Summary of CRA International Conference Call - December 10, 2025 Company Overview - **Company Name**: Charles River Associates (CRA) - **Ticker**: CRAI - **Industry**: Economic consulting and management consulting - **Anniversary**: Celebrated 60th anniversary in 2025 and over 27 years as a publicly traded company [2][3] Core Business Segments - **Revenue Composition**: - Legal and Regulatory: Approximately 80% of total revenue - Management Consulting: Remaining 20% [4] - **Key Practices**: - Antitrust and Competition Economics: 40%-45% of total revenue - Life Sciences, Energy, Auctions and Competitive Bidding, Maritime Practices: Contribute to management consulting [8][9] Financial Performance - **Revenue Growth**: Over 50% growth in the past five years; year-to-date 2025 shows continued growth [11] - **Headcount Growth**: Increased by 20% over the past five years [11] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: Grew by 142% over the past five years [11] - **Shareholder Returns**: Nearly $200 million returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [12] - **Share Repurchase**: Average repurchase price over the past five years was $88, with current trading above $190 [12] Talent and Workforce - **Employee Qualifications**: - Approximately 75% of senior colleagues have advanced degrees; over 40% hold PhDs [5][6] - Less than 10% voluntary turnover among top revenue-generating employees over the past five years [7] - **Diversity**: Employees from over 70 countries, speaking more than 35 languages [6] Market Position and Clientele - **Client Base**: Worked with 85 of the Fortune 100 companies and 98 of the Am Law 100 law firms in the past two years [10] - **Project-Based Business Model**: Trust built on a project-by-project basis rather than subscription-based [10] Investment Thesis - **Long-Term Value Maximization**: Focus on earning returns above the cost of capital and returning excess capital to shareholders [13] - **Organic Growth**: Approximately two-thirds of growth is organic, with a focus on talent acquisition and retention [17] Current Market Dynamics - **M&A Activity**: Increasing momentum in mergers and acquisitions, with CRA involved in significant deals [24] - **Litigation Activity**: Notable increase in litigation filings, indicating a robust demand for consulting services [26] Conclusion - **Outlook**: CRA anticipates continued success and record performance in 2025, with a strong pipeline of new business opportunities and talent acquisition [19][23]

iHeartMedia Conference Summary Company Overview - iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in America, generating approximately $4 billion in annual advertising revenue [4][5] - Revenue composition: about $2.7-$2.8 billion from the multi-platform group (broadcast radio and network business) and about $1.2-$1.3 billion from the digital audio group (podcasting, streaming, websites) [4][5] - The company owns 850 radio stations and operates in 150 cities, reaching approximately 273 million people in the U.S. [4][5] Industry Insights - Broadcast radio listening has increased over the past 10-20 years, contrary to perceptions of decline in traditional media [6][8] - iHeartMedia's audience remains resilient compared to declining viewership in ad-supported television and print media [8][9] - The company believes in the monetization of consumer relationships and has a strategic advantage with a large sales force across the country [9][10] Revenue Challenges - Revenue shrinkage is attributed to economic challenges and advertising recession rather than a decline in listenership [10][11] - iHeartMedia expects the multi-platform group to return to low single-digit revenue growth due to audience resiliency and efficiency [14][20] Digital Transformation - iHeartMedia is implementing a digital programmatic initiative to allow advertisers to buy broadcast inventory similarly to digital ads, enhancing scalability and ease of purchase [16][17] - The total addressable market (TAM) for digital entertainment is estimated at $250-$300 billion, with iHeartMedia aiming to capture a share of this market [18][19] Podcasting Growth - Podcasting is the primary growth driver for iHeartMedia, with projected revenue of $550 million in 2025, up from $50 million in 2019, reflecting a 22% growth rate [21][23] - iHeartMedia is the largest podcast publisher in the U.S., surpassing the combined revenue of its closest competitors [22][23] - The company emphasizes the importance of promoting podcasts through its broadcast channels to maximize audience reach [24][25] Cost Management and Efficiency - iHeartMedia has implemented a $150 million cost reduction program for 2025 and an additional $50 million for 2026, focusing on efficiency across both multi-platform and digital groups [31][32] - The company has reduced its workforce from 13,000 to 8,500 and cut office space from 4 million sq ft to 2 million sq ft [36] Financial Position - iHeartMedia aims to reduce its leverage ratio to 3-3.5 times EBITDA, currently standing at approximately 5.5-6 times [37][38] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its digital transformation, with broadcast inventory now being sold programmatically and measured similarly to digital campaigns [40][41] - iHeartMedia anticipates a strong year in political advertising due to the upcoming election cycle [20][42] - The management is focused on creating value for stakeholders through innovative revenue streams and leveraging existing assets [27][42]

