Lazard Ltd Reports Full-year and Fourth-quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) reported record annual operating revenue of $3,139 million for 2021, a 24% increase from 2020. Adjusted net income reached $576 million, or $5.04 per share, marking a 40% rise compared to the previous year. The fourth quarter also saw record results with adjusted net income of $217 million. Financial Advisory revenue surged 27% to $1,778 million, while Asset Management revenue rose 20% to $1,329 million. Additionally, Lazard returned $670 million to shareholders in 2021, showcasing strong capital management and a commitment to long-term shareholder value.

Positive

• Record annual operating revenue of $3,139 million in 2021, a 24% increase year-over-year.
• Adjusted net income at a record $576 million for 2021, reflecting a 40% rise.
• Fourth quarter adjusted net income reached $217 million, a quarterly record.
• Financial Advisory revenue increased by 27% to $1,778 million for 2021.
• Asset Management revenue grew 20% to $1,329 million for the year.
• Returned $670 million to shareholders in 2021, demonstrating strong capital management.

Negative

• Average assets under management (AUM) dropped 2% from Q3 2021 to Q4 2021.
• Net outflows of $6.7 billion impacted AUM despite year-end growth.

Record annual and quarterly operating revenue, operating income and net income, as adjusted

Record annual and quarterly Financial Advisory operating revenue, reflecting strong broad-based activity across the business

Record annual and quarterly Asset Management operating revenue and year-end assets under management

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported record annual operating revenue¹ of $3,139 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net income, as adjusted², was a record $576 million, or $5.04 per share (diluted) for the year. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income for the year was $528 million, or $4.63 per share (diluted).

For the fourth quarter of 2021, net income, as adjusted, was $217 million, or $1.92 per share (diluted), a quarterly record. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income for the fourth quarter was $210 million, or $1.86 per share (diluted).

“Our results underscore the strong performance by both our businesses across our global franchise,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “With unprecedented advisory activity and a robust level of assets under management, we continue to invest for growth and long-term shareholder value.”

($ in millions, except per share data and AUM)	Year Ended Dec. 31,				Quarter Ended Dec. 31,
	2021	2020	%’21-’20		2021	2020	%’21-’20
Net Income (loss)
US GAAP	$528	$402	31%		$210	$190	11%
Per share, diluted	$4.63	$3.54	31%		$1.86	$1.64	13%
Adjusted2	$576	$410	40%		$217	$192	13%
Per share, diluted	$5.04	$3.60	40%		$1.92	$1.66	16%
Operating Revenue1
Total operating revenue	$3,139	$2,524	24%		$968	$849	14%
Financial Advisory	$1,778	$1,403	27%		$608	$509	20%
Asset Management	$1,329	$1,111	20%		$347	$336	3%
AUM ($ in billions)
Period End	$274	$259	6%
Average	$272	$225	21%		$274	$246	11%

Note: Endnotes are on page 6 of this release. A reconciliation to U.S. GAAP is on page 14-15.

OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue¹ was a record $3,139 million for 2021, 24% higher than 2020. Fourth-quarter 2021 operating revenue was a record $968 million, 14% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020.

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 2021, Financial Advisory operating revenue was a record $1,778 million, 27% higher than 2020.

For the fourth quarter of 2021, Financial Advisory operating revenue was a quarterly record $608 million, 20% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020.

During and since the fourth 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): The Special Committee of the Board of VMware in Dell’s $52.5 billion spin-off of its 81% equity stake in the company and VMware’s payment of a special cash dividend; Clayton, Dubilier & Rice fund on the sale of its stake in Belron, valuing Belron at €21.0 billion; Air Products & Chemicals’ $12.0 billion joint venture in Jazan, Saudi Arabia; The Special Committee of the Board of Athene in Athene’s $11 billion merger with Apollo; Terminix on its acquisition by Rentokil Initial plc, for an enterprise value of $7.5 billion; 3G Capital on its acquisition of a controlling interest in Hunter Douglas, valuing the company at $7.1 billion; Altice’s $6.3 billion sale of its French towers joint venture with KKR to Cellnex; Affiliate of Lone Star Funds on its €5.2 billion sale of MBCC Group to Sika; SNCF’s €3.2 billion sale of Ermewa to a consortium made of CDPQ and DWS; Blackstone Infrastructure Partners’ approximately $3.0 billion investment in Invenergy Renewables Holdings; Allstate’s $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; Saint-Gobain’s $2.3 billion acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies; Mubadala Capital’s $1.7 billion acquisition of the RLAM refinery from Petrobras; Vitrolife's €1.25 billion acquisition of Igenomix; Obagi’s $1.2 billion announced combination with Waldencast and Milk Makeup; IBM on the separation of its Managed Infrastructure Services unit; and APEX Clean Energy on the sale of a majority stake in the company to funds managed by Ares Management.

