Lazard Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) reported net revenue of $806 million and operating revenue of $761 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The U.S. GAAP net income was $64 million or $0.65 per share, diluted. The annual net revenue was $2,515 million, with a net loss of $75 million. Lazard's Financial Advisory operating revenue was $477 million for the fourth quarter, 18% higher than the same period in 2022. Asset Management operating revenue was $274 million, 6% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022. The company returned $330 million to shareholders in 2023. Lazard's financial position remains strong with $971 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Examining Lazard Inc.'s financials presents a mixed picture. The increase in Q4 net revenue by 13% year-over-year alongside an 18% rise in Financial Advisory operating revenue signals a robust end to the year. However, the full-year perspective reveals a net loss of $75 million, a stark contrast to the previous year's significant net income. This discrepancy suggests that while Lazard has experienced a strong quarter, the overall annual performance has been affected by broader market conditions or internal challenges. The rise in AUM by 14% to $247 billion is noteworthy, indicating growth in the Asset Management segment, which could be attributed to market appreciation and new client inflows. However, the adjusted compensation ratio increase to 69.8% from 59.8% year-over-year raises concerns about cost management, especially when aiming to maintain it in the mid- to high-50s percentage range.

Market Research Analyst

From a market dynamics perspective, Lazard's performance reflects the volatility and complexity of the current financial landscape. The significant engagements in M&A transactions indicate a competitive positioning within the sector, capturing high-value deals despite a challenging economic environment. The shift in the compensation and non-compensation expense ratios, however, merits attention. While an increase in compensation costs could be seen as an investment in talent to drive future growth, it also suggests a pressure on margins that may not be sustainable in the long term without a corresponding increase in revenue. Additionally, the increase in non-compensation expenses, primarily due to professional services and occupancy costs, could indicate strategic investments or potential inefficiencies that need to be addressed.

Legal Expert

From a legal and structural standpoint, Lazard's conversion to a U.S. C-Corporation effective January 1, 2024, is a significant change. This move could streamline the company's tax structure and potentially attract a broader base of investors by simplifying the ownership model. The corporate restructuring might also reflect a strategic maneuver to optimize capital management in response to the evolving regulatory and tax environment. The effective tax rate reduction to 14.5% for the full year from 25.7% the previous year could be a result of this restructuring or other tax planning strategies, which would have a positive impact on net income, despite the reported net loss on a GAAP basis.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ) today reported net revenue of $806 million and operating revenue¹ of $761 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. On a U.S. GAAP basis, fourth-quarter 2023 net income was $64 million or $0.65 per share, diluted. Net income, as adjusted² was $65 million, or $0.66 per share, diluted, for the quarter.

Annual net revenue was $2,515 million and operating revenue was $2,440 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net loss for the year was $75 million, or $0.90 per share, diluted. Net income, as adjusted², was $75 million, or $0.77 per share, diluted, for the year.

“Lazard’s fourth quarter results represent a strong finish to a challenging year, and we are pleased with our forward momentum as we execute our long-term growth strategy,” said Peter R. Orszag, Chief Executive Officer, Lazard. “We are increasingly winning new client mandates across our business, and we are well positioned to serve clients as they consider economic opportunities and geopolitical risks in the years ahead.”

($ in millions, except	Quarter Ended						Year Ended
per share data and AUM)	December 31,						December 31,
	2023		2022		%'23-'22		2023		2022		%'23-'22
Net Income (Loss)
U.S. GAAP	$64		$42		50%		($75)		$358		NM
Per share, diluted	$0.65		$0.44		48%		($0.90)		$3.51		NM
Adjusted2	$65		$67		(3%)		$75		$384		(80%)
Per share, diluted	$0.66		$0.69		(4%)		$0.77		$3.73		(79%)
Revenue
U.S. GAAP - Net Revenue	$806		$712		13%		$2,515		$2,774		(9%)
Total operating revenue1	$761		$671		13%		$2,440		$2,769		(12%)
Financial Advisory	$477		$404		18%		$1,357		$1,652		(18%)
Asset Management	$274		$259		6%		$1,068		$1,099		(3%)
AUM ($ in billions)
Period end	$247		$216		14%
Average	$234		$211		11%		$233		$227		2%

Note: Endnotes are on page 5 of this release. A reconciliation of adjusted GAAP to U.S. GAAP is on pages 14-15.

OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue was $761 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, 13% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022, and $2,440 million for 2023, 12% lower than 2022.

Financial Advisory

For the fourth quarter of 2023, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $477 million, 18% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022.

For the full year of 2023, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $1,357 million, 18% lower than 2022.

During and since the fourth quarter of 2023, Lazard has been engaged in significant and complex M&A transactions globally, including the following (clients are in italics): Lincoln Financial Group’s $28 billion reinsurance transaction with Fortitude Re; Newmont’s $19.15 billion acquisition of Newcrest; Iliad’s €14.9 billion proposed merger between Iliad Italia and Vodafone Italia; ImmunoGen’s $10.1 billion sale to AbbVie; Abcam’s $5.7 billion acquisition by Danaher; Sanofi’s $2.4 billion acquisition of Inhibrx; iSource’s $2.15 billion sale of a minority equity interest in NIPSCO to Blackstone Infrastructure Partners; RPT’s $2 billion acquisition by Kimco Realty; Elecnor Group’s €1.8 billion sale of its Spanish based renewables business Enerfin to Statkraf; The Restaurant Group plc’s £701 million acquisition by Apollo Global Management; Ajinomoto Group’s $545 million acquisition of Forge Biologics; Energy Exemplar’s acquisition by Blackstone and Vista Equity Partners; Renault Group’s partnership agreement with Nissan and Western Digital Corporation’s separation of HDD and Flash businesses, creating two independent public companies.

Lazard's preeminent restructuring and liability management practices have been engaged in a broad range of complex restructuring and debt advisory assignments, including company roles involving Air Methods, Enviva, Inversiones Latin America Power and Tele Columbus and creditor and/or related party roles involving AFE, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Hilding Anders, Lumen Technologies, Orpea, SVB Financial Group and Telegraph Media Group.

Our capital advisory and solutions practices remain active and engaged in assignments, including Ceva Santé Animale's €2.4 billion refinancing, McLaren Group’s £1.7 billion recapitalization, Pollen Street Capital’s closing of its €1 billion multi-asset continuation fund, Lecta Limited’s €550 million refinancing and new capital raise and GOJO Industries’ $500 million capital solution from Silver Point.

Our sovereign advisory practice continues to be active in advising governments and sovereign entities across developed and emerging markets including assignments for the governments of Greece and Mozambique.

For a list of publicly announced transactions please visit our website.

Asset Management

For the fourth quarter of 2023, Asset Management operating revenue was $274 million, 6% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022. For the full year of 2023, Asset Management operating revenue was $1,068 million, 3% lower than 2022.

For the fourth quarter of 2023, management fees and other revenue was $258 million, 5% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022, and 1% lower than the third quarter of 2023. Management fees and other revenue was $1,038 million for full-year 2023, 1% higher than 2022.

For the fourth quarter of 2023, incentive fees were $16 million, compared to $13 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the full year of 2023, incentive fees were $30 million, compared to $67 million for 2022.

Average assets under management (AUM) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $234 billion, 11% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022, and 1% lower than the third quarter of 2023. Average assets under management for full-year 2023 was $233 billion, 2% higher than 2022.

AUM as of December 31, 2023, was $247 billion, 14% higher than December 31, 2022, and 8% higher than September 30, 2023. The sequential change from September 30, 2023 was driven by market and foreign exchange appreciation of $16.9 billion and $5.0 billion, respectively, offset by net outflows of $3.6 billion.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Compensation and Benefits

For the fourth quarter of 2023, adjusted compensation and benefits expense¹ was $516 million, compared to $419 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. The adjusted compensation ratio for the fourth quarter of 2023 was 67.8%, compared to the fourth-quarter 2022 ratio of 62.4%.

