Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $605 million for the first quarter, an 18% increase year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share of $2.14, up 75% compared to the same quarter last year [5][6][10] - Adjusted compensation expenses were $372 million, up from $316 million in the same period last year, maintaining an adjusted compensation expense ratio of 61.5% [13][14] - Adjusted non-compensation expenses increased to $94 million from $80 million year-over-year, with a non-compensation expense ratio of 15.6% [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Finance generated $399 million in revenue, a 21% increase year-over-year, with 125 transactions closed, up from 116 [6][11] - Financial Restructuring revenues were $128 million, a 9% increase, with 35 transactions closed compared to 33 in the same quarter last year [7][12] - Financial and Valuation Advisory produced $79 million in revenues, a 16% increase, with 957 fee events, up from 847 [8][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market continues to outperform EMEA in terms of revenue and activity levels, with expectations that this trend will persist [11][12][56] - The company noted that while the sponsor activity has been muted, there are signs of improvement expected post-Labor Day [54][55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a diversified business model across industries and geographies, which has shown resilience in the current macro environment [6][10] - The company is committed to hiring senior talent and expanding its workforce through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions [9][78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the business environment, acknowledging ongoing volatility and uncertainty [61] - The outlook for fiscal year 2026 remains positive, with expectations for continued growth across all business lines [10][19] Other Important Information - The company hosted the inaugural Houlihan Lokey ONE conference, which was well-received, showcasing its global reach and client engagement [9] - The adjusted effective tax rate for the quarter was negative 0.8%, a significant decrease from 31.2% in the same quarter last year, due to changes in stock-based compensation accounting [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on Corporate Finance market improvement - Management noted that while there is improvement quarter by quarter, it is not necessarily consistent month by month, with clients adapting to market conditions [25][26] Question: Backlog trends and sector performance - Management refrained from commenting on backlog specifics but indicated solid performance across sectors, with EMEA lagging behind the U.S. [28][29] Question: Quality of assets and deal activity - Management acknowledged a strong environment but noted that the volume of deals is expected to pick up after Labor Day [33][34] Question: Non-compensation expense growth expectations - Management confirmed expectations for high single-digit growth in non-compensation expenses for the year, despite a higher first quarter [36][37] Question: Restructuring market outlook - Management indicated that both in-court and out-of-court restructuring activities remain strong, with a good pipeline expected to continue [41][42] Question: Growth of the secondaries business - Management expressed satisfaction with the growth of the secondaries business, which is integrated within the Capital Solutions group [44][45] Question: Sponsor market activity post-Labor Day - Management expects an increase in sponsor activity after Labor Day, consistent with broader market trends [54][55] Question: Hiring strategy and focus areas - Management emphasized a commitment to hiring across all sectors, without specific focus areas, driven by growth opportunities [78][80]

Core Viewpoint - Recent high-level economic talks between China and the U.S. have led to a rebound in the U.S. stock market, but risks from U.S. tariff policies continue to create market volatility [1] Group 1: Tariff Policy Impact - The U.S. tariff policy is undermining public trust in the government, with current tariff levels remaining historically high [1] - The 10% baseline tariff on imported goods may not be reduced through trade negotiations, potentially leading to a slowdown in U.S. economic growth and increased prices [1] - Ongoing uncertainty from tariff policies could trigger further market volatility [1] Group 2: Market Reactions - Financial experts warn that the risks associated with tariff policies are still present despite recent market rebounds [1] - The impact of tariffs is expected to continue affecting the U.S. economy negatively [1]

