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Lazard Ltd Reports Second-Quarter and First-Half 2016 Results

July 28, 2016 6:49 AM

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ):

Highlights

($ in millions, except

per share data and AUM)

Quarter Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2016 2015 %’16-’15 2016 2015 %’16-’15

Net Income

U.S. GAAP $ 80 $ 374 (79 )% $ 147 $ 430 (66 )%
Per share, diluted $ 0.61 $ 2.82 (78 )% $ 1.11 $ 3.23 (66 )%
Adjusted1,2 $ 80 $ 130 (38 )% $ 147 $ 233 (37 )%
Per share, diluted $ 0.61 $ 0.98 (38 )% $ 1.11 $ 1.75 (37 )%

Operating Revenue1

Total operating revenue $ 542 $ 607 (11 )% $ 1,048 $ 1,188 (12 )%
Financial Advisory $ 287 $ 316 (9 )% $ 553 $ 618 (11 )%
Asset Management $ 251 $ 290 (14 )% $ 490 $ 561 (13 )%

AUM ($ in billions)

As of quarter end $ 192 $ 203 (6 )%
Average $ 193 $ 203 (5 )% $ 189 $ 201 (6 )%

Note: Endnotes are on page 12 of this release. A reconciliation to U.S. GAAP is on page 19.

Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today reported net income, as adjusted1, of $80 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. Net income per share as adjusted1, was $0.61 (diluted) for the quarter, compared to $0.98 (diluted) for the 2015 second quarter2. On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income was $80 million for the 2016 second quarter, or $0.61 (diluted) per share, compared to $2.82 (diluted) per share for the 2015 second quarter, which primarily reflected the reversal of our valuation allowance2. Pre-tax income per share (diluted), as adjusted1, was 23% lower than the second quarter of 2015.

First-half 2016 net income was $147 million, or $1.11 per share (diluted), as adjusted1 and on a U.S. GAAP basis.

A reconciliation of our U.S. GAAP results to the adjusted results is presented on page 19 of this press release.

“We remain focused on serving our clients with an unmatched breadth and depth of expertise, global perspective and deep insight into local markets,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard.

“Financial Advisory remains active in strategic, complex and transformational assignments for businesses and governments globally,” said Mr. Jacobs. “Asset Management achieved net inflows for the second quarter despite volatile global markets, reflecting our strong competitive positioning.”

“We have been actively repurchasing Lazard shares,” said Matthieu Bucaille, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. “Year to date we have already surpassed our objective of offsetting potential dilution from 2015 year-end equity grants.”

OPERATING REVENUE

Operating revenue1 was $542 million for the second quarter of 2016 and $1,048 million for the first half, down 11% and 12%, respectively, from 2015.

Financial Advisory

In the text portion of this press release, we present our Financial Advisory results as Strategic Advisory and Restructuring. Strategic Advisory includes 1) M&A and Other Advisory (Other includes Capital Advisory and Sovereign Advisory) and 2) Capital Raising (includes Capital Markets Advisory and Private Capital Advisory).

Second Quarter

Financial Advisory operating revenue was $287 million for the second quarter of 2016, 9% lower than the record second quarter of 2015.

Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $215 million, 26% lower than the record second quarter of 2015, primarily driven by a decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue.

Among the major M&A transactions that were completed during the second quarter of 2016 were the following (clients are in italics): TNT Express on the €4.4 billion public offer by FedEx; China Huaxin in the $2.9 billion consortium acquisition of a 51% stake in H3C; Airbus’ €2.4 billion sale of a 23.6% stake in Dassault Aviation, and its joint venture with Safran to create Airbus Safran Launchers; WL Ross Holding Corp.’s $1.6 billion acquisition of Nexeo Solutions; Skyepharma’s £1.0 billion merger with Vectura; and Coca-Cola Enterprises’ three-way merger to form Coca-Cola European Partners.

