EX-99.1 2 d856702dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

LAZARD LTD REPORTS

FULL-YEAR AND FOURTH-QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

 

Record fourth-quarter

operating revenue

reflecting strength

across businesses

       

Entering 2020 with higher

assets under management

than 2019 and momentum

in M&A activity

       

Returned $850 million to

shareholders in 2019

through dividends and

share repurchases

NEW YORK, January 30, 2020 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported annual operating revenue1 of $2,546 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Net income, as adjusted2, was $385 million, or $3.28 per share (diluted) for the year. Net income on a U.S. GAAP basis for the year was $287 million, or $2.44 per share (diluted).

For the fourth quarter of 2019, net income, as adjusted2, was $105 million, or $0.91 per share (diluted). On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income for the fourth quarter was $77 million, or $0.67 per share (diluted).

“Record fourth-quarter operating revenue reflected strength across our businesses,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “We are in a strong position as we enter 2020, with a global platform that incorporates diverse revenue streams of significant scale, innovative client solutions that drive performance, and growth opportunities in which we continue to invest.”

 

($ in millions, except

per share data and AUM)

  

Year Ended

Dec. 31,

    

Quarter Ended

Dec. 31,

 
     2019      2018      %’19-’18      2019      2018      %’19-’18  

Net Income (loss)

                 

US GAAP

   $ 287      $ 527        (46)%      $ 77      $ 113        (32)%  

Per share, diluted

   $ 2.44      $ 4.06        (40)%      $ 0.67      $ 0.89        (25)%  

Adjusted2

   $ 385      $ 539        (29)%      $ 105      $ 119        (11)%  

Per share, diluted

   $ 3.28      $ 4.16        (21)%      $ 0.91      $ 0.94        (3)%  

Operating Revenue1

                 

Total operating revenue

   $ 2,546      $ 2,755        (8)%      $ 708      $ 685        3%  

Financial Advisory

   $ 1,357      $ 1,506        (10)%      $ 395      $ 399        (1)%  

Asset Management

   $ 1,159      $ 1,242        (7)%      $ 301      $ 281        7%  

AUM ($ in billions)

                 

Period End

   $ 248      $ 215        15%           

Average

   $ 234      $ 241        (3)%      $ 238      $ 225        6%  

 

Media Contact: Judi Frost Mackey    +1 212 632 1428    judi.mackey@lazard.com
Investor Contact: Alexandra Deignan    +1 212 632 6886    alexandra.deignan@lazard.com

Note: Endnotes are on page 6 of this release. A reconciliation to U.S. GAAP is on page 14-15.

 

1


OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue1 was $2,546 million for 2019, 8% lower than 2018. Fourth-quarter 2019 operating revenue was a record $708 million, 3% higher than the fourth quarter of 2018.

Financial Advisory

Our Financial Advisory results include M&A Advisory, Capital Advisory, Capital Raising, Restructuring, Shareholder Advisory, Sovereign Advisory, and other strategic advisory work for clients.

For the full year of 2019, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $1,357 million, 10% lower than 2018. The decrease primarily reflected lower M&A completions compared to a record level in 2018.

For the fourth quarter of 2019, Financial Advisory operating revenue was $395 million, 1% lower than the fourth quarter of 2018.

During and since the fourth quarter of 2019, Lazard has been engaged in significant and complex M&A transactions and other advisory assignments globally, including the following (clients are in italics): Special Committee of the Board of CBS on CBS’s $48 billion merger with Viacom; Exor in the $30.7 billion merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with Peugeot; The Supervisory Board of Takeaway.com on the company’s €12.5 billion combination with Just Eat; a consortium consisting of KIRKBI, Blackstone and CPPIB in its recommended acquisition of Merlin Entertainments, valuing Merlin at £5.9 billion; Visas $5.3 billion acquisition of Plaid; Special Committee of the Board of VMware on VMware’s $2.7 billion acquisition of Pivotal Software; Intels $2.0 billion acquisition of Habana Labs; Genworth Financials CAD 2.4 billion sale of its stake in Genworth MI Canada to Brookfield; Tilt Renewables AUD 1.1 billion sale of Snowtown 2 wind farm to Palisade Investment Partners and First State Super; American Express in American Express Global Business Travel’s equity recapitalization with new, long-term investors; and Iliads sale to Cellnex of 70% of Iliad TowerCo and the entire capital of Iliad Italia TowerCo.

During and since the fourth quarter of 2019, we have been engaged in a broad range of highly visible and complex restructuring and debt advisory assignments for debtors or creditors, including roles involving: Forever 21; General Ore International; Global Cloud Xchange; PG&E; Premier Oil; Tubos Reunidos; and Weatherford International.