Summary of Oil States International Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Oil States International (NYSE: OIS) - **Market Capitalization**: $372 million as of November 18, 2025 [5] - **Free Cash Flow Yield**: 19% on a trailing twelve months (TTM) basis, considered attractive relative to size and peer group [6] - **Backlog**: $399 million as of September 30, 2025, the highest since 2015 [17] Core Business Segments 1. **Offshore Manufactured Products** - Largest segment with global exposure to key oil and gas basins [9] - Expected revenue growth of 13%-18% sequentially in Q4 2025 [22] - Strong market position with Flex Joint connector technology, holding an 80%-85% market share [12] 2. **Completion and Production Services** - Focus on high-grading differentiated product lines, exiting commoditized lower-margin offerings [10][18] - Emphasis on offshore production services, particularly in the Middle East [19] 3. **Downhole Technologies** - Currently facing challenges due to reduced U.S. shale activity [20] - Strategy includes improving domestic technology offerings and expanding internationally, particularly in Brazil and the Middle East [21] Investment Considerations - **Growth Drivers**: - Global energy demand and offshore growth are key drivers for the company [8] - Focus on technology-driven solutions and organic growth [26] - **Financial Health**: - Projecting to achieve net debt zero by the end of 2025 [24] - Strong cash flow generation expected to exceed $100 million for the year [23] - **Valuation**: - Trading at 5.2 times valuation, perceived as low compared to technology-rich offerings [7][31] - Potential for share repurchases and consideration of dividends based on shareholder preferences [34] Strategic Focus - **International Expansion**: - Shift towards more offshore and international projects due to reduced competition and more predictable revenues compared to U.S. shale [27][29] - **Technology Development**: - Continuous innovation with new products like Managed Pressure Drilling Systems and low-impact workover riser packages [13][17] - Adaptation of legacy oil and gas technology for new energy markets, including offshore wind and carbon capture [16][33] Risks and Challenges - **Market Cyclicality**: - U.S. shale market characterized by short cycles, making it more volatile compared to offshore projects [28][30] - **Operational Adjustments**: - Transitioning out of lower-margin business lines may incur costs related to lease exits and facility closures [23] Conclusion - Oil States International is positioned for growth with a strong backlog, innovative technology, and a focus on international markets. The company aims to enhance shareholder value through strategic investments and share repurchases while navigating the challenges of the energy sector.

Summary of Interactive Brokers Group Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Interactive Brokers Group (NasdaqGS:IBKR) - **Founder**: Thomas Peterffy, who has been instrumental in the evolution of electronic market making and retail brokerage over 48 years Market Insights - **Current Economic Cycle**: The speaker believes a bull market is likely to continue, driven by potential economic initiatives from the Trump administration aimed at boosting the economy for midterm elections [4][5] - **Client Risk Appetite**: Clients are showing a willingness to engage in large trades without being front-run, facilitated by Interactive Brokers' unique algorithmic trading features [2][3] Investment Priorities - **Focus on Forecast Trader**: The company sees significant growth potential in its Forecast Trader platform, which is expected to surpass equity markets in importance [6] - **Thematic Trading**: Development of presentation layers for theme trading, allowing clients to invest in specific themes like solar energy or healthcare [7] - **Global Expansion**: Plans to add brokerage subsidiaries in various countries and new exchanges to enhance trading capabilities [6][8] Regulatory Environment - **Stablecoin Adoption**: Interactive Brokers plans to accept stablecoins from Tether, Ripple, PayPal, and Circle, which is expected to increase the velocity of money [9] - **SEC Clarification Needed**: The company seeks clarity from the SEC regarding whether certain prediction market questions related to companies would be classified as securities [10] Prediction Markets - **Development of Institutional Prediction Markets**: The company anticipates a future where prediction markets will involve economists