During the second quarter of 2016, Lazard remained engaged in highly visible, complex M&A transactions and other strategic advisory assignments, including cross-border transactions, distressed asset sales, capital structure and sovereign advisory, in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Transactions on which we continued to advise during or since the second quarter include: Dow Chemical’s $130 billion merger of equals with DuPont; Anheuser-Busch InBev’s $102 billion proposed acquisition of SABMiller; Dell’s $67.0 billion acquisition of EMC; Aetna’s $37.0 billion acquisition of Humana; Tyco’s $36.0 billion merger with Johnson Controls; ARM Holdings on the £24.3 billion recommended all-cash offer by SoftBank Group; and Danone’s $12.5 billion acquisition of WhiteWave.

In Capital Advisory, we continued to advise public and private clients globally, including: DONG Energy on its DKK 19.7 billion initial public offering; Whiting Petroleum’s $1.1 billion exchange of notes for new mandatory convertible notes; and Advent International and Bain Capital on the £740 million secondary disposal of a stake in Worldpay.

Our Sovereign Advisory business remained active worldwide, including assignments in developed and emerging markets globally.

Restructuring operating revenue was $72 million for the second quarter of 2016, compared to $26 million for the second quarter of 2015. The increase primarily reflects a continued high level of activity in the U.S. energy sector. During and since the second quarter of 2016 we have been engaged in a broad range of restructuring and debt advisory assignments, including: Breitburn Energy Partners; Pacific Exploration & Production; Seventy Seven Energy; Swift Energy; and Takata.

Please see a more complete list of M&A transactions on which Lazard advised in the second quarter, or continued to advise or completed since June 30, 2016, as well as Capital Advisory, Sovereign Advisory and Restructuring assignments, on pages 8-11 of this release.

First Half

Financial Advisory operating revenue was $553 million for the first half of 2016, 11% lower than the record first half of 2015.

Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $438 million, 23% lower than the record first half of 2015, primarily driven by a decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue.

Restructuring operating revenue was $115 million for the first half of 2016, compared to $49 million for the first half of 2015.

Asset Management

Second Quarter

Asset Management operating revenue was $251 million for the second quarter of 2016, 14% lower than the record second quarter of 2015, which included the impact of the disposal of our Australian private equity business2.

Management fees were $238 million for the second quarter of 2016, 8% lower than the record second quarter of 2015, and 5% higher than the first quarter of 2016. The sequential increase was primarily driven by an increase in average assets under management (AUM). Incentive fees during the period were $1 million, compared to $7 million for the second quarter of 2015.

Average AUM for the second quarter of 2016 was $193 billion, 5% lower than the second quarter of 2015, and 4% higher than the first quarter of 2016.

AUM as of June 30, 2016, was $192 billion, a 6% decrease from June 30, 2015. AUM increased 1% from March 31, 2016, primarily driven by net inflows and market appreciation, partially offset by foreign exchange movement. Net inflows of $453 million were primarily driven by strategies in our global, multi-regional and local equity platforms.

First Half

Asset Management operating revenue was $490 million for the first half of 2016, 13% lower than the record first half of 2015.

Management fees were $465 million for the first half of 2016, 9% lower than the record first half of 2015, primarily reflecting changes in average AUM. Incentive fees were $3 million for the first half of 2016, compared to $13 million for the first half of 2015.

Average AUM for the first half of 2016 was $189 billion, 6% lower than the first half of 2015. Net inflows were $92 million for the first half of 2016.

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.

For the second quarter of 2016, we accrued compensation and benefits expense1 at an adjusted compensation1 ratio of 56.5%. This resulted in $306 million of adjusted compensation and benefits expense, compared to $337 million for the second quarter of 2015, a 9% decrease.

For the first half of 2016, adjusted compensation and benefits expense1 was $604 million, compared to $661 million for the first half of 2015, a 9% decrease.