Our Capital and Shareholder Advisory practices remain active globally, advising on a broad range of public and private assignments. Our Sovereign Advisory practice continues to be active advising governments, sovereign and sub-sovereign entities across developed and emerging markets.

For a list of publicly announced Financial Advisory transactions on which Lazard advised in the fourth quarter of 2019, or continued to advise or completed since December 31, 2019, please visit our website at www.lazard.com/businesses/transactions.

 

2


Asset Management

In the text portion of this press release, we present our Asset Management results as 1) Management fees and other revenue, and 2) Incentive fees.

For the full year of 2019, Asset Management operating revenue was $1,159 million, 7% lower than 2018. For the fourth quarter of 2019, Asset Management operating revenue was $301 million, 7% higher than the fourth quarter of 2018.

Management fees and other revenue was $1,137 million for full-year 2019, 7% lower than 2018. For the fourth quarter of 2019, management fees and other revenue was $287 million, 2% higher than the fourth quarter of 2018, and 2% higher than the third quarter of 2019.

Average assets under management (AUM) for full-year 2019 was $234 billion, 3% lower than 2018. Average AUM for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $238 billion, 6% higher than the fourth quarter of 2018, and 2% higher than the third quarter of 2019.

AUM as of December 31, 2019 was $248 billion, up 15% from December 31, 2018, and up 7% from September 30, 2019. The sequential increase from September 30, 2019 was driven by market appreciation of $13 billion, foreign exchange appreciation of $4 billion, and net inflows of $519 million.

For the full year of 2019, incentive fees were $21 million, the same as $21 million for 2018. For the fourth quarter of 2019, incentive fees were $14 million, compared to $1 million for the fourth quarter of 2018.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Compensation and Benefits

In managing compensation and benefits expense, we focus on annual awarded compensation (cash compensation and benefits plus deferred incentive compensation with respect to the applicable year, net of estimated future forfeitures and excluding charges). We believe annual awarded compensation reflects the actual annual compensation cost more accurately than the GAAP measure of compensation cost, which includes applicable-year cash compensation and the amortization of deferred incentive compensation principally attributable to previous years’ deferred compensation. We believe that by managing our business using awarded compensation with a consistent deferral policy, we can better manage our compensation costs, increase our flexibility in the future and build shareholder value over time.

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense1 for 2019 was $1,464 million, 3% lower than 2018, with a consistent deferral policy. The corresponding adjusted compensation ratio1 was 57.5% for 2019, compared to 55.1% for 2018.

Awarded compensation expense1 for 2019 was $1,469 million, 4% lower than 2018. The corresponding awarded compensation ratio1 was 57.7% for 2019, compared to 55.8% for 2018.

 

3


We take a disciplined approach to compensation, and our goal is to maintain a compensation-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle in the mid- to high-50s percentage range on both an awarded and adjusted basis, with consistent deferral policies.

Non-Compensation Expense

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for 2019 was $499 million, 3% higher than 2018. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue1 was 19.6% for 2019, compared to 17.6% for 2018.

Adjusted non-compensation expense1 for the fourth quarter of 2019 was $130 million, 9% lower than the fourth quarter of 2018. The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue1 was 18.3% for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 20.8% for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Our goal remains to achieve an adjusted non-compensation expense-to-operating revenue ratio over the cycle of 16% to 20%.    

TAXES

The provision for taxes, on an adjusted basis1, was $122 million for full-year 2019 and $44 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 24.1% for full-year 2019, compared to 22.7% for full-year 2018.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

Our primary capital management goals include managing debt and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

In 2019, Lazard returned $850 million to shareholders, which included: $255 million in dividends; $495 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $100 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

During 2019, we repurchased 13.7 million shares of our Class A common stock for an average price of $36.18 per share. This included the repurchase of 1.7 million shares in the fourth quarter at an average price of $37.28 per share. In line with our objectives, these repurchases more than offset the potential dilution from our 2018 year-end equity-based compensation awards (net of estimated forfeitures and tax withholding to be paid in cash in lieu of share issuances), which were granted at an average price of $37.69 per share. As of January 24, 2020, our remaining share repurchase authorization is $379 million.

On January 29, 2020, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.47 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on February 28, 2020, to stockholders of record on February 18, 2020.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of December 31, 2019, our cash and cash equivalents were $1,232 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $610 million.

 

4


***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EST on January 30, 2020, to discuss the company’s financial results for the full year and fourth quarter of 2019. The conference call can be accessed via a live audio webcast available through Lazard’s Investor Relations website at www.lazard.com, or by dialing 1 (888) 394-8218 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (323) 701-0225 (outside of the U.S. and Canada), 15 minutes prior to the start of the call.

