Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net revenues of $383 million for Q1 2025, reflecting a 15% increase compared to Q1 2024, but a 23% decline from the previous quarter [21][22] - The operating margin was 17.9%, with adjusted EPS of $4.9, both showing improvements year over year [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Investment Banking revenues totaled $253 million, a 20% increase year over year, driven by advisory services which saw revenues of $217 million, up 38% [6][7] - Corporate financing revenues decreased by 32% year over year to $36 million due to a challenging equity underwriting environment [11][22] - Public finance generated $26 million in revenues, a 27% increase year over year, outpacing market issuance growth [15] - Equity brokerage revenues increased by 10% year over year to $54 million, while fixed income revenues rose by 7% to $45 million [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The equity markets experienced heightened volatility, impacting investor sentiment and leading to a more cautious approach in equity capital raising [10][11] - The municipal financing market showed robust activity, although recent rate volatility has posed challenges for pricing transactions [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its diversified product offerings and sector expertise to navigate market volatility and enhance client engagement [5][8] - There is a focus on expanding capabilities in infrastructure and healthcare sectors, with recent hires to strengthen these areas [12][13] - The company is positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the middle market, which typically shows greater resilience [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the near-term outlook remains uncertain, there is potential for a rebound in M&A activity once market conditions stabilize [9][10] - The company anticipates a decline in advisory revenues in Q2 but remains optimistic about the long-term outlook, particularly for financial sponsors [9][62] - Management emphasized the importance of CEO confidence in driving M&A activity, with a focus on sector-specific dynamics influencing transaction volumes [68] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 266,000 shares for $81 million, maintaining a flat share count since 2021 [25][26] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.65 per share was approved, to be paid on June 13 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: M&A conditions and market stability - Management indicated that M&A activity is sector-dependent, with some processes stalled due to market uncertainty, particularly in consumer sectors [32][33] Question: Outlook for depositories - Management expressed a more positive outlook for depositories, with recent transactions indicating potential for increased activity [36] Question: Advisory revenue outlook - Management noted that while advisory revenues may decline in the near term, there are many transactions in the pipeline that could positively impact future quarters [62] Question: IPO pipeline and health care business - Management highlighted a backlog in the IPO market, particularly in med tech, but noted that small-cap biotech may take longer to recover [78] Question: Fixed income trading activity - Management observed that volatility is creating uncertainty, leading to cautious behavior among clients, although some activity is seen in balance sheet restructurings [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Piper Sandler reported adjusted net revenues of $383 million for Q1 2025, reflecting a 15% increase compared to Q1 2024, but a 23% decline from the previous quarter [21] - The operating margin was 17.9%, with adjusted EPS at $4.9, both showing improvements year over year [6][21] - Operating income grew by 23% year over year, indicating enhanced operational efficiency [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Investment Banking revenues reached $253 million, a 20% increase year over year, driven by advisory services which generated $217 million, up 38% [6][7] - Corporate financing revenues decreased by 32% year over year to $36 million, attributed to a weakened equity underwriting market [12] - Public finance revenues increased by 27% year over year to $26 million, outpacing market issuance growth [16] - Equity brokerage revenues rose by 10% year over year to $54 million, while fixed income revenues increased by 7% to $45 million [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The equity markets experienced heightened volatility, impacting investor sentiment and leading to a more cautious approach [5][12] - The health care fee pool for corporate financing decreased over 60%, reflecting significant market challenges [12] - The municipal financing market showed robust activity, although recent rate volatility has led to transaction postponements [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its diversified product offerings and sector expertise to navigate market uncertainties and enhance client engagement [5][8] - Piper Sandler is focused on expanding its capabilities in the infrastructure sector and enhancing its advisory services to capitalize on market opportunities [13][14] - The firm continues to rank as a top three investment bank in middle market deal activity, positioning itself for future growth [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while the near-term outlook remains uncertain, there is potential for a rebound in M&A activity once market conditions stabilize [10][11] - The company anticipates a decline in advisory revenues in Q2 due to market volatility but expects certain sectors to remain active [10][60] - Management emphasized the importance of CEO confidence in driving M&A transactions, indicating that strategic clients are still interested in transacting [66] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 266,000 shares for $81 million, maintaining a flat share count since 2021 [24] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.65 per share was approved, to be paid on June 13 [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: M&A conditions and market stability - Management indicated that M&A activity is sector-dependent, with