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 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: Alto Maipo S.P.A.; Andrade Gutierrez; Assured Guaranty in connection with Puerto Rico’s restructuring; Basic Energy Services; Brazos Electric Power Cooperative; Corp Grupo Banking S.A.; Grupo GICSA; Intelsat S.A.; NMC Health; Nordic Aviation Capital; Seadrill Limited; and Stoneway Capital.

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.

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 2021, Asset Management operating revenue was a record $1,329 million, 20% higher than 2020. For the fourth quarter of 2021, Asset Management operating revenue was a record $347 million, 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020.

Management fees and other revenue was $1,208 million for full-year 2021, 15% higher than 2020. For the fourth quarter of 2021, management fees and other revenue was $301 million, 6% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020, and 1% lower than the third quarter of 2021.

Average assets under management (AUM) for full-year 2021 was a record $272 billion, 21% higher than 2020. Average AUM for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $274 billion, 11% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020, and 2% lower than the third quarter of 2021.

AUM as of December 31, 2021 was a year-end record $274 billion, up 6% from December 31, 2020, and approximately even with September 30, 2021. The sequential change from September 30, 2021 was driven by market appreciation of $9.9 billion, partially offset by foreign exchange depreciation of $2.0 billion and net outflows of $6.7 billion.

For the full year of 2021, incentive fees were a record $120 million, compared to $58 million for 2020. For the fourth quarter of 2021, incentive fees were $46 million, compared to $52 million for the fourth quarter 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). 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 2021 was $1,836 million, 22% higher than 2020. The corresponding adjusted compensation ratio¹ was 58.5% for 2021, compared to 59.5% for 2020.

Awarded compensation expense¹ for 2021 was $1,846 million, 22% higher than 2020. The corresponding awarded compensation ratio¹ was 58.8% for 2021, compared to 59.8% for 2020.

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 2021 was $472 million, 9% higher than 2020. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue¹ was 15.0% for 2021, compared to 17.1% for 2020.

Adjusted non-compensation expense¹ for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $134 million, 15% higher than the fourth quarter of 2020. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue¹ was 13.8% for the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to 13.7% for the fourth quarter 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 $181 million for full-year 2021 and $54 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 23.9% for full-year 2021, compared to 20.2% for full-year 2020.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

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

In 2021, Lazard returned $670 million to shareholders, which included: $196 million in dividends; $406 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $68 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During 2021, we repurchased 9.1 million shares of our Class A common stock at an average price of $44.51 per share. On February 2, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized additional share repurchases of up to $300 million, which expires as of December 31, 2024, bringing our total outstanding share repurchase authorization to $431 million.

On February 2, 2022, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on February 25, 2022, to stockholders of record on February 14, 2022.

As of December 31, 2021, our cash and cash equivalents were $1,465 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $975 million.

***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EST on February 3, 2022, to discuss the company’s financial results for the full year and fourth quarter 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 (800) 289-0720 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (323) 701-0160 (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 3, 2022, 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 8108108.

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from more than 41 cities and 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.

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.

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 2021 adjusted results exclude losses of $23.6 million (full-year) associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices, pre-tax charges of $1.0 million and $4.6 million, respectively, relating to office space reorganization, and $0.1 million and $16.5 million, respectively, relating to expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices and $2.2 million in the fourth quarter and full year relating to our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation. On a U.S. GAAP basis, these resulted in a net charge of $6.8 million, or $0.06 (diluted) per share, for the fourth quarter, and a net charge of $47.6 million, or $0.42 (diluted) per share, for the full year of 2021.