A replay of the conference call will be available by 10:00 a.m. EST on January 30, 2020, via the Lazard Investor Relations website, or by dialing 1 (888) 203-1112 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 457-0820 (outside of the U.S. and Canada). The replay access code is 6868932.

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from more than 40 cities and 25 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com. Follow Lazard at @Lazard.

***

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “target,” “goal”, or “continue”, and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies, business plans and initiatives and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” and also discussed from time to time in our reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, including the following:

 

   

A decline in general economic conditions or the global or regional financial markets;

 

   

A decline in our revenues, for example due to a decline in overall mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, our share of the M&A market or our assets under management (AUM);

 

   

Losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third parties;

 

   

Losses due to unidentified or unanticipated risks;

 

   

A lack of liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds, for use in our businesses; and

 

   

Competitive pressure on our businesses and on our ability to retain and attract employees at current compensation levels.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We are under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations and we do not intend to do so.

Lazard Ltd is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, Lazard and its operating companies use their websites, Lazard’s Twitter account (twitter.com/Lazard) and other social media sites to convey information about their businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information, and the posting of updates of assets under management in various mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.

 

5


***

ENDNOTES

 

1 

A non-U.S. GAAP measure. See attached financial schedules and related notes for a detailed explanation of adjustments to corresponding U.S. GAAP results. We believe that presenting our results on an adjusted basis, in addition to U.S. GAAP results, is the most meaningful and useful way to compare our operating results across periods.

2 

Adjusted results1 for the fourth-quarter and twelve months of 2019 exclude the following items on a pre-tax basis: (i) $16.4 million and $67.8 million, respectively, of costs associated with a business realignment that included employee reductions and the closing of subscale offices and investment strategies; (ii) $4.2 million and $17.4 million, respectively, of costs associated with the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system; (iii) $6.8 million relating to a first quarter debt refinancing by Lazard Ltd’s subsidiary Lazard Group LLC; (iv) $9.6 million and $17.2 million, respectively, of acquisition-related costs, primarily reflecting changes in fair value of contingent consideration associated with certain business acquisitions; (v) $0.1 million $12.1 million, respectively, of private equity investment adjustments; (vi) $3.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of costs related to office space reorganization; and (vii) $0.5 million in the fourth quarter and full year relating to the reduction of our Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA) obligation. On a U.S. GAAP basis, these items resulted in a net charge of $28 million, or $0.25 (diluted) per share, for the fourth quarter, and a net charge of $98 million, or $0.85 (diluted) per share, for the full year of 2019.

LAZ-EPE

###

 

6


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2019
    September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 

Total revenue

   $ 743,406     $ 611,073     $ 704,300       22     6

Interest expense

     (22,065     (20,005     (17,065    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net revenue

     721,341       591,068       687,235       22     5

Operating expenses:

          

Compensation and benefits

     427,308       391,363       349,542       9     22

Occupancy and equipment

     34,045       29,856       32,781      

Marketing and business development

     30,947       27,318       32,889      

Technology and information services

     38,783       34,076       37,520      

Professional services

     23,386       15,105       18,851      

Fund administration and outsourced services

     28,201       28,425       29,805      

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits)

     9,876       1,022       (2,429    

Other

     10,321       11,530       38,454      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Subtotal

     175,559       147,332       187,871       19     (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement

     (503     —         (6,495    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating expenses

     602,364       538,695       530,918       12     13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating income

     118,977       52,373       156,317       NM       (24 %) 

Provision for income taxes

     39,446       4,177       42,633       NM       (7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income

     79,531       48,196       113,684       65     (30 %) 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     2,554       1,492       288      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 76,977     $ 46,704     $ 113,396       65     (32 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

          

Weighted average shares outstanding:

          

Basic

     107,548,260       109,285,727       116,333,243       (2 %)      (8 %) 

Diluted

     113,442,101       113,881,690       126,819,190       (0 %)      (11 %) 

Net income per share:

          

Basic

   $ 0.70     $ 0.42     $ 0.97       67     (28 %) 

Diluted

   $ 0.67     $ 0.40     $ 0.89       68     (25 %) 

 

7


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(U.S. GAAP)

 

     Year Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    % Change  

Total revenue

   $ 2,666,958     $ 2,884,833       (8 %) 

Interest expense

     (80,185     (58,481  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net revenue

     2,586,773       2,826,352       (8 %) 

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     1,563,395       1,514,735       3

Occupancy and equipment

     123,149       121,107    

Marketing and business development

     115,033       108,644    

Technology and information services

     143,739       139,693    

Professional services

     71,852       61,349    

Fund administration and outsourced services

     114,049       132,964    

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits)