For the full year of 2023, adjusted compensation and benefits expense was $1,703 million, 3% higher than 2022. The corresponding adjusted compensation ratio was 69.8%, compared to 59.8% for 2022.

We focus on a ratio of adjusted compensation-to-operating revenue to manage costs, balancing a view of current market conditions alongside our objective to drive long-term shareholder value. Our goal remains to maintain a compensation-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle in the mid- to high-50s percentage range on an adjusted basis, while targeting a consistent deferral policy.

Non-Compensation Expense

For the fourth quarter of 2023, adjusted non-compensation expense¹ was $148 million, 4% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022, primarily reflecting increased occupancy costs and professional services expenses.

The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 19.5% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 21.1% for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Adjusted non-compensation expense¹ for 2023 was $572 million, 10% higher than 2022, primarily reflecting increased professional services expenses and occupancy costs. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 23.4% for 2023, compared to 18.7% for 2022.

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

TAXES

The provision for taxes, on an adjusted basis¹ was $12 million for the fourth quarter and $13 million for full-year 2023. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 16.0% for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 26.3% for the fourth quarter of 2022 and 14.5% for full-year 2023 compared to 25.7% for full-year 2022.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Effective January 1, 2024, Lazard completed its conversion to a U.S. C-Corporation and changed its name from Lazard Ltd to Lazard, Inc.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Lazard returned $44 million to shareholders, which included: $43.7 million in dividends and $0.6 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

In 2023, Lazard returned $330 million to shareholders, which included: $173 million in dividends; $102 million in repurchases of our common stock; and $55 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During 2023, we repurchased 2.8 million shares. As of December 31, 2023, our remaining share repurchase authorization was $200 million.

On January 31, 2024, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on February 23, 2024, to stockholders of record on February 12, 2024.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of December 31, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents were $971 million.

ENDNOTES

1. A non-U.S. GAAP measure. See attached financial schedules and related notes for a detailed explanation of adjustments to corresponding U.S. GAAP results. We believe that presenting our results on an adjusted basis, in addition to the U.S. GAAP results, is the most meaningful and useful way to compare our operating results across periods.
2. Fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 adjusted results¹ exclude $0.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, relating to losses associated with cost-saving initiatives, pre-tax charges of $16.6 million and $195.1 million, respectively, relating to expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives, full-year pre-tax charges of $10.7 million relating to expenses associated with senior management transition, $3.5 million and $43.9 million in the fourth quarter and full year relating to a benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation (“TRA”), and $19.1 million for the full year relating to certain asset impairment charges. Including the effect of taxes, these resulted in a net charge of $1.4 million, or $0.02, per share, diluted, for the fourth quarter, and a net charge of $150.5 million, or $1.69, per share, diluted, for the full year of 2023, on a U.S. GAAP basis.

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on February 1, 2024, to discuss the company’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023. 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 1 800-579-2543 (toll-free, U.S. and Canada) or +1 203-518-9765 (outside of the U.S. and Canada), 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. Conference ID: LAZQ423.

A replay of the conference call will be available by 10:00 a.m. ET, February 1, 2024, via the Lazard Investor Relations website at www.lazard.com, or by dialing +1 800-938-2241 (toll-free, U.S. and Canada) or +1 402-220-1121 (outside of the U.S. and Canada).

ABOUT LAZARD

Founded in 1848, Lazard is one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Lazard provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and capital solutions, restructuring and liability management, geopolitics, and other strategic matters, as well as asset management and investment solutions to institutions, corporations, governments, partnerships, family offices, and high net worth individuals. For more information, please visit www.lazard.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “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 strategies, business plans and initiatives and anticipated trends in our business. These forward-looking 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
• In the event of a change or adverse interpretation of relevant income tax law, regulation or treaty, or a failure to qualify for treaty benefits, or in the event tax authorities challenge our tax computations or classifications.

Although we believe the statements reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, achievements or events. 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, Inc. 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, 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.

