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PJT Partners Inc (PJT)
NYSE:PJT

PJT Partners (PJT) AI Stock Analysis

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PJT

PJT Partners

(NYSE:PJT)

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Outperform 72 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
$193.00
▲(20.16% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (healthy margins and excellent cash conversion) and a constructive earnings-call backdrop with record results and meaningful capital return. Offsetting factors are weaker near-term technical momentum (price below key moving averages, subdued RSI) and a relatively high P/E alongside a modest dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Cash generation strength
Very high free cash flow conversion and double‑digit FCF growth indicate durable internal funding for buybacks, dividends, hiring and investments. Strong cash conversion limits reliance on external financing and supports capital returns through economic cycles.
High operating margins
Sustained mid‑20s operating margins reflect pricing power and efficient cost structure in advisory businesses. These margins support high returns on equity and provide buffer to absorb cyclical revenue swings while funding talent and platform investment.
Restructuring and private capital tailwinds
Elevated, multi‑year demand for restructuring advice and expanding private capital/secondaries (Park Hill) diversify revenue streams and reduce dependence on benchmark primary fundraising, creating durable growth opportunities beyond cyclical M&A cycles.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
A higher debt-to-equity posture increases financial sensitivity to economic stress, potentially constraining flexibility for opportunistic investments or increased share buybacks if capital markets tighten, and raises refinancing and covenant risks in downturns.
Deal concentration risk
Heavy reliance on a smaller set of mega‑cap transactions makes revenue volatile if large‑deal activity softens; lower mid‑market deal flow reduces diversification, raising the likelihood of outsized swings in advisory fees across reporting periods.
Rising non-compensation costs and limited forward guidance
Growing non‑comp expenses (occupancy, travel) coupled with limited 2026 compensation guidance compress operating leverage. If non‑comp growth persists, sustaining current margins will require either outsized revenue growth or stricter cost control measures.

PJT Partners (PJT) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

PJT Partners Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPJT Partners Inc., an investment bank, provides various strategic and capital markets advisory, restructuring and special situations, and shareholder advisory services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors, and governments worldwide. It offers advisory services to clients on various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), spin-offs, activism defense, contested M&A, joint ventures, minority investments, and divestitures. The company also advises private and public company boards and management teams on strategies for building productive investor relationships with a focus on shareholder engagement; and strategic investor relations; environmental, social, and governance matters; and other investor-related matters. In addition, it provides advisory services related to debt and acquisition financings; structured product offerings; public equity raises, including initial public offering and SPAC offerings; and private capital raises for early and later stage companies, as well as other capital structure related matters. Further, the company offers advisory services in restructurings and recapitalizations; and serving a range of companies, creditors, and financial sponsors on liability management and related capital raise transactions, including exchanges, recapitalizations, reorganizations, debt repurchases, and distressed mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, it provides private fund advisory and fundraising services for a range of investment strategies; and advisory services to GPs and LPs on liquidity and other structured solutions in the secondary market. The company was formerly known as Blackstone Advisory Inc. and changed its name to PJT Partners Inc. in March 2015. PJT Partners Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
How the Company Makes MoneyPJT Partners generates revenue primarily through advisory fees from its core services, which include mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, and special situations advisory. The company charges fees based on the size and complexity of the transactions it advises on, typically receiving a percentage of the deal value. Additionally, PJT earns revenue from private capital advisory services, which involve assisting clients in raising capital from institutional investors. The firm may also benefit from performance-related fees tied to successful outcomes in restructuring cases. Key partnerships and relationships with private equity firms, hedge funds, and institutional investors enhance its deal flow and client base, contributing significantly to its earnings.

PJT Partners Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Type
Revenue by Type
Chart Insights
Data provided by:The Fly