     19,410       (15,897  

Other

     43,951       89,486    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Subtotal

     631,183       637,346       (1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Benefit pursuant to tax receivable agreement

     (503     (6,495  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating expenses

     2,194,075       2,145,586       2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating income

     392,698       680,766       (42 %) 

Provision for income taxes

     94,982       148,317       (36 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

     297,716       532,449       (44 %) 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     11,216       5,324    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 286,500     $ 527,125       (46 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     110,189,862       119,006,531       (7 %) 

Diluted

     116,079,806       129,767,592       (11 %) 

Net income per share:

      

Basic

   $ 2.57     $ 4.43       (42 %) 

Diluted

   $ 2.44     $ 4.06       (40 %) 

 

8


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(U.S. GAAP)

 

($ in thousands)    December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 
ASSETS

 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,231,593     $ 1,246,537  

Deposits with banks and short-term investments

     1,180,686       1,006,969  

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     43,280       38,379  

Receivables

     663,138       685,534  

Investments

     531,995       575,148  

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     373,594       375,318  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     551,504       —    

Deferred tax assets

     611,570       597,776  

Other assets

     477,042       471,580  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 5,664,402     $ 4,997,241  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 1,246,200     $ 1,154,207  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     602,777       585,484  

Senior debt

     1,679,562       1,434,260  

Tax receivable agreement obligation

     247,344       270,640  

Operating lease liabilities

     644,345       —    

Other liabilities

     562,600       582,557  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,982,828       4,027,148  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share

     1,128       1,298  

Additional paid-in capital

     41,020       750,692  

Retained earnings

     1,193,570       1,195,563  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (293,648     (273,818
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     942,070       1,673,735  

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost

     (332,079     (756,884
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     609,991       916,851  

Noncontrolling interests

     71,583       53,242  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     681,574       970,093  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 5,664,402     $ 4,997,241  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     % Change From  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2019
    September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 

Revenues:

          

Financial Advisory

   $ 394,689     $ 303,901     $ 398,581       30     (1 %) 

Asset Management

     301,046       282,596       280,750       7     7

Corporate

     12,275       1,765       5,204       NM       NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 708,010     $ 588,262     $ 684,535       20     3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Expenses:

          

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 407,106     $ 338,250     $ 361,434       20     13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     57.5     57.5     52.8    

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 129,615     $ 125,185     $ 142,239       4     (9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     18.3     21.3     20.8    

Earnings:

          

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 171,289     $ 124,827     $ 180,862       37     (5 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating margin (f)

     24.2     21.2     26.4    

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 105,268     $ 88,260     $ 118,878       19     (11 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 0.91     $ 0.76     $ 0.94       20     (3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     115,522,380       115,513,679       126,819,190       0     (9 %) 

Effective tax rate (i)

     29.7     16.6     27.8    

This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, see Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information and Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

10


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(Non-GAAP - unaudited)

 

     Year Ended  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018
    % Change  

Revenues:

      

Financial Advisory

   $ 1,357,398     $ 1,506,212       (10 %) 

Asset Management

     1,158,645       1,241,541       (7 %) 

Corporate

     29,919       7,029       NM  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating revenue (b)

   $ 2,545,962     $ 2,754,782       (8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Expenses:

      

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (c)

   $ 1,463,928     $ 1,516,632       (3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of adjusted compensation to operating revenue

     57.5     55.1  

Non-compensation expense (d)

   $ 498,551     $ 484,131       3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue

     19.6     17.6  

Earnings:

      

Earnings from operations (e)

   $ 583,483     $ 754,019       (23 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Operating margin (f)

     22.9     27.4  

Adjusted net income (g)

   $ 384,811     $ 539,237       (29 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted adjusted net income per share

   $ 3.28     $ 4.16       (21 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Diluted weighted average shares (h)

     117,348,401       129,767,592       (10 %) 

Effective tax rate (i)

     24.1     22.7  

This presentation includes non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to the corresponding U.S. GAAP measures, see Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information and Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

11


LAZARD LTD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS - ANALYSIS

(unaudited)

($ in millions except share price)

 

     2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019  
ADJUSTED U.S. GAAP BASIS (c)

 

Base salary

   $ 353.2     $ 339.3     $ 354.0     $ 355.8     $ 372.7     $ 404.9     $ 431.9     $ 446.9  

Benefits and other

     162.6       191.2       215.6       228.3       201.9       243.4       263.6       258.3  

Cash incentive compensation

     367.2       368.5       432.9       413.9       398.3       465.5       445.5       390.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash compensation, benefits and other