We continue to manage our compensation and benefits expense based on awarded compensation with a consistent deferral policy. Assuming that the performance of both of our businesses, our hiring levels, and the compensation environment are similar to 2015, we expect our 2016 awarded compensation ratio to be in line with the 2015 awarded compensation ratio of 55.8%.

We continue to maintain a disciplined approach to compensation, and our goal is to achieve 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

For the second quarter of 2016, adjusted non-compensation expense1,2 was $112 million, 2% higher than the second quarter of 2015. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the second quarter of 2016 was 20.7%, compared to 18.1% for the second quarter of 2015.

For the first half of 2016, adjusted non-compensation expense1,2 was $214 million, 1% lower than the first half of 2015. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue for the first half of 2016 was 20.4%, compared to 18.2% for the first half of 2015.

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 basis1,2, was $32 million for the second quarter of 2016 and $60 million for the first half of 2016. The effective tax rate on the same basis was 28.4% for the second quarter and 28.8% for the first half of 2016, compared to historically low rates of 11.6% and 18.1% for the respective 2015 periods.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND BALANCE SHEET

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

For the second quarter of 2016, Lazard returned $163 million to shareholders, which included: $48 million in dividends; $112 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $3 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

For the first half of 2016, Lazard returned $491 million to shareholders, which included: $242 million in dividends; $195 million in share repurchases of our Class A common stock; and $54 million in satisfaction of employee tax obligations in lieu of share issuances upon vesting of equity grants.

Year to date, we have repurchased 6.1 million shares at an average price of $34.29 per share. In line with our objectives, these repurchases have more than offset the potential dilution from our 2015 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 $34.42 per share. As of today, our remaining share repurchase authorization is $210 million.

On July 27, 2016, Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on August 19, 2016, to stockholders of record on August 8, 2016.

Lazard’s financial position remains strong. As of June 30, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents were $646 million, and stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $1,146 million.

***

CONFERENCE CALL

Lazard will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT on July 28, 2016, to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2016. 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) 452-4023 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (719) 457-2627 (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. EDT on July 28, 2016, 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 2384301.

***

ABOUT LAZARD

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 42 cities across 27 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.

***

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:

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 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.

***

FINANCIAL ADVISORY ASSIGNMENTS

Mergers and Acquisitions (Completed in the second quarter of 2016)

Among the large, publicly announced M&A Advisory transactions or assignments completed during the second quarter of 2016 on which Lazard advised were the following:

Mergers and Acquisitions (Announced)

Among the ongoing, large, publicly announced M&A transactions and assignments on which Lazard advised during or since the 2016 second quarter, or completed since June 30, 2016, are the following:

*Transaction completed since June 30, 2016

Capital Advisory

Among the publicly announced Capital Advisory transactions or assignments on which Lazard completed or advised during or since the second quarter of 2016 were the following:

Sovereign Advisory

Among the publicly announced Sovereign Advisory assignments on which Lazard advised during or since the second quarter of 2016, were the following:

Restructuring and Debt Advisory Assignments

Restructuring and debtor or creditor advisory assignments completed during the second quarter of 2016 on which Lazard advised include: Tier 2 Noteholders’ Committee of African Bank on its restructuring; Atlas Iron on its financial restructuring; Excelsia Nove on its debt restructuring; RCS MediaGroup on amendments to its financial indebtedness; and RCS Capital and Swift Energy in connection with their Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructurings.

Notable Chapter 11 or similar bankruptcies, on which Lazard advised debtors or creditors, or related parties, during or since the second quarter of 2016, are the following: Breitburn Energy Partners; Energy Future Holdings; Goodrich Petroleum; Horsehead Holding; Linn Energy; Paragon Offshore; Peabody Energy; Primorsk; Sabine Oil & Gas; Seventy Seven Energy; and SunEdison.

Among other publicly announced restructuring and debt advisory assignments on which Lazard advised debtors or creditors during or since the second quarter of 2016, are the following:

***

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 the U.S. GAAP results, is the most meaningful and useful way to compare our operating results across periods.