***

LAZ-EPE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (U.S. GAAP - unaudited)
	Three Months Ended						% Change From
	December 31,		September 30,		December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2023		2023		2022		2023		2022
Total revenue	$825,763		$543,170		$731,860		52%		13%
Interest expense	(19,742)		(19,252)		(19,471)
Net revenue	806,021		523,918		712,389		54%		13%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	559,207		364,605		474,843		53%		18%
Occupancy and equipment	33,436		33,108		30,907
Marketing and business development	27,259		20,754		26,674
Technology and information services	47,363		46,897		47,125
Professional services	23,129		20,451		21,292
Fund administration and outsourced services	27,450		27,884		24,614
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	95		96		15
Other	19,644		14,980		14,988
Non-compensation expenses - Subtotal	178,376		164,170		165,615		9%		8%
Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement	(3,459)		–		(1,209)
Operating expenses	734,124		528,775		639,249		39%		15%
Operating income (loss)	71,897		(4,857)		73,140		NM		(2%)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	403		(11,631)		16,075		NM		NM
Net income	71,494		6,774		57,065		NM		25%
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	7,927		(365)		14,701
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd	$63,567		$7,139		$42,364		NM		50%
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	90,228,532		89,425,900		88,173,431		1%		2%
Diluted	94,989,330		94,309,224		94,185,566		1%		1%
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$0.69		$0.07		$0.47		NM		47%
Diluted	$0.65		$0.06		$0.44		NM		48%

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (U.S. GAAP - unaudited)
	Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2023		2022		% Change
Total revenue	$2,593,162		$2,855,093		(9%)
Interest expense	(77,673)		(81,522)
Net revenue	2,515,489		2,773,571		(9%)
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	1,946,010		1,656,451		17%
Occupancy and equipment	131,117		122,251
Marketing and business development	99,357		83,103
Technology and information services	189,670		171,702
Professional services	89,308		69,535
Fund administration and outsourced services	110,878		109,978
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	334		60
Other	72,666		44,852
Non-compensation expenses - Subtotal	693,330		601,481		15%
Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement	(43,894)		(1,209)
Operating expenses	2,595,446		2,256,723		15%
Operating income (loss)	(79,957)		516,848		NM
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(22,650)		124,365		NM
Net income (loss)	(57,307)		392,483		NM
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	18,172		34,966
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd	($75,479)		$357,517		NM
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	88,993,985		95,664,129		(7%)
Diluted	88,993,985		100,997,674		(12%)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic	($0.90)		$3.68		NM
Diluted	($0.90)		$3.51		NM

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (U.S. GAAP - unaudited)
	December 31,		December 31,
($ in thousands)	2023		2022
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$971,316		$1,234,773
Deposits with banks and short-term investments	219,576		779,246
Restricted cash	34,091		625,381
Receivables	762,319		652,758
Investments	701,964		698,977
Property	232,516		250,073
Goodwill and other intangible assets	394,928		377,330
Operating lease right-of-use assets	407,213		431,608
Deferred tax assets	497,340		407,657
Other assets	414,518		394,758
Total Assets	$4,635,781		$5,852,561
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits and other customer payables	$443,262		$921,834
Accrued compensation and benefits	781,375		735,576
Operating lease liabilities	485,191		513,688
Tax receivable agreement obligation	115,087		191,189
Senior debt	1,690,200		1,687,714
Other liabilities	550,804		543,690
Total liabilities	4,065,919		4,593,691
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	87,675		583,471
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share	–		–
Common stock, par value $.01 per share	1,128		1,128
Additional paid-in capital	247,204		167,890
Retained earnings	1,402,636		1,676,713
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(289,950)		(295,854)
Subtotal	1,361,018		1,549,877
Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost	(937,259)		(993,414)
Total Lazard Ltd stockholders' equity	423,759		556,463
Noncontrolling interests	58,428		118,936
Total stockholders' equity	482,187		675,399
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholders' equity	$4,635,781		$5,852,561

Note: "Property" includes $73 million of property held for sale at December 31, 2023.