     883.0       899.0       1,002.5       998.0       972.9       1,113.8       1,141.0       1,096.0  

Amortization of deferred incentive awards

     334.8       297.6       299.2       320.8       352.4       367.3       375.6       367.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits - Adjusted U.S. GAAP basis (j)

   $ 1,217.8     $ 1,196.6     $ 1,301.7     $ 1,318.8     $ 1,325.3     $ 1,481.1     $ 1,516.6     $ 1,463.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

% of Operating Revenue

     61.8     58.8     55.6     55.4     56.5     55.8     55.1     57.5
AWARDED BASIS

 

Total cash compensation and benefits (per above)

   $ 883.0     $ 899.0     $ 1,002.5     $ 998.0     $ 972.9     $ 1,113.8     $ 1,141.0     $ 1,096.0  

Deferred year-end incentive awards

     272.4       291.0       325.2       336.1       342.4       351.0       377.8       361.3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits before sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards

     1,155.4       1,190.0       1,327.7       1,334.1       1,315.3       1,464.8       1,518.8       1,457.3  

Sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards (k)

     42.1       22.1       14.2       26.4       29.9       36.2       45.7       37.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Compensation and benefits - Notional

     1,197.5       1,212.1       1,341.9       1,360.5       1,345.2       1,501.0       1,564.5       1,494.9  

Adjustment for actual/estimated forfeitures (l)

     (27.4     (27.3     (25.4     (27.2     (27.9     (25.3     (27.5     (25.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits - Awarded (m)

   $ 1,170.1     $ 1,184.8     $ 1,316.5     $ 1,333.3     $ 1,317.3     $ 1,475.7     $ 1,537.0     $ 1,469.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

% of Operating Revenue - Awarded Basis (m)

     59.4     58.2     56.3     56.0     56.2     55.6     55.8     57.7

Memo:

                

Total value of deferred equity-based year end incentive awards

   $ 183.3     $ 180.9     $ 219.0     $ 267.7     $ 234.8     $ 216.4     $ 253.8       TBD  

Equity-based year end awards - share equivalents (‘000)

     4,929       4,146       4,329       7,778       5,395       3,850       6,735       TBD  

Price at issuance

   $ 37.19     $ 43.62     $ 50.60     $ 34.42     $ 43.43     $ 56.22     $ 37.69       TBD  

Deferred compensation awards ratio (n)

     23.6     24.5     24.5     25.2     26.0     24.0     24.9     24.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue

   $ 1,970.8     $ 2,034.3     $ 2,340.2     $ 2,380.1     $ 2,344.3     $ 2,654.5     $ 2,754.8     $ 2,546.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

This presentation includes non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Selected Summary Financial Information and Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

12


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

(unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

     As of      Variance  
     December 31,
2019
    September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
     Qtr to Qtr     YTD  

Equity:

           

Emerging Markets

   $ 40,612     $ 38,385     $ 41,899        5.8     (3.1 %) 

Global

     49,759       46,539       41,490        6.9     19.9

Local

     48,985       40,706       36,020        20.3     36.0

Multi-Regional

     66,185       62,825       57,589        5.3     14.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Equity

     205,541       188,455       176,998        9.1     16.1

Fixed Income:

           

Emerging Markets

     14,387       14,738       14,980        (2.4 %)      (4.0 %) 

Global

     9,233       8,433       4,851        9.5     90.3

Local

     5,450       5,818       6,113        (6.3 %)      (10.8 %) 

Multi-Regional

     9,193       8,733       6,994        5.3     31.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total Fixed Income

     38,263       37,722       32,938        1.4     16.2

Alternative Investments

     2,149       2,347       2,430        (8.4 %)      (11.6 %) 

Private Equity

     1,385       1,387       1,469        (0.1 %)      (5.7 %) 

Cash Management

     901       963       899        (6.4 %)      0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

Total AUM

   $ 248,239     $ 230,874     $ 214,734        7.5     15.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      
     Three Months Ended
December 31,
           Year Ended December 31,  
     2019     2018            2019     2018  

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 230,874     $ 240,087        $ 214,734     $ 249,459  

Net Flows

     519       (3,171        (9,074     (4,898

Market and foreign exchange appreciation (depreciation)

     16,846       (22,182        42,579       (29,827
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUM - End of Period

   $ 248,239     $ 214,734        $ 248,239     $ 214,734  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average AUM

   $ 238,197     $ 224,697        $ 234,374     $ 241,247  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

   

 

 

 

% Change in average AUM

     6.0          (2.8 %)   
  

 

 

        

 

 

   

Note: Average AUM generally represents the average of the monthly ending AUM balances for the period.