2 Second-quarter and first-half 2015 results were affected by the following benefits and charges:

LAZ-EPE

LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. GAAP)
Three Months Ended % Change From
June 30, March 31, June 30, March 31, June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015
Total revenue $ 546,642 $ 510,116 $ 620,589 7 % (12 %)
Interest expense (11,962 ) (11,898 ) (11,497 )
Net revenue 534,680 498,218 609,092 7 % (12 %)
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits 308,310 297,210 336,719 4 % (8 %)
Occupancy and equipment 27,163 27,007 27,272
Marketing and business development 23,877 19,688 18,324
Technology and information services 24,296 22,931 23,034
Professional services 11,245 9,762 13,883
Fund administration and outsourced services 15,895 13,435 17,493
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions 330 644 1,857
Other 10,328 9,164 9,938
Subtotal 113,134 102,631 111,801 10 % 1 %
Provision pursuant to tax receivable agreement - - 961,948
Operating expenses 421,444 399,841 1,410,468 5 % (70 %)
Operating income (loss) 113,236 98,377 (801,376 ) 15 % NM
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 31,872 27,654 (1,176,531 ) NM NM
Net income 81,364 70,723 375,155 15 % (78 %)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 1,007 3,900 1,042
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd $ 80,357 $ 66,823 $ 374,113 20 % (79 %)
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 125,461,948 126,040,441 126,212,645 (0 %) (1 %)
Diluted 132,341,522 132,891,284 132,806,045 (0 %) (0 %)
Net income per share:
Basic $ 0.64 $ 0.53 $ 2.96 21 % (78 %)
Diluted $ 0.61 $ 0.50 $ 2.82 22 % (78 %)
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. GAAP)
Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2015 % Change
Total revenue $ 1,056,758 $ 1,214,474 (13 %)
Interest expense (23,860 ) (27,633 )
Net revenue 1,032,898 1,186,841 (13 %)
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits 605,520 665,221 (9 %)
Occupancy and equipment 54,170 54,611
Marketing and business development 43,565 37,514
Technology and information services 47,227 45,927
Professional services 21,007 25,342
Fund administration and outsourced services 29,330 33,641
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions 974 2,890
Other 19,492 79,925
Subtotal 215,765 279,850 (23 %)
Provision pursuant to tax receivable agreement - 968,483
Operating expenses 821,285 1,913,554 (57 %)
Operating income (loss) 211,613 (726,713 ) NM
Provision (benefit) for income taxes 59,526 (1,164,514 ) NM
Net income 152,087 437,801 (65 %)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,907 7,735
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd $ 147,180 $ 430,066 (66 %)
Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 125,751,195 124,934,167 1 %
Diluted 132,616,403 133,270,996 (0 %)
Net income per share:
Basic $ 1.17 $ 3.44 (66 %)
Diluted $ 1.11 $ 3.23 (66 %)
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(U.S. GAAP)
June 30, December 31,
($ in thousands) 2016 2015

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $ 646,454 $ 1,132,083
Deposits with banks and short-term investments 667,313 389,861
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash 33,522 34,948
Receivables 495,316 497,213
Investments 491,346 541,911
Goodwill and other intangible assets 328,181 326,976
Deferred tax assets 1,123,369 1,130,595
Other assets 430,120 424,187
Total Assets $ 4,215,621 $ 4,477,774

