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Overview of Lazard Ltd (LAZ)
Lazard Ltd is a venerable global financial services firm with a legacy dating back to 1848. Recognized for its expertise in M&A advisory, restructuring, and corporate finance, Lazard melds a storied heritage with a modern approach to financial advisory and asset management. The firm delivers high-caliber advice to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments, and individuals, earning a reputation for deep analytical rigor and insightful strategic planning.
Core Business Areas
Lazard operates primarily through two complementary divisions:
- Financial Advisory: This segment focuses on providing strategic guidance on mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, capital raising, and corporate finance. Lazard’s advisory services are designed to help clients navigate complex transactions, identify strategic opportunities, and execute plans that optimize capital structure. The firm’s ability to blend traditional financial principles with innovative strategies distinguishes its advisory practice.
- Asset Management: With an emphasis on equities, Lazard manages a diversified portfolio with a significant focus on international markets. Its asset management operations cater primarily to institutional clients, emphasizing robust risk management and strategic geographic diversification. This segment complements the advisory practice by offering investment solutions that are both thoughtful and globally oriented.
Market Significance and Global Reach
Positioned as a major player in the global financial landscape, Lazard’s operations span 43 cities across 27 countries. Its business is structured to address varied market needs with a balance between advisory and asset management revenue streams. The firm’s geographical footprint — with prominent operations in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific — enables it to derive insights from diverse markets and deliver tailored solutions that resonate with both local and international clients.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Nuances
Lazard distinguishes itself amid a competitive field by combining historical expertise with a modern, analytical approach. In a market populated by several financial advisory and asset management firms, Lazard’s dual focus on advisory services and equity-centric asset management offers a balanced model that caters to complex, multifaceted client needs. The firm’s advisory segment is distinguished not only by its deep industry knowledge but also by its ability to manage intricate financial restructuring and capital-raising challenges. Concurrently, its asset management division is known for its international focus and a solid track record in equity management, positioning it as a reliable partner to institutional investors.
Business Model and Operational Excellence
The company’s business model is built on fee-based advisory services and asset management fees, emphasizing transparency and thought leadership in finance. Lazard’s approach involves close collaboration with clients to formulate strategies that are robust in structure and execution. The firm's seasoned professionals combine analytical depth with practical insights, creating a bridge between conventional financial theories and the real-world dynamics of global markets. This operational excellence is reflected in its balanced revenue streams and in its ability to consistently generate insights that cater to both strategic and operational dimensions of financial management.
Expertise and Authoritativeness in the Financial Sector
Throughout its history, Lazard has built a reputation for providing unbiased, in-depth analyses and tailored financial solutions. Its long-standing experience provides a unique advantage in addressing complex financial concerns, from large-scale mergers and acquisitions to the nuances of international asset management. Lazard's strategic insights are underpinned by thorough market research and a commitment to delivering objective, data-driven recommendations that reflect its deep expertise.
Client-Centric Services
At the heart of Lazard’s operations is a commitment to understanding and addressing client needs. The firm’s multifaceted service offerings allow it to assist a diverse clientele ranging from governments to institutional investors. By offering specialized advice and customized asset management solutions, Lazard ensures that its clients receive comprehensive support at every stage of their financial journey.
Conclusion
In sum, Lazard Ltd (LAZ) stands as a well-established institution in the realm of financial advisory and asset management. Its historical legacy is complemented by a sophisticated operating model that balances advisory and asset management functions. With an emphasis on expert M&A, restructuring advisory, and international asset management, Lazard continues to offer insights and services that cater to the complex needs of its diverse clientele, securing its position as an authoritative and trusted partner in the global financial services industry.
Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund (NYSE:LGI) has confirmed a monthly distribution of $0.11512 per share, representing an annualized yield of 7.0% based on its net asset value as of December 31, 2020. The payment will be made on January 22, 2021, to shareholders registered by January 11, 2021, with an ex-dividend date set for January 8, 2021. The Fund seeks total returns through capital appreciation and income, investing in approximately 60 to 80 US and non-US equity securities, including those in emerging markets.