 

13


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP TO SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
($ in thousands, except per share data)    2019     2019     2018     2019     2018  
Operating Revenue

 

Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 721,341     $ 591,068     $ 687,235     $ 2,586,773     $ 2,826,352  

Adjustments:

          

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (5,172     (4,164     (3,436     (23,426     (18,787

(Gains) losses related to Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar arrangements

     (9,539     (1,764     15,798       (31,657     14,086  

Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs and bad debt expense (p)

     (22,930     (15,413     (30,883     (76,032     (120,995

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     108       —         —         12,056       —    

Interest expense

     20,475       18,535       15,821       74,521       54,126  

Losses associated with business realignment (r)

     3,727       —         —         3,727       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating revenue, as adjusted (b)

   $ 708,010     $ 588,262     $ 684,535     $ 2,545,962     $ 2,754,782  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Compensation and Benefits Expense  

Compensation and benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 427,308     $ 391,363     $ 349,542     $ 1,563,395     $ 1,514,735  

Adjustments:

          

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     (7,516     (49,119     —         (56,635     —    

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     —         —         (1,190     —         (1,190

(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements

     (9,539     (1,764     15,798       (31,657     14,086  

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (3,147     (2,230     (2,716     (11,175     (10,999
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted (c)

   $ 407,106     $ 338,250     $ 361,434     $ 1,463,928     $ 1,516,632  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Non-Compensation Expense  

Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 175,559     $ 147,332     $ 187,871     $ 631,183     $ 637,346  

Adjustments:

          

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     (5,112     (1,810     —         (6,922     —    

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     (4,166     (2,362     (7,006     (17,359     (27,495

(Expenses) benefits related to office space reorganization (t)

     (3,568     (1,143     80       (4,711     (2,345

Distribution fees, reimbursable deal costs and bad debt expense (p)

     (22,930     (15,413     (30,883     (76,032     (120,995

Amortization and other acquisition-related (costs) benefits (u)

     (9,876     (1,022     2,429       (19,410     15,897  

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         (6,505     (6,523

Expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (w)

     —         —         (10,000     —         (10,000

Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (292     (397     (252     (1,693     (1,754
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 129,615     $ 125,185     $ 142,239     $ 498,551     $ 484,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations  

Operating Income - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 118,977     $ 52,373     $ 156,317     $ 392,698     $ 680,766  

Adjustments:

          

Reduction of tax receivable agreement obligation (“TRA”)

     (503     —         (6,495     (503     (6,495

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     16,355       51,454       —         67,809       —    

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     4,166       2,362       8,196       17,359       28,685  

Expenses (benefits) related to office space reorganization (t)

     3,568       1,143       (80     4,711       2,345  

Acquisition-related costs (benefits) (u)

     9,594       (74     (2,912     17,171       (18,932

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     108       —         —         12,056       —    

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         6,805       6,818  

Expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (w)

     —         —         10,000       —         10,000  

Net income related to noncontrolling interests (o)

     (2,554     (1,492     (288     (11,216     (5,324
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax income, as adjusted

     149,711       105,766       164,738       506,890       697,863  

Interest expense

     20,474       18,535       15,821       74,220       53,831  

Amortization (LAZ only)

     1,104       526       303       2,373       2,325  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e)

   $ 171,289     $ 124,827     $ 180,862     $ 583,483     $ 754,019  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd  

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 76,977     $ 46,704     $ 113,396     $ 286,500     $ 527,125  

Adjustments:

          

Reduction of tax receivable agreement obligation (“TRA”)

     (503     —         (6,495     (503     (6,495

Expenses associated with business realignment (r)

     16,355       51,454       —         67,809       —    

Expenses associated with ERP system implementation (s)

     4,166       2,362       8,196       17,359       28,685  

Expenses (benefits) related to office space reorganization (t)

     3,568       1,143       (80     4,711       2,345  

Acquisition-related costs (benefits) (u)

     9,594       (74     (2,912     17,171       (18,932

Private Equity investment adjustment (q)

     108       —         —         12,056       —    

Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (v)

     —         —         —         6,805       6,818  

Expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (w)

     —         —         10,000       —         10,000  

Tax benefit allocated to adjustments

     (4,997     (13,329     (3,227     (27,097     (10,309
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income, as adjusted (g)

   $ 105,268     $ 88,260     $ 118,878     $ 384,811     $ 539,237  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding  

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - U.S. GAAP Basis

     113,442,101       113,881,690       126,819,190       116,079,806       129,767,592  

Adjustment: participating securities

     2,080,279       1,631,989       —         1,268,595       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, as adjusted (h)

     115,522,380       115,513,679       126,819,190       117,348,401       129,767,592  