LAZ-EPE

LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. GAAP)
	Three Months Ended												% Change From
	December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				September 30,			December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2021				2021				2020				2021			2020
Total revenue	$	1,012,841			$	737,807			$	898,326			37	%		13	%
Interest expense		(20,466	)			(20,378	)			(20,172	)
Net revenue		992,375				717,429				878,154			38	%		13	%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		559,768				419,627				524,736			33	%		7	%
Occupancy and equipment		32,402				31,015				33,592
Marketing and business development		16,850				9,922				8,161
Technology and information services		39,762				37,559				36,100
Professional services		26,060				16,698				20,330
Fund administration and outsourced services		35,784				34,137				26,431
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions		15				15				436
Other		11,197				13,497				11,308
Subtotal		162,070				142,843				136,358			13	%		19	%
Provision (benefit) pursuant to tax receivable agreement		2,199				-				(439	)
Operating expenses		724,037				562,470				660,655			29	%		10	%
Operating income		268,338				154,959				217,499			73	%		23	%
Provision for income taxes		57,048				39,446				22,729			45	%		151	%
Net income		211,290				115,513				194,770			83	%		8	%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		913				8,304				4,881
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd	$	210,377			$	107,209			$	189,889			96	%		11	%
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		104,689,273				105,415,743				107,316,315			(1	%)		(2	%)
Diluted		112,278,982				112,994,037				115,144,030			(1	%)		(2	%)
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.97			$	1.00			$	1.73			97	%		14	%
Diluted	$	1.86			$	0.94			$	1.64			98	%		13	%

LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. GAAP)
	Year Ended
	December 31,				December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2021				2020					% Change
Total revenue	$	3,273,816			$	2,646,769				24	%
Interest expense		(80,768	)			(80,631	)
Net revenue		3,193,048				2,566,138				24	%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		1,895,859				1,550,684				22	%
Occupancy and equipment		128,040				127,682
Marketing and business development		42,755				42,426
Technology and information services		146,765				133,544
Professional services		77,702				66,304
Fund administration and outsourced services		130,502				103,070
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions		60				1,795
Other		45,318				38,931
Subtotal		571,142				513,752				11	%
Provision (benefit) pursuant to tax receivable agreement		2,199				(439	)
Operating expenses		2,469,200				2,063,997				20	%
Operating income		723,848				502,141				44	%
Provision for income taxes		181,303				99,449				82	%
Net income		542,545				402,692				35	%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		14,481				231
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd	$	528,064			$	402,461				31	%
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		106,035,808				106,862,739				(1	%)
Diluted		113,674,699				113,483,380				0	%
Net income per share:
Basic	$	4.90			$	3.69				33	%
Diluted	$	4.63			$	3.54				31	%

LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(U.S. GAAP)
	December 31,				December 31,
($ in thousands)	2021				2020
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,465,022			$	1,389,876
Deposits with banks and short-term investments		1,347,544				1,134,463
Restricted cash		617,448				44,488
Receivables		805,809				743,141
Investments		1,007,339				658,532
Goodwill and other intangible assets		379,571				384,071
Operating lease right-of-use assets		466,054				513,923
Deferred tax assets		435,308				538,448
Other assets		623,086				564,919
Total Assets	$	7,147,181			$	5,971,861
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits and other customer payables	$	1,442,701			$	1,201,150
Accrued compensation and benefits		972,303				734,544
Operating lease liabilities		552,522				606,963
Tax receivable agreement obligation		213,434				221,451
Senior debt		1,685,227				1,682,741
Other liabilities		628,030				525,579
Total liabilities		5,494,217				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		144,729				135,439
Retained earnings		1,560,636				1,295,386
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(223,847	)			(238,368	)
Subtotal		1,482,646				1,193,585
Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost		(507,426	)			(281,813	)
Total Lazard Ltd stockholders' equity		975,220				911,772
Noncontrolling interests		102,744				87,661
Total stockholders' equity		1,077,964				999,433
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity	$	7,147,181			$	5,971,861

