UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

OR

For the transition period from              to             

001-32492

(Commission File Number)

 

LAZARD LTD

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Clarendon House

2 Church Street

Hamilton HM11, Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number: (441) 295-1422

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No   ☒

As of October 21, 2016, there were 129,766,091 shares of the Registrant’s Class A common stock outstanding (including 6,518,845 shares held by subsidiaries).

 

 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

When we use the terms “Lazard”, “we”, “us”, “our” and “the Company”, we mean Lazard Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda, and its subsidiaries, including Lazard Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Lazard Group”), that is the current holding company for our businesses. Lazard Ltd’s primary operating asset is its indirect ownership as of September 30, 2016 of all of the common membership interests in Lazard Group and its controlling interest in Lazard Group.

 

 

 

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

1

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND DECEMBER 31, 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTH AND NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTH AND NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

8

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Organization

Lazard Ltd, a Bermuda holding company, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Ltd”, “Lazard”, “we” or the “Company”), including Lazard Ltd’s indirect investment in Lazard Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively referred to, together with its subsidiaries, as “Lazard Group”), is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms and has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of our clients. We serve a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals.

Lazard Ltd indirectly held 100% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group, which is governed by an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 26, 2015, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”).

Lazard Ltd’s primary operating asset is its indirect ownership of the common membership interests of, and managing member interests in, Lazard Group, whose principal operating activities are included in two business segments:

In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”).

LFB, as a registered bank, is engaged primarily in commercial and private banking services for clients and funds managed by Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”) and other clients, investment banking activities, including participation in underwritten offerings of securities in France, and asset-liability management.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Lazard Ltd have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Lazard Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying December 31, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statement purposes. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. For example, discretionary compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is accrued based on the year-to-date amount of revenue earned, and an assumed annual ratio of compensation and benefits expense to revenue, with the applicable amounts adjusted for certain items. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that Lazard may undertake in the future, actual results may differ materially from the estimates.

The consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period.

9

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group and Lazard Group’s principal operating subsidiaries: Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LFNY”), a New York limited liability company, along with its subsidiaries, including Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”); the French limited liability companies Compagnie Financière Lazard Frères SAS (“CFLF”) along with its subsidiaries, LFB and LFG, and Maison Lazard SAS and its subsidiaries; and Lazard & Co., Limited (“LCL”), through Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited (“LCH”), an English private limited company, together with their jointly owned affiliates and subsidiaries.

The Company’s policy is to consolidate entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidates:

When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts significant influence over such entity’s operating and financial decisions, the Company applies the equity method of accounting in which it records in earnings its share of earnings or losses of the entity. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, primarily as a result of the adoption of the current guidance on classification of debt issuance costs and the impact of such guidance on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

 

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services and requires enhanced disclosures. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. During 2016, the FASB issued additional clarifications for certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis—In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the consolidation of certain legal entities. The updated guidance eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies and modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or VOEs. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

Interest—Imputation of Interest—In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance which requires a company to classify debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 resulted in a reclassification as of December 31, 2015 of $8,992 from “other assets” to “senior debt” on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software: Customers Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement—In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance providing clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement that contains a software license should be accounted for as internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

10

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Fair Value Measurement—In May 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the classification and disclosure of certain investments using the net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of the investment. The guidance removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using NAV as a practical expedient. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and has removed investments that are measured at NAV as a practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Leases—In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for leases. The guidance requires a lessee to (i) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial condition, (ii) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (iii) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting—In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding equity-based incentive compensation. The new guidance includes several amendments which affect various aspects of the accounting for equity-based incentive compensation transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments—In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current guidance with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments—In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance which clarifies how a company should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

 

 

The Company’s receivables represent fee receivables, amounts due from customers and other receivables.

Receivables are stated net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, for past due amounts and for specific accounts deemed uncollectible, which may include situations where a fee is in dispute. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

 

 

Bad debt expense, net of recoveries is included in “investment banking and other advisory fees” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

11

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of $21,580 and $19,923, respectively.

Of the Company’s fee receivables at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $77,056 and $81,774, respectively, represented interest-bearing financing receivables. Based upon our historical loss experience, the credit quality of the counterparties, and the lack of past due or uncollectible amounts, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts required at those dates related to such receivables.

The aggregate carrying amount of our non-interest bearing receivables of $460,639 and $415,439 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, approximates fair value.

 

 

The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consist of the following at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits have original maturities of greater than three months but equal to or less than one year and are carried at cost that approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Equities primarily consist of seed investments invested in marketable equity securities of large-, mid- and small-cap domestic, international and global companies held within separately managed accounts related to our Asset Management business.

Alternative investment funds primarily consist of interests in various Lazard-managed hedge funds, funds of funds and mutual funds.

Debt funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in debt securities, amounts related to LFI discussed above and an investment in a Lazard-managed debt fund.

12

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Equity funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in equity securities, and amounts related to LFI discussed above.

Private equity investments include those owned by Lazard and those consolidated but not owned by Lazard. Private equity investments owned by Lazard are primarily comprised of investments in private equity funds. Such investments primarily include (i) Edgewater Growth Capital Partners III, L.P. (“EGCP III”), a fund primarily making equity and buyout investments in middle market companies, (ii) until the fourth quarter of 2015, Lazard Australia Corporate Opportunities Fund 2 (“COF2”), an Australian fund targeting Australian mid-market investments, (iii) a mezzanine fund, which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small- to mid-cap European companies, and (iv) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies. The Company disposed of its private equity business in Australia in the second quarter of 2015 in a transaction with the management of the disposed business. Revenue of $24,388 relating to the disposal of the business primarily represents the realization of carried interest at fair value and is included in “revenue-other” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.

Private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard relate to the economic interests that are owned by the management team and other investors in the Edgewater Funds (“Edgewater”).

During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported in “revenue-other” on its condensed consolidated statements of operations net unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities still held as of the reporting date as follows:

 

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities—Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows:

The Company’s investments in debt securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are classified as Level 1 when their respective fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets.

The fair value of equities is classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as follows: marketable equity securities are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange for that security as provided by external pricing services; equity securities in private companies are generally classified as Level 3.

The fair value of investments in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the publicly reported closing price for the fund.

The fair value of investments in private equity funds were classified as Level 3 for certain investments that were valued based on a potential transaction value as of September 30, 2015.

13

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

The fair value of the contingent consideration liability is classified as Level 3 and the estimated fair value of the liability is remeasured at each reporting period. The inputs used to derive the fair value of the contingent consideration include the application of probabilities when assessing certain performance thresholds for the relevant periods.  Any change in the fair value is recognized in “amortization and other acquisition-related costs” in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Our business acquisitions may involve the potential payment of contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds.  The contingent consideration liability is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the contingent payments on the acquisition date and is included in “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. See Note 10.

The fair values of derivatives entered into by the Company are classified as Level 2 and are based on the values of the related underlying assets, indices or reference rates as follows: the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts is a function of the spot rate and the interest rate differential of the two currencies from the trade date to settlement date; the fair value of total return swaps is based on the change in fair values of the related underlying equity security, financial instrument or index and a specified notional holding; the fair value of interest rate swaps is based on the interest rate yield curve; and the fair value of derivative liabilities related to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 6.

Investments Measured at Net Asset Value—As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments. NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient in (i) alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds are redeemable in the near term, and (ii) in private equity funds are not redeemable in the near term as a result of redemption restrictions.

The following tables present, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the classification of (i) investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy and (ii) investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient:

 

14

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

15

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were no transfers between any of the Level 1, 2 and 3 categories in the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

16

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

The following tables present, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value:

 

 

 

 

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Investment Capital Funding Commitments—At September 30, 2016, the Company’s maximum unfunded commitments for capital contributions to investment funds primarily arose from commitments to EGCP III, which amounted to $8,613. The investment period for EGCP III ended on October 12, 2016, after which point the Company’s obligation to fund capital contributions for new investments in EGCP III expired.  The Company remains obligated until October 12, 2023 (or any earlier liquidation of EGCP III) to make capital contributions necessary to fund follow-on investments and to pay for fund expenses.

 

 

The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices and other derivative contracts to economically hedge exposures to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity and debt prices. The Company reports its derivative instruments separately as assets and liabilities unless a legal right of set-off exists under a master netting agreement enforceable by law. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value, and are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments not designated as economic hedging instruments are included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue-other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and is included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the impact of which equally offsets the changes in the fair value of investments which are currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The tables below present the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments reported within “other assets” and “other liabilities” and the fair values of the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements reported within “accrued compensation and benefits” (see Note 12) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

 

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Net gains (losses) with respect to derivative instruments (predominantly reflected in “revenue-other”) and the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (included in “compensation and benefits” expense) as reflected on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:

 

 

 

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, property consists of the following:

 

 

 

The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below:

 

 

At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, goodwill of $281,503 and $256,220, respectively, was attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment and, at each such respective date, $64,541 of goodwill was attributable to the Company’s Asset Management segment.

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

 

 

19

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

All changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment.

The gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, by major intangible asset category, are as follows:

 

 

Amortization expense of intangible assets, included in “amortization and other acquisition-related costs” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was $835 and $1,809, respectively, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was $511 and $3,401, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Senior debt is comprised of the following as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

The table, as of December 31, 2015, reflects the retrospective application of new guidance adopted by the Company for debt issuance costs. See Note 2.

On September 25, 2015, Lazard Group entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for a five-year $150,000 senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which expires in September 2020. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit agreement dated September 25, 2012. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement generally will bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin for specific interest periods determined based on Lazard Group’s highest credit rating from an internationally recognized credit agency. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no amounts were outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the indenture and the supplemental indentures relating to Lazard Group’s senior notes contain certain covenants, events of default and other customary provisions, including a customary make-whole provision in the event of early redemption, where applicable. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. All of the Company’s senior debt obligations are unsecured.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $164,000 in unused lines of credit available to it, including the credit facility provided under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $11,000 (at September 30, 2016 exchange rates).