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)	2023		2023		2022		2023		2022
Revenues:
Financial Advisory	$477,366		$261,441		$403,836		83%		18%
Asset Management	273,694		262,162		258,618		4%		6%
Corporate	9,898		8,014		8,507		24%		16%
Operating revenue (b)	$760,958		$531,617		$670,961		43%		13%
Expenses:
Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)	$515,724		$363,626		$418,598		42%		23%
Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue	67.8%		68.4%		62.4%
Adjusted non-compensation expenses (d)	$148,119		$137,450		$141,843		8%		4%
Ratio of adjusted non-compensation to operating revenue	19.5%		25.9%		21.1%
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e)	$97,115		$30,541		$110,520		NM		(12%)
Operating margin (f)	12.8%		5.7%		16.5%
Adjusted net income (g)	$65,011		$10,268		$67,130		NM		(3%)
Diluted adjusted net income per share	$0.66		$0.10		$0.69		NM		(4%)
Diluted adjusted weighted average shares (h)	99,154,021		98,282,239		97,222,787		1%		2%
Adjusted effective tax rate (i)	16.0%		8.4%		26.3%

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.

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a) (Non-GAAP - unaudited)
	Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)	2023		2022		% Change
Revenues:
Financial Advisory	$1,356,835		$1,652,422		(18%)
Asset Management	1,067,559		1,098,665		(3%)
Corporate	15,225		17,971		(15%)
Operating revenue (b)	$2,439,619		$2,769,058		(12%)
Expenses:
Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)	$1,702,537		$1,656,838		3%
Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue	69.8%		59.8%
Adjusted non-compensation expenses (d)	$571,504		$518,173		10%
Ratio of adjusted non-compensation to operating revenue	23.4%		18.7%
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e)	$165,578		$594,047		(72%)
Operating margin (f)	6.8%		21.5%
Adjusted net income (g)	$75,023		$384,402		(80%)
Diluted adjusted net income per share	$0.77		$3.73		(79%)
Diluted adjusted weighted average shares (h)	97,450,393		103,193,048		(6%)
Adjusted effective tax rate (i)	14.5%		25.7 %

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

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - ANALYSIS (Non-GAAP - unaudited)
($ in millions)
Adjusted U.S. GAAP Basis (c)				2023		2022		2021		2020		2019		2018		2017
Base salary				$558		$535		$487		$455		$447		$432		$405
Benefits and other				291		293		287		228		258		264		243
Current cash incentive compensation (j)				365		458		662		435		391		446		466
Total cash compensation, benefits and other				1,213		1,286		1,436		1,118		1,096		1,141		1,114
Amortization of deferred incentive awards				489		371		400		384		368		376		367
Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (k)				$1,703		$1,657		$1,836		$1,502		$1,464		$1,517		$1,481
% of Operating Revenue				69.8%		59.8%		58.5%		59.5%		57.5%		55.1%		55.8%
Memo:
Operating revenue				$2,440		$2,769		$3,139		$2,524		$2,546		$2,755		$2,655

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.

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (unaudited)
($ in millions)	As of						Variance
	December 31,		September 30,		December 31,
	2023		2023		2022		Qtr to Qtr		YTD
Equity:
Emerging Markets	$25,288		$23,606		$21,557		7.1%		17.3%
Global	53,528		49,709		46,861		7.7%		14.2%
Local	52,208		48,016		47,504		8.7%		9.9%
Multi-Regional	59,114		53,417		51,473		10.7%		14.8%
Total Equity	190,138		174,748		167,395		8.8%		13.6%
Fixed Income:
Emerging Markets	9,525		9,069		8,944		5.0%		6.5%
Global	10,762		10,924		11,029		(1.5%)		(2.4%)
Local	6,080		5,868		5,352		3.6%		13.6%
Multi-Regional	21,740		19,317		18,061		12.5%		20.4%
Total Fixed Income	48,107		45,178		43,386		6.5%		10.9%
Alternative Investments	3,330		3,593		3,812		(7.3%)		(12.6%)
Other Alternative Investments	2,799		2,799		–		–%		NM
Private Equity	1,623		1,298		1,038		25.0%		56.4%
Cash Management	654		648		494		0.9%		32.4%
Total AUM	$246,651		$228,264		$216,125		8.1%		14.1%
	Three Months Ended December 31,						Year Ended December 31,
	2023		2022				2023		2022
AUM - Beginning of Period	$228,264		$197,766				$216,125		$273,739
Net Flows (l)	(3,550)		(3,735)				(3,542)		(16,915)
Market and foreign exchange
appreciation (depreciation)	21,937		22,094				34,068		(40,699)
AUM - End of Period	$246,651		$216,125				$246,651		$216,125
Average AUM	$233,949		$211,243				$233,098		$227,444
% Change in average AUM	10.7 %						2.5%