LAZARD LTD
SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)
(Non-GAAP - unaudited)
	Three Months Ended								% Change From
	December 31,		September 30,		December 31,				September 30,		December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2021		2021		2020				2021		2020
Revenues:
Financial Advisory	$608,178		$381,295		$508,626				60%		20%
Asset Management	346,607		310,566		336,152				12%		3%
Corporate	13,160		9,783		3,990				35%		NM
Operating revenue (b)	$967,945		$701,644		$848,768				38%		14%
Expenses:
Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)	$544,510		$417,479		$497,260				30%		10%
Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue	56.3%		59.5%		58.6%
Non-compensation expense (d)	$133,903		$116,734		$116,568				15%		15%
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue	13.8%		16.6%		13.7%
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e)	$289,532		$167,431		$234,940				73%		23%
Operating margin (f)	29.9%		23.9%		27.7%
Adjusted net income (g)	$217,209		$111,398		$192,444				95%		13%
Diluted adjusted net income per share	$1.92		$0.98		$1.66				96%		16%
Diluted weighted average shares (h)	113,294,302		113,781,092		115,831,033				(0%)		(2%)
Effective tax rate (i)	19.8%		25.1%		11.1%

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.

LAZARD LTD
SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)
(Non-GAAP - unaudited)
	Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2021		2020		% Change
Revenues:
Financial Advisory	$1,777,848		$1,403,282		27%
Asset Management	1,328,540		1,111,498		20%
Corporate	32,509		8,760		NM
Operating revenue (b)	$3,138,897		$2,523,540		24%
Expenses:
Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)	$1,836,227		$1,502,123		22%
Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue	58.5%		59.5%
Non-compensation expense (d)	$471,947		$431,898		9%
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue	15.0%		17.1%
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e)	$830,723		$589,519		41%
Operating margin (f)	26.5%		23.4%
Adjusted net income (g)	$575,626		$410,249		40%
Diluted adjusted net income per share	$5.04		$3.60		40%
Diluted weighted average shares (h)	114,248,065		113,904,200		0%
Effective tax rate (i)	23.9%		20.2%

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.

LAZARD LTD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - ANALYSIS
(unaudited)
($ in millions except share price)
		2014				2015				2016				2017				2018				2019				2020				2021
ADJUSTED U.S. GAAP BASIS (c)
Base salary		$	354.0			$	355.8			$	372.7			$	404.9			$	431.9			$	446.9			$	455.0			$	487.1
Benefits and other			215.6				228.3				201.9				243.4				263.6				258.3				227.7				286.5
Cash incentive compensation			432.9				413.9				398.3				465.5				445.5				390.8				435.3				662.4
Total cash compensation, benefits and other			1,002.5				998.0				972.9				1,113.8				1,141.0				1,096.0				1,118.0				1,436.0
Amortization of deferred incentive awards			299.2				320.8				352.4				367.3				375.6				367.9				384.1				400.2
Compensation and benefits - Adjusted U.S. GAAP basis (j)		$	1,301.7			$	1,318.8			$	1,325.3			$	1,481.1			$	1,516.6			$	1,463.9			$	1,502.1			$	1,836.2
% of Operating Revenue			55.6	%			55.4	%			56.5	%			55.8	%			55.1	%			57.5	%			59.5	%			58.5	%
AWARDED BASIS
Total cash compensation and benefits (per above)		$	1,002.5			$	998.0			$	972.9			$	1,113.8			$	1,141.0			$	1,096.0			$	1,118.0			$	1,436.0
Deferred year-end incentive awards			325.2				336.1				342.4				351.0				377.8				361.3				364.4				389.7
Compensation and benefits before sign-on and other
special deferred incentive awards			1,327.7				1,334.1				1,315.3				1,464.8				1,518.8				1,457.3				1,482.4				1,825.7
Sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards (k)			14.2				26.4				29.9				36.2				45.7				37.6				54.9				48.5
Total Compensation and benefits - Notional			1,341.9				1,360.5				1,345.2				1,501.0				1,564.5				1,494.9				1,537.3				1,874.2
Adjustment for actual/estimated forfeitures (l)			(25.4	)			(27.2	)			(27.9	)			(25.3	)			(27.5	)			(25.9	)			(27.3	)			(28.5	)
Compensation and benefits - Awarded (m)		$	1,316.5			$	1,333.3			$	1,317.3			$	1,475.7			$	1,537.0			$	1,469.0			$	1,510.0			$	1,845.7
% of Operating Revenue - Awarded Basis (m)			56.3	%			56.0	%			56.2	%			55.6	%			55.8	%			57.7	%			59.8	%			58.8	%
Memo:
Total value of deferred equity-based year end
incentive awards		$	219.0			$	267.7			$	234.8			$	216.4			$	253.8			$	165.5			$	172.4			TBD
Equity-based year end awards - share equivalents ('000)			4,329				7,778				5,395				3,850				6,735				3,858				3,988			TBD
Price at issuance		$	50.60			$	34.42			$	43.43			$	56.22			$	37.69			$	42.89			$	43.23			TBD
Deferred compensation awards ratio (n)			24.5	%			25.2	%			26.0	%			24.0	%			24.9	%			24.8	%			24.6	%			21.3	%
Operating revenue		$	2,340.2			$	2,380.1			$	2,344.3			$	2,654.5			$	2,754.8			$	2,546.0			$	2,523.5			$	3,138.9