The Company’s senior debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is carried at historical amounts of $990,488 and $989,358, respectively. At those dates, the fair value of such senior debt was approximately $1,061,000 and $994,000, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s senior debt is based on market quotations. The Company’s senior debt would be categorized within Level 2 of the hierarchy of fair value measurements if carried at fair value.

 

 

Leases—The Company has various leases and other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business.

Guarantees—In the normal course of business, LFB provides indemnifications to third parties to protect them in the event of non-performance by its clients. At September 30, 2016, LFB had $3,809 of such indemnifications and held $3,723 of collateral/counter-guarantees to secure these commitments. The Company believes the likelihood of loss with respect to these indemnities is remote. Accordingly, no liability is recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.

Certain Business Acquisitions—On July 15, 2009, the Company established a private equity business with Edgewater. Edgewater manages funds primarily focused on buy-out and growth equity investments in middle market companies. The acquisition was structured as a purchase by Lazard Group of interests in a holding company that in turn owns interests in the general partner and management company entities of the current Edgewater private equity funds (the “Edgewater Acquisition”). Following the Edgewater Acquisition, Edgewater’s leadership team retained a substantial economic interest in such entities.

The aggregate fair value of the consideration recognized by the Company at the acquisition date was $61,624. Such consideration consisted of (i) a one-time cash payment, (ii) 1,142,857 shares of Class A common stock (the “Initial Shares”) and (iii) up to 1,142,857 additional shares of Class A common stock (the “Earnout Shares”) that were subject to earnout criteria and

21

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

payable over time. The Earnout Shares were to be issued only if certain performance thresholds were met. As of December 31, 2015, 913,722 shares were issuable on a contingent basis. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2105, 2,285,714 and 1,371,992 shares, respectively, had been earned and settled because applicable performance thresholds had been satisfied.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the delivery of 913,722 shares of Class A common stock resulted in a non-cash tax benefit of $12,653 recorded in deferred tax assets.

Other Business Acquisitions—For a business acquired in the third quarter of 2016, consideration transferred included (i) a one-time cash payment and non-contingent interests exchangeable into 206,612 shares of Class A common stock and (ii) contingent interests which are exchangeable into a maximum of 606,061 shares of Class A common stock and are subject to certain performance thresholds. As of September 30, 2016, none of the contingent shares had been earned.

For a business acquired in 2012, at December 31, 2012, 170,988 shares of Class A common stock (including dividend equivalent shares) were issuable on a non-contingent basis. Such shares were delivered in the first quarter of 2013. During the second quarter of 2015, the achievement of certain performance thresholds related to the acquired business were satisfied, resulting in the issuance of 27,316 shares of Class A common stock.

Other Commitments—The Company has various other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, from time to time, each of LFB and LFNY may enter into underwriting commitments in which it will participate as an underwriter. At September 30, 2016, LFB and LFNY had no such underwriting commitments.

See Notes 5 and 13 for information regarding commitments relating to investment capital funding commitments and obligations to fund our pension plans, respectively.

In the opinion of management, the fulfillment of the commitments described herein will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Legal—The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and inquiries concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our businesses, including proceedings initiated by former employees alleging wrongful termination. The Company reviews such matters on a case-by-case basis and establishes any required accrual if a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company experiences significant variation in its revenue and earnings on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the results of any pending matter or matters could be significant when compared to the Company’s earnings in any particular fiscal quarter. The Company believes, however, based on currently available information, that the results of any pending matters, in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its business or financial condition.

 

 

Share Repurchase Program—During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 and since 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of Class A common stock as set forth in the table below.

 

 

22

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

The Company expects that the share repurchase program will primarily be used to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). Pursuant to the share repurchase program, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below:

 

 

During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, certain of our executive officers received Class A common stock in connection with the vesting of previously-granted deferred equity incentive awards. The vesting of such equity awards gave rise to a tax payable by the executive officers, and, consistent with our past practice, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock from the executive officers equal in value to the estimated amount of such tax. In addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock from an executive officer. The aggregate value of all such purchases during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $4,900 and $17,700, respectively.

As of September 30, 2016, a total of $190,477 of share repurchase authorization remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2017.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company had in place trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to which it effected stock repurchases in the open market.

Preferred Stock—Lazard Ltd has 15,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, inclusive of its Series A and Series B preferred stock. Series A and Series B preferred shares were issued in connection with certain prior year business acquisitions and are each non-participating securities convertible into Class A common stock, and have no voting or dividend rights. As of both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 7,921 shares of Series A preferred stock were outstanding, and no shares of Series B preferred stock were outstanding. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no shares of Series A preferred stock were convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a contingent or a non-contingent basis.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (“AOCI”)—The tables below reflect the balances of each component of AOCI at September 30, 2016 and 2015 and activity during the nine month periods then ended:

 

23

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests principally represent interests held in Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control, but does not own.

The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements:

 

 

 

Dividends Declared, October 26, 2016—On October 26, 2016, the Board of Directors of Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.38 per share on our Class A common stock, payable on November 18, 2016, to stockholders of record on November 7, 2016.

 

 

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards

A description of Lazard Ltd’s 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan and activity with respect thereto during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.

Shares Available Under the 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan

The 2008 Plan authorizes the issuance of shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other equity-based awards. Under the 2008 Plan, the maximum number of shares available is based on a formula that limits the aggregate number of shares that may, at any time, be subject to awards that are considered “outstanding” under the 2008 Plan to 30% of the then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock.

The 2005 Plan authorized the issuance of up to 25,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and other equity-based awards. Each RSU or similar award granted under the 2005 Plan represents a contingent right to receive one share of Class A common stock, at no cost to the recipient. The fair value of such awards is generally determined based on the closing market price of Class A common stock at the date of grant. The 2005 Plan expired in the second quarter of 2015, although unvested awards granted under the 2005 Plan remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms.

The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and restricted stock awards) and “professional services” expense (with respect to deferred stock units (“DSUs”)) within the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

The ultimate amount of compensation and benefits expense relating to share-based awards is dependent upon the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that vest. The Company periodically assesses the forfeiture rates used for such estimates, including as a result of any applicable performance conditions. A change in estimated forfeiture rates results in a cumulative adjustment to previously recorded compensation and benefits expense and also would cause the aggregate amount of compensation expense recognized in future periods to differ from the estimated unrecognized compensation expense described below.

For purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, RSUs, DSUs and restricted stock awards are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding using the “treasury stock” method. PRSUs are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding to the extent the performance conditions are met at the end of the reporting period, also using the “treasury stock” method.

The Company’s share-based incentive plans and awards are described below.

RSUs and DSUs

RSUs generally require future service as a condition for the delivery of the underlying shares of Class A common stock (unless the recipient is then eligible for retirement under the Company’s retirement policy) and convert into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis after the stipulated vesting periods. PRSUs, which are RSUs that are also subject to service-based vesting conditions, have additional performance conditions, and are described below. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, net of an

25

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

estimated forfeiture rate, is amortized over the vesting periods or requisite service periods (generally one-third after two years, and the remaining two-thirds after the third year), and is adjusted for actual forfeitures over such period.

RSUs generally include a dividend participation right that provides that during vesting periods each RSU is attributed additional RSUs (or fractions thereof) equivalent to any dividends paid on Class A common stock during such period. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, issuances of RSUs pertaining to such dividend participation rights and respective charges to “retained earnings”, net of estimated forfeitures (with corresponding credits to “additional paid-in-capital”), consisted of the following:

 

 

Non-executive members of the Board of Directors (“Non-Executive Directors”) receive approximately 55% of their annual compensation for service on the Board of Directors and its committees in the form of DSUs, which resulted in 38,771 and 23,961 DSUs granted in connection with annual compensation during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Their remaining compensation is payable in cash, which they may elect to receive in the form of additional DSUs under the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan described below. DSUs are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the time of cessation of service to the Board of Directors and, for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding using the “treasury stock” method. DSUs include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock.

The Company’s Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan permits the Non-Executive Directors to elect to receive additional DSUs in lieu of some or all of their cash fees. The number of DSUs granted to a Non-Executive Director pursuant to this election will equal the value of cash fees that the applicable Non-Executive Director has elected to forego pursuant to such election, divided by the market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date immediately preceding the date of the grant. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, 7,407 and 1,761 DSUs, respectively, had been granted pursuant to such Plan.

DSU awards are expensed at their fair value on their date of grant, inclusive of amounts related to the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan.

The following is a summary of activity relating to RSUs and DSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

26

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

In connection with RSUs that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 1,416,643 and 1,940,996 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 3,110,916 and 5,218,646 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of September 30, 2016, estimated unrecognized RSU compensation expense was approximately $174,364, with such expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.9 years subsequent to September 30, 2016.

Restricted Stock

The following is a summary of activity related to shares of restricted Class A common stock associated with compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

In connection with shares of restricted Class A common stock that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 132,984 and 94,745 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 669,292 and 417,771 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The restricted stock awards include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock during the period, which will vest concurrently with the underlying restricted stock award. At September 30, 2016, estimated unrecognized restricted stock expense was approximately $38,512, with such expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.0 years subsequent to September 30, 2016.

PRSUs

PRSUs are subject to both performance-based and service-based vesting conditions. The number of shares of Class A common stock that a recipient will receive upon vesting of a PRSU will be calculated by reference to certain performance metrics that relate to the Company’s performance over a three-year period. The target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU is one; however, based on the achievement of the performance criteria, the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be received in connection with each PRSU generally can range from zero to two times the target number. PRSUs will vest on a single date three years following the date of the grant, provided the applicable service and performance conditions are satisfied. However, PRSUs granted in 2013 vested 33% in March 2015 and 67% in March 2016. In addition, the performance metrics applicable to each PRSU will be evaluated on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year during the performance period and, if the Company has achieved a threshold level of performance with respect to the fiscal year, 25% of the target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU will no longer be at risk of forfeiture based on the achievement of performance criteria. PRSUs include dividend participation rights that provide that during vesting periods the target number of PRSUs (or, following the relevant performance period, the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that are no longer subject to performance conditions) receive dividend equivalents at the same rate that dividends are paid on Class A common stock during such period. These dividend equivalents are

27

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

credited as RSUs that are not subject to the performance-based vesting criteria but are otherwise subject to the same restrictions as the underlying PRSUs to which they relate.

