Here's How Lazard's Advisory Push Positions It for 2030 Growth

Core Insights - Lazard is intensifying its focus on the Financial Advisory segment, which represented nearly 58% of total operating revenues as of September 30, 2025 [1][11] - The firm is expanding its advisory capabilities through targeted senior hiring, new specialized services, and a greater emphasis on high-growth verticals such as Private Capital Advisory [1][3] Financial Advisory Expansion - Lazard plans to add 10-15 net new managing directors (MDs) to its Financial Advisory division each year while maintaining high standards of excellence [2] - Average revenues per MD reached $8.6 million in 2024, climbing to nearly $9 million per MD since then, with a target to surpass $10 million by 2028 [2] Private Capital Advisory - The firm is deepening its connectivity to private capital markets, aiming for private-capital-related activity to account for 50% of total advisory revenues [3] Geographic Expansion - Lazard is broadening its global footprint by adding new offices and expanding its presence in key growth regions, including Europe and the Middle East [4] - This enhanced geographic reach allows access to a wider and more diversified client base, strengthening sector coverage [4] Technology and Productivity - The company is investing in proprietary AI tools, including LazardGPT, to deepen client insights and streamline internal processes [4] - By scaling its MD base and deploying advanced AI tools, Lazard is positioning itself for sustained growth and improved profitability into 2030 [5] Competitive Landscape - Lazard's peers, T. Rowe Price and Federated Hermes, are also strengthening their advisory businesses, with T. Rowe Price's investment advisory revenue constituting 77% of net revenues as of September 30, 2025 [6][7] - Federated Hermes' net investment advisory fees comprised 67.2% of total revenues, supported by a large AUM base and diversified investment strategies [8] Performance Metrics - In the past six months, Lazard shares have gained 24.6%, contrasting with the industry's decline of 3% [9]