The Board of Directors of Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund (LGI) has approved a monthly distribution of 7.0% on an annualized basis, based on the Fund's net asset value per share as of December 31, 2020. This distribution is set to be paid on January 22, 2021, to shareholders recorded as of January 11, 2021, with an ex-dividend date of January 8, 2021. The Fund's investment strategy focuses on total return through capital appreciation and income, investing in a diversified portfolio of approximately 60 to 80 US and non-US equity securities.
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) announced its preliminary assets under management (AUM) for November 2020, totaling approximately $247.6 billion. The AUM reflects a market appreciation of $21.6 billion and foreign exchange appreciation of $2.9 billion, despite experiencing net outflows of $1.0 billion. Notably, equity AUM rose to $201.1 billion from $179.6 billion in October, while fixed income increased to $41.6 billion from $40.0 billion. The firm’s growth strategies and market conditions are fundamental to its future projections.
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) announced that Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and CEO, will participate in a moderated Q&A session at the Goldman Sachs 2020 US Financial Services Conference, scheduled for December 9 at 8:40 a.m. EST. A live audio webcast will be accessible on the Lazard Investor Relations website, followed by a replay shortly after the event. Lazard is a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, boasting a global presence in 43 cities across 27 countries, providing services in M&A, restructuring, capital raising, and asset management.
The "Global Automotive Supplier Study 2020" by Roland Berger and Lazard forecasts a 15-20% slump in global automotive supplier sales due to the pandemic, with average EBIT margins dropping to 1.7% in H1 2020. The study, assessing around 600 suppliers, indicates the automotive sector may not recover to 2017 sales levels until 2026, with creditworthiness affected by poor financial indicators. Experts see a need for strategic cooperation and restructuring among suppliers to navigate ongoing challenges.
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) announced its preliminary assets under management (AUM) of approximately $224.2 billion as of October 31, 2020. This figure reflects a market depreciation of $3.9 billion and net inflows of $0.3 billion. For comparison, AUM as of September 30, 2020, was $227.8 billion. The composition of AUM includes equity at $179.6 billion, fixed income at $40.0 billion, and other assets at $4.6 billion.
Lazard (NYSE: LAZ) announced the return of Sam Whittaker as a Managing Director in its Financial Advisory division, effective immediately. Whittaker, who previously spent five years at PJT Partners, brings over 15 years of restructuring expertise. He will enhance Lazard UK’s Restructuring business alongside David Burlison, Co-Head of EMEA Restructuring. The firm recently made several senior appointments to strengthen its restructuring team, recognized as a global leader in the sector. Lazard’s Restructuring Group has a strong track record, advising major clients on complex assignments.
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) reported operating revenue of $569 million for Q3 2020, a 3% decline from the previous year. Adjusted net income was $76 million, or $0.67 per share, marking a 14% decrease year-over-year. For the first nine months, adjusted net income was $218 million, down 22% from 2019. Financial Advisory revenue increased 1% to $307 million, while Asset Management revenue fell 8%. Lazard returned $50 million to shareholders in Q3 through dividends. Despite market challenges, the firm remains resilient with a strong financial position.
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its common stock. This dividend is scheduled to be paid on November 20, 2020, to stockholders of record as of November 9, 2020.
As a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, Lazard operates in over 40 cities and 25 countries, providing services in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and asset management.
Lazard Asset Management LLC has announced the addition of Ryan Hutchinson and Stefan Wimmer to its team, introducing a new Digital Health investment strategy. The strategy focuses on companies benefiting from digital transformation in healthcare, aiming to enhance consumer experience and improve health outcomes. Hutchinson and Wimmer bring extensive experience from their previous roles at Global Thematic Partners, where they led the Digital Health Strategy. This move aligns with Lazard's commitment to thematic investment solutions amid changing macroeconomic conditions.