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Lazard (LAZ)
NYSE:LAZ
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Lazard (LAZ) AI Stock Analysis

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LAZ

Lazard

(NYSE:LAZ)

Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
$56.00
▲(1.23% Upside)
Lazard's overall score reflects solid financial performance and a positive outlook from recent earnings. Strong operational margins and strategic initiatives in private capital and debt management are key strengths. However, challenges in revenue consistency, equity ratio, and compensation expenses moderate the score.
Positive Factors
Assets under Management
Lazard Ltd announced a preliminary increase in assets under management by 5.6% to $248.4 billion.
Cash Flows
Monthly cash flows turned positive with an inflow of $4.6 billion, compared to outflows the previous month.
Negative Factors
Net Outflows
Monthly net outflows accelerated to -$3.7BN, with QTD net outflows more than double Consensus full-qtr net outflows.
Sub-advised Relationship
Outflows included -$4.3BN from a single sub-advised relationship.

Lazard (LAZ) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Lazard Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLazard Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. It operates in two segments, Financial Advisory and Asset Management. The Financial Advisory segment offers various financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, capital advisory, shareholder advisory, capital raising, sovereign advisory, and other strategic advisory matters. This segment serves corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign, and individual clients across various industry areas, including consumers, financial institutions, healthcare and life sciences, industrials, power and energy/infrastructure, and real estate, as well as technology, telecommunication, and media and entertainment. The Asset Management segment offers a range of investment solutions, and investment and wealth management services in equity and fixed income strategies; asset allocation strategies; and alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries, and private clients. The company was founded in 1848 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
How the Company Makes MoneyLazard generates revenue primarily through its Financial Advisory and Asset Management services. The Financial Advisory segment earns fees based on advisory services provided in connection with mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and other financial transactions. These fees can be contingent on the completion of transactions, which can lead to significant revenue during peak market activity. In contrast, the Asset Management segment earns management and performance fees from its investment products. Management fees are typically a percentage of assets under management (AUM), while performance fees are based on the investment returns of certain funds exceeding predefined benchmarks. Additionally, Lazard has strategic partnerships and relationships with various financial institutions and corporations, further enhancing its advisory capabilities and expanding its client base, which contributes to its overall earnings.

Lazard Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Financial Advisory with Fees Greater than 1M
Financial Advisory with Fees Greater than 1M
Focuses on high-value advisory deals, indicating the firm's ability to secure and manage large, lucrative projects that can significantly impact overall profitability.
Chart InsightsLazard's Financial Advisory segment is showing signs of recovery, with a notable uptick in fees greater than $1M in late 2024 and mid-2025. This aligns with the earnings call highlighting record revenue and increased private capital engagement, which now accounts for over 40% of advisory revenue. The strategic focus on private equity and talent acquisition is driving this growth, despite challenges like a higher tax rate and compensation expenses. Investors should watch for continued momentum in private capital and M&A activities as Lazard invests in long-term growth.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Lazard Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 1.65%|
Next Earnings Date:Oct 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a positive outlook for Lazard, with strong performance in Financial Advisory and Asset Management segments, significant new mandates, and increased private capital engagement. However, challenges such as a higher tax rate and compensation expense ratio, along with continued high gross outflows in Asset Management, present areas for improvement.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Advisory Performance
Financial Advisory achieved a record first half of the year with adjusted net revenue of $861 million, demonstrating geographic and product diversity, with record revenue in France and Germany.
Asset Management Growth
Asset Management reported adjusted net revenue of $533 million for the first half of the year, with positive net flows in the quarter, record gross inflows, and AUM increasing 10% year-to-date.
Increased Private Capital Engagement
Revenue associated with private capital has been over 40% of total Financial Advisory revenue, reflecting increased emphasis on this business and hiring over time.
Successful New Mandates in Asset Management
Illustrative examples of new mandates include $1 billion from a U.S. public pension into Global Equity Advantage and $650 million from a Nordic client for Japanese equities.
Expansion and Talent Acquisition
Lazard hired 14 Financial Advisory managing directors so far in 2025, with recent talent additions supporting performance and resulting in new client business.
Negative Updates
Increased Tax Rate
The adjusted effective tax rate for the second quarter was 36.5%, compared to 14% for the second quarter of 2024.
High Compensation Expense Ratio
Adjusted compensation expense was $504 million, resulting in a ratio of 65.5%, which remains higher than the goal of 60% or below.
Continued High Gross Outflows in Asset Management
Despite record gross inflows, there are still high gross outflows, indicating a need for further improvement in retention.
Company Guidance
During Lazard's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company reported robust performance with total firm-wide adjusted net revenue of $1.4 billion for the first half of the year. The Financial Advisory division achieved record adjusted net revenue of $861 million, with private capital contributing over 40% of total Financial Advisory revenue. Asset Management also showed strength, with adjusted net revenue of $533 million for the first half, bolstered by positive net flows, record gross inflows, and a 10% year-to-date increase in assets under management (AUM), which stood at $248 billion as of June 30. The adjusted compensation expense ratio was 65.5%, while the adjusted non-compensation expense ratio was 20.4%. The company returned $60 million to shareholders through dividends. Lazard remains optimistic about the advisory outlook, expecting private equity to play a more significant role in M&A and continuing to invest in talent and technology to support long-term growth.