some processes stalled due to market uncertainty, particularly in consumer sectors [29][30] Question: Outlook for depositories - There is a more positive outlook for depositories, with recent transactions indicating potential for increased activity [34] Question: Advisory business countercyclicality - Management noted that debt capital markets and restructuring segments are growing faster than M&A, providing stability [44][46] Question: IPO pipeline and health care business - The IPO market is showing signs of improvement, but small-cap biotech remains challenged [75] Question: Fixed income trading activity - Volatility is creating uncertainty, leading to cautious behavior among clients, particularly in fixed income markets [77]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income attributable to Cohen and Company Inc. shareholders was $300,000 for the quarter, a significant improvement from a net loss of $2,000,000 in the prior quarter and a decrease from net income of $2,000,000 in the same quarter last year [6] - Adjusted pretax income was $1,300,000 for the quarter, compared to an adjusted pretax loss of $7,700,000 in the prior quarter and adjusted pretax income of $7,700,000 in the prior year quarter [6][7] - Total equity at the end of the quarter was $85,700,000, down from $90,300,000 at the end of the previous year [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cohen and Company Capital Markets (CCM) generated $20,100,000 of net revenue, contributing significantly to the overall performance [4] - New issue and advisory revenue was $33,200,000, an increase of $23,200,000 from the prior quarter and an increase of $8,900,000 from the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by SPAC M&A and IPO transactions [7][8] - Asset management revenue totaled $2,000,000, down slightly from the prior quarter and down $700,000 from the prior year quarter [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Negative principal transactions revenue amounted to $13,100,000 during the quarter, primarily due to marked-down financial instruments received as consideration for advisory services [9] - Net trading revenue was $9,200,000, up $300,000 from the prior quarter but down $600,000 from the first quarter of the previous year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched a new SPAC-focused equity trading desk in April, aimed at creating synergistic opportunities to build on CCM's momentum [4] - The management remains focused on disciplined execution and enhancing long-term sustained value for stockholders through continued return of capital, including quarterly dividends [5][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future earnings potential and the ability to navigate the current environment while executing strategic priorities [5][13] - The company is well-positioned for continued growth despite ongoing mark-to-market headwinds in its principal investing portfolio [4] Other Important Information - Compensation and benefits expense for the first quarter was $21,700,000, reflecting fluctuations in revenue and related variable incentive compensation impacts [10] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on June 2 to stockholders of record as of May 16 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: No questions were raised during the Q&A session - There were no questions at this time, and the operator turned the floor back to management for further remarks [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The net income attributable to Cohen and Company Inc. shareholders was $300,000 for Q1 2025, compared to a net loss of $2,000,000 in the prior quarter and net income of $2,000,000 in the same quarter last year [6] - Adjusted pretax income was $1,300,000 for the quarter, a significant improvement from an adjusted pretax loss of $7,700,000 in the prior quarter and adjusted pretax income of $7,700,000 in the same quarter last year [6][7] - Total equity at the end of the quarter was $85,700,000, down from $90,300,000 at the end of the previous year [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cohen and Company Capital Markets (CCM) generated $20,100,000 in net revenue, reflecting strong performance [4] - New issue and advisory revenue was $33,200,000, an increase of $23,200,000 from the prior quarter and $8,900,000 from the year-ago quarter, primarily driven by SPAC M&A and SPAC IPO transactions [7] - Asset management revenue totaled $2,000,000, down slightly from the prior quarter and down $700,000 from the prior year quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Negative principal transactions revenue was $13,100,000 during the quarter, primarily due to mark downs of financial instruments received as consideration for advisory services [8] - Net trading revenue was $9,200,000, up $300,000 from the prior quarter but down $600,000 from the first quarter of 2024 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched a new SPAC-focused equity trading desk in April 2025, aiming to build on CCM's momentum and enhance its capabilities [4] - The company remains committed to enhancing long-term sustained value for stockholders through continued return of capital, including a quarterly dividend [5][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in future earnings potential and the ability to navigate the current environment while executing strategic priorities [5][12] - The company is focused on disciplined execution despite ongoing mark to market headwinds in its principal investing portfolio [4] Other Important Information - Compensation and benefits expense for the first quarter was $21,700,000, up from both prior quarters due to fluctuations in revenue and related variable incentive compensation [9] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on June 2 to stockholders of record as of May 16 [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any questions from the participants? - There were no questions at this time, and management thanked everyone for joining the call [14]