Diluted net income per share:

          

U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 0.67     $ 0.40     $ 0.89     $ 2.44     $ 4.06  

Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted

   $ 0.91     $ 0.76     $ 0.94     $ 3.28     $ 4.16  

This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Schedules

 

14


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF NON-COMPENSATION U.S. GAAP TO ADJUSTED (a)

(unaudited )

 

     Three Months Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     September 30,     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
($ in thousands)    2019     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Non-compensation expense - U.S. GAAP Basis:

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 34,045     $ 29,856     $ 32,781     $ 123,149     $ 121,107  

Marketing and business development

     30,947       27,318       32,889       115,033       108,644  

Technology and information services

     38,783       34,076       37,520       143,739       139,693  

Professional services

     23,386       15,105       18,851       71,852       61,349  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     28,201       28,425       29,805       114,049       132,964  

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits)

     9,876       1,022       (2,429     19,410       (15,897

Other

     10,321       11,530       38,454       43,951       89,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 175,559     $ 147,332     $ 187,871     $ 631,183     $ 637,346  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense - Adjustments:

          

Occupancy and equipment (o) (r) (t)

   ($ 3,925   ($ 1,195   ($ 181   ($ 5,178   ($ 2,615

Marketing and business development (o) (p) (r) (s)

     (3,908     (3,005     (4,675     (16,810     (17,881

Technology and information services (o) (p) (r) (s)

     (4,426     (2,396     (6,434     (17,525     (26,297

Professional services (o) (p) (r) (s) (t)

     (3,825     (1,392     (1,831     (8,672     (5,526

Fund administration and outsourced services (p)

     (13,756     (13,329     (15,565     (55,543     (71,677

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits) (r) (u)

     (9,876     (1,022     2,429       (19,410     15,897  

Other (o) (p) (r) (s) (t) (v) (w)

     (6,228     192       (19,375     (9,494     (45,116
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal Non-compensation adjustments

   ($ 45,944   ($ 22,147   ($ 45,632   ($ 132,632   ($ 153,215
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted:

          

Occupancy and equipment

   $ 30,120     $ 28,661     $ 32,600       117,971     $ 118,492  

Marketing and business development

     27,039       24,313       28,214       98,223       90,763  

Technology and information services

     34,357       31,680       31,086       126,214       113,396  

Professional services

     19,561       13,713       17,020       63,180       55,823  

Fund administration and outsourced services

     14,445       15,096       14,240       58,506       61,287  

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs

     —         —         —         —         —    

Other

     4,093       11,722       19,079       34,457       44,370  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d)

   $ 129,615     $ 125,185     $ 142,239     $ 498,551     $ 484,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable U.S. GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable U.S. GAAP measures, see Notes to Financial Schedules.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Schedules

 

15


LAZARD LTD

Notes to Financial Schedules

 

(a)

Selected Summary Financial Information are non-U.S. GAAP (“non-GAAP”) measures. Lazard believes that presenting results and measures on an adjusted basis in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures provides the most meaningful basis for comparison of its operating results across periods.

(b)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) revenue related to non-controlling interests (see (o) below), (ii) (gains)/losses related to the changes in the fair value of investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements for which a corresponding equal amount is excluded from compensation & benefits expense, (iii) revenue related to distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance and bad debt expense (see (p) below), (iv) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, (vi) excess interest expense pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), and (vii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, losses associated with business realignment (see (r) below).

(c)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018, expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iii) (charges)/credits related to the changes in the fair value of the compensation liability recorded in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, and (iv) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below).

(d)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (ii) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iii) (expenses) benefits related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (iv) expenses related to distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance and bad debt expense (see (p) below), (v) amortization and other acquisition-related (costs) benefits (see (u) below), (vi) for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), (vii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018, expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (see (w) below), and (viii) expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below).

(e)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, a benefit relating to the reduction in our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (iii) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iv) (expenses) benefits related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (v) amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits) (see (u) below), (vi) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), (vii) for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), (viii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018, expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (see (w) below), (ix) net revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (o) below), and (x) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities.

(f)

Represents earnings from operations as a percentage of operating revenue, and is a non-GAAP measure.

(g)

A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, a benefit relating to the reduction in our Tax Receivable Agreement obligation, (ii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, expenses associated with business realignment plan (see (r) below), (iii) expenses associated with ERP system implementation (see (s) below), (iv) expenses (benefits) related to office space reorganization (see (t) below), (v) amortization and other acquisition-related costs (benefits) (see (u) below), (vi) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019, private equity investment adjustment (see (q) below), (vii) for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (v) below), and (viii) for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2018, expenses associated with Lazard Foundation (see (w) below), net of tax benefits.

