Strong Pipeline and Backlog
Announced and pending backlog reached an 8-quarter (2-year) high; overall pipeline and client engagement are growing with increased signed engagement letters and high levels of repeat-client dialogue, supporting management's view of future revenue conversion.
Strategic Acquisitions and Talent Additions
Acquisition of Gleacher Shacklock expands U.K. presence (adds five partners and deep FTSE 250 / sponsor / sovereign relationships) and is expected to boost partner productivity; Devon Park acquisition launched the firm's private funds advisory business; firm added exceptional talent in last 12 months.
Cost Management — Non-Comp Expense Reduction
Adjusted non-compensation expense was $37 million in Q1, down 24% year-over-year; prior guidance of a single-digit percent decrease in full-year non-comp expense versus 2025 remains management's expectation.
Shareholder Returns and Strong Balance Sheet Metrics
Returned nearly $64 million to equity holders in the quarter via dividends and RSU settlements; declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share; ended the quarter with $78 million in cash and no debt.
Participation in Mega-Cap Transactions
Firm was involved in 2 of the 12 transactions in the quarter valued at $15 billion or above; management noted the large-cap strategic M&A segment is healthy industry-wide (cited ~72 transactions >$10B last year and pacing for 80+ this year).
Clear Back-Half Recovery Plan and Compensation Normalization
Management expects revenue to be meaningfully back-half weighted for the year and expects adjusted compensation margin to moderate from 79% and return toward the historical ~67% target by year-end as revenues build.