Group 1 - Evercore reported revenue of $699.9 million for the quarter ended March 2025, representing a 19.2% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +19.27% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $586.82 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $3.49, significantly higher than the $2.13 reported in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +118.13% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.60 [1] - Adjusted Net Revenues from Investment Banking & Equities totaled $678.69 million, exceeding the average estimate of $542.94 million by two analysts, marking a year-over-year increase of +19.8% [4] Group 2 - Net Revenues from Other Revenue were reported at $11.33 million, which is a decline of -60.3% year-over-year and below the average estimate of $21.67 million by two analysts [4] - Adjusted Net Revenues from Investment Management, specifically Asset Management and Administration Fees, were $21.90 million, slightly above the estimated $21.72 million, reflecting a +7.7% change compared to the previous year [4] - Over the past month, Evercore's shares have returned -0.7%, underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change, and the stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [3]

Group 1 - The Value Lab focuses on long-only value investment ideas, targeting a portfolio yield of approximately 4% and has performed well over the last five years by engaging in international markets [1][2] - PJT Partners experienced flat performance in restructuring last quarter, but the current complex dealmaking environment may present new opportunities [2] - The Valkyrie Trading Society consists of analysts sharing high conviction investment ideas that are expected to yield non-correlated and outsized returns in the current economic context [3]

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]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a defensive tactical stance with an overweight (OW) on bonds and cash, neutral (N) on credit, and an underweight (UW) on equities and commodities for the next three months [4]. Core Insights - Financial markets are currently navigating between the risks of a US recession and the concept of US exceptionalism, leading to a sell-off in US cyclicals compared to defensives and a widening of credit spreads [2][3]. - Recent equity market rallies have been supported by easing global growth concerns and more dovish monetary policy expectations, with technology stocks, particularly the Nasdaq, leading the rebound [3][10]. - The report highlights a significant outflow of approximately $60 billion from US stocks by foreign investors since March 1, indicating a shift in investor sentiment [3]. Summary by Sections Market Overview - US existing home sales and Euro area composite PMIs have both come in below expectations, while non-farm payrolls (NFPs) are expected to rise by 140,000 in April, above consensus [1]. - The market has begun to price in higher recession risks, leading to a relative underperformance of US equities compared to non-US equities [2]. Asset Allocation Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on domestic defensive sectors in Europe and taking advantage of resets in cross-asset volatility to add selective overlay hedges [4][15]. - The allocation recommendations include an underweight in equities across various indices, with specific forecasts for the S&P 500 and other major indices indicating potential downside in the short term [15]. Performance Metrics - The report provides performance metrics indicating that US equities, particularly the Nasdaq, have outperformed other indices since April 21, while Asian markets, especially China, have lagged [3][10]. - The correlation between US and non-US equities has started to decline, suggesting a potential shift in market dynamics [3][9]. Valuation and Risk Premia - The report includes a cross-asset valuation table showing current valuations and their percentiles relative to the past ten years, indicating that US equities are at a 71% expensiveness percentile [59]. - The current dividend yield for the S&P 500 is 1.5%, which is at the 16th percentile compared to the last ten years, suggesting a relatively low yield environment [62]. Fund Flows and Positioning - The report notes significant fund flows, with a focus on the cumulative flows across various asset classes, indicating a preference for safe assets over risky ones in recent weeks [74][78]. - The positioning data shows net long positions in equities and commodities, reflecting investor sentiment and market expectations [86][88].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Recent land market data indicates "green shoots" with higher land prices in major cities and increased land transactions, suggesting potential recovery in the property sector [5][6][7] - Despite these signs, the report cautions that they do not predict an immediate rise in property construction due to ongoing challenges in local government financing and land availability [5][6][38] - The property sector remains critical to China's GDP, accounting for approximately 19% of GDP in 2024, down from a peak of around 27% in 2020 [8][41] Summary by Sections Land Market Dynamics - Land sales data has shown recent improvements, with land prices rising in Tier-1 and some Tier-2 cities, while lower-tier cities continue to struggle [13][14] - Local government financing vehicles (LGFVs) accounted for 70% of total land sales volume in 2024, indicating a reliance on these entities for revenue generation rather than construction [5][23][24] Supply-Demand Mismatch - There is a persistent supply-demand mismatch across city tiers, with large cities experiencing a decline in land sales volume since 2021, while lower-tier cities face significant challenges from population outflows and high housing inventory [29][30] Government Revenue and Fiscal Implications - Government land sales revenue is expected to contract by 5-10% in 2025, reflecting ongoing economic challenges and the impact of US tariffs [41][42] - The report anticipates that property construction and investment have not yet reached their lowest point, projecting a continued drag on GDP growth from the property sector [41][38] Future Outlook - Recent stabilization in land prices in major cities may help anchor home prices, particularly for quality homes, but a broader recovery in home prices is still distant [41][44]