The following is a summary of activity relating to PRSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

In connection with PRSUs that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 64,169 and 32,086 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 352,852 and 664,413 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Compensation expense recognized for PRSU awards is determined by multiplying the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying such awards that, based on the Company’s estimate, are considered probable of vesting, by the grant date fair value. As of September 30, 2016, the total estimated unrecognized compensation expense was approximately $17,330, and the Company expects to amortize such expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.7 years subsequent to September 30, 2016.

LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements

Commencing in February 2011, the Company granted LFI to eligible employees. In connection with LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which generally require future service as a condition for vesting, the Company recorded a prepaid compensation asset and a corresponding compensation liability on the grant date based upon the fair value of the award. The prepaid asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods or requisite service periods (which are generally similar to the comparable periods for RSUs), and is charged to “compensation and benefits” expense within the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. LFI and similar deferred compensation arrangements that do not require future service are expensed immediately. The related compensation liability is accounted for at fair value as a derivative liability, which contemplates the impact of estimated forfeitures, and is adjusted for changes in fair value primarily related to changes in value of the underlying investments.

28

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

The following is a summary of activity relating to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

 

The amortization of the prepaid compensation asset will generally be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2016.

The following is a summary of the impact of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements on “compensation and benefits” expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

 

The Company provides retirement and other post-retirement benefits to certain of its employees through defined benefit pension plans (the “pension plans”) and, in the U.S., a partially funded contributory post-retirement plan covering qualifying U.S. employees (the “medical plan” and together with the pension plans, the “post-retirement plans”). The Company also offers defined contribution plans to its employees. The post-retirement plans generally provide benefits to participants based on average levels of compensation. Expenses related to the Company’s employee benefit plans are included in “compensation and benefits” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

29

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Employer Contributions to Pension Plans—The Company’s funding policy for its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is to fund when required or when applicable upon an agreement with the plans’ trustees. Management also evaluates from time to time whether to make voluntary contributions to the plans.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to the Company’s post-retirement plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

 

 

 

Lazard Ltd, through its subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes on all of its U.S. operating income, as well as on the portion of non-U.S. income attributable to its U.S. subsidiaries. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through subsidiary corporations that are subject to local income taxes in foreign jurisdictions. Lazard Group is also subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) attributable to its operations apportioned to New York City.

The Company recorded income tax provisions (benefits) of $36,374 and $95,900 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $170,954 and $(993,560) for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 24.4%, 26.6%, 30.0% and 637.0%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% and the effective tax rates reflected above principally relates to (i) taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions that are not offset against U.S. income taxes, (ii) foreign source income (loss) not subject to U.S. income taxes (including interest on intercompany financings), (iii) change in the U.S. federal valuation allowance affecting the provision for income taxes, and (iv) U.S. state and local taxes (primarily UBT), which are incremental to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate.

30

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a valuation allowance on substantially all of our deferred tax assets. Certain of our tax-paying entities at which we have historically recorded significant valuation allowances were profitable on a cumulative basis for the three year periods ended June 30, 2015. In assessing our valuation allowance as of June 30, 2015, we considered all available information, including the magnitude of recent and current operating results, the relatively long duration of statutory carryforward periods, our historical experience utilizing tax attributes prior to their expiration dates, the historical volatility of operating results of these entities and our assessment regarding the sustainability of their profitability. At that time, we concluded that there was a sufficient history of sustained profitability at these entities that it was more likely than not that these entities would be able to realize deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the period ended June 30, 2015, we released substantially all of the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets held by these entities.

As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of approximately $878,000, including $821,000 recorded in the second quarter of 2015. In addition, we also recorded (i) in the second quarter of 2015, a separate deferred tax benefit of approximately $378,000 that reflected the tax deductibility of payments under the tax receivable agreement and (ii) in the third quarter of 2015, a deferred tax expense of approximately $161,000 relating to the reduction of a deferred tax asset as a result of the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation. See Note 16 for more information regarding our accrual under the tax receivable agreement in the second quarter of 2015 and the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation in the third quarter of 2015.

Substantially all of Lazard’s operations outside the U.S. are conducted in “pass-through” entities for U.S. income tax purposes. The Company provides for U.S. income taxes on a current basis for those earnings. The repatriation of prior earnings attributable to “non-pass-through” entities would not result in the recognition of a material amount of additional U.S. income taxes.

 

 

The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share calculations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are computed as described below.

Basic Net Income Per Share

Numerator—utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods, plus applicable adjustments to such net income associated with the inclusion of shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis.

Denominator—utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods, plus applicable adjustments to such shares associated with shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis.

Diluted Net Income Per Share

Numerator—utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above, plus, to the extent applicable and dilutive, (i) changes in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests resulting from assumed Class A common stock issuances in connection with share-based incentive compensation and (ii) income tax related to (i) above.

Denominator—utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above, plus, to the extent dilutive, the incremental number of shares of Class A common stock required to settle share-based incentive compensation.

31

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

The calculations of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share and weighted average shares outstanding for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented below:

 

 

 

Sponsored Funds

The Company serves as an investment advisor for certain affiliated investment companies and fund entities and receives management fees and, for the alternative investment funds, performance fees for providing such services. Investment advisory fees relating to such services were $130,546 and $374,250 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $129,524 and $405,145 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and are included in “asset management fees” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of such amounts, $54,979 and $42,002 remained as receivables at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in “fees receivable” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Tax Receivable Agreement

The Second Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2015 (the “Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement”), between Lazard and LTBP Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), provides for the payment by our subsidiaries to the Trust of (i) approximately 45% (following the July 2015 purchase described below) of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize as a result of certain increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, and (ii) an amount that we currently expect will approximate 85% of the cash tax savings that may arise from tax benefits attributable to payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. Our subsidiaries expect to benefit from the balance of cash savings, if any, in income tax that our subsidiaries realize. Any amount paid by our subsidiaries to the Trust will generally be distributed to the owners of the Trust, including our executive officers, in proportion to their beneficial interests in the Trust.

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

For purposes of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income and franchise tax will be computed by comparing our subsidiaries’ actual income and franchise tax liability to the amount of such taxes that our subsidiaries would have been required to pay had there been no increase in the tax basis of certain tangible and intangible assets of Lazard Group attributable to our subsidiaries’ interest in Lazard Group and had our subsidiaries not entered into the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. The term of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement will continue until approximately 2033 or, if earlier, until all relevant tax benefits have been utilized or expired.

As described in Note 14, during the period ended June 30, 2015, we released substantially all of our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. As a result, we accrued a corresponding liability of $961,948 during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 for amounts relating to the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement at that time.

The amount of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement liability is an undiscounted amount based upon currently enacted tax laws, the current structure of the Company and various assumptions regarding potential future operating profitability. The assumptions reflected in the estimate involve significant judgment. As such, the actual amount and timing of payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement could differ materially from our estimates. Any changes in the amount of the estimated liability would be recorded as a non-compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Adjustments, if necessary, to the related deferred tax assets would be recorded through the “provision (benefit) for income taxes”.

In July 2015, we purchased approximately 47% of the then-outstanding beneficial interests in the Trust from certain owners of the Trust for $42,222 in cash, which resulted in the automatic cancellation of such beneficial interests and the extinguishment of a significant portion of our payment obligations under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. The extinguishment of these payment obligations resulted in a pre-tax gain of $420,792 recorded in “provision pursuant to tax receivable agreement” on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition, the extinguishment of these payment obligations resulted in a reduction of the tax benefits that would have been attributable to the actual payments and, accordingly, we recorded a deferred tax expense of approximately $161,000 on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015.

For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded a “provision (benefit) pursuant to tax receivable agreement” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations of $(420,792) and $547,691, respectively.  The cumulative liability relating to our obligations under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $513,623 and $523,962, respectively, and is recorded in “tax receivable agreement obligation” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The balance at September 30, 2016 reflects a payment made under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement in the first quarter of 2016 of $10,086.

Other

See Note 11 for information regarding related party transactions pertaining to shares repurchased from certain of our executive officers.

 

 

LFNY is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and is subject to the net capital requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the basic method permitted by this rule, the minimum required net capital, as defined, is a specified fixed percentage (6 2/3%) of total aggregate indebtedness recorded in LFNY’s Financial and Operational Combined Uniform Single (“FOCUS”) report filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or $100, whichever is greater. In addition, the ratio of aggregate indebtedness (as defined) to net capital may not exceed 15:1. At September 30, 2016, LFNY’s regulatory net capital was $73,105, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $69,178. LFNY’s aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio was 0.81:1 as of September 30, 2016.

Certain U.K. subsidiaries of the Company, including LCL, Lazard Fund Managers Limited and Lazard Asset Management Limited (collectively, the “U.K. Subsidiaries”) are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. At September 30, 2016, the aggregate regulatory net capital of the U.K. Subsidiaries was $131,370, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $116,180.

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

CFLF, under which asset management and commercial banking activities are carried out in France, is subject to regulation by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (“ACPR”) for its banking activities conducted through its subsidiary, LFB. The investment services activities of the Paris group, exercised through LFB and other subsidiaries of CFLF, primarily LFG (asset management), also are subject to regulation and supervision by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. At September 30, 2016, the consolidated regulatory net capital of CFLF was $133,377, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $88,653. In addition, pursuant to the consolidated supervision rules in the European Union, LFB, in particular, as a French credit institution, is required to be supervised by a regulatory body, either in the U.S. or in the European Union. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company and the ACPR agreed on terms for the consolidated supervision of LFB and certain other non-Financial Advisory European subsidiaries of the Company (referred to herein, on a combined basis, as the “combined European regulated group”) under such rules. Under this supervision, the combined European regulated group is required to comply with minimum requirements for regulatory net capital to be reported on a quarterly basis and satisfy periodic financial and other reporting obligations. At June 30, 2016, the regulatory net capital of the combined European regulated group was $176,187, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $98,533. Additionally, the combined European regulated group, together with our European Financial Advisory entities, is required to perform an annual risk assessment and provide certain other information on a periodic basis, including financial reports and information relating to financial performance, balance sheet data and capital structure.

