Lazard Shares Gain as Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, AUM Rise Y/Y

Core Insights - Lazard Inc. (LAZ) reported better-than-expected quarterly results, with shares gaining 2.2% following the announcement of adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 80 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents and up from 78 cents in the previous year [1][8] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, adjusted net revenues were $892.1 million, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase and exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.1% [4] - For the full year 2025, adjusted EPS was $2.44, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.32 and up from $2.34 in the prior year [3] - Net income on a GAAP basis for Q4 was $49.9 million, a decline of 42% from the prior-year quarter, while full-year net income was $2.36 billion, down 15% year over year [2][3] Revenue Segments - Financial Advisory segment reported adjusted operating revenues of $541.6 million, up 7% year-over-year, supported by strong advisory activity [6] - Asset Management segment saw adjusted operating revenues of $338.6 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, driven by higher management and incentive fees [6] - Corporate segment adjusted operating revenues were $11.9 million, down from $17.6 million in the previous year [6] Asset Management - Total assets under management (AUM) as of December 31, 2025, were $254.3 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year [7][9] - Average AUM for the reported quarter was $261.1 billion, also reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth [9] Expense Analysis - Operating expenses increased by 16% year-over-year to $821.8 million, primarily due to higher compensation costs [5] - The ratio of adjusted compensation expenses to operating revenues was 65.5%, slightly lower than 65.6% in the previous year [5] - The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expenses to operating revenues was 17.8%, down from 19% in the prior-year quarter [5] Balance Sheet and Share Repurchase - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.47 billion as of December 31, 2025, up from $1.31 billion in the prior quarter, indicating a strong liquidity position [10] - Lazard repurchased $50 million of common stock in Q4 2025, equivalent to 1 million shares, with approximately $109 million remaining for future repurchases [11] Market Position and Outlook - The company continues to benefit from strong momentum in Financial Advisory and Asset Management, supported by higher revenues and improved market conditions [12] - Persistent cost pressures, particularly related to compensation, require close monitoring going forward [12]