(h)

A non-GAAP measure which includes for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and for the three month period ended September 30, 2019, units of the newly established long-term incentive compensation program consisting of profits interest participation rights, which are equity incentive awards that, subject to certain conditions, may be exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock. Profits interest participation rights and other participating securities are excluded from the computation of outstanding stock equivalents for U.S. GAAP net income per share.

(i)

Effective tax rate is a non-GAAP measure based upon the U.S. GAAP rate with adjustments for the tax applicable to the non-GAAP adjustments to operating income, generally based upon the effective marginal tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction of the adjustments. The computation is based on a quotient, the numerator of which is the provision for income taxes of $44,442, $17,507 and $45,860 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2019, September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, $122,079 and $158,627 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $149,711, $105,766 and $164,738 for the three month periods ended December 31, 2019, September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, $506,890 and $697,863 for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(j)

A reconciliation of U.S. GAAP compensation and benefits expense to compensation and benefits expense, as adjusted:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
($ in thousands)   2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     2019  

Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis

  $ 1,351,129     $ 1,278,534     $ 1,313,606     $ 1,319,746     $ 1,340,543     $ 1,512,873     $ 1,514,735     $ 1,563,395  

Adjustments:

               

Charges associated with business realignment (r)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (56,635

Charges pertaining to ERP system implementation (s)

    —         —         —         —         —         —         (1,190     —    

Charges pertaining to cost saving initiatives

    (99,987     (51,399     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Charges pertaining to staff reductions

    (21,754     —         —         —         —         —         —         —    

(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements comp. liability

    (7,557     (14,099     (7,326     3,827       (3,318     (23,526     14,086       (31,657

Charges pertaining to Private Equity incentive compensation

    —         (12,203     —         —         —         —         —         —    

Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (o)

    (4,040     (4,232     (4,567     (4,776     (11,900     (8,285     (10,999     (11,175
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted

  $ 1,217,791     $ 1,196,601     $ 1,301,713     $ 1,318,797     $ 1,325,325     $ 1,481,062     $ 1,516,632     $ 1,463,928  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(k)

Special deferred incentive awards are granted outside the year end compensation process and include grants to new hires, retention awards, and performance units earned under PRSU grants.

(l)

Under U.S. GAAP, an estimate is made for future forfeitures of the deferred portion of such awards. This estimate is based on both historical experience and future expectations. The result reflects the cost associated with awards that are expected to vest. This calculation is undertaken in order to present awarded compensation on a similar basis to GAAP compensation. Amounts for 2012-2015 represent actual forfeiture experience. The 2016-2019 amounts represent estimated forfeitures.

(m)

Awarded Compensation and Benefits was restated in 2017 to eliminate the year-end foreign exchange adjustment to better align awarded compensation with revenue. The impact of the change is not material.

(n)

Deferred compensation awards ratio is deferred year-end incentive awards, divided by total awarded compensation excluding sign-on and other special deferred incentive awards and actual/estimated forfeitures.

(o)

Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater, and is a non-GAAP measure.

(p)

Represents certain distribution fees and reimbursable deal costs paid to third parties for which an equal amount is excluded from both non-GAAP operating revenue and non-compensation expense, respectively, and excludes bad debt expense, which represents fees that are deemed uncollectible.

(q)

Represents write-down of private equity investment to potential transaction value.

(r)

Represents expenses and losses associated with a business realignment which included employee reductions and the closing of subscale offices and investment strategies.

(s)

Represents expenses associated with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system implementation.

(t)

Represents incremental rent expense related to office space reorganization.

(u)

Primarily represents the change in fair value of the contingent consideration associated with certain business acquisitions.

(v)

In 2019, the company incurred charges related to the extinguishment of the remaining 4.25% Senior Notes maturing in November 2020. $168 million of the 2020 Notes were redeemed in March 2019 and the remaining $82 million have been redeemed in April 2019. The charges include a pre-tax loss on the extinguishment of $6.5 million and excess interest expense of $0.3 million (due to the period of time between the issuance of the 2029 notes and the settlement of the 2020 notes). In 2018, the company incurred charges related to the extinguishment of $250 million of the $500 million 4.25% Senior Notes maturing in November 2020 and the issuance of $500 million of 4.50% notes maturing in September 2028. The charges include a pre-tax loss on the extinguishment of $6.5 million and excess interest expense of $0.3 million (due to the period of time between the issuance of the 2028 notes and the settlement of the 2020 notes).

(w)

Represents expenses associated with the Lazard Foundation unconditional commitment.

NM Not meaningful

TBD To be determined

 

16