    June 30,
2020
    % Change  

Revenues:

      

Financial Advisory

   $ 788,375     $ 587,679       34

Asset Management

     671,367       514,299       31

Corporate

     9,566       3,747       155
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 1,469,308     $ 1,105,725       33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 874,238     $ 663,435       32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     59.5     60.0  

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 221,310     $ 212,249       4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     15.1     19.2  

Earnings:

      

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 373,760     $ 230,041       62
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating margin (f)

     25.4     20.8  

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 247,019     $ 141,703       74
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 2.15     $ 1.25       72
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     114,958,432       113,002,572       2

Effective tax rate (i)

     26.7     26.3  

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

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

(unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

     As of      Variance  
     June 30,     March 31,     December 31,               
     2021     2021     2020      Qtr to Qtr     YTD  

Equity:

           

Emerging Markets

   $ 32,363     $ 32,700     $ 33,254        (1.0 %)      (2.7 %) 

Global

     61,874       58,560       56,246        5.7     10.0

Local

     53,917       51,246       48,672        5.2     10.8

Multi-Regional

     76,405       72,953       71,560        4.7     6.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Equity

     224,559       215,459       209,732        4.2     7.1

Fixed Income:

           

Emerging Markets

     13,213       12,708       13,651        4.0     (3.2 %) 

Global

     14,617       14,177       11,962        3.1     22.2

Local

     5,788       5,556       5,600        4.2     3.4

Multi-Regional

     13,532       11,808       12,571        14.6     7.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Fixed Income

     47,150       44,249       43,784        6.6     7.7

Alternative Investments

     3,529       3,141       2,748        12.4     28.4

Private Equity

     1,343       1,324       1,420        1.4     (5.4 %) 

Cash Management

     797       679       958        17.4     (16.8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total AUM

   $ 277,378     $ 264,852     $ 258,642        4.7     7.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
     Three Months Ended June 30,            Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2021     2020            2021     2020  

AUM—Beginning of Period

   $ 264,852     $ 193,048        $ 258,642     $ 248,239  

Net Flows

     (828     (5,968        (2,507     (10,881

Market and foreign exchange appreciation (depreciation)

     13,354       27,624          21,243       (22,654
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUM—End of Period

   $ 277,378     $ 214,704        $ 277,378     $ 214,704  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average AUM

   $ 275,851     $ 208,454        $ 268,657     $ 215,008  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

% Change in average AUM

     32.3          25.0  
  

 

 

        

 

 

   

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)    2021     2021     2020     2021     2020  
Operating Revenue  

Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 823,137     $ 660,107     $ 572,292     $ 1,483,244     $ 1,110,306  

Adjustments:

          

(Revenue) loss related to noncontrolling interests (j)

     (5,754     (6,361     (2,173     (12,115     599  

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

     (16,491     (7,487     (23,803     (23,978     (4,166

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

     (21,625     (16,710     (21,936     (38,335     (38,320

Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (l)

     23,579       —         —         23,579       —    

Interest expense

     18,600       18,313       18,534       36,913       37,306  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)

   $ 821,446     $ 647,862     $ 542,914     $ 1,469,308     $ 1,105,725  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Compensation and Benefits Expense

 

Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 514,918     $ 401,546     $ 351,568     $ 916,464     $ 671,323  

Adjustments:

          

Charges pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements

     (16,491     (7,487     (23,803     (23,978     (4,166

Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (m)

     (7,287     (6,623     —         (13,910     —    

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (j)

     (2,380     (1,958     (2,016     (4,338     (3,722
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)

   $ 488,760     $ 385,478     $ 325,749     $ 874,238     $ 663,435  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Non-Compensation Expense

 

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

   $ 141,958     $ 124,271     $ 124,859     $ 266,229     $ 259,021  

Adjustments:

          

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

     (1,237     (1,416     (2,487     (2,653     (6,151

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

     (21,625     (16,710     (21,936     (38,335     (38,320

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     (15     (15     (455     (30     (901

Income (expenses) associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (m)

     1,586       (2,971     —         (1,385     —    

Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (j)

     (1,837     (679     (364     (2,516     (1,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 118,830     $ 102,480     $ 99,617     $ 221,310     $ 212,249  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations

 

Operating Income - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 166,261     $ 134,290     $ 95,865     $ 300,551     $ 179,962  

Adjustments:

          

Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (l)

     23,579       —         —         23,579       —    

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

     1,237       1,416       2,487       2,653       6,151  

Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (m)

     5,701       9,594       —         15,295       —    

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

     (1,738     (3,526     382       (5,264     6,073  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax income, as adjusted

