Core Insights - Lazard Inc. reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 52 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents and up from 49 cents in the same quarter last year [1][8] - The company's quarterly operating revenues reached $769.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 12.4% and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $688.5 million [3][8] Revenue Performance - Financial advisory segment adjusted operating revenues were $491.4 million, up 20.4% year-over-year [5] - Asset management segment adjusted operating revenues increased by 1.2% to $268.5 million [5] - Corporate segment adjusted operating revenues decreased by 12.8% to $10 million [5] Asset Management - Total assets under management (AUM) as of June 30, 2025, were $248.4 billion, a 1.5% increase from the prior year [6][8] - The average AUM for the reported quarter was $238.5 billion, down 2.8% year-over-year [6] Expense Analysis - Operating expenses rose to $702.9 million, an increase of 13.1% year-over-year [4] - The adjusted compensation expenses to operating revenues ratio improved to 65.5 from 66 in the previous year [4] Balance Sheet Strength - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $978.3 million, up 7.7% from the prior quarter [7] - Stockholders' equity increased by 21.3% sequentially to $786.5 million [7] Share Repurchase Activity - In the reported quarter, Lazard repurchased 0.9 million shares at an average price of $46.44 per share, with approximately $160 million remaining for future repurchases [9]

Core Insights - Greif's stock surged nearly 16% following a strong earnings report for Q2 of fiscal 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 index which fell by 0.5% [1] - The company reported net sales of approximately $1.39 billion, a 1% increase year-over-year, and GAAP net income rose by 0.5% to $54.5 million, or $1.22 per share [2] - Analysts had higher revenue expectations at $1.42 billion but underestimated profitability, anticipating only $1.12 per share in net income [4] Financial Performance - Greif's management provided guidance for the fiscal year, raising the low end of its non-GAAP EBITDA projection to $725 million and adjusted free cash flow to $280 million, both of which are improvements over fiscal 2024 results of $694 million and just under $190 million respectively [5] Business Strategy - The CEO emphasized a steady approach to business, highlighting resilience supported by strategic portfolio moves and operational discipline, positioning Greif for future success and value creation [5] - Greif is characterized as a dependable operator, known for producing consistent results and maintaining a relatively high-yield dividend, making it an attractive stock for investors [6][7]

Group 1 - Costco Wholesale Corp's stock increased by 3.4% to $1,042.50 following a fiscal third quarter earnings and revenue beat, along with an 8% sales increase [1] - The stock received multiple price-target hikes, with Morgan Stanley raising its target to $1,225 from $1,150, indicating potential for further bullish sentiment as the 12-month consensus target price is $1,067.88, only a 2.5% premium to the current level [1] - The stock is on track for its first gain in three sessions and has surged to its highest level since March, while also showing a 27.9% year-over-year increase [2] Group 2 - Options trading volume for Costco is significantly high, running at five times the intraday average, with 41,000 calls and 29,000 puts traded [3] - The most popular options contract is the expiring weekly 5/30 1,050-strike call, indicating bullish sentiment among options traders [3] - Prior to the quarterly results, options traders were already bullish, with a 50-day call/put volume ratio of 1.51, placing it in the top percentile of annual readings [4]