Group 1: Project Highlights - The article highlights several procurement projects including engineering construction, medical equipment, business services, and financial services [1][2] - Key projects to focus on include the sound equipment procurement for the Henan Art Center and the medical equipment purchase for the Dan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital [1] Group 2: Henan Art Center Sound Equipment Procurement - The procurement method for the Henan Art Center sound equipment project is open bidding with a budget of approximately 24.87 million yuan [2] - The project involves upgrading the sound amplification system, tuning system, and microphone system for the main theater, small theater, and concert hall [2] - The deadline for bid submission is June 3, 2025, at 09:00 [2] Group 3: Dan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Equipment Purchase - The Dan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital plans to purchase 61 sets of medical equipment with a budget of about 111 million yuan [2] - The equipment includes traditional Chinese rehabilitation therapy devices, linear accelerators, CT scanners, color Dopplers, treatment devices, monitors, and ventilators, along with a smart hospital network system [2] - The expected procurement time is June 2025 [2] Group 4: Other Notable Projects - The Zhengzhou Natural Resources and Planning Bureau is conducting a detailed planning framework agreement procurement project with a budget of 25 million yuan [3] - The Henan Children's Hospital is seeking medical liability insurance through an open bidding process [3] - The New Xiang Vocational Technical College is initiating a construction project for a virtual simulation training base [3]

Group 1: Core Insights - A Gallup survey indicates that 37% of American adults view real estate as the best long-term investment, while 23% prefer gold, reflecting a 5 percentage point increase from the previous year [1][2] - Only 16% of respondents believe stocks or mutual funds are the best long-term investment, a decline of 6 percentage points from the 2024 report [1] - Financial advisors caution that these investment preferences may be influenced more by market speculation than by fundamentals [1] Group 2: Investment Performance - Over the past 30 years, the annualized total return for the S&P 500 has been 10.29%, compared to 8.78% for real estate and 7.38% for gold [3] - Despite the tangible nature of real estate and gold, stocks offer diversification, allowing investors to spread their funds across thousands of companies [3] Group 3: Investment Strategies - For real estate investment, financial advisors recommend Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to real estate stocks [5] - Investing in REITs allows investors to purchase shares like stocks, providing income through dividends [5] - For gold investment, ETFs are suggested as a more practical alternative to holding physical gold, eliminating concerns about storage and security [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenues of $212 million, up more than 100% year over year, marking the highest first quarter revenue in its history [5] - Adjusted compensation margin was 67% of revenues, consistent with full year 2024 accrual expectations [11] - Adjusted non-compensation expense for the quarter was $49 million, which included over $10 million in litigation-related costs, driving year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter increases [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the U.S. and Europe doubled, driven by larger fees per transaction due to a focus on client coverage and business selection [5] - The restructuring, liability management, and financing advisory business saw a meaningful uptick in demand starting in April [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that while deal announcements have slowed, clients are not terminating processes but rather pausing, indicating a strong client engagement with all-time high stats in new business reviews and requests for meetings [6][7] - The announced impending backlog has declined from record levels, but the pipeline remains strong [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to showcase its strength and lean into growth initiatives, emphasizing a client-centric model that allows for quick resource allocation to meet client needs [9] - The firm is focused on recruiting talent, having added several managing directors in key sectors, indicating a strategy to capitalize on market disruptions [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term prospects despite current market volatility, anticipating that once clarity on policy actions is achieved, transaction activity will accelerate [6][10] - The company views the current environment as an opportunity to solidify client trust and strengthen its brand [10] Other Important Information - The company returned $121 million to equity holders in the first quarter, including over $14 million in open market repurchases [12] - The firm ended the quarter with $111 million in cash and no debt, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of M&A Environment on Business - Management noted that clients are pausing rather than terminating M&A processes, indicating ongoing interest in M&A despite market volatility [17][18] Question: Contribution of Non-M&A Businesses - Management highlighted strong performance in the liability management business, attributing success to both market conditions and gaining market share [21][22] Question: Regional Activity in M&A - Management observed a more unified M&A environment in Europe compared to the U.S., with a greater willingness for regional transactions [33][34] Question: Recruiting Environment - Management indicated that slower announcement activity in M&A could lead to better recruiting opportunities, with a focus on adding talent regardless of market conditions [36][38] Question: Clarity on Compensation Ratio - The 67% compensation ratio reflects the best estimate at the end of the quarter, with potential adjustments as the year progresses [42][43] Question: Non-Compensation Expenses - Litigation-related costs were over $11 million for the quarter, expected to be one-time in nature, with guidance for a single-digit increase in non-compensation expenses for the year remaining unchanged [44][45]