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities
Deposits and other customer payables $ 721,171 $ 506,665
Accrued compensation and benefits 270,468 570,409
Senior debt 990,111 989,358
Tax receivable agreement obligation 513,623 523,962
Other liabilities 515,904 520,074
Total liabilities 3,011,277 3,110,468
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share - -
Common stock, par value $.01 per share 1,298 1,298
Additional paid-in capital 569,154 600,034
Retained earnings 998,132 1,123,728
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax (237,030 ) (234,356 )
Subtotal 1,331,554 1,490,704
Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost (185,353 ) (177,249 )
Total Lazard Ltd stockholders' equity 1,146,201 1,313,455
Noncontrolling interests 58,143 53,851
Total stockholders' equity 1,204,344 1,367,306
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 4,215,621 $ 4,477,774
LAZARD LTD
SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)
(Non-GAAP - unaudited)
Three Months Ended % Change From
June 30, March 31, June 30, March 31, June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015
Revenues:
Financial Advisory
M&A and Other Advisory $ 203,403 $ 214,591 $ 273,150 (5 %) (26 %)
Capital Raising 11,299 8,873 17,293 27 % (35 %)
Strategic Advisory 214,702 223,464 290,443 (4 %) (26 %)
Restructuring 72,265 42,550 25,941 70 % NM
Total 286,967 266,014 316,384 8 % (9 %)
Asset Management
Management fees 238,067 226,450 258,401 5 % (8 %)
Incentive fees 1,184 1,806 6,978 (34 %) (83 %)
Other 11,479 11,294 24,672 2 % (53 %)
Total 250,730 239,550 290,051 5 % (14 %)
Corporate 4,610 502 196 NM NM
Operating revenue (b) $ 542,307 $ 506,066 $ 606,631 7 % (11 %)
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits expense (c) $ 306,404 $ 297,972 $ 337,429 3 % (9 %)
Ratio of compensation to operating revenue 56.5 % 58.9 % 55.6 %
Non-compensation expense (d) $ 112,167 $ 101,589 $ 109,592 10 % 2 %
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue 20.7 % 20.1 % 18.1 %
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e) $ 123,736 $ 106,505 $ 159,610 16 % (22 %)
Operating margin (f) 22.8 % 21.0 % 26.3 %
Net income (g) $ 80,357 $ 66,823 $ 130,260 20 % (38 %)
Diluted net income per share $ 0.61 $ 0.50 $ 0.98 22 % (38 %)
Diluted weighted average shares 132,341,522 132,891,284 132,806,045 (0 %) (0 %)
Effective tax rate (h) 28.4 % 29.3 % 11.6 %

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.

LAZARD LTD
SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)
(Non-GAAP - unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2015 % Change
Revenues:
Financial Advisory
M&A and Other Advisory $ 417,994 $ 533,954 (22 %)
Capital Raising 20,172 34,877 (42 %)
Strategic Advisory 438,166 568,831 (23 %)
Restructuring 114,815 49,087 NM
Total 552,981 617,918 (11 %)
Asset Management
Management fees 464,517 510,488 (9 %)
Incentive fees 2,990 13,261 (77 %)
Other 22,773 37,379 (39 %)
Total 490,280 561,128 (13 %)
Corporate 5,112 8,541 (40 %)
Operating revenue (b) $ 1,048,373 $ 1,187,587 (12 %)
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits expense (c) $ 604,376 $ 660,578 (9 %)
Ratio of compensation to operating revenue 57.6 % 55.6 %
Non-compensation expense (d) $ 213,756 $ 216,026 (1 %)
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue 20.4 % 18.2 %
Earnings:
Earnings from operations (e) $ 230,241 $ 310,983 (26 %)
Operating margin (f) 22.0 % 26.2 %
Net income (g) $ 147,180 $ 233,294 (37 %)
Diluted net income per share $ 1.11 $ 1.75 (37 %)
Diluted weighted average shares 132,616,403 133,270,996 (0 %)
Effective tax rate (h) 28.8 % 18.1 %

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.