     195,040       141,774       98,734       336,814       192,186  

Interest expense

     18,600       18,313       18,534       36,913       37,306  

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions and other

     216       (183     280       33       549  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)

   $ 213,856     $ 159,904     $ 117,548     $ 373,760     $ 230,041  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd  

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

   $ 123,178     $ 87,300     $ 73,458     $ 210,478     $ 137,480  

Adjustments:

          

Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (l)

     23,579       —         —         23,579       —    

Expenses related to office space reorganization (n)

     1,237       1,416       2,487       2,653       6,151  

Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (m)

     5,701       9,594       —         15,295       —    

Tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments

     (7,897     2,911       (794     (4,986     (1,928
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income, as adjusted (g)

   $ 145,798     $ 101,221     $ 75,151     $ 247,019     $ 141,703  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding  

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

     113,603,478       115,822,294       111,487,749       114,712,885       112,803,964  

Adjustment: participating securities including profits interest participation rights

     455,466       35,628       357,352       245,547       198,609  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, as adjusted (h)

     114,058,944       115,857,922       111,845,101       114,958,432       113,002,572  

Diluted net income per share:

          

U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 1.08     $ 0.75     $ 0.66     $ 1.83     $ 1.22  

Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted

   $ 1.28     $ 0.87     $ 0.67     $ 2.15     $ 1.25  

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    

 

 
     June 30,     March 31,     June 30,     June 30,     June 30,  
($ in thousands)    2021     2021     2020     2021     2020  

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

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 29,875     $ 34,748     $ 30,574     $ 64,623     $ 62,772  

Marketing and business development

     9,332       6,651       6,517       15,983       26,703  

Technology and information services

     35,774       33,670       32,629       69,444       63,987  

Professional services

     19,996       14,948       16,728       34,944       31,273  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     31,302       29,279       24,053       60,581       50,443  

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     15       15       455       30       901  

Other

     15,664       4,960       13,903       20,624       22,942  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ 141,958     $ 124,271     $ 124,859     $ 266,229     $ 259,021  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:

          

Occupancy and equipment (j) (m) (n)

   $ 788     ($ 4,185   ($ 2,448   ($ 3,397   ($ 6,181

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

     (1,247     (205     (755     (1,452     (3,446

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

     (88     (14     (167     (102     (602

Professional services (j) (k) (m) (n)

     (2,054     (1,461     (1,658     (3,515     (3,436

Fund administration and outsourced services (j) (k)

     (16,826     (15,270     (10,129     (32,096     (22,249

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     (15     (15     (455     (30     (901

Other (j) (k) (n)

     (3,686     (641     (9,630     (4,327     (9,957
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments

   ($ 23,128   ($ 21,791   ($ 25,242   ($ 44,919   ($ 46,772
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted:

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 30,663     $ 30,563     $ 28,126     $ 61,226     $ 56,591  

Marketing and business development

     8,085       6,446       5,762       14,531       23,257  

Technology and information services

     35,686       33,656       32,462       69,342       63,385  

Professional services

     17,942       13,487       15,070       31,429       27,837  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     14,476       14,009       13,924       28,485       28,194  

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     —         —         —         —         —    

Other

     11,978       4,319       4,273       16,297       12,985  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 118,830     $ 102,480     $ 99,617     $ 221,310     $ 212,249  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 a meaningful and useful basis for comparison of its operating results across periods.

(b)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) (revenue) loss related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) 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, reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance, bad debt expense, and other (see (k) below), (iv) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (l) below), and (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities.

(c)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) 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, (ii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (m) below), and (iii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below).

(d)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), (ii) expenses related to distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance, bad debt expense, and other (see (k) below), (iii) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, (iv) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, income (expenses) associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (m) below), and (v) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below).

(e)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (l) below), (ii) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), (iii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (m) below), (iv) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (j) below), and (iv) 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (l) below), (ii) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (n) below), and (iii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and for the three month period ended March 31, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (m) below), net of tax expense (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 $49,242, $40,553, and $23,583 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2021, March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively, $89,795 and $50,483 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $195,040, $141,774 and $98,734 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2021, March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, respectively, $336,814 and $192,186 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

(j)

Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater, ESC Funds and a Special Purpose Acquisition Company.

(k)

Represents certain distribution, introducer and management fees paid to third parties and reimbursable deal costs 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 losses related to the reclassification of currency translation adjustments to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with restructuring and closing of certain of our offices.

(m)

Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices.

(n)

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

 

15