Certain other U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries are subject to various capital adequacy requirements promulgated by various regulatory and exchange authorities in the countries in which they operate. At September 30, 2016, for those subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements, their aggregate net capital was $110,833, which exceeded the minimum required capital by $84,709.

At September 30, 2016, each of these subsidiaries individually was in compliance with its regulatory capital requirements.

Any new or expanded rules and regulations that may be adopted in countries in which we operate (including regulations that have not yet been proposed) could affect us in other ways.

 

 

The Company’s reportable segments offer different products and services and are managed separately as different levels and types of expertise are required to effectively manage the segments’ transactions. Each segment is reviewed to determine the allocation of resources and to assess its performance. The Company’s principal operating activities are included in its Financial Advisory and Asset Management business segments as described in Note 1. In addition, as described in Note 1 above, the Company records selected other activities in its Corporate segment.

The Company’s segment information for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is prepared using the following methodology:

The Company allocates investment gains and losses, interest income and interest expense among the various segments based on the segment in which the underlying asset or liability is reported.

Each segment’s operating expenses include (i) compensation and benefits expenses incurred directly in support of the businesses and (ii) other operating expenses, which include directly incurred expenses for occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, technology and information services, professional services, fund administration and outsourced services and indirect support costs (including compensation and other operating expenses related thereto) for administrative services. Such administrative services include, but are not limited to, accounting, tax, human resources, legal, facilities management and senior management activities.

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LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data, unless otherwise noted)

 

Management evaluates segment results based on net revenue and operating income (loss) and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution with respect to net revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Lazard Ltd’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”), as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Form 10-K”). All references to “2016,” “2015,” “third quarter,” “first nine months” or “the period” refer to, as the context requires, the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015.

Forward-Looking Statements and Certain Factors that May Affect Our Business

Management has included in Parts I and II of this Form 10-Q, including in its MD&A, statements that are 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 the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Form 10-K and in our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 under the caption “Risk Factors,” including the following:

These risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Other sections of the Form 10-K and our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016 and this Form 10-Q describe additional factors that could adversely affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, 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 Form 10-Q to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations and we do not intend to do so.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

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The Company is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, the Company uses its websites to convey information about our businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information, and the posting of updates of AUM in various mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “LAM”) and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”). Investors can link to Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group and their operating company websites through http://www.lazard.com. Our websites and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-Q.

Business Summary

Lazard is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms. We have long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals. Founded in 1848 in New Orleans, we currently operate from 42 cities in key business and financial centers across 27 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.

Our primary business purpose is to serve our clients. Our deep roots in business centers around the world form a global network of relationships with key decision-makers in corporations, governments and investing institutions. This network is both a competitive strength and a powerful resource for Lazard and our clients. As a firm that competes on the quality of our advice, we have two fundamental assets: our people and our reputation.

We operate in cyclical businesses across multiple geographies, industries and asset classes. In recent years, we have expanded our geographic reach, bolstered our industry expertise and continued to build in growth areas. Companies, government bodies and investors seek independent advice with a geographic perspective, deep understanding of capital structure, informed research and knowledge of global economic conditions. We believe that our business model as an independent advisor will continue to create opportunities for us to attract new clients and key personnel.

Our principal sources of revenue are derived from activities in the following business segments:

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In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary, Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”).

LFB, as a registered bank, is engaged primarily in commercial and private banking services for clients and funds managed by LFG and other clients, investment banking activities, including participation in underwritten offerings of securities in France, and asset-liability management.

Our consolidated net revenue was derived from the following segments:

 

 

We also invest our own capital from time to time, generally alongside capital of qualified institutional and individual investors in alternative investments or private equity investments, and, since 2005, we have engaged in a number of alternative investments and private equity activities, including, historically, investments through (i) the Edgewater Funds (“Edgewater”), our Chicago-based private equity firm (see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), (ii) a mezzanine fund, which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small-to mid-cap European companies and (iii) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies. We also make investments to seed our Asset Management strategies.

Business Environment and Outlook

Economic and global financial market conditions can materially affect our financial performance. As described above, our principal sources of revenue are derived from activities in our Financial Advisory and Asset Management business segments. As our Financial Advisory revenues are primarily dependent on the successful completion of merger, acquisition, restructuring, capital raising or similar transactions, and our Asset Management revenues are primarily driven by the levels of AUM, weak economic and global financial market conditions can result in a challenging business environment for M&A and capital-raising activity as well as our Asset Management business, but may provide opportunities for our restructuring business.

Equity market indices for developed markets at September 30, 2016 were mixed, with U.S. indices generally increasing and European indices generally decreasing as compared to such indices at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Emerging markets equity indices at September 30, 2016 increased as compared to September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. In the global M&A markets during the first nine months of 2016, the value and number of all completed M&A transactions decreased as compared to the same period in the prior year, as did the subset of such transactions involving values greater than $500 million. During the same time, the value and number of all announced M&A transactions, including the subset of such transactions involving values greater than $500 million, also decreased. During the first nine months of 2016, global restructuring activity, as measured by the number of corporate defaults, increased as compared to the first nine months of 2015, primarily due to a higher level of defaults in the commodity sector.

In the first nine months of 2016, volatile market conditions continued. On an ongoing basis, volatile conditions may persist, and regional macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, including the United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union, may impact our business. However, corporate cash balances remain high, and interest rates remain low for companies with strong credit ratings. Although market volatility may continue and may affect our business in 2016, the longer-term trends appear to remain favorable for both of our businesses.

Our outlook with respect to our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses is described below.

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We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge continuously, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all potentially applicable factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K and our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016. Furthermore, net income and revenue in any period may not be indicative of full-year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from year to year and quarter to quarter.

Overall, we continue to focus on the development of our business, including the generation of stable revenue growth, earnings growth and shareholder returns, the prudent management of our costs and expenses, the efficient use of our assets and the return of capital to our shareholders.

Certain data with respect to our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses is included below.

Financial Advisory

As reflected in the following table, which sets forth global M&A industry statistics, the value and number of all completed transactions, including completed transactions with values greater than $500 million, decreased in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to 2015. With respect to announced M&A transactions, the value and number of all transactions, including announced transactions with values greater than $500 million, also decreased in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to 2015.

 

 

Source: Dealogic as of October 4, 2016.

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Global restructuring activity during the first nine months of 2016, as measured by the number of corporate defaults, increased as compared to the first nine months of 2015. The number of defaulting issuers increased to 115 in the first nine months of 2016, according to Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., as compared to 68 in the first nine months of 2015, primarily due to a higher level of defaults in the commodity sector.

Net revenue trends in Financial Advisory for M&A and Other Advisory and Restructuring are generally correlated to the level of completed industry-wide M&A transactions and restructuring transactions occurring subsequent to corporate debt defaults, respectively. However, deviations from this relationship can occur in any given year for a number of reasons. For instance, our results can diverge from industry-wide activity where there are material variances from the level of industry-wide M&A activity in a particular market where Lazard has significant market share, or regarding the relative number of our advisory engagements with respect to larger-sized transactions, and where we are involved in non-public or sovereign advisory assignments. For example, our M&A and Other Advisory revenue, which includes Sovereign and Capital Structure Advisory revenue, decreased 15% in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to 2015. The industry statistics for global M&A transactions described above reflect a 13% and 14% decrease in the value and number, respectively, of all completed transactions in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to 2015. For M&A deals with values greater than $500 million, the value and number of completed transactions in the first nine months of 2016 decreased 14% and 15%, respectively, as compared to 2015.

Asset Management

The percentage change in major equity market indices at September 30, 2016, as compared to such indices at June 30, 2016, December 31, 2015, and at September 30, 2015, is shown in the table below.

 

 

The fees that we receive for providing investment management and advisory services are primarily driven by the level of AUM and the nature of the AUM product mix. Accordingly, market movements, foreign currency exchange rate volatility and changes in our AUM product mix will impact the level of revenues we receive from our Asset Management business when comparing periodic results. A substantial portion of our AUM is invested in equities. Movements in AUM during the period generally reflect the changes in equity market indices. Our AUM at September 30, 2016 increased 10% versus AUM at December 31, 2015, primarily due to market and foreign exchange appreciation and net inflows. Average AUM for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 was 5% higher than average AUM for the three month period ended September 30, 2015.  Average AUM for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 was 3% lower than average AUM for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.

Financial Statement Overview

Net Revenue

The majority of Lazard’s Financial Advisory net revenue historically has been earned from the successful completion of M&A transactions, strategic advisory matters, restructuring and capital structure advisory services, capital raising and similar transactions. The main drivers of Financial Advisory net revenue are overall M&A activity, the level of corporate debt defaults and the environment for capital raising activities, particularly in the industries and geographic markets in which Lazard focuses. In some client engagements, often those involving financially distressed companies, revenue is earned in the form of retainers and similar fees that are contractually agreed upon with each client for each assignment and are not necessarily linked to the completion of a transaction. In addition, Lazard also earns fees from providing strategic advice to clients, with such fees not being dependent on a specific transaction, and may also earn fees in connection with public and private securities offerings. Significant fluctuations in Financial Advisory net revenue can occur over the course of any given year, because a significant portion of such net revenue is earned upon the successful completion of a transaction, restructuring or capital raising activity, the timing of which is uncertain and is not subject to Lazard’s control.