LAZARD LTD
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ("AUM")
(unaudited)
($ in millions)
As of Variance
June 30, March 31, December 31,
2016 2016 2015 Qtr to Qtr YTD
Equity:
Emerging Markets $ 40,329 $ 38,823 $ 36,203 3.9 % 11.4 %
Global 30,483 32,407 31,407 (5.9 %) (2.9 %)
Local 31,767 31,232 31,354 1.7 % 1.3 %
Multi-Regional 53,993 53,350 52,531 1.2 % 2.8 %
Total Equity 156,572 155,812 151,495 0.5 % 3.4 %
Fixed Income:
Emerging Markets 14,414 14,110 14,378 2.2 % 0.3 %
Global 4,302 4,341 4,132 (0.9 %) 4.1 %
Local 3,967 3,867 3,899 2.6 % 1.7 %
Multi-Regional 7,894 8,052 7,978 (2.0 %) (1.1 %)
Total Fixed Income 30,577 30,370 30,387 0.7 % 0.6 %
Alternative Investments 3,290 3,150 3,297 4.4 % (0.2 %)
Private Equity 933 929 858 0.4 % 8.7 %
Cash Management 493 293 343 68.3 % 43.7 %
Total AUM $ 191,865 $ 190,554 $ 186,380 0.7 % 2.9 %
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2016 2015 2016 2015
AUM - Beginning of Period $ 190,554 $ 199,181 $ 186,380 $ 197,103
Net Flows 453 1,548 92 2,589
Market and foreign exchange
appreciation (depreciation) 858 2,357 5,393 3,394
AUM - End of Period $ 191,865 $ 203,086 $ 191,865 $ 203,086
Average AUM $ 192,634 $ 203,168 $ 188,836 $ 201,040
% Change in average AUM (5.2 %) (6.1 %)
Note: Average AUM generally represents the average of the monthly ending AUM balances for the period.
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP TO SELECTED SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (a)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, March 31, June 30, June 30, June 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data) 2016 2016 2015 2016 2015
Operating Revenue
Net revenue - U.S. GAAP Basis $ 534,680 $ 498,218 $ 609,092 $ 1,032,898 $ 1,186,841
Adjustments:
Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (i) (3,398 ) (6,212 ) (3,588 ) (9,610 ) (12,322 )
(Gains) losses related to Lazard Fund Interests ("LFI") and other similar arrangements (312 ) 2,514 1,894 2,202 (2,242 )
Private Equity revenue adjustment (j) - - (12,203 ) - (12,203 )
Interest expense 11,337 11,546 11,436 22,883 27,513
Operating revenue, as adjusted (b) $ 542,307 $ 506,066 $ 606,631 $ 1,048,373 $ 1,187,587
Compensation & Benefits Expense
Compensation & benefits expense - U.S. GAAP Basis $ 308,310 $ 297,210 $ 336,719 $ 605,520 $ 665,221
Adjustments:
(Charges) credits pertaining to LFI and other similar arrangements (312 ) 2,514 1,894 2,202 (2,242 )
Compensation related to noncontrolling interests (i) (1,594 ) (1,752 ) (1,184 ) (3,346 ) (2,401 )
Compensation & benefits expense, as adjusted (c) $ 306,404 $ 297,972 $ 337,429 $ 604,376 $ 660,578
Non-Compensation Expense
Non-compensation expense - Subtotal - U.S. GAAP Basis $ 113,134 $ 102,631 $ 111,801 $ 215,765 $ 279,850
Adjustments:
Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (k) - - - - (60,219 )
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions (330 ) (644 ) (1,857 ) (974 ) (2,890 )
Non-compensation expense related to noncontrolling interests (i) (637 ) (398 ) (352 ) (1,035 ) (715 )
Non-compensation expense, as adjusted (d) $ 112,167 $ 101,589 $ 109,592 $ 213,756 $ 216,026
Pre-Tax Income and Earnings From Operations
Operating Income (loss) - U.S. GAAP Basis $ 113,236 $ 98,377 ($801,376 ) $ 211,613 ($726,713 )
Adjustments:
Accrual of tax receivable agreement obligation ("TRA") - - 961,948 - 968,483
Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (k) - - - - 62,874
Private Equity revenue adjustment (j) - - (12,203 ) - (12,203 )
Net income related to noncontrolling interests (i) (1,007 ) (3,900 ) (1,042 ) (4,907 ) (7,735 )
Pre-tax income, as adjusted 112,229 94,477 147,327 206,706 284,706
Interest expense 11,337 11,546 11,436 22,883 24,858
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions (LAZ only) 170 482 847 652 1,419
Earnings from operations, as adjusted (e) $ 123,736 $ 106,505 $ 159,610 $ 230,241 $ 310,983
Net Income attributable to Lazard Ltd
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis $ 80,357 $ 66,823 $ 374,113 $ 147,180 $ 430,066
Adjustments:
Charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (k) - - - - 62,874
Private Equity revenue adjustment (j) - - (12,203 ) - (12,203 )
Recognition of deferred tax assets (net of TRA accrual) (l) - - (236,736 ) - (236,736 )
Tax expense (benefit) allocated to adjustments - - 5,086 - (10,707 )
Net income, as adjusted (g) $ 80,357 $ 66,823 $ 130,260 $ 147,180 $ 233,294
Diluted net income per share:
U.S. GAAP Basis $ 0.61 $ 0.50 $ 2.82 $ 1.11 $ 3.23
Non-GAAP Basis, as adjusted $ 0.61 $ 0.50 $ 0.98 $ 1.11 $ 1.75