and traders, with a focus on building liquidity [11][12] - **Integration of Weather Data**: Interest in using temperature data to gauge economic activity, with plans to include wind speed data for insurance considerations [12][13] - **Investment Models**: Investors may develop models based on prediction market data, continuously updating their portfolios [14] Client Growth and Channels - **Account Growth**: The company has achieved a 33% growth in accounts over the last 12 months, with a long-term target of 20% [18] - **Referral and Advertising**: 30% of new accounts come from referrals, 20% from sales, and 50% from advertising [18] - **Introducing Broker Channel**: Growth in this channel is slow due to existing long-term contracts with other platforms [20] Competitive Landscape - **Prime Brokerage Offering**: Ranked fourth in hedge fund clients, the company faces competition from big banks but maintains a focus on equity capital growth [22][23] - **Technology Advantage**: Interactive Brokers is recognized for its superior technology compared to competitors, which often require long-term contracts [20] Technology and Innovation - **AI Utilization**: The company is investing in AI for customer service and internal processes, with a focus on keeping costs low [26] - **Excess Capital**: Currently has $8 billion in excess capital, which is reserved for potential acquisitions, although the preference is to build rather than acquire [27][28] Crypto Products - **Crypto Custody**: The company offers crypto trading but does not custody crypto itself, which may deter some clients [31][32] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: The company is optimistic about the growth of prediction markets and stablecoin adoption, while also focusing on enhancing its technology and global presence [30][31]

Tradeweb Markets Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Tradeweb Markets (NasdaqGS:TW) - **Industry**: Electronic trading platforms, particularly in fixed-income markets Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance - Tradeweb reported nearly high-teens earnings per share growth in 2025, primarily driven by revenue increases despite tough year-over-year comparisons [7][19][186] - The company anticipates continued strong performance into 2026, with organic growth drivers identified [7][19] Market Environment - The debt markets are experiencing growth, with central banks being less active, creating favorable conditions for Tradeweb's business [19] - The current market structure is evolving, with a shift towards electronic trading, particularly in the swaps market [27][34] Swaps Market - Tradeweb's swaps business has seen a revenue increase of approximately 35% year-over-year [38] - The company is focusing on electronifying non-cleared swaps and expanding its international swaps business, particularly in Australia and Japan [28][34] - There is a significant opportunity to transition the wholesale swaps market from a voice-oriented to an electronic model, which is still in early stages [32][34] Credit Market - Tradeweb's credit business, including US Investment Grade (IG) and High Yield, has room for growth, with a focus on increasing dealer proactivity in electronic trading [84][85] - The company is exploring traditional RFQ (Request for Quote) mechanisms to enhance trading efficiency and market share [95][97] Emerging Markets - Tradeweb has made significant progress in the emerging market (EM) credit space, leveraging its strengths in rates to penetrate this area [132][136] - The company aims to build strong sales engagement and capitalize on portfolio trading as a leading driver in EM credit [134][136] Tokenization and Innovation - Tradeweb is exploring the potential of tokenization in financial markets, particularly through its partnership with Canton Network, which aims to enhance collateral management [142][144][178] - The company is taking a pragmatic approach to innovation, focusing on building relationships and understanding the evolving landscape of digital assets [177][183] Q4 Outlook - For Q4 2025, Tradeweb expects continued momentum, with November showing significant growth in average daily revenue compared to the previous year [186][191] - The company acknowledges challenges in the credit market but remains optimistic about its diverse platform and leading position in the rates market [195][196] Additional Important Insights - The conversation highlighted the importance of adapting to client behavior and market dynamics, particularly in the context of electronic trading [54][56] - Tradeweb's strategy includes solving client problems and enhancing trading efficiencies, which are critical for maintaining competitive advantage [60][122] - The company is aware of pricing pressures and is focused on preserving value for clients while navigating fee structures [118][120] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Tradeweb Markets conference, emphasizing the company's growth strategies, market dynamics, and future outlook.