Lazard Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Lazard's financial performance is strong, with solid profitability and cash flow management. The income statement shows a healthy gross profit margin and improved net profit margin, although revenue growth has been inconsistent. The balance sheet reveals manageable leverage but a low equity base. Cash flow analysis is robust, highlighting efficient cash generation, despite uneven free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Lazard's income statement reveals a solid gross profit margin of 47.9% for TTM, driven by strong revenue figures. The net profit margin improved to 10.1% TTM, reflecting better cost control and profitability compared to prior periods. However, revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a notable drop in 2024. EBIT and EBITDA margins for TTM are healthy at 13.6% and 16%, respectively, indicating operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84 TTM, suggesting manageable leverage. However, the equity ratio of 14.2% TTM indicates a relatively low equity base, which could be a risk factor. The return on equity has improved to 50.5% TTM, showcasing enhanced profitability for shareholders.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Cash flow analysis is strong, with a robust free cash flow to net income ratio of 2.2 TTM, highlighting efficient cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.2 TTM further emphasizes strong cash flow management. However, free cash flow growth has been uneven, although it remains positive.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.09B2.55B2.83B3.27B2.65B
Gross Profit1.08B605.13M1.12B1.37B1.02B
EBITDA511.27M40.90M640.77M842.99M619.66M
Net Income279.91M-75.48M357.52M528.06M402.46M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.79B4.64B5.85B7.15B5.97B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.58B971.32M2.01B2.81B2.52B
Total Debt2.19B2.18B2.20B2.24B2.29B
Total Liabilities4.03B4.07B4.59B5.49B4.97B
Stockholders Equity636.24M423.76M556.46M975.22M911.77M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow697.33M136.37M784.47M826.38M511.64M
Operating Cash Flow742.83M164.66M833.98M866.08M575.93M
Investing Cash Flow134.07M-38.32M-56.44M-39.06M-62.94M
Financing Cash Flow-439.67M-1.57B-1.38B195.84M-547.35M

Lazard Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price55.32
Price Trends
50DMA
49.27
Positive
100DMA
44.88
Positive
200DMA
47.78
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.12
Negative
RSI
65.68
Neutral
STOCH
96.62
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For LAZ, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 55.32 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 52.81, above the 50-day MA of 49.27, and above the 200-day MA of 47.78, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.12 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 65.68 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 96.62 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for LAZ.

Lazard Risk Analysis

Lazard disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Lazard reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Lazard Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$5.94B29.0045.36%3.40%42.85%1398.33%
76
Outperform
$5.87B27.9817.91%1.66%10.46%50.47%
76
Outperform
$6.39B31.53106.47%0.54%18.40%54.77%
74
Outperform
$5.09B18.6350.41%3.62%10.40%91.75%
74
Outperform
$7.34B29.4623.44%56.04%58.58%
68
Neutral
$17.51B11.6510.43%3.82%9.93%1.68%
67
Neutral
$4.75B15.5216.01%53.19%23.89%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
LAZ
Lazard
55.32
9.22
20.00%
SNEX
StoneX Group
91.04
37.33
69.50%
PIPR
Piper Sandler
331.61
68.88
26.22%
MC
Moelis
74.35
11.97
19.19%
PJT
PJT Partners
183.60
60.43
49.06%
FUTU
Futu Holdings
174.75
114.62
190.62%

Lazard Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lazard Completes Tender Offer for Senior Notes
Neutral
Aug 4, 2025

On August 4, 2025, Lazard, Inc. announced the completion of a cash tender offer by its subsidiary Lazard Group LLC for its outstanding 3.625% Senior Notes due March 1, 2027. The offer, which expired on August 1, 2025, resulted in $202,944,000 worth of notes being tendered and accepted for purchase, with payment expected on August 4, 2025. This move is part of Lazard’s strategic financial management, potentially impacting its debt structure and financial stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (LAZ) stock is a Hold with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lazard stock, see the LAZ Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lazard Completes $300M Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Aug 1, 2025

On August 1, 2025, Lazard Group LLC, a subsidiary of Lazard, Inc., completed a public offering of $300 million in 5.625% Senior Notes due 2035. The proceeds from this offering are intended to repurchase outstanding 3.625% Senior Notes due 2027, cover related fees, and support general corporate purposes. This strategic financial move is expected to optimize Lazard Group’s debt structure and potentially enhance its market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (LAZ) stock is a Buy with a $59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lazard stock, see the LAZ Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Lazard Announces Senior Notes Offering and Tender Offer
Neutral
Jul 28, 2025

On July 28, 2025, Lazard, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Lazard Group LLC, is launching an offering of senior notes, which will be fully guaranteed by Lazard, Inc. Concurrently, Lazard Group is initiating a cash tender offer for its outstanding 3.625% Senior Notes due in 2027. The proceeds from the new notes offering will be used to repurchase the 2027 Notes and cover related expenses. This strategic move is expected to result in a gain on debt extinguishment of approximately $1.2 million, assuming all 2027 Notes are repurchased.

The most recent analyst rating on (LAZ) stock is a Hold with a $52.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Lazard stock, see the LAZ Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 02, 2025