Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net revenues for the second quarter of 2025 were $405 million, with an operating margin of 18.1% and adjusted EPS of $2.95, all higher compared to the same period last year [6][20][21] - Advisory revenues reached $206 million during the quarter, up 12% year over year, driven by a higher average fee and a total of 71 transactions completed [6][7] - For the first half of 2025, net revenues totaled $789 million, with an operating income of $142 million and an operating margin of 18% [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advisory services accounted for 54% of total net revenues, increasing 24% year over year, with strong performance in M&A and non-M&A advisory services [21][22] - Corporate financing revenues were $35 million, down 31% from the previous year, with 26 financings completed, raising $10 billion for corporate clients [10][11] - Municipal financing revenues increased by 66% year over year to $42 million, driven by strong demand and favorable market conditions [14] - Equity brokerage revenues were $58 million, up 12% year over year, with robust trading activity [16] - Fixed income revenues reached $54 million, up 21% from the first quarter and 37% from the previous year, driven by strong activity with depository clients [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic fee pool for companies with sub-five billion dollars of market cap decreased by 19% year over year, with a significant 61% decline in the biopharma sector [11] - The IPO market is showing signs of improvement, particularly in med tech, although biotech IPOs remain slow [43][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its M&A business and technology capabilities, as evidenced by the acquisition of G Squared Capital Partners [26][28] - There is a strategic emphasis on managing headcount and driving productivity while enhancing sector and product expertise [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The macro environment has shown improvement, with increased client engagement and a robust pipeline of transactions expected to continue into the third quarter [5][9] - Management expressed optimism about the advisory services outlook, despite some volatility impacting deal processes earlier in the quarter [9][10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 85,000 shares for $21 million and paid $17 million in dividends during the quarter [24][25] - A $0.05 increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.70 per share was announced, effective September 12 [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does a more normal bank consolidation market mean for revenue? - Management noted that conditions for depository M&A have improved, with quicker regulatory approvals and an increase in transaction announcements expected to impact revenues positively [32][33] Question: How is the Avidity acquisition enhancing client connectivity? - Management reported that the acquisition has met expectations, enhancing relationships with senior partners and improving overall transaction activity [36][38] Question: What is the outlook for the IPO market, particularly in biotech? - Management indicated that while the IPO market is improving, biotech remains slow, with a need for continued improvement before significant activity resumes [43][44] Question: How do the fixed income trading and bank M&A outlooks align? - Management clarified that the strong second quarter in fixed income does not contradict the positive outlook for bank M&A, as both areas are experiencing different dynamics [46][50] Question: What is the current state of conversations with sponsor clients? - Management observed increased activity and a positive outlook for transactions in the second half of the year, although caution remains [55][56] Question: What is the trajectory for compensation and non-compensation expenses? - Management expects the compensation ratio to remain stable, while non-compensation expenses may trend higher due to increased occupancy and legal fees [76][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net revenues for Q2 2025 were $405 million, with an operating margin of 18.1% and adjusted EPS of $2.95, all higher compared to the same period last year [5][19] - Advisory revenues reached $206 million during the quarter, up 12% year over year, driven by a higher average fee and an increase in completed transactions [5][6] - For the first half of 2025, net revenues totaled $789 million, with an operating income of $142 million and an operating margin of 18% [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advisory revenues for the first half of 2025 were $423 million, up 24% compared to the previous year, with significant growth in M&A and non-M&A advisory services [6][20] - Corporate financing revenues were $35 million, down 31% year over year, with 26 financings completed, raising $10 billion for corporate clients [9][10] - Public finance revenues increased by 66% year over year to $42 million, driven by strong market conditions and demand [13] - Equity brokerage revenues were $58 million, a 12% increase year over year, with robust trading activity [15] - Fixed income revenues reached $54 million, up 37% from the previous year, driven by strong activity with depository clients [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The economic fee pool for companies with sub-five billion dollars market cap decreased by 19% year over year, with a notable 61% decline in the biopharma sector [10] - The municipal financing market saw a 15% growth in par value issuance, with Piper Sandler exceeding this growth with a 66% increase in revenues [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its M&A business and enhancing its technology investment banking group through strategic acquisitions, such as the planned acquisition of G Squared Capital Partners [25][26] - Investments in non-M&A advisory capabilities are gaining traction, with total revenues from these product lines growing faster than overall advisory revenues [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a shift in market sentiment and improved client engagement, leading to a robust pipeline of announced and in-process transactions [4][9] - The outlook for advisory services is positive, with expectations for third-quarter advisory revenues to be consistent with the second quarter [9] - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the IPO market, particularly in sectors like med tech and insurance, while noting challenges in the biotech IPO space [40][42] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 85,000 shares for $21 