Lazard’s Asset Management segment principally includes LAM, LFG and Edgewater. Asset Management net revenue is derived from fees for investment management and advisory services provided to clients. As noted above, the main driver of Asset Management net revenue is the level and product mix of AUM, which is generally influenced by the performance of the global equity

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markets and, to a lesser extent, fixed income markets as well as Lazard’s investment performance, which impacts its ability to successfully attract and retain assets. As a result, fluctuations (including timing thereof) in financial markets and client asset inflows and outflows have a direct effect on Asset Management net revenue and operating income. Asset Management fees are generally based on the level of AUM measured daily, monthly or quarterly, and an increase or reduction in AUM, due to market price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, changes in product mix, or net client asset flows will result in a corresponding increase or decrease in management fees. The majority of our investment advisory contracts are generally terminable at any time or on notice of 30 days or less. Institutional and individual clients, and firms with which we have strategic alliances, can terminate their relationship with us, reduce the aggregate amount of AUM or shift their funds to other types of accounts with different rate structures for a number of reasons, including investment performance, changes in prevailing interest rates and financial market performance. In addition, as Lazard’s AUM includes significant amounts of assets that are denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars, changes in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to foreign currencies will impact the value of Lazard’s AUM. Fees vary with the type of assets managed and the vehicle in which they are managed, with higher fees earned on equity assets and alternative investment funds, such as hedge funds and private equity funds, and lower fees earned on fixed income and cash management products.

The Company earns performance-based incentive fees on various investment products, including traditional products and alternative investment funds, such as hedge funds and private equity funds.

For hedge funds, incentive fees are calculated based on a specified percentage of a fund’s net appreciation, in some cases in excess of established benchmarks or thresholds. The Company records incentive fees on traditional products and hedge funds at the end of the relevant performance measurement period, when potential uncertainties regarding the ultimate realizable amounts have been determined. The incentive fee measurement period is generally an annual period (unless an account terminates or a redemption occurs during the year). The incentive fees received at the end of the measurement period are not subject to reversal or payback. Incentive fees on hedge funds are often subject to loss carryforward provisions in which losses incurred by the hedge funds in any year are applied against certain gains realized by the hedge funds in future periods before any incentive fees can be earned.

For private equity funds, incentive fees may be earned in the form of a “carried interest” if profits arising from realized investments exceed a specified threshold. Typically, such carried interest is ultimately calculated on a whole-fund basis and, therefore, clawback of carried interest during the life of the fund can occur. As a result, incentive fees earned on our private equity funds are not recognized until potential uncertainties regarding the ultimate realizable amounts have been determined, including any potential for clawback.

Corporate segment net revenue consists primarily of investment gains and losses on the Company’s “seed investments” related to our Asset Management business, principal investments in private equity funds and “equity method” investments, net of hedging activities, as well as gains and losses on investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and interest income and interest expense. Corporate net revenue also can fluctuate due to changes in the fair value of investments classified as “trading”, as well as due to changes in interest and currency exchange rates and in the levels of cash, investments and indebtedness.

Although Corporate segment net revenue during 2016 is not significant compared to Lazard’s net revenue, total assets in the Corporate segment represented 68% of Lazard’s consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2016, which are attributable to cash and cash equivalents, investments in debt and equity securities, interests in alternative investment, debt, equity and private equity funds, deferred tax assets and certain assets associated with LFB.

Operating Expenses

The majority of Lazard’s operating expenses relate to compensation and benefits for managing directors and employees. Our compensation and benefits expense includes (i) salaries and benefits, (ii) amortization of the relevant portion of previously granted deferred incentive compensation awards, including (a) share-based incentive compensation under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), which expired in the second quarter of 2015, and (b) LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), (iii) a provision for discretionary or guaranteed cash bonuses and profit pools and (iv) when applicable, severance payments. Compensation expense in any given period is dependent on many factors, including general economic and market conditions, our actual and forecasted operating and financial performance, staffing levels, estimated forfeiture rates, competitive pay conditions and the nature of revenues earned, as well as the mix between current and deferred compensation.

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For interim periods, we use “adjusted compensation and benefits expense” and the ratio of “adjusted compensation and benefits expense” to “operating revenue,” both non-U.S. GAAP measures, for comparison of compensation and benefits expense between periods. For the reconciliations and calculations with respect to “adjusted compensation and benefits expense” and related ratios to “operating revenue,” see the table under “Consolidated Results of Operations” below.

We believe that “awarded compensation and benefits expense” and the ratio of “awarded compensation and benefits expense” to “operating revenue,” both non-U.S. GAAP measures, are the most appropriate measures to assess the annual cost of compensation and provide the most meaningful basis for comparison of compensation and benefits expense between present, historical and future years. “Awarded compensation and benefits expense” for a given year is calculated using “adjusted compensation and benefits expense,” also a non-U.S. GAAP measure, as modified by the following items:

Compensation and benefits expense is the largest component of our operating expenses. We seek to maintain discipline with respect to compensation, including the rate at which we award deferred compensation. Our goal is to attain a ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue and a ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue over the cycle in the mid-to-high-50s percentage range, which compares to 55.8% and 55.4%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015. While we have implemented initiatives that we believe will assist us in continuing to attain a ratio within this range, there can be no guarantee that such a ratio will be attained, or that our policies or initiatives will not change, in the future. We may benefit from pressure on compensation costs within the financial services industry in future periods; however, increased competition for senior professionals, changes in the macroeconomic environment or the financial markets generally, lower operating revenue resulting from, for example, a decrease in M&A activity, our share of the M&A market or our AUM levels, changes in the mix of revenues from our businesses or various other factors could prevent us from attaining this goal.

Our operating expenses also include “non-compensation expense,” which includes costs for occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, technology and information services, professional services, fund administration and outsourced services and other expenses. In 2015, non-compensation expense also included the expenses related to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 6.85% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) (see Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

We believe that “adjusted non-compensation expense,” a non-U.S. GAAP measure, provides a more meaningful basis for assessing our operating results. For calculations with respect to “adjusted non-compensation expense,” see the table under “Consolidated Results of Operations” below.

Our operating expenses also include our “provision (benefit) pursuant to the tax receivable agreement” and “amortization and other acquisition-related costs”. For all periods, “amortization and other acquisition-related costs” pertain primarily to the acquisition of Edgewater.

Provision for Income Taxes

Lazard Ltd, through its subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes on all of its U.S. operating income, as well as on the portion of non-U.S. income attributable to its U.S. subsidiaries. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through subsidiary corporations that are subject to local income taxes in foreign jurisdictions. Lazard Group is also subject to Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) attributable to its operations apportioned to New York City (see Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

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In the second quarter of 2015, we released substantially all of our valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets. When we are able to use the deferred tax assets in future periods to reduce our income taxes, we will be required to pay a significant portion of the tax savings pursuant to our tax receivable agreement. We therefore also recognized a related liability under the tax receivable agreement. In addition, in the third quarter of 2015, we purchased a portion of our obligation relating to the tax receivable agreement, which had the effect of reducing such liability.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Income Taxes” below and Notes 14 and 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes, our deferred tax assets, the valuation allowance release in 2015 and the tax receivable agreement obligation.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests primarily consist of amounts related to Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control but not own. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Lazard’s condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars. Many of our non-U.S. subsidiaries have a functional currency (i.e., the currency in which operational activities are primarily conducted) that is other than the U.S. Dollar, generally the currency of the country in which the subsidiaries are domiciled. Such subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars using exchange rates as of the respective balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the respective periods based on the daily closing exchange rates. Adjustments that result from translating amounts from a subsidiary’s functional currency are reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses on transactions in non-functional currencies are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

A portion of our net revenue is derived from transactions that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Since the middle of 2014, the value of the U.S. dollar has strengthened against many other major currencies. As a result, net revenue for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was negatively impacted in comparison to the prior year period. The majority of the negative impact was offset by the positive impact of the exchange rate movements on our operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Selected financial data from the Company’s reported condensed consolidated results of operations is set forth below, followed by a more detailed discussion of both the consolidated and business segment results.

 

 

The tables below describe the components of operating revenue, adjusted compensation and benefits expense, adjusted non-compensation expense, earnings from operations and related key ratios, which are non-U.S. GAAP measures used by the Company to

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manage its business. We believe such non-U.S. GAAP measures provide the most meaningful basis for comparison between present, historical and future periods, as described above.

 

 

 

 

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Headcount information is set forth below:

 

 

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Operating Results

The Company’s quarterly revenue and profits can fluctuate materially depending on the number, size and timing of completed transactions on which it advised, as well as seasonality, the performance of equity markets and other factors. Accordingly, the revenue and profits in any particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

The Company reported net income attributable to Lazard Ltd of $113 million, as compared to net income of $399 million in the 2015 period, which included the impact of the gain on the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation. The changes in the Company’s operating results during these periods are described below.

Net revenue increased $35 million, or 6%, with operating revenue increasing $17 million, or 3%, as compared to the 2015 period. Fee revenue from investment banking and other advisory activities increased $13 million, or 4%, primarily due to an increase in Restructuring revenue, which generally reflected a higher level of activity in the U.S. energy sector in the 2016 period. Asset management fees, including incentive fees, remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2015 period. In the aggregate, interest income, other revenue and interest expense increased $22 million as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to an increase in gains in the 2016 period attributable to investments held in connection with LFI.

Compensation and benefits expense increased $34 million, or 11%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to an increase in discretionary compensation and an increase in charges pertaining to LFI.

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (which excludes certain items and which we believe allows for improved comparability between periods, as described above) was $345 million, an increase of $14 million, or 4%, as compared to $331 million in the 2015 period. The ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 56.5% for the 2016 period, as compared to 55.6% for the 2015 period and 55.4% for full-year 2015.

Non-compensation expense increased $2 million, or 2%, as compared to the 2015 period. Adjusted non-compensation expense, which excludes non-compensation costs relating to noncontrolling interests, increased $3 million, or 2%, as compared to the 2015 period. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 17.2% in both the 2016 and 2015 periods.

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2015 period.

