Lazard Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Advisory Revenues & AUM Rise Y/Y

Core Insights - Lazard Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 56 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 41 cents and improving from 38 cents in the same quarter last year [1][9] - The company's revenues increased by 12.4% year over year to $724.6 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.9% [3][9] - Total assets under management (AUM) rose by 16.9% year over year to $264.5 billion, driven by record inflows and market appreciation [7][9] Revenue Performance - Adjusted operating revenues from the Financial Advisory segment were $422.3 million, up 14% from the prior year, exceeding estimates [5] - Asset Management segment adjusted operating revenues increased by 8% to $294.2 million, also surpassing estimates [5] - Corporate segment adjusted operating revenues rose significantly by 46% to $8.1 million, although it fell short of estimates [6] Expense Analysis - Operating expenses increased by 12.2% year over year to $702.9 million, reflecting growth in both Financial Advisory and Asset Management [4] - The adjusted compensation expenses to operating revenues ratio improved to 65.5% from 66% in the previous year [4] - The adjusted non-compensation expenses to operating revenues ratio also improved to 20.5% from 21.4% year over year [4] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.2 billion as of September 30, 2025, marking a 19.8% increase from the prior quarter [10] - Stockholders' equity rose to $878.6 million, up 11.7% sequentially [10] Share Repurchase Activity - In the third quarter of 2025, Lazard repurchased $1 million of common stock, with approximately $159 million remaining available for repurchase [11] Strategic Outlook - The company is focused on organic growth, as indicated by revenue increases in key segments, and a strong liquidity position alongside higher AUM is expected to support financial performance in the near term [12]