Evercore Partners (NYSE: EVR) reported Q2 EPS of $1.53, $0.21 better than the analyst estimate of $1.32. Revenue for the quarter came in at $513.9 million versus the consensus estimate of $450.37 million.

• Second quarter Net Revenues decreased 5% on a U.S. GAAP basis and 4% on an Adjusted basis versus the prior year period. For the first six months of 2020, Net Revenues decreased 1% on both a U.S. GAAP and an Adjusted basis versus the first six months of 2019
• Record quarterly Underwriting Revenue of $93.6 million in the second quarter increased 453% versus the prior year period. For the first six months of 2020, Underwriting Revenue of $114.7 million increased 162% versus the prior year period, also a record for the period
• Evercore ISI research and trading maintained high levels of engagement with clients as volatility remained elevated, driving an 11% increase in Commissions Revenue versus the prior year period. For the first six months of 2020, Commissions Revenue increased 21% versus the prior year period
• Maintained #1 league table ranking for announced M&A among independents over the last twelve months and achieved #1 league table ranking by number of announced and number of completed Restructuring deals in the U.S. for the first half of 2020
• Advised on three of the ten largest global M&A transactions and four of the five largest U.S. M&A transactions in the first half of 2020
• Served as active bookrunner or co-manager on six of the ten largest U.S. IPOs in the first half of 2020
• Continued to execute previously announced realignment strategy and other cost management initiatives

LEADERSHIP COMMENTARY

Ralph Schlosstein, President, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, "Our results for the second quarter and first half of 2020 demonstrate our ability to support our clients broadly in challenging economic and financial markets. We are particularly pleased with our team's ability to assist clients in raising strategic capital, advising on several of the largest transactions of the year and leading to record quarterly and year-to-date underwriting revenues. Restructuring and debt advisory activity remains high, as does client engagement with our macro and fundamental research teams."

Schlosstein continued, "We remain focused on our cost management initiatives and, despite the more challenging environment, we were able to deliver a 20% Adjusted operating margin for the second quarter, a sequential increase of 100 basis points. Our cash position and our balance sheet remain strong and our capital return strategies remain on track."

John S. Weinberg, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, "Our diverse capabilities and the breadth of our platform allowed our teams to work closely with our clients to address their immediate liquidity, capital and financial management needs, including the execution of several innovative assignments, during the quarter. We continue to have strong and healthy dialogues with our clients, which are beginning slowly to include preparation for opportunities and strategic transactions that will be possible in the recovery."

Weinberg continued, "Our success is made possible by our exceptional team. We are proud of how well our people have responded to the challenges of the predominantly remote working environment and we are incredibly pleased with our ability to interact with and serve our clients."

Roger C. Altman, Founder and Senior Chairman, "While there are still some headwinds in the merger market, the Evercore model is proving to be a resilient one for clients. The Firm's independence, as well as our expanded ability to raise capital, is particularly valuable in this environment."

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