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

LAZARD LTD
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ("AUM")
(unaudited)
($ in millions)
	As of											Variance
	December 31,				September 30,				December 31,
	2021				2021				2020			Qtr to Qtr				YTD
Equity:
Emerging Markets	$	31,227			$	31,316			$	33,254			(0.3	%)			(6.1	%)
Global		59,516				58,348				56,246			2.0	%			5.8	%
Local		56,310				54,764				48,672			2.8	%			15.7	%
Multi-Regional		73,953				74,840				71,560			(1.2	%)			3.3	%
Total Equity		221,006				219,268				209,732			0.8	%			5.4	%
Fixed Income:
Emerging Markets		12,231				12,917				13,651			(5.3	%)			(10.4	%)
Global		14,410				14,469				11,962			(0.4	%)			20.5	%
Local		6,022				6,070				5,600			(0.8	%)			7.5	%
Multi-Regional		13,623				13,731				12,571			(0.8	%)			8.4	%
Total Fixed Income		46,286				47,187				43,784			(1.9	%)			5.7	%
Alternative Investments		4,203				3,934				2,748			6.8	%			52.9	%
Private Equity		1,290				1,288				1,420			0.1	%			(9.2	%)
Cash Management		954				895				958			6.6	%			(0.4	%)
Total AUM	$	273,739			$	272,572			$	258,642			0.4	%			5.8	%
	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
	2021				2020							2021				2020
AUM - Beginning of Period	$	272,572			$	227,752						$	258,642			$	248,239
Net Flows		(6,735	)			(286	)						(11,573	)			(11,368	)
Market and foreign exchange
appreciation		7,902				31,176							26,670				21,771
AUM - End of Period	$	273,739			$	258,642						$	273,739			$	258,642
Average AUM	$	273,514			$	245,604						$	272,051			$	225,361
% Change in average AUM		11.4	%										20.7	%