Operating income decreased $422 million as compared to the 2015 period, which included the impact of the gain on the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation (see Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

Earnings from operations remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2015 period, which excluded the impact of the gain on the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation, and, as a percentage of operating revenue, was 26.3%, as compared to 27.2% in the 2015 period.

The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 24.4%, as compared to 30.0% for the 2015 period. The decrease in the effective tax rate in the 2016 period as compared to the 2015 period was primarily driven by (i) the increase in operating income in the 2015 period as a result of the gain on the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation, partially offset by (ii) the release of substantially all of our valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in the 2015 period. See Notes 14 and 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and “Critical Accounting Policies—Income Taxes” below.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $1 million as compared to the 2015 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

The Company reported net income attributable to Lazard Ltd of $260 million, as compared to net income of $829 million in the 2015 period, which included a charge relating to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 2017 Notes, as well as the impact of the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement. The changes in the Company’s operating results during these periods are described below.

Net revenue decreased $119 million, or 7%, with operating revenue decreasing $123 million, or 7%, as compared to the 2015 period. Fee revenue from investment banking and other advisory activities decreased $51 million, or 5%, primarily due to decreases in

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M&A and Other Advisory fees. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory fee revenue was primarily due to a lower number of M&A transactions completed as compared to the 2015 period. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in Restructuring revenue, which generally reflected a higher level of activity in the U.S. energy sector in the 2016 period. Asset management fees, including incentive fees, decreased $55 million, or 7%, as compared to the 2015 period, due to a decrease in average AUM primarily as a result of market depreciation, a change in the mix of AUM and a decrease in incentive fees relating to traditional investment products and mutual funds. In the aggregate, interest income, other revenue and interest expense decreased $13 million as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a $24 million gain in the 2015 period on the disposal of the Company’s Australian private equity business (which relates primarily to the realization of carried interest at fair value) partially offset by, in the 2016 period, higher gains attributable to investments held in connection with LFI.

Compensation and benefits expense decreased $26 million, or 3%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a decrease in discretionary compensation associated with decreased operating revenue, partially offset by an increase in charges pertaining to LFI.

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (which excludes certain items and which we believe allows for improved comparability between periods, as described above) was $949 million, a decrease of $42 million, or 4%, as compared to $991 million in the 2015 period. The ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 57.2% for the 2016 period, as compared to 55.6% for the 2015 period and 55.4% for full-year 2015. Adjusted compensation and benefits expense in the 2016 period generally reflected lower operating revenue in the 2016 period.

Non-compensation expense decreased $60 million, or 16%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a non-recurring charge of $60 million related to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 2017 Notes in the 2015 period. Adjusted non-compensation expense, which excludes such charge, as well as non-compensation costs relating to noncontrolling interests, remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2015 period. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 19.2%, as compared to 17.9% in the 2015 period.

Amortization and other acquisition-related costs decreased $2 million as compared to the 2015 period.

Operating income increased $517 million as compared to the 2015 period, which included a charge relating to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 2017 Notes, as well as the impact of the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement. As a result of the possible utilization of certain deferred tax assets that are subject to the tax receivable agreement, including the impact of the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation in the third quarter of 2015, the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement in the 2015 period was $548 million (see Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

Earnings from operations decreased $81 million, or 17%, as compared to the 2015 period, which excluded the charge related to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 2017 Notes, as well as the impact of the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement described above, and, as a percentage of operating revenue, was 23.6%, as compared to 26.5% in the 2015 period.

The provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 26.6%, as compared to 637.0% for the 2015 period. The unusually high effective tax rate in the 2015 period was primarily driven by (i) the reduction of operating income in the 2015 period as a result of the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, and (ii) the release of substantially all of our valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets in the 2015 period. See Notes 14 and 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and “Critical Accounting Policies—Income Taxes” below.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $4 million, as compared to the 2015 period.

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Reportable Segments

The following is a discussion of net revenue and operating income for the Company’s segments: Financial Advisory, Asset Management and Corporate. Each segment’s operating expenses include (i) compensation and benefits expenses that are incurred directly in support of the segment and (ii) other operating expenses, which include directly incurred expenses for occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, technology and information services, professional services, fund administration and outsourcing, and indirect support costs (including compensation and benefits expense and other operating expenses related thereto) for administrative services. Such administrative services include, but are not limited to, accounting, tax, human resources, legal, information technology, facilities management and senior management activities. Such support costs are allocated to the relevant segments based on various statistical drivers such as revenue, headcount, square footage and other factors.

Financial Advisory

The following table summarizes the reported operating results attributable to the Financial Advisory segment:

 

 

Certain fee and transaction statistics for the Financial Advisory segment are set forth below:

 

 

The geographical distribution of Financial Advisory net revenue is set forth below in percentage terms and is based on the Lazard offices that generate Financial Advisory net revenue, which are located in North America, Europe (primarily in the U.K., France, Italy, Spain and Germany) and the rest of the world (primarily in Australia) and therefore may not be reflective of the geography in which the clients are located.

 

The Company’s managing directors and many of its professionals have significant experience, and many of them are able to use this experience to advise on M&A, strategic advisory matters and restructuring transactions, depending on clients’ needs. This flexibility allows Lazard to better match its professionals with the counter-cyclical business cycles of mergers and acquisitions and

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restructurings. While Lazard measures revenue by practice area, Lazard does not separately measure the costs or profitability of M&A services as compared to restructuring services. Accordingly, Lazard measures performance in its Financial Advisory segment based on overall segment operating revenue and operating income margins.

Financial Advisory Results of Operations

Financial Advisory’s quarterly revenue and profits can fluctuate materially depending on the number, size and timing of completed transactions on which it advised, as well as seasonality and other factors. Accordingly, the revenue and profits in any particular quarter or period may not be indicative of future results. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Financial Advisory net revenue increased $13 million, or 4%, as compared to the 2015 period. Total Strategic Advisory net revenue, representing fees from our M&A and Other Advisory and Capital Raising businesses, decreased $13 million, or 4%, and Restructuring revenue increased $26 million, or 99%, as compared to the 2015 period.

M&A and Other Advisory revenue decreased $6 million, or 2%, while Capital Raising revenue decreased $6 million, or 38%, as compared to the 2015 period. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue was primarily due to a lower number of M&A transactions completed as compared to the 2015 period. Clients which in the aggregate represented a significant portion of our M&A and Other Advisory revenue in the 2016 period included ARM Holdings, Columbia Pipeline Group, Dentsu Aegis Network, L’Oreal, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Tyco International.

Restructuring revenue in the 2016 period primarily reflected a higher level of activity in the U.S energy sector in the 2016 period. Clients which in the aggregate represented a significant portion of our Restructuring revenue in the 2016 period included Horsehead Holding, Sabine Oil & Gas and The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Energy Future Holdings.

Operating expenses decreased $3 million, or 1%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a decrease in compensation and benefits expense.

Financial Advisory operating income was $85 million, an increase of $16 million, or 23%, as compared to operating income of $69 million in the 2015 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 24.6%, as compared to 20.8% in the 2015 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Financial Advisory net revenue decreased $52 million, or 6%, as compared to the 2015 period. Total Strategic Advisory net revenue, representing fees from our M&A and Other Advisory and Capital Raising businesses, decreased $143 million, or 16%, and Restructuring revenue increased $91 million, or 122%, as compared to the 2015 period.

M&A and Other Advisory revenue decreased $122 million, or 15%, and Capital Raising revenue decreased $21 million, or 41%, as compared to the 2015 period. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue was primarily due to a lower number of M&A transactions completed as compared to the 2015 period. Restructuring revenue in the 2016 period primarily reflected a higher level of activity in the U.S energy sector in the 2016 period.

Operating expenses decreased $38 million, or 5%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a decrease in discretionary compensation and benefits expense associated with decreased operating revenue.

Financial Advisory operating income was $177 million, a decrease of $14 million, or 7%, as compared to operating income of $191 million in the 2015 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 19.7%, as compared to 20.1% in the 2015 period.

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Asset Management

The following table shows the composition of AUM for the Asset Management segment:

 

 

Total AUM at September 30, 2016 was $205 billion, an increase of $19 billion, or 10%, as compared to total AUM of $186 billion at December 31, 2015, primarily due to market and foreign exchange appreciation and net inflows. Average AUM for the three month period ended September 30, 2016 increased 5% as compared to the three month period ended September 30, 2015, but decreased 3% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the nine month period ended September 30, 2015.

As of September 30, 2016, approximately 88% of our AUM was managed on behalf of institutional clients, including corporations, labor unions, public pension funds, insurance companies and banks, and through sub-advisory relationships, mutual fund sponsors, broker-dealers and registered advisors, compared to approximately 89% as of December 31, 2015, and, as of September 30, 2016, approximately 12% of our AUM was managed on behalf of individual client relationships, which are principally with family offices and individuals, compared to approximately 11% at December 31, 2015.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, AUM with foreign currency exposure represented approximately 72% of our total AUM.  AUM with foreign currency exposure generally declines in value with the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar and increases in value as the U.S. Dollar weakens, with all other factors held constant.

The following is a summary of changes in AUM by asset class for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

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As of October 24, 2016, AUM was $202.6 billion, a $2.8 billion decrease since September 30, 2016. The decrease in AUM was due to foreign exchange depreciation of $2.8 billion and net outflows of $0.6 billion, partially offset by market appreciation of $0.6 billion.

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Average AUM for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 for each significant asset class is set forth below. Average AUM generally represents the average of the monthly ending AUM balances for the period.

 

 

The following table summarizes the reported operating results attributable to the Asset Management segment:

 

 

The geographical distribution of Asset Management net revenue is set forth below in percentage terms, and is based on the Lazard offices that manage and distribute the respective AUM amounts. Such geographical distribution may not be reflective of the geography of the investment products or clients.

 

 

Asset Management Results of Operations

Asset Management’s quarterly revenue and profits in any particular quarter or period may not be indicative of future results and may fluctuate based on the performance of the equity and other capital markets. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Asset Management net revenue increased $3 million, or 1%, as compared to the 2015 period. Management fees increased $4 million, or 1%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to an increase in average AUM. Incentive fees decreased $2 million, or 78%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to incentive fees related to traditional investment products. Other revenue increased $1 million, or 11%, as compared to the 2015 period.

