Core Insights - Dividend-paying stocks are attractive investments for generating passive income and have historically provided strong total returns through earnings growth and shareholder payouts [1] Group 1: Brookfield Infrastructure - Brookfield Infrastructure's shares have declined nearly 10% from their 52-week high, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.2% [4] - The company has a strong dividend payment history, increasing its dividends for 16 consecutive years at a 9% compound annual rate [5] - Future dividend growth is targeted at 5% to 9% annually, supported by organic growth drivers and recent acquisitions, including a $500 million investment in Colonial Enterprises [6][7] Group 2: PepsiCo - PepsiCo's stock has dropped over 25% from its 52-week high, leading to a dividend yield of 4.4% [8] - The company recently raised its dividend by 5%, marking 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, qualifying it as a Dividend King [8] - Despite current headwinds affecting growth, PepsiCo is investing in healthier food options, which is expected to reignite earnings growth and support future dividend increases [10] Group 3: Prologis - Prologis shares have fallen more than 15% this year, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.7% [11] - The company reported an 11% increase in core FFO per share in the first quarter, driven by new leases at higher rates [12] - Long-term demand for warehouse space remains strong, with Prologis planning to build data centers to meet growing digitalization needs, supporting future dividend growth [13][14] Group 4: Investment Potential - Brookfield Infrastructure, PepsiCo, and Prologis offer dividend yields significantly higher than the S&P 500 average, along with strong earnings growth potential, making them attractive investment opportunities [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, adjusted net revenues were $700 million, a 19% increase year-over-year [18] - Adjusted operating income for Q1 2025 was $116 million, up 28% compared to the same period last year [18] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $3.49, reflecting a 64% increase year-over-year [19] - Adjusted operating margin improved to 16.6%, up from 15.4% in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted advisory fees reached $557 million, a 29% increase year-over-year, indicating strong performance in both M&A and non-M&A advisory [19] - Underwriting revenues were $54 million, down 2% from the previous year, with lower follow-on activity but improvements in the IPO market [20] - Commissions and related revenue increased by 14% year-over-year to $55 million, driven by higher trading volumes [20] - Adjusted asset management and administration fees rose 8% year-over-year to $22 million, supported by an increase in assets under management (AUM) [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global transaction volumes increased in Q1 2025 compared to the prior year, although the number of transactions declined due to macroeconomic headwinds [12] - The private capital advisory group achieved record performance in Q1, particularly in GP-led continuation vehicles [13] - The equity capital markets business showed strong momentum, with expectations for a recovery as market volatility stabilizes [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term value creation for clients and shareholders, maintaining a capital return philosophy [15] - Evercore aims to invest in talent and expand its capabilities across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and private capital advisory [10][67] - The firm is positioned to navigate through challenging market conditions, emphasizing a diversified platform across geographies and sectors [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased volatility in global financial markets due to geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns, impacting CEO and Board confidence levels [7][9] - There is a robust backlog of transactions, with active client dialogues indicating pent-up demand for M&A activity [9][36] - The company expects transaction levels to increase once there is greater clarity in the macroeconomic environment [9] Other Important Information - The adjusted compensation ratio for Q1 was 65.7%, slightly down from the previous year, with non-compensation expenses rising 14% year-over-year [22][23] - The company returned a record $454 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [26] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was negative 39.7%, influenced by stock price appreciation at the time of vesting [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Backlogs and Client Types - Management expressed satisfaction with the robust and growing backlog, indicating strong engagement across various sectors, particularly in software and restructuring [36][37] Question: Outlook for Private Capital Advisory - The private capital advisory business remains strong, with continuity funds gaining traction as a method for sponsors to return capital to LPs [41][42] Question: Comparison of M&A Activity in Europe vs. the U.S. - Management noted that while there is healthy activity in Europe, it is not necessarily stronger than in the U.S., with ongoing uncertainty affecting both regions [49][50] Question: Compensation Ratio and Revenue Growth - Management indicated that revenue growth is crucial for improving the compensation ratio, with a strong backlog supporting future performance [56][57] Question: Restructuring Environment and Liability Management - The restructuring business is performing well, with no limitations on serving clients in liability management, despite concerns about high interest rates [60][61] Question: Hiring Plans in a Slower M&A Environment - The company plans to continue hiring top talent across various sectors, maintaining a consistent approach regardless of market conditions [66][67] Question: Equity Capital Markets Outlook - Management is optimistic about the equity capital markets, with a good backlog of transactions ready to proceed once market volatility decreases [70][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, adjusted net revenues were $700 million, a 19% increase year-over-year [18] - Adjusted operating income for Q1 2025 was $116 million, up 28% from the previous year [18] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 64% year-over-year to $3.49 [19] - Adjusted operating margin improved to 16.6%, compared to 15.4% in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted advisory fees reached $557 million, a 29% increase year-over-year, reflecting strong performance in both M&A and non-M&A advisory [19] - Underwriting revenues were $54 million, down 2% from the previous year, influenced by lower follow-on activity [20] - Commissions and related revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $55 million, driven by higher trading volumes [20] - Adjusted asset management and administration fees rose 8% year-over-year to $22 million [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global transaction volumes increased in Q1 compared to the prior year, although the number of transactions declined due to macroeconomic headwinds [12] - The private capital advisory group had a record first quarter, particularly in GP-led continuation vehicles [13] - The equity capital markets business showed strong momentum, with the best first quarter since 2020, driven by market volatility [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on long-term value creation for clients and shareholders, with a commitment to invest in talent through the cycle [9][15] - The firm is strategically positioned to navigate increased market volatility and uncertainty, emphasizing a diversified platform across various sectors and geographies [6][7] - The company plans to continue hiring in key areas such as technology, healthcare, and Europe, despite a potentially slower M&A backdrop [66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that heightened geopolitical and trade tensions are causing increased volatility in financial markets, impacting CEO and Board confidence levels [6][8] - There is a robust backlog and active client dialogues, indicating pent-up demand for transactions once market conditions stabilize [8][29] - The company expects Q2 and Q3 results to be impacted by market volatility, but remains optimistic about medium to long-term prospects [17][28] Other Important Information - The company returned a record $454 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [25] - The adjusted tax rate for the quarter was negative 39.7%, influenced by a significant net tax benefit [24] - The firm maintains a strong cash position of nearly $1.4 billion, consistent with the previous year [25][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Backlogs and Client Types - Management expressed satisfaction with the robust and growing backlog, indicating that while there are pauses, cancellations are minimal [34][38] Question: Outlook for Private Capital Advisory - The private capital advisory business is performing strongly, particularly in continuity funds, which are seen as effective for monetizing assets [40][41] Question: Comparison of M&A Activity in Europe vs. the U.S. - Management noted that while there is healthy activity in Europe, it is not necessarily driven by stronger forces than in the U.S., and recovery timelines remain uncertain [46][49] Question: Compensation Ratio and Revenue Growth - Management indicated that revenue growth is crucial for improving the compensation ratio, with a strong backlog supporting future performance [52][56] Question: Restructuring Environment and Liability Management - The restructuring business is healthy, with no limitations on serving clients in liability management, despite concerns about high rates and potential bankruptcies [58][60] Question: Hiring Plans in a Slower M&A Environment - The company plans to continue hiring strong talent in key areas, maintaining a consistent approach regardless of market conditions [62][66] Question: Equity Capital Markets Outlook - Management is optimistic about the equity capital markets, with a good backlog of transactions ready to go once market conditions stabilize [68][70]