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 Notes to Financial Schedules.

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 (i) 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) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, private equity carried interest reduction (see (j) below), (iv) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, and (v) for the six month period ended June 30, 2015, excess interest expense pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (k) below).
(c) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) (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 (ii) compensation and benefits related to noncontrolling interests (see (i) below).
(d) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the six month period ended June 30, 2015, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (k) below), (ii) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, and (iii) expenses related to noncontrolling interests.
(e) A non-GAAP measure which excludes (i) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, a provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement ("TRA"), (ii) for the six month period ended June 30, 2015, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing (see (k) below), (iii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, private equity carried interest reduction (see (j) below), (iv) revenue and expenses related to noncontrolling interests (see (i) below), (v) interest expense primarily related to corporate financing activities, and (vi) amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions (Lazard only).
(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 six month period ended June 30, 2015, charges pertaining to Senior Debt refinancing, net of tax benefits (see (k) below), (ii) for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, the private equity carried interest reductions (see (j) below), and (iii) for the three and six month period ended June 30, 2015, a release of deferred tax valuation allowance, net of the related provision for TRA (see (l) below).
(h) 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 $31,872, $27,654, and $17,067 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2015, respectively, $59,526 and $51,412 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and the denominator of which is pre-tax income of $112,229, $94,477, and $147,327 for the three month periods ended June 30, 2016, March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2015, respectively, $206,706 and $284,706 for the six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The numerator also excludes for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015, a release of deferred tax valuation allowance (see (l) below).
(i) Noncontrolling interests include revenue and expenses principally related to Edgewater, and is a non-GAAP measure.
(j) Revenue relating to the Company's disposal of the Australian private equity business is adjusted for the recognition of an obligation, which was previously recognized for U.S. GAAP.
(k) Represents charges related to the extinguishment of $450 million of the Company's 6.85% Senior Notes maturing in June 2017 and the issuance of $400 million of 3.75% notes maturing in February 2025. The charges include a pre-tax loss on the extinguishment of $60.2 million and excess interest expense of $2.7 million (due to the delay between the issuance of the 2025 notes and the settlement of the 2017 notes).
(l) Represents the recognition of deferred tax assets of $1,199 million, net of the accrual of $962 million for the tax receivable agreement.
NM Not meaningful

Lazard Ltd

Media:

Judi Frost Mackey, +1-212-632-1428

[email protected]

or

Investors:

Armand Sadoughi, +1-212-632-6358

[email protected]

Source: Lazard Ltd

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