PJT Partners Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 03, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized multiple record-setting financial and operational achievements (revenues +15% YoY, record adjusted EPS, best quarters across strategic advisory, restructuring, and Park Hill), strong balance sheet and active capital return to shareholders. Management also highlighted durable demand in restructuring, an expanding private capital solutions opportunity, and ongoing talent investments. Headwinds include rising non-compensation costs, a challenged primary fundraising market, some concentration of deal activity in mega-cap transactions, and macro/AI/geopolitical uncertainties. Overall, positives substantially outweigh the noted challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Financial Performance
Full year 2025 total revenues of $1.714 billion (up 15% YoY), record adjusted pretax income of $357 million, and record adjusted if-converted EPS of $6.98 (up ~34% YoY from $5.20). Fourth quarter revenues were $535 million (up 12% YoY) with adjusted EPS of $2.55 (up ~34% YoY from $1.90).
Strong Quarterly Results Across Businesses
All businesses delivered record revenues in 2025; the firm reported record quarters in Strategic Advisory, Restructuring, and PJT Park Hill, and pierced $500 million in revenues in Q4 for the first time.
Restructuring Momentum
Demand for liability management and restructuring advice remained elevated; PJT delivered its best restructuring quarter and best restructuring year ever, and management expects a multiyear period of elevated restructuring activity driven by industry-specific stress and capital structure dynamics.
PJT Park Hill Strength and Private Capital Solutions
PJT Park Hill delivered its strongest quarter ever and full-year results exceeded 2024; management expects private capital solutions, secondaries and structured products to offset any primary fundraising weakness and to be a growing revenue driver.
Improved Compensation Efficiency
Full year adjusted compensation expense was $1.15 billion with a compensation ratio of 67.1% (down from 69.0% in 2024). Q4 compensation ratio was 66.2%, reflecting operating leverage versus the prior year.
Solid Capital Position and Shareholder Returns
Record cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $586 million and net working capital of $632 million; no funded debt outstanding. Spent a record $384 million on share repurchases (approximately 2.4 million shares/equivalents) and the Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share.
Headcount and Talent Investment
Continued investment in senior talent with firm-wide partner headcount up 12% and total headcount up 7% for the year, consistent with management’s strategy to expand capabilities and geographic footprint.
Strong Profitability Margins and Tax Benefit
Adjusted pretax margin of 20.8% for the full year and 23.7% for Q4. Full-year effective tax rate was 14.1% (below prior estimate of 15.5%) due to a realized tax benefit from delivery of vested shares; management estimates a 2026 tax rate in the high teens.
Negative Updates
Rising Non-Compensation Costs
Full year adjusted non-compensation expense rose to $207 million (up 12% YoY) driven by higher occupancy (additional space in New York and London) and travel/business-related expenses. Q4 non-comp expense was $54 million (up 16% YoY). Management expects non-comp expense to grow at a similar rate in 2026.
Challenged Primary Fundraising Environment
Global primary fundraising volumes declined for the fourth consecutive year, creating headwinds for the traditional placement/fundraising business and shifting emphasis to secondaries and private capital solutions.
Concentration and Market Sensitivity Risks
2025 performance was aided by a mega-cap, high-volume M&A environment (management called 2025 the second-best year for announced M&A activity). Deal count remains down (notably in sub-$1B transactions), creating some concentration risk if large-deal momentum softens.
Uncertainty in 2026 Compensation Guidance
While the compensation ratio improved in 2025, management did not provide a firm 2026 comp ratio guidance and indicated the pace of further improvement depends on market strength and ongoing hiring/investment decisions.
Potential Talent Competition and Reporting Changes
Management acknowledged ongoing talent competition (including independent spinouts in the industry) and announced a change to report revenues as a single line item (removing advisory/placement/other breakouts), which may reduce segment-level transparency for investors.
Macro and Geopolitical Uncertainties
Management highlighted risks that could quickly change market sentiment — geopolitical risks, debates around the pace of AI development and capital deployment — which could affect deal flow and outlook despite current positive positioning.
Company Guidance
PJT provided limited forward guidance and will give more detailed 2026 estimates at its Q1 report, but offered several directional metrics: it expects 2026 total non‑compensation expense to grow at a rate similar to 2025 (2025 adjusted non‑comp expense $207M, +12% YoY; Q4 $54M, +16% YoY; non‑comp as a % of revenue 12.1% FY and 10.1% Q4); its current estimate for the 2026 effective tax rate is in the high‑teens (2025 rate 14.1%, below a prior 15.5% estimate); it will provide a 2026 compensation ratio in Q1 (2025 adjusted comp expense $1.15B, comp ratio 67.1% FY and 66.2% Q4); capital priorities remain investing in the firm while returning capital — PJT ended 2025 with $586M cash, $632M net working capital, no funded debt, repurchased ~2.4M shares and spent $384M on buybacks, intends to exchange up to 850k partnership units for cash (subject to Board approval), and the Board approved a $0.25 quarterly dividend — and the company will report revenues as a single line going forward (2025 adjusted pretax income $357M, 20.8% margin; Q4 $127M, 23.7%; adjusted if‑converted EPS $6.98 FY and $2.55 Q4).