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

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)	2021				2021				2020						2021				2020
Operating Revenue
Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis	$	992,375			$	717,429			$	878,154					$	3,193,048			$	2,566,138
Adjustments:
Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (o)		(7,515	)			(11,994	)			(8,054	)					(31,624	)			(11,497	)
(Gains) losses related to Lazard Fund Interests ("LFI") and other similar arrangements		(12,884	)			1,368				(25,207	)					(35,494	)			(40,634	)
Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs, bad debt expense and other (p)		(22,842	)			(23,876	)			(14,647	)					(85,053	)			(64,983	)
Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (q)		15				51				-						23,645				-
Interest expense		18,796				18,666				18,522						74,375				74,516
Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)	$	967,945			$	701,644			$	848,768					$	3,138,897			$	2,523,540
Compensation and Benefits Expense
Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis	$	559,768			$	419,627			$	524,736					$	1,895,859			$	1,550,684
Adjustments:
(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements		(12,884	)			1,368				(25,207	)					(35,494	)			(40,634	)
Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (r)		-				(1,012	)			-						(14,922	)			-
Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)		(2,374	)			(2,504	)			(2,269	)					(9,216	)			(7,927	)
Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)	$	544,510			$	417,479			$	497,260					$	1,836,227			$	1,502,123
Non-Compensation Expense
Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis	$	162,070			$	142,843			$	136,358					$	571,142			$	513,752
Adjustments:
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)		(967	)			(991	)			(4,184	)					(4,611	)			(12,646	)
Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs, bad debt expense and other (p)		(22,842	)			(23,876	)			(14,647	)					(85,053	)			(64,983	)
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions		(15	)			(15	)			(436	)					(60	)			(1,795	)
Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (r)		(115	)			(39	)			-						(1,539	)			-
Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (o)		(4,228	)			(1,188	)			(523	)					(7,932	)			(2,430	)
Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)	$	133,903			$	116,734			$	116,568					$	471,947			$	431,898
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations
Operating Income - U.S. GAAP Basis	$	268,338			$	154,959			$	217,499					$	723,848			$	502,141
Adjustments:
Provision (benefit) pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation		2,199				-				(439	)					2,199				(439	)
Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (q)		15				51				-						23,645				-
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)		967				991				4,184						4,611				12,646
Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (r)		115				1,051				-						16,461				-
Net income related to noncontrolling interests (o)		(913	)			(8,304	)			(4,881	)					(14,481	)			(231	)
Pre-tax income, as adjusted		270,721				148,748				216,363						756,283				514,117
Interest expense		18,796				18,666				18,522						74,375				74,516
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions and other		15				17				55						65				886
Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)	$	289,532			$	167,431			$	234,940					$	830,723			$	589,519
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis	$	210,377			$	107,209			$	189,889					$	528,064			$	402,461
Adjustments:
Provision (benefit) pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation		2,199				-				(439	)					2,199				(439	)
Losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (q)		15				51				-						23,645				-
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)		967				991				4,184						4,611				12,646
Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (r)		115				1,051				-						16,461				-
Tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments		3,536				2,096				(1,190	)					646				(4,419	)
Net income, as adjusted (g)	$	217,209			$	111,398			$	192,444					$	575,626			$	410,249
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - U.S. GAAP Basis		112,278,982				112,994,037				115,144,030						113,674,699				113,483,380
Adjustment: participating securities including profits interest participation rights		1,015,320				787,055				687,003						573,366				420,820
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, as adjusted (h)		113,294,302				113,781,092				115,831,033						114,248,065				113,904,200
Diluted net income per share:
U.S. GAAP Basis	$	1.86			$	0.94			$	1.64					$	4.63			$	3.54
Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted	$	1.92			$	0.98			$	1.66					$	5.04			$	3.60

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 Notes to Financial Schedules.

See Notes to Financial Schedules

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)		2021				2021				2020						2021				2020
Non-compensation expense - U.S. GAAP Basis:
Occupancy and equipment		$	32,402			$	31,015			$	33,592					$	128,040			$	127,682
Marketing and business development			16,850				9,922				8,161						42,755				42,426
Technology and information services			39,762				37,559				36,100						146,765				133,544
Professional services			26,060				16,698				20,330						77,702				66,304
Fund administration and outsourced services			35,784				34,137				26,431						130,502				103,070
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions			15				15				436						60				1,795
Other			11,197				13,497				11,308						45,318				38,931
Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis		$	162,070			$	142,843			$	136,358					$	571,142			$	513,752
Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:
Occupancy and equipment (o) (r) (s)		($	892	)		($	1,106	)		($	3,419	)				($	5,395	)		($	11,878	)
Marketing and business development (o) (p) (r)			(1,425	)			(1,261	)			(383	)					(4,138	)			(4,014	)
Technology and information services (o) (p) (r)			4				(72	)			155						(170	)			(616	)
Professional services (o) (p) (r) (s)			(3,888	)			(1,143	)			(4,101	)					(8,546	)			(9,806	)
Fund administration and outsourced services (o) (p)			(21,661	)			(19,669	)			(12,114	)					(73,426	)			(47,956	)
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions			(15	)			(15	)			(436	)					(60	)			(1,795	)
Other (o) (p) (r) (s)			(290	)			(2,843	)			508						(7,460	)			(5,789	)
Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments		($	28,167	)		($	26,109	)		($	19,790	)				($	99,195	)		($	81,854	)
Non-compensation expense, as adjusted:
Occupancy and equipment		$	31,510			$	29,909			$	30,173					$	122,645			$	115,804
Marketing and business development			15,425				8,661				7,778						38,617				38,412
Technology and information services			39,766				37,487				36,255						146,595				132,928
Professional services			22,172				15,555				16,229						69,156				56,498
Fund administration and outsourced services			14,123				14,468				14,317						57,076				55,114
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions			-				-				-						-				-
Other			10,907				10,654				11,816						37,858				33,142
Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)		$	133,903			$	116,734			$	116,568					$	471,947			$	431,898

