Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net revenues of $14.6 billion and earnings per share of $10.91 for the second quarter, with a return on equity (ROE) of 12.8% [4][17] - The ROE for the first half of the year was 14.8%, reflecting strong performance amid shifting market dynamics [4] - The advisory backlog increased significantly compared to year-end 2024 levels, indicating robust future activity [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment Banking revenues reached $1.2 billion, a 71% increase year-over-year, driven by strength in The Americas and EMEA [18] - Equity underwriting revenues were flat year-over-year at $428 million, while debt underwriting revenues fell 5% to $589 million due to lower leverage finance activity [18] - FICC net revenues were $3.5 billion, up 9% year-over-year, with strong performance in currencies, credit, and interest rate products [19] - Equities net revenues reached a record $4.3 billion, with intermediation revenues rising 45% year-over-year [20] - Asset and wealth management revenues totaled $3.8 billion, with management and other fees up 11% year-over-year [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Announced M&A volumes for the year to date are 30% higher year-over-year and 15% greater than the five-year average, indicating a resilient deal-making environment [5][59] - The company priced 11 IPOs during the quarter, which performed well in the secondary market [6] - Total assets under supervision reached a record $3.3 trillion, with $115 billion of market appreciation and $17 billion of long-term net inflows [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving growth in financing and maximizing wallet share, ranking in the top three with 125 of the top 150 clients globally, up from 77 in 2019 [8][30] - The formation of the Capital Solutions Group positions the company to meet increasing demand related to AI infrastructure and financing needs [9] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders, including a 33% increase in the quarterly dividend to $4 per share [12][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the investment banking outlook despite ongoing uncertainties, particularly in industries sensitive to trade policy [6][13] - The company remains focused on risk discipline while navigating a complex operating backdrop [15] - Management highlighted the importance of transparency in regulatory processes to better plan capital allocation [71][90] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in AI to enhance operational efficiency and client service [10][51] - The effective tax rate for the first half of 2025 was 20.2%, with an expected full-year rate of approximately 22% [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: What will the company do with excess capital? - Management indicated that the primary focus will be on deploying capital to support client activity and producing accretive returns, with a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [29][31] Question: What is the current strategy regarding historical principal investments? - Management confirmed a commitment to reducing historical principal investments, which have been reduced by about 10% in the quarter, while remaining focused on co-investing with clients [34][36] Question: What is the target CET1 ratio moving forward? - Management expects to maintain a CET1 ratio with a buffer of approximately 50 to 100 basis points above the new regulatory minimum [41][88] Question: How does the company view potential inorganic acquisitions? - Management stated that while they are always looking for opportunities to accelerate growth, the bar for significant acquisitions remains very high [42][60] Question: How does the company plan to capitalize on alternative fundraising opportunities? - Management is actively building third-party wealth distribution partnerships to capitalize on the growing interest in alternative assets [96]