PJT Partners Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong operating and cash generation profile: Income Statement (85) shows solid TTM revenue growth (+7.87%) with robust profitability (EBIT margin 23.17%, EBITDA margin 24.74%). Cash Flow (90) is a key strength with strong free cash flow growth (+13.13%) and high earnings-to-cash conversion (FCF to net income 94.86%). Balance Sheet (70) is the main offset due to higher leverage signals (debt-to-equity 1.81) and a low equity ratio, despite very strong ROE (97.32%).
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
PJT Partners demonstrates strong revenue growth with a 7.87% increase in TTM, supported by healthy gross and net profit margins of 31.92% and 10.75%, respectively. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are robust at 23.17% and 24.74%, indicating efficient operational management. However, the slight decline in gross profit margin from previous years suggests potential cost pressures.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, reflecting a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is impressive at 97.32%, showcasing effective utilization of shareholder funds. However, the equity ratio is relatively low, indicating a higher reliance on debt financing, which could pose risks in volatile markets.
Cash Flow
90
Very Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals strong free cash flow growth of 13.13% in TTM, with a high operating cash flow to net income ratio of 41.35, indicating excellent cash generation capabilities. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also strong at 94.86%, underscoring the company's ability to convert earnings into cash effectively.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.66B1.49B1.15B1.03B991.95M1.05B
Gross Profit528.46M461.11M347.80M356.36M351.90M368.91M
EBITDA409.59M331.61M245.06M267.35M280.31M310.90M
Net Income178.06M134.39M81.80M90.53M106.17M117.55M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.72B1.64B1.43B1.05B987.63M1.17B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments400.45M483.88M355.54M173.24M200.48M299.51M
Total Debt413.21M354.52M330.60M135.63M157.01M172.29M
Total Liabilities788.70M733.69M573.81M291.09M350.05M483.76M
Stockholders Equity228.59M187.01M244.67M185.11M120.23M154.26M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow537.17M527.65M437.61M239.30M117.69M460.59M
Operating Cash Flow566.31M530.95M441.53M242.73M124.16M469.44M
Investing Cash Flow166.91M8.06M-34.35M-53.23M131.35M-145.75M
Financing Cash Flow-485.14M-408.68M-228.08M-210.02M-353.38M-244.28M

PJT Partners Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price160.62
Price Trends
50DMA
174.12
Negative
100DMA
174.48
Negative
200DMA
168.88
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.02
Positive
RSI
32.16
Neutral
STOCH
9.13
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PJT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 160.62 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 180.08, below the 50-day MA of 174.12, and below the 200-day MA of 168.88, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.02 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 32.16 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.13 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PJT.

PJT Partners Risk Analysis

PJT Partners disclosed 33 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. PJT Partners 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

PJT Partners Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$5.77B23.9851.98%3.69%51.19%456.59%
76
Outperform
$13.72B28.2931.39%0.95%27.00%63.47%
72
Outperform
$8.46B26.0591.85%0.58%23.16%64.04%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
$6.12B26.0719.30%1.63%12.77%36.43%
66
Neutral
$5.10B22.1430.80%4.06%1.58%1.93%
53
Neutral
$1.99B34.151.62%-12.44%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PJT
PJT Partners
160.62
-12.06
-6.98%
EVR
Evercore Partners
338.73
59.30
21.22%
LAZ
Lazard
52.35
2.29
4.57%
PIPR
Piper Sandler
335.27
21.37
6.81%
MC
Moelis
69.38
-5.17
-6.93%
PWP
Perella Weinberg Partners
21.20
-4.32
-16.93%

PJT Partners Corporate Events

Other
PJT Partners CEO Plans Quarterly Unit Exchange
Neutral
Nov 26, 2025

Paul J. Taubman, Chairman and CEO of PJT Partners, has elected to exchange 36,000 Partnership Units during the current quarterly exchange, with settlement expected after the company’s fourth quarter 2025 earnings release in February 2026. He also plans to exchange up to 36,000 Units in each of the next three quarterly windows, which could represent about 2.5% of his total economic ownership in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (PJT) stock is a Buy with a $176.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on PJT Partners stock, see the PJT 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: Feb 03, 2026