Operating expenses increased $7 million, or 4%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense related to an increase in discretionary compensation.

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Asset Management operating income was $82 million, a decrease of $3 million, or 4%, as compared to operating income of $85 million in the 2015 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 30.6%, as compared to 32.3% in the 2015 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Asset Management net revenue decreased $83 million, or 10%, as compared to the 2015 period. Management fees decreased $42 million, or 6%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a decrease in average AUM primarily as a result of market depreciation and a change in the mix of AUM. Incentive fees decreased $12 million, or 78%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to incentive fees related to traditional investment products and mutual funds. Other revenue decreased $29 million, or 37%, as compared to the 2015 period, principally due to a $24 million gain in 2015 on the disposal of the Company’s Australian private equity business (which relates primarily to the realization of carried interest at fair value).

Operating expenses decreased $11 million, or 2%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to decreases in (i) compensation and benefits expense and (ii) non-compensation expense related to fund administration and outsourced services.

Asset Management operating income was $224 million, a decrease of $71 million, or 24%, as compared to operating income of $295 million in the 2015 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 29.2%, as compared to 34.8% in the 2015 period.

Corporate

The following table summarizes the reported operating results attributable to the Corporate segment:

 

 

Corporate Results of Operations

Corporate operating results in any particular quarter or period may not be indicative of future results and may fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Net interest expense remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2015 period.

Other revenue increased $20 million as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to higher gains attributable to investments held in connection with LFI.

Operating expenses increased $454 million as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to a gain of $421 million related to the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable obligation in the 2015 period (see Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the impact of such charge, operating expenses increased $33 million compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits expense, including an increase in charges pertaining to LFI.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 versus September 30, 2015

Net interest expense decreased $4 million, or 10%, as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to the redemption of $450 million of the 2017 Notes and the issuance of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) in the 2015 period.

Other revenue increased $13 million as compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to higher gains attributable to investments held in connection with LFI.

Operating expenses decreased $586 million as compared to the 2015 period, including, in the 2015 period, (i) a charge of $60 million related to the redemption of a significant portion of the Company’s 2017 Notes and (ii) $548 million related to the provision pursuant to the tax receivable agreement (see Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Excluding the impact of such charges, operating expenses increased $22 million compared to the 2015 period, primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits expense, including an increase in charges pertaining to LFI.

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash flows are influenced primarily by the timing of the receipt of Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees, the timing of distributions to shareholders, payments of incentive compensation to managing directors and employees and purchases of Class A common stock. Cash flows also were affected in the 2015 period by the redemption of $450 million of the 2017 Notes and the issuance of the 2025 Notes. M&A and Other Advisory and Asset Management fees are generally collected within 60 days of billing, while Restructuring fee collections may extend beyond 60 days, particularly those that involve bankruptcies with court-ordered holdbacks. Fees from our Private Capital Advisory (which we historically referred to as Private Fund Advisory) activities are generally collected over a four-year period from billing and typically include an interest component.

The Company makes cash payments for, or in respect of, a significant portion of its incentive compensation during the first three months of each calendar year with respect to the prior year’s results. The Company also paid a special dividend in February 2016 and February 2015.

Summary of Cash Flows:

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s liquidity and capital resources are derived from operating activities, financing activities and equity offerings.

Operating Activities

Net revenue, operating income and cash receipts fluctuate significantly between periods. In the case of Financial Advisory, fee receipts are generally dependent upon the successful completion of client transactions, the occurrence and timing of which is irregular and not subject to Lazard’s control.

Liquidity is significantly impacted by cash payments for, or in respect of, incentive compensation, a significant portion of which are made during the first three months of the year. As a consequence, cash on hand generally declines in the beginning of the year and gradually builds over the remainder of the year. We also pay certain tax advances during the year on behalf of our managing directors, which serve to reduce their respective incentive compensation payments. We expect this seasonal pattern of cash flow to continue.

Liquidity is also affected by the level of deposits and other customer payables, principally at LFB. To the extent that such deposits and other customer payables rise or fall, this has a corresponding impact on liquidity held at LFB, with such amounts generally being recorded in “deposits with banks and short-term investments”. In the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, as reflected on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, both “deposits with banks and short-term investments” and “deposits and other customer payables” increased as compared to December 31, 2015,  this being due to a higher level of LFB customer-related demand deposits, primarily from clients and funds managed by LFG.

Lazard’s condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. Dollars. Many of Lazard’s non-U.S. subsidiaries have a functional currency (i.e., the currency in which operational activities are primarily conducted) that is other than the U.S. Dollar, generally the currency of the country in which such subsidiaries are domiciled. Such subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. Dollars at the respective balance sheet date exchange rates, while revenue and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year based on the daily closing exchange rates. Adjustments that result from translating amounts from a subsidiary’s functional currency are reported as a component of stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses on transactions in non-functional currencies are included on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

We regularly monitor our liquidity position, including cash levels, credit lines, principal investment commitments, interest and principal payments on debt, capital expenditures, dividend payments, purchases of shares of Class A common stock and matters relating to liquidity and to compliance with regulatory net capital requirements. At September 30, 2016, Lazard had approximately $854 million of cash, with such amount including approximately $431 million held at Lazard’s operations outside the U.S. Since Lazard provides for U.S. income taxes on substantially all of its unrepatriated foreign earnings, we expect that no material amount of

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additional U.S. income taxes would be recognized upon receipt of dividends or distributions of such earnings from our foreign operations.

We maintain lines of credit in excess of anticipated liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2016, Lazard had approximately $164 million in unused lines of credit available to it, including a $150 million, five-year, senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders that expires in September 2020 (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”) (see “—Financing Activities” below) and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $11 million (at September 30, 2016 exchange rates).

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary terms and conditions, including limitations on consolidations, mergers, indebtedness and certain payments, as well as financial condition covenants relating to leverage and interest coverage ratios. Lazard Group’s obligations under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement may be accelerated upon customary events of default, including non-payment of principal or interest, breaches of covenants, cross-defaults to other material debt, a change in control and specified bankruptcy events.

Financing Activities

The table below sets forth our corporate indebtedness as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The agreements with respect to this indebtedness are discussed in more detail in our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K. The table, as of December 31, 2015, reflects the retrospective application of new disclosure guidance on debt issuance costs. See Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

During February 2015, Lazard Group completed an offering of the 2025 Notes. Lazard Group used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem or otherwise retire $450 million of the 2017 Notes, which, including the recognition of unamortized issuance costs, resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment in connection with the redemption of such 2017 Notes of approximately $60 million.

Lazard’s annual cash flow generated from operations historically has been sufficient to enable it to meet its annual obligations. We believe that our cash flows from operating activities, along with the use of our credit lines as needed, should be sufficient for us to fund our current obligations for the next 12 months.

As long as the lenders’ commitments remain in effect, any loan pursuant to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement remains outstanding and unpaid or any other amount is due to the lending bank group, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement includes financial covenants that require that Lazard Group not permit (i) its Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) for the 12-month period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be greater than 3.25 to 1.00 or (ii) its Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) for the 12-month period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be less than 3.00 to 1.00. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2016, Lazard Group was in compliance with such ratios, with its Consolidated Leverage Ratio being 1.16 to 1.00 and its Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio being 20.06 to 1.00. In any event, no amounts were outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2016.

In addition, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, indenture and supplemental indentures relating to Lazard Group’s senior notes contain certain other covenants (none of which relate to financial condition), events of default and other customary provisions. At September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of these provisions. We may, to the extent required and subject to restrictions contained in our financing arrangements, use other financing sources, which may cause us to be subject to additional restrictions or covenants.

See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding senior debt.

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Stockholders’ Equity

At September 30, 2016, total stockholders’ equity was $1,301 million, as compared to $1,367 million at December 31, 2015, including $1,243 million and $1,313 million attributable to Lazard Ltd on the respective dates. The net activity in stockholders’ equity during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 is reflected in the table below (in millions of dollars):

 

 

The Board of Directors of Lazard has issued a series of authorizations to repurchase Class A common stock, which help offset the dilutive effect of our share-based incentive compensation plans. During a given year the Company intends to repurchase at least as many shares as it expects to ultimately issue pursuant to such compensation plans in respect of year-end incentive compensation attributable to the prior year. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with this annual objective may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below:

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, a total of $191 million of share repurchase authorization remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2017.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company had in place trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to which it effected stock repurchases in the open market.

The Company plans to continue to deploy excess cash and may do so in a variety of ways, which may include repurchasing outstanding shares of Class A common stock, paying dividends to stockholders and repurchasing its outstanding debt.

See Notes 11 and 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding Lazard’s stockholders’ equity and incentive plans, respectively.

Regulatory Capital

We actively monitor our regulatory capital base. Our principal subsidiaries are subject to regulatory requirements in their respective jurisdictions to ensure their general financial soundness and liquidity, which require, among other things, that we comply with certain minimum capital requirements, record-keeping, reporting procedures, relationships with customers, experience and training requirements for employees and certain other requirements and procedures. These regulatory requirements may restrict the flow of funds to and from affiliates. See Note 17 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. These regulations differ in the U.S., the U.K., France and other countries in which we operate. Our capital structure is designed to provide each of our subsidiaries with capital and liquidity consistent with its business and regulatory requirements. For a discussion of regulations relating to us, see Item 1, “Business—Regulation” included in our Form 10-K.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth information relating to Lazard’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016:

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our condensed consolidated financial condition and results of operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of Lazard’s condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, Lazard evaluates its estimates, including those related to revenue recognition, income taxes (including the impact on the tax receivable agreement obligation), investing activities and goodwill. Lazard bases these estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments, including judgments regarding the carrying values of assets and liabilities, that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Lazard believes that the critical accounting policies set forth below comprise the most significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Lazard generates substantially all of its net revenue from providing Financial Advisory and Asset Management services to clients. Lazard recognizes revenue when the following criteria are met:

The Company earns performance-based incentive fees on various investment products, including traditional products and alternative investment funds such as hedge funds and private equity funds. See “Financial Statement Overview” for a description of our revenue recognition policies on such fees.