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The company has focused on creating consistent, sustainable, long-term performance over the last 10 years, prioritizing soundness, profitability, and growth [2][3][4] - Investments have been made in business, talent, and technology to diversify revenue [2][6] Key Financial Performance - The company has improved credit risk management and capital allocation, leading to strong results in the CCAR process [3] - Shareholder value has been driven by a compound annual growth rate of over 10% in dividends over the last six years and significant share buybacks [3][4] - The return on tangible common equity has improved from the bottom to the top of the peer group over the last five years [4] - Earnings per share growth has been in the top quartile over the last three, five, and ten years [4] Market Position and Growth Strategy - The company has experienced top deposit growth among peers at a lower cost [6] - Eight priority markets have been identified for growth, contributing over 50% of deposit growth in the last five years [6] - Plans to add 170 bankers over the next three years to enhance service in key markets [6][7] Economic and Client Sentiment - The economy in the company's markets is characterized as decent, with good job creation and consumer confidence [12][14] - Client sentiment in the wholesale business has improved, with a 75% probability to close pipeline up 84% year-over-year [14] Competition and Market Dynamics - Increased competition from larger banks is noted, but the company believes its long-standing presence and local leadership provide a competitive edge [16][19] - The company aims to leverage disruptions in the market to grow its share [19] Loan Growth and Capital Management - Loan growth has been impacted by strategic de-risking, with a focus on maintaining soundness and profitability [27][28] - Total client liquidity is expected to lead to loan growth in 2026 as customers begin to draw down excess liquidity [14][28] Revenue Components and Fee Income - Fee income has grown by 5% year-to-date, with expectations for continued growth in service charges, treasury management, and wealth management [37][38] - The company is focused on enhancing its treasury management services and small business opportunities [41][42] Technology and Systems Upgrade - A significant technology project is underway, expected to be completed by 2027, which will modernize the deposit system and improve operational efficiency [59][74] - The new system is anticipated to increase speed to market for new products and services, providing a competitive advantage [74] Capital Allocation and Share Buybacks - The company maintains a CET1 ratio of almost 11%, with capital priorities focused on supporting organic growth, paying dividends, and potential non-depository acquisitions [50][52] - A new $3 billion share buyback plan has been announced, but the company prefers to use capital for growth rather than buybacks [52][54] Conclusion - The company is positioned for strong performance in 2026, with a focus on loan growth, margin improvement, and continued investment in technology and talent [33][35][63]

Summary of NICE's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: NICE - **Industry**: Cloud Communications and Customer Experience as a Service (CCaaS) Key Points and Arguments AI as a Growth Driver - NICE identifies AI as a significant growth driver, with AI revenue embedded in cloud platforms increasing by over 40% year-to-date [3][6] - The acquisition of Cognigy, a leader in agentic AI, is expected to enhance NICE's capabilities in customer experience (CX) [3][4] Performance Metrics - NICE has consistently outperformed guidance, expecting a 12% growth in cloud revenue quarter-over-quarter [6] - Year-over-year cloud backlog has increased by 13%, indicating strong future growth potential [6] Market Position and Strategy - NICE's CCaaS business is underpenetrated, with only about 40% of organizations having migrated to the cloud [9] - The company is focusing on strategic partnerships with major players like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and AWS to enhance market presence [9][10] Future Revenue Growth Plans - NICE aims to double cloud revenue over the next four years, targeting 17%-19% growth by 2028 [11] - Key growth catalysts include AI capabilities, depth of offerings, and international momentum [12][13] Investment Strategy - NICE plans to invest an additional $160 million in 2026 across delivery costs, R&D, and go-to-market strategies [16][17] - Investments will focus on enhancing international infrastructure and embedding Cognigy into the CX platform [17][18] Total Addressable Market (TAM) Expansion - NICE's TAM is projected to expand to between $31 billion and $72 billion, driven by moving into mid and back office operations and proactive customer engagement [19][20] - The company is leveraging its existing capabilities to transition from inbound to outbound customer interactions [21][22] Acquisition of Cognigy - Cognigy was chosen for its strong technology and ability to scale, particularly in large enterprises [25][26] - Cross-selling opportunities exist between NICE and Cognigy, with minimal customer overlap [28] Financial Performance - AI and self-service ARR reached $268 million in Q3, growing 49% year-over-year [30] - NICE expects AI to represent 30% of cloud revenue by 2028, supported by a robust financial model and strong pipeline [30][31] Partnership Ecosystem - NICE has expanded its partnership ecosystem significantly, with expected near-term impacts from collaborations, particularly with AWS [34][35] - Long-term growth is anticipated as partnerships mature and sales teams are trained [35] Financial Crimes and Compliance (FCC) Business - NICE's FCC business remains core, contributing to overall profitability, despite CX being the primary focus [36][37] - The FCC segment operates independently and continues to attract long-term global financial institutions as clients [36] Additional Important Insights - The company emphasizes the importance of real-time capabilities in its platform, which are unmatched in the market [10] - NICE's leadership transition, particularly with the new CEO Scott Russell, is seen as a positive factor for future growth [8]