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

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)	2023		2023		2022		2023		2022
Operating Revenue
Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis	$806,021		$523,918		$712,389		$2,515,489		$2,773,571
Adjustments:
Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (m)	(10,235)		(2,895)		(16,771)		(30,190)		(49,073)
(Gains) losses related to Lazard Fund Interests ("LFI") and other similar arrangements	(25,933)		10,598		(21,340)		(41,463)		44,261
Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs, bad debt expense and other (n)	(28,782)		(23,880)		(22,736)		(105,681)		(76,229)
Asset impairment charges (o)	–		–		–		19,129		–
Losses associated with cost-saving initiatives (p)	231		4,647		–		4,878		–
Interest expense	19,656		19,229		19,419		77,457		76,528
Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)	$760,958		$531,617		$670,961		$2,439,619		$2,769,058
Compensation and Benefits Expense
Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis	$559,207		$364,605		$474,843		$1,946,010		$1,656,451
Adjustments:
(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements	(25,933)		10,598		(21,340)		(41,463)		44,261
Expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (q)	(15,814)		(8,941)		–		(182,103)		–
Expenses associated with senior management transition (r)	–		–		(33,019)		(10,674)		(33,019)
Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (m)	(1,736)		(2,636)		(1,886)		(9,233)		(10,855)
Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)	$515,724		$363,626		$418,598		$1,702,537		$1,656,838
Non-Compensation Expense
Non-compensation expenses - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis	$178,376		$164,170		$165,615		$693,330		$601,481
Adjustments:
Expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (q)	(807)		(2,119)		–		(13,023)		–
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)	–		–		(836)		–		(3,764)
Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs, bad debt expense and other (n)	(28,782)		(23,880)		(22,736)		(105,681)		(76,229)
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	(95)		(96)		(15)		(334)		(60)
Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (m)	(573)		(625)		(185)		(2,788)		(3,255)
Adjusted non-compensation expenses (d)	$148,119		$137,450		$141,843		$571,504		$518,173
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations
Operating Income (Loss) - U.S. GAAP Basis	$71,897		($4,857)		$73,140		($79,957)		$516,848
Adjustments:
Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation ("TRA") (t)	(3,459)		–		(1,209)		(43,894)		(1,209)
Asset impairment charges (o)	–		–		–		19,129		–
Losses associated with cost-saving initiatives (p)	231		4,647		–		4,878		–
Expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (q)	16,621		11,060		–		195,126		–
Expenses associated with senior management transition (r)	–		–		33,019		10,674		33,019
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)	–		–		836		–		3,764
Net (income) loss related to noncontrolling interests (m)	(7,927)		364		(14,701)		(18,173)		(34,966)
Pre-tax income, as adjusted	77,363		11,214		91,085		87,783		517,456
Interest expense	19,656		19,229		19,419		77,457		76,528
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	96		98		16		338		63
Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)	$97,115		$30,541		$110,520		$165,578		$594,047
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd
Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis	$63,567		$7,139		$42,364		($75,479)		$357,517
Adjustments:
Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation ("TRA") (t)	(3,459)		–		(1,209)		(43,894)		(1,209)
Asset impairment charges (o)	–		–		–		19,129		–
Losses associated with cost-saving initiatives (p)	231		4,647		–		4,878		–
Expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (q)	16,621		11,060		–		195,126		–
Expenses associated with senior management transition (r)	–		–		33,019		10,674		33,019
Expenses related to office space reorganization (s)	–		–		836		–		3,764
Tax benefit allocated to adjustments	(11,949)		(12,578)		(7,880)		(35,411)		(8,689)
Net income, as adjusted (g)	$65,011		$10,268		$67,130		$75,023		$384,402
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - U.S. GAAP Basis	94,989,330		94,309,224		94,185,566		88,993,985		100,997,674
Adjustment: participating securities including profits interest participation rights and other	4,164,691		3,973,015		3,037,221		8,456,408		2,195,374
Diluted Adjusted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (h)	99,154,021		98,282,239		97,222,787		97,450,393		103,193,048
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
U.S. GAAP Basis	$0.65		$0.06		$0.44		($0.90)		$3.51
Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted	$0.66		$0.10		$0.69		$0.77		$3.73