million and paid $17 million in dividends during the quarter [23][24] - A restructuring charge of $5 million was included in GAAP results due to headcount reductions and vacated office space [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does a more normal bank consolidation market mean for revenue? - Management indicated that conditions for depository M&A are improving, with quicker regulatory approvals and an increase in transaction announcements expected to impact revenues positively [30][32] Question: How is the Avidity acquisition enhancing client connectivity? - Management reported that the acquisition has met expectations, enhancing relationships with senior partners and improving overall transaction activity [34][36] Question: What is the outlook for the IPO market, especially in biotech? - Management noted a general improvement in the IPO market but highlighted that biotech IPOs remain slow, requiring continued improvement before significant activity resumes [42][43] Question: How do the fixed income trading and bank M&A outlooks align? - Management clarified that the strong Q2 results in fixed income do not contradict the positive outlook for bank M&A, attributing the fixed income performance to large transactions [44][46] Question: How are conversations with sponsor clients evolving? - Management observed increased activity and a positive outlook for transactions, although caution remains in the process [55][56] Question: What is the confidence level in achieving the $2 billion investment banking target? - Management expressed confidence in achieving the target, citing diverse growth opportunities across various industry teams [57][61]

Financial Performance - The company's net revenues for the second quarter of 2025 were $1,284 million[4], a 6% increase year-over-year[6] - Net income available to common shareholders was $186 million[6], a 5% increase year-over-year[6] - Diluted EPS was $1.71[6], a 7% increase year-over-year[6] Wealth Management - Global Wealth Management net revenue reached $846 million in the second quarter of 2025[33], up 6% year-over-year[33] - Total client assets in Global Wealth Management were $516,532 million[35], a 9% increase year-over-year[35] - Fee-based client assets in Global Wealth Management were $206,319 million[35], a 15% increase year-over-year[35] Institutional Business - Total Institutional Group Revenue was $420 million[17], a 7% increase year-over-year[17] - Transactional revenue within the Institutional Group was $191 million[17], a 19% increase year-over-year[17] - Fixed Income revenue within the Institutional Group was $129 million[17], a 21% increase year-over-year[17] Capital and Expenses - The compensation ratio was 58%[6], consistent with the second quarter of 2024[6] - Pre-tax income was $261 million[49], a 4% increase year-over-year[49] - The company repurchased 970,000 shares in the second quarter of 2025[59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong quarterly earnings of $534 million, resulting in earnings per share of $0.59, with adjusted earnings of $538 million or $0.60 per share [3] - Pretax pre-provision income increased by 14% year over year to $832 million, with a return on tangible common equity of 19% [3] - Average deposits grew organically by over 30% over the last five years, among the highest in its peer set [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending loans grew by 1%, while average loans remained stable; growth in ending business loans was driven by commercial and industrial (C&I) and real estate sectors [12] - Wealth management revenue has grown at more than an 8% compounded annual growth rate since 2018, contributing to record fee income [6] - Treasury management revenue increased by 8% year to date, with a 10% increase in total clients served [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer deposits in priority markets grew by 20% more than in core markets during the quarter [14] - Average deposit balances in the Corporate Banking Group grew over 1% sequentially, while ending balances remained stable [15] - Net interest income rebounded, increasing by 5% linked quarter, with expectations for full year 2025 net interest income to grow between 3% to 5% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its core technology platforms, including a new cloud-based commercial loan system and deposit system [8] - The company is not interested in depository M&A, preferring to execute its existing strategic plan and focus on organic growth [37] - The company aims to continue delivering top quartile results and has increased its dividend at a compounded annual growth rate of over 10% over the last six years [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that both business and consumer customers are in good shape, maintaining liquidity and managing debt levels well [31] - There is some uncertainty regarding interest rates and inflation, but overall sentiment among business customers has improved [30] - The company expects to maintain positive operating leverage over time, despite the need for ongoing investments [120] Other Important Information - The company executed $144 million in share repurchases and paid $224 million in common dividends during the quarter [23] - The estimated common equity Tier one ratio increased from 9.1% to 9.2% due to strong capital generation [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Implications of the tax bill on loan growth and consumer spending - Management indicated that the tax package creates certainty for businesses and consumers, which is expected to lead to positive momentum in 2025 and 2026 [30][34] Question: Perspective on bank M&A activity - Management stated they are not interested in depository M&A, focusing instead on executing their current plan and exploring non-bank opportunities [37][39] Question: Details on net interest margin and deposit cost leverage - Management discussed the recent improvements in net interest margin and the expectation for stable to modest growth in the third quarter [18][52] Question: Loan growth dynamics and competitive backdrop - Management highlighted a 17% year-over-year increase in pipelines and emphasized their disciplined approach to portfolio management [59][61] Question: Credit quality and specific portfolios under scrutiny - Management noted that overall credit quality remains strong, with some challenges in specific portfolios, but they are manageable [106][108] Question: Approach to stablecoin solutions - Management expressed intent to participate in a consortium of banks for stablecoin solutions, similar to their involvement with Zelle [111][112]