Core Insights - Goldman Sachs' stock has experienced significant growth, increasing over 232% in the past five years and over 51% in the past year [1] Company Overview - Goldman Sachs is one of the oldest and most prominent investment banks, advising on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and initial public offerings (IPOs), as well as helping companies raise debt [2] - The company has a strong presence in fixed-income and equities trading [2] Market Conditions - Market conditions significantly influence Goldman's performance; low interest rates and favorable conditions lead to increased M&As and IPOs, resulting in higher fees [3] - Prior to 2025, regulatory challenges and high interest rates hindered M&A and IPO activities [3] - In 2025, a more favorable M&A environment and lower interest rates contributed to a resurgence in IPOs and deal-making activity [4] Operational Improvements - Goldman Sachs has improved operational efficiency by abandoning a consumer lending initiative that was not yielding satisfactory returns and by reducing its on-balance-sheet alternative investment holdings [5] - The company is exploring entry into prediction markets, with a team currently assessing integration opportunities with existing businesses [6] Valuation and Investment Outlook - The stock is currently trading at a high valuation, which is justified by expectations of a strong year for M&As and IPOs [8] - While the stock's valuation is high, it is suggested that current investors hold the stock, with potential buying opportunities on dips [8]

Core Viewpoint - Lazard, Inc. will announce its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on January 29, 2026, with a press release available on its website [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be disclosed in a press release on January 29, 2026 [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results will be held at 8:00 a.m. ET on the same day [2] - A replay of the conference call will be accessible by 10:00 a.m. ET on January 29, 2026 [3] Group 2: Company Overview - Lazard is a leading financial advisory and asset management firm, established in 1848 [4] - The company operates globally, providing services in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, restructuring, and asset management [4] - Lazard is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker LAZ [4]

Core Insights - Lazard, Inc. reported preliminary assets under management (AUM) of approximately $250.8 billion as of November 30, 2025, reflecting net outflows of $18.0 billion, market appreciation of $1.1 billion, and FX depreciation of $0.1 billion [1][2] - The significant outflows in November included $16.8 billion from the closure of a U.S. sub-advised relationship, which was anticipated to occur in 2026 or later, indicating changing dynamics within the client's multi-manager portfolio [1] - Excluding the large U.S. sub-advised account, net inflows year to date were $8.7 billion [1] AUM Breakdown - As of November 30, 2025, the AUM consisted of: - Equity: $196,171 million (down from $212,643 million in October 2025) - Fixed Income: $45,351 million (down from $46,145 million in October 2025) - Other: $9,307 million (up from $8,992 million in October 2025) - Total AUM: $250,829 million (down from $267,780 million in October 2025) [2]