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
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)	2023		2023		2022		2023		2022
Non-compensation expenses - U.S. GAAP Basis:
Occupancy and equipment	$33,436		$33,108		$30,907		$131,117		$122,251
Marketing and business development	27,259		20,754		26,674		99,357		83,103
Technology and information services	47,363		46,897		47,125		189,670		171,702
Professional services	23,129		20,451		21,292		89,308		69,535
Fund administration and outsourced services	27,450		27,884		24,614		110,878		109,978
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	95		96		15		334		60
Other	19,644		14,980		14,988		72,666		44,852
Non-compensation expenses - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis	$178,376		$164,170		$165,615		$693,330		$601,481
Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:
Occupancy and equipment (m) (q) (s)	($197)		($762)		($828)		($1,898)		($3,887)
Marketing and business development (m) (n) (q)	(3,748)		(3,659)		(3,656)		(15,299)		(9,440)
Technology and information services (m) (n) (q)	(149)		(612)		(45)		(8,270)		(159)
Professional services (m) (n) (q) (s)	(1,306)		(1,711)		(618)		(6,408)		(2,269)
Fund administration and outsourced services (m) (n)	(16,546)		(16,432)		(14,092)		(65,239)		(60,646)
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	(95)		(96)		(15)		(334)		(60)
Other (m) (n) (q) (s)	(8,216)		(3,448)		(4,518)		(24,378)		(6,847)
Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments	($30,257)		($26,720)		($23,772)		($121,826)		($83,308)
Non-compensation expenses, as adjusted:
Occupancy and equipment	$33,239		$32,346		$30,079		$129,219		$118,364
Marketing and business development	23,511		17,095		23,018		84,058		73,663
Technology and information services	47,214		46,285		47,080		181,400		171,543
Professional services	21,823		18,740		20,674		82,900		67,266
Fund administration and outsourced services	10,904		11,452		10,522		45,639		49,332
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	–		–		–		–		–
Other	11,428		11,532		10,470		48,288		38,005
Adjusted non-compensation expenses (d)	$148,119		$137,450		$141,843		$571,504		$518,173

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

Notes to Financial Schedules

(a)

Selected Summary Financial Information is prepared on a non-GAAP basis. 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 (m) 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 (n) below), (iv) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023, asset impairment charges, (see (o) below), (v) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2023, losses associated with cost-saving initiatives (see (p) below), and (vi) 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 and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2023, expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (see (q) below), (iii) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 and the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses associated with senior management transition (see (r) below), and (iv) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (m) below).

(d)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2023, expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (see (q) below), (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), (iii) expenses related to distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance, bad debt expense, and other (see (n) below), (iv) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, and (v) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (m) below).

(e)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, a benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation ("TRA") (see (t) below), (ii) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023, asset impairment charges (see (o) below), (iii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2023, losses and expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (see (p) and (q) below), (iv) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 and for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses associated with senior management transition (see (r) below), (v) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), (vi) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (m) below), (vii) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, and (viii) amortization and other acquisition-related costs.