Summary of The Bank of New York Mellon Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: The Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE: BK) - **Date**: December 10, 2025 - **Speaker**: Dermot McDonogh, CFO Key Points 1. Business Performance and Momentum - BNY Mellon experienced solid momentum in 2025, with accelerating organic growth and better-than-expected net interest income (NII) [1][2] - The stock price increased over 40% year-to-date, reflecting positive performance and shareholder returns [1] 2. Strategic Focus for 2026 - The company is focused on maintaining strong momentum and executing its strategic pillars laid out over the past three years [2][3] - Key areas of focus include enhancing the commercial model and operationalizing the "1BNY" strategy to improve client engagement and retention [3][4] 3. Commercial Model and Client Engagement - The commercial model has been a significant driver of growth, with efforts to do more with the existing client base [4][5] - The Platform Operating Model is being implemented, with 75% of the firm already integrated, leading to improved growth and productivity [5] 4. Organic Revenue Growth - Organic revenue growth was approximately 4% in the first half of the year, with expectations for continued improvement [6][7] - BNY Mellon has a diversified business model, with some segments performing exceptionally well while others are in transformation phases [8][9] 5. Digital Assets and Innovation - BNY Mellon is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and digital ecosystems, with ongoing investments in digital asset custody and product innovation [20][21] - The firm anticipates that digital assets will become increasingly material to its revenue in the medium term [22][23] 6. Inorganic Growth and M&A - The company does not prioritize inorganic growth for its strategic ambitions, focusing instead on internal execution and transformation [12][13] - BNY Mellon remains open to evaluating M&A opportunities but maintains a high cultural and financial bar for any potential deals [14] 7. Asset Servicing Business - The asset servicing business is the largest fee pool and is expected to deliver the fastest growth in nearly a decade, driven by macro factors and improved client service [15][16] - Leadership and cultural changes have positively impacted the asset servicing business, leading to increased market share [17][18] 8. Investment and Wealth Management (IWM) - The IWM segment has faced organic growth challenges, but recent strategic hires and a focus on efficiency are expected to improve performance [30][31] - BNY Mellon aims to return this segment to mid-20s growth in the medium term [31] 9. Financial Dynamics and Expense Management - The firm is on track to deliver over 35% pre-tax margins, with a focus on positive operating leverage and disciplined expense management [32][33] - The company has achieved approximately $500 million in efficiencies annually and plans to continue investing in growth opportunities [32][33] 10. Capital Returns - BNY Mellon has maintained a capital-like business model, with a capital return strategy of around 100% payout expected to continue into 2026 [42][43] - The firm generated a 28% return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) in recent quarters, reflecting strong financial health [42] 11. Outlook for 2026 - The company is optimistic about its ability to grow NII and maintain strong deposit performance, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in Q4 [37][41] - BNY Mellon is preparing for potential changes in the economic environment, including Fed policy impacts on deposits [41] Additional Insights - The firm is focused on enhancing its technological capabilities and client service offerings, particularly in the digital asset space [20][21] - There is a strong emphasis on collaboration across different business units to leverage the full capabilities of BNY Mellon for client benefit [28][29]