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 Notes to Financial Schedules.

See Notes to Financial Schedules

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 related to non-controlling interests (see (o) below), (ii) (gains) losses related to the changes in the fair value of investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements for which a corresponding equal amount is excluded from compensation & benefits expense, (iii) revenue related to distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance, bad debt expense, and other (see (p) below), (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (q) below), and (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities.
(c)	A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) (charges) credits related to the changes in the fair value of the compensation liability recorded in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, (ii) for the three month period ended September 30, 2021 and the twelve month period ended December 31, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (r) below), and (iii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below).
(d)	A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), (ii) expenses related to distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance, bad debt expense, and other (see (p) below), (iii) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (r) below), and (v) 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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, a provision (benefit) pursuant to our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (q) below), (iii) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (r) below), (v) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below), (vi) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, and (vii) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions.
(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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, a provision (benefit) pursuant to our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, losses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (q) below), (iii) expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), and (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2021, expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (see (r) 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 $53,512, $37,350 and $23,919 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively, $180,657 and $103,868 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $270,721, $148,748 and $216,363 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, $756,283 and $514,117 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(j)	A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP compensation and benefits expense to compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted:
		Year Ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		2021
	Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis	$1,313,606		$1,319,746		$1,340,543		$1,512,873		$1,514,735		$1,563,395		$1,550,684		$1,895,859
	Adjustments:
	Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices (r)	-		-		-		-		-		-		-		(14,922)
	Charges associated with business realignment (t)	-		-		-		-		-		(56,635)		-		-
	Charges pertaining to ERP system implementation (u)	-		-		-		-		(1,190)		-		-		-
	(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements comp. liability	(7,326)		3,827		(3,318)		(23,526)		14,086		(31,657)		(40,634)		(35,494)
	Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)	(4,567)		(4,776)		(11,900)		(8,285)		(10,999)		(11,175)		(7,927)		(9,216)
	Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted	$1,301,713		$1,318,797		$1,325,325		$1,481,062		$1,516,632		$1,463,928		$1,502,123		$1,836,227
(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 2014-2017 represent actual forfeiture experience. The 2018-2021 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, ESC Funds and a Special Purpose Acquisition Company.
(p)	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.
(q)	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.
(r)	Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices.
(s)	Represents incremental rent expense, building depreciation, impairment losses, and legal fees related to office space reorganization.
(t)	Represents expenses and losses associated with a business realignment which included employee reductions and the closing of subscale offices and investment strategies.
(u)	Represents expenses associated with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation.
NM	Not meaningful
TBD	To be determined

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220203005343/en/

Media:

Judi Frost Mackey

+1 212 632 1428

judi.mackey@lazard.com

Investors:

Alexandra Deignan

+1 212 632 6886

alexandra.deignan@lazard.com

Source: Lazard Ltd

FAQ

What is Lazard's 2021 annual operating revenue?

Lazard reported a record annual operating revenue of $3,139 million for 2021.

What was the adjusted net income for Lazard in 2021?

Lazard's adjusted net income for 2021 was $576 million, or $5.04 per share.

How much did Lazard return to shareholders in 2021?

Lazard returned $670 million to shareholders in 2021.

What was the fourth quarter 2021 adjusted net income for Lazard?

The fourth quarter adjusted net income for Lazard was $217 million.

How did Lazard's Financial Advisory revenue perform in 2021?

Lazard's Financial Advisory revenue increased by 27% to $1,778 million in 2021.