(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, 2023 and December 31, 2022, a benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement obligation (see (t) below), (ii) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023, asset impairment charges (see (o) below), (iii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2023, losses and expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (see (p) and (q) below), (iv) for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 and for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses associated with senior management transition (see (r) below), and (v) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, expenses related to office space reorganization (see (s) below), net of tax benefits.

(h)

A non-GAAP measure which includes units of the long-term incentive compensation program consisting of profits interest participation rights, which are equity incentive awards that, subject to certain conditions, may be exchanged for shares of our common stock. Certain profits interest participation rights and other participating securities may be excluded from the computation of outstanding stock equivalents for U.S. GAAP net income per share. In addition, for the period ended December 31, 2023, includes the dilutive effect of weighted average number of incremental shares of common stock issuable from share-based incentive compensation.

(i)

The adjusted 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 $12,352, $946, and $23,955 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, $12,760 and $133,054 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $77,363, $11,214, and $91,085 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively, $87,783 and $517,456 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

(j)

Current cash incentive compensation is composed of cash bonuses for a given year which are paid early in the following year, and for which no future service is required.

(k)

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

Year Ended December 31,

($ in thousands)

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

$ 1,946,010

$ 1,656,451

$ 1,895,859

$ 1,550,684

$ 1,563,395

$ 1,514,735

$ 1,512,873

Adjustments:

Expenses associated with restructuring and closing of certain offices

–

–

(14,922)

–

–

–

–

Charges associated with business realignment (u)

–

–

–

–

(56,635)

–

–

Charges pertaining to ERP system implementation

–

–

–

–

–

(1,190)

–

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

(41,463)

44,261

(35,494)

(40,634)

(31,657)

14,086

(23,526)

Expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives (q)

(182,103)

–

–

–

–

–

–

Expenses associated with senior management transition (r)

(10,674)

(33,019)

–

–

–

–

–

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (m)

(9,233)

(10,855)

(9,216)

(7,927)

(11,175)

(10,999)

(8,285)

Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted

$1,702,537

$1,656,838

$1,836,227

$1,502,123

$1,463,928

$1,516,632

$1,481,062

(l)

For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023, includes approximately $3.9 billion of net flows related to a wealth management acquisition.

(m)

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

(n)

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 expenses, respectively, and excludes bad debt expense, which represents fees and other receivables that are deemed uncollectible.

(o)

Represents certain asset impairment charges.

(p)

Represents losses associated with the closing of certain offices as part of the cost-saving initiatives including the reclassification of currency translation adjustments to earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and transactions related to foreign currency exchange.

(q)

Represents expenses associated with cost-saving initiatives including closing certain offices over the course of 2023.

(r)

Represents expenses associated with senior management transition reflecting the departure of certain executive officers.

(s)

Represents building depreciation and other costs related to office space reorganization.

(t)

Pursuant to the periodic revaluation of the TRA liability and the assumptions reflected in the estimate, the revaluation had the effect of reducing the estimated liability under the TRA. As a result, the Company recorded a “benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement” of $3,459 for the three month period ended December 31, 2023, $43,894 for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 and $1,209 for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022.

(u)

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

NM

Not meaningful

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240201686729/en/

Media Contact:

Shannon Houston

+1 212 632 6880

shannon.houston@lazard.com



Investor Contact:

Alexandra Deignan

+1 212 632 6886

alexandra.deignan@lazard.com

Source: Lazard, Inc.

FAQ

What was Lazard's net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Lazard's net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $806 million.

What was Lazard's operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Lazard's operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $761 million.

What was Lazard's net income for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Lazard's U.S. GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $64 million.

What was Lazard's Financial Advisory operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Lazard's Financial Advisory operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $477 million.

What was Lazard's Asset Management operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023?

Lazard's Asset Management operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was $274 million.

How much did Lazard return to shareholders in 2023?

Lazard returned $330 million to shareholders in 2023.

What was Lazard's cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023?

Lazard's cash and cash equivalents were $971 million as of December 31, 2023.