Summary of Huntington Bancshares Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Huntington Bancshares (NasdaqGS: HBAN) - **Date**: December 10, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Steve Steinour (Chairman, President, and CEO), Zach Wasserman (CFO) Key Industry and Company Insights 1. Growth Strategy - Huntington is focused on best-in-class loan and deposit growth, particularly in the Carolinas and Texas, supported by recent acquisitions of Veritex and Cadence [1][2] - The company emphasizes a differentiated operating model that drives sustained above-peer growth, with a focus on organic growth as the foundation of its strategy [2][3] 2. Acquisitions and Integration - The integration of Veritex and Cadence is seen as a springboard for organic growth rather than an alternative to it, with a disciplined approach to capital allocation and risk management [3][4] - Huntington's proven track record of successful integrations, such as with TCF, gives confidence in the upcoming integrations [4][6] 3. Financial Performance - Loan and deposit growth has significantly outpaced peers, with expectations to maintain strong momentum into 2026 [4][5] - The company has achieved a growth rate of 5% annually post-TCF integration, compared to a pre-acquisition growth rate of just over 4% [7][8] 4. Market Positioning - Huntington is positioned to become the 10th largest bank in the U.S. with a strong presence in high-growth markets, particularly in Texas [9][10] - The company anticipates significant demographic tailwinds in its new markets, with a focus on customer acquisition and deepening relationships [10][11] 5. Revenue Synergies - Expected revenue synergies from the Cadence acquisition include offering a full suite of Huntington products to Cadence's customer base and enhancing customer relationships [11][12] - The company has a strong pipeline of capital markets activities already emerging from the Veritex partnership [44][45] 6. Operational Efficiency - Huntington has maintained a commitment to positive operating leverage, with a focus on re-engineering costs to invest in growth areas such as technology and marketing [39][40] - The company has achieved a positive operating leverage of 250 basis points and expects to continue this trend into 2026 [32][40] 7. Customer Retention and Integration Challenges - Customer retention post-merger is a priority, with efforts focused on building trust and transparency with new colleagues and customers [45][46] - The company is prepared for the integration challenges, with a focus on maintaining organic growth during the integration process [24][25] 8. Future Outlook - Huntington is optimistic about its growth trajectory, with expectations for continued strong loan and deposit production and growth in value-added fee services [32][48] - The company is not looking to expand beyond its current geographic footprint but aims to deepen its market share in existing regions [22][23] Additional Important Points - The competitive landscape in the South and Texas is described as dynamic, with expected market growth rates significantly above the national average [16][17] - Huntington's approach to M&A is cautious, focusing on organic growth as a prerequisite for future partnerships [21][22] - The company has invested in data and automation to prepare for regulatory requirements associated with its Category III designation, with no expected incremental expenses [47]

Lazard (NYSE:LAZ) Conference Summary - December 10, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Lazard - **CEO**: Peter Orszag, who assumed the role on October 1, 2023, and became Chairman on January 1, 2025 [1][3] Key Points Cultural and Structural Transformation - Significant transformation within the advisory division, with 87 managing directors separated and 91 hired or promoted over two years [3][4] - Currently, 40% of managing directors are in their first three years, expected to decrease to 30%, which could increase productivity by approximately $1 million per managing director [4][5] Market Positioning and Growth Opportunities - Increased client emphasis on "contextual alpha," which involves comprehensive analysis for decision-making in M&A and financing [6][7] - Advisory revenue from private capital has grown from 25% in 2019 to 40% currently, with a target of 50% [8][9] - Anticipation of strong M&A activity in 2026, driven by private equity sponsors needing to return cash to LPs, alongside ongoing restructuring and liability management [9][10] Economic and Regulatory Environment - The U.S. economy is increasingly reliant on AI, with growth concentrated in AI sectors while non-AI sectors lag [22][23] - The regulatory environment for M&A has become more accommodating, but requires nuanced strategies to navigate [26][27] Advisory and Asset Management Insights - Strong expectations for European IPOs due to private companies growing too large for alternative exits and regulatory simplifications [30][33] - Lazard is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the Middle East, particularly with sovereign wealth funds across various sectors [34][35] Future Strategic Directions - Focus on expanding the Private Capital Advisory (PCA) business and enhancing restructuring services due to increased demand [39][40] - New leadership in asset management under Chris Hoffman, with a focus on active management strategies and AI integration [41][42] Financial Performance and Projections - Projected positive net inflows for 2026, with year-to-date net inflows of $8.7 billion, excluding a previously mentioned low-fee account [13][50][51] - Targeting a 60% or lower compensation ratio, with revenue per managing director as a key driver for operating leverage [53][54] Capital Return Strategy - Plans to offset dilution from deferred compensation and explore inorganic growth opportunities while maintaining discipline [58] Additional Insights - The cultural transformation within Lazard has been noted as remarkable, contributing to a more vibrant internal environment [11] - The firm is committed to leveraging AI to enhance its competitive edge in the market [24][57] This summary encapsulates the key insights and strategic directions discussed during the conference, highlighting Lazard's focus on growth, transformation, and market positioning in the evolving financial landscape.