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If, in Lazard’s judgment, collection of a fee is not probable, Lazard will not recognize revenue until the uncertainty is removed. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide coverage for estimated losses from our receivables. We determine the adequacy of the allowance by estimating the probability of loss based on our analysis of the client’s creditworthiness and specifically reserve against exposures where we determine the receivables are impaired, which may include situations where a fee is in dispute or litigation has commenced.

With respect to fees receivable from Financial Advisory activities, such receivables are generally deemed past due when they are outstanding 60 days from the date of invoice. However, some Financial Advisory transactions include specific contractual payment terms that may vary from one month to four years (as is the case for our Private Capital Advisory fees) following the invoice date or may be subject to court approval (as is the case with restructuring assignments that include bankruptcy proceedings). In such cases, receivables are deemed past due when payment is not received by the agreed-upon contractual date or the court approval date, respectively. Financial Advisory fee receivables past due in excess of 180 days are fully provided for unless there is evidence that the balance is collectible. Asset Management fees are deemed past due and fully provided for when such receivables are outstanding 12 months after the invoice date. Notwithstanding our policy for receivables past due, we specifically reserve against exposures relating to Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees where we determine receivables are impaired.

Compensation Liabilities

Annual discretionary compensation represents a significant portion of our annual compensation and benefits expense. We allocate the estimated amount of such annual discretionary compensation to interim periods in proportion to the amount of operating revenue earned in such periods based on an assumed annual ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue. See “Financial Statement Overview—Operating Expenses” for more information on our periodic compensation and benefits expense.

Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we estimate our income taxes for each of our tax-paying entities in its respective jurisdictions. In addition to estimating actual current tax liabilities for these jurisdictions, we also must account for the tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting of items, such as basis adjustments, compensation and benefits expense, and depreciation and amortization. Differences which are temporary in nature result in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets and our unrecognized tax benefits.

We recognize a deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of greater than 50%) that a tax benefit will be accepted by a taxing authority. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based upon currently enacted tax rates in the applicable jurisdictions. At December 31, 2015, on a consolidated basis, we recorded gross deferred tax assets of approximately $1.28 billion, with such amount partially offset by a valuation allowance of approximately $89 million (as described below).

Subsequent to the initial recognition of deferred tax assets, we also must continually assess the likelihood that such deferred tax assets will be realized. If we determine that we may not fully derive the benefit from a deferred tax asset, we consider whether it would be appropriate to apply a valuation allowance against the applicable deferred tax asset, taking into account all available information. The ultimate realization of a deferred tax asset for a particular entity depends, among other things, on the generation of taxable income by such entity in the applicable jurisdiction.

We consider multiple possible sources of taxable income when assessing a valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset, including:

The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers all available information, including the following:

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The weight we give to any particular item is, in part, dependent upon the degree to which it can be objectively verified. We give greater weight to the recent results of operations of a relevant entity. Pre-tax operating losses on a three year cumulative basis or lack of sustainable profitability are considered objectively verifiable evidence and will generally outweigh a projection of future taxable income.

Certain of our tax-paying entities have individually experienced losses on a cumulative three year basis or have not yet attained a sustained level of profitability. In addition, one of our tax paying entities has recorded a valuation allowance on all of its deferred tax assets due to the combined effect of operating losses in certain subsidiaries of that entity as well as foreign taxes that together substantially offset any U.S. tax liability. Taking into account all available information, we cannot determine that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets held by these entities will be realized. Consequently, we have recorded valuation allowances on $89 million of deferred tax assets held by these entities as of December 31, 2015.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had a valuation allowance on substantially all of our deferred tax assets at that time. Certain of our tax-paying entities at which we had historically recorded significant valuation allowances were profitable on a cumulative basis for the three year periods ended June 30, 2015. In assessing our valuation allowance as of June 30, 2015, we considered all available information, including the magnitude of recent and current operating results, the relatively long duration of statutory carryforward periods, our historical experience utilizing tax attributes prior to their expiration dates, the historical volatility of operating results of these entities and our assessment regarding the sustainability of their profitability. At that time, we concluded that there was a sufficient history of sustained profitability at these entities that it was more likely than not that these entities would be able to realize deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the period ended June 30, 2015, we released substantially all of the valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets held by these entities.

As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of approximately $878 million, including $821 million recorded in the second quarter of 2015. We also recorded a separate deferred tax benefit of $378 million in the second quarter of 2015 that reflected the tax deductibility of payments under the tax receivable agreement. In addition, in the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a deferred tax expense of approximately $161 million relating to the reduction of a deferred tax asset as a result of the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation. See “—Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement” below for more information regarding our accrual under the tax receivable agreement in the second quarter of 2015 and the partial extinguishment of our tax receivable agreement obligation in the third quarter of 2015.

As a result of the release of our valuation allowance during 2015, our effective tax rate in the 2016 period is significantly higher than our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014. We do not expect that this increase in our effective tax rate resulting from the reduction in the valuation allowance will impact the amount of cash income taxes we will be required to pay to taxing authorities. However, as described below, payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement may be required.

We record tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return based upon our estimates regarding the amount that is more likely than not to be realized or paid, including in connection with the resolution of any related appeals or other legal processes. Accordingly, we recognize liabilities for certain unrecognized tax benefits based on the amounts that are more likely than not to be settled with the relevant taxing authority. Such liabilities are evaluated periodically as new information becomes available and any changes in the amounts of such liabilities are recorded as adjustments to “income tax expense.” Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits involve significant judgment and the ultimate resolution of such matters may be materially different from our estimates.

In addition to the discussion above regarding deferred tax assets and associated valuation allowances, as well as unrecognized tax benefit liability estimates, other factors affect our provision for income taxes, including changes in the geographic mix of our business, the level of our annual pre-tax income, transfer pricing and intercompany transactions.

See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to income taxes.

Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement

During the period ended June 30, 2015, we released substantially all of our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. As a result, we accrued a corresponding liability during the period ended June 30, 2015 for amounts relating to the Second Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2015 (the “Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement”), between Lazard and LTBP Trust (the “Trust”). In addition, in the third quarter of 2015, we purchased a portion of our obligation

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relating to the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, which had the effect of reducing such liability. See Note 16 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement.

The amount of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement liability is an undiscounted amount based upon currently enacted tax laws, the current structure of the Company and various assumptions regarding potential future operating profitability. The assumptions reflected in the estimate involve significant judgment. As such, the actual amount and timing of payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement could differ materially from our estimates. Any changes in the amount of the estimated liability would be recorded as a non-compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Adjustments, if necessary, to the related deferred tax assets would be recorded through income tax expense.

The cumulative liability relating to our obligations under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement recorded as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $514 million and $524 million, respectively, and is recorded in “tax receivable agreement obligation” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Investments

Investments consist primarily of interest-bearing deposits, debt and equity securities, interests in alternative investment, debt, equity and private equity funds and investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

These investments, with the exception of interest-bearing deposits and equity method investments, are carried at fair value on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, and any increases or decreases in the fair value of these investments are reflected in earnings. The fair value of investments is generally based upon market prices or the net asset value (“NAV”) or its equivalent for investments in funds. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the measurement of the fair value of investments.

Lazard is subject to market and credit risk on investments held. As such, gains and losses on investment positions held, which arise from sales or changes in the fair value of the investments, are not predictable and can cause periodic fluctuations in net income.

Data relating to investments is set forth below:

 

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At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, total investments with a fair value of $455 million and $478 million, respectively, included $1 million at each such date, or less than 1%, respectively, of investments that were classified as Level 3 investments and $140 million and $123 million, respectively, or 31% and 26%, respectively, of investments that were classified using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient. See Notes 4 and 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding investments measured at fair value, including the levels of fair value within which such measurements of fair value fall.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company held seed investments of approximately $124 million and $157 million, respectively. Seed investments held in entities in which the Company maintained a controlling interest were $36 million in nine entities as of September 30, 2016, as compared to $60 million in twelve entities as of December 31, 2015.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not consolidate or deconsolidate any seed investment entities. As such, 100% of the recorded balance of seed investments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 represented the Company’s economic interest in the seed investments. See “—Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” below for more information on the Company’s policy regarding the consolidation of seed investment entities.

For additional information regarding risks associated with our investments, see “Risk Management—Investments” below as well as Item 1A, “Risk Factors—Other Business Risks—Our results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the fair value of positions held in our investment portfolios” in our Form 10-K.

Assets Under Management

AUM primarily consists of debt and equity instruments, which have a value that is readily available based on either prices quoted on a recognized exchange or prices provided by external pricing services.

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Prices of equity and debt securities and other instruments that comprise our AUM are provided by well-recognized, independent, third-party vendors. Such third-party vendors rely on prices provided by external pricing services which are obtained from recognized exchanges or markets, or, for certain fixed income securities, from an evaluated bid or other similarly sourced price.

Either directly, or through our third-party vendors, we perform a variety of regular due diligence procedures on our pricing service providers. Those procedures include oversight by our internal operations group, review of the pricing service providers’ internal control frameworks, review of the pricing service providers’ valuation methodologies, reconciliation to client custodial account values and comparison of significant pricing differences.

Goodwill

In accordance with current accounting guidance, goodwill has an indefinite life and is tested for impairment annually, as of November 1, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company performs a qualitative evaluation about whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount in lieu of actually calculating the fair value of the reporting unit. See Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding goodwill.

Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lazard Group and entities in which it has a controlling interest. Lazard determines whether it has a controlling interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity (“VOE”) or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under U.S. GAAP.

Lazard’s involvement with various entities that are VOEs or VIEs primarily arises from investment management contracts with fund entities in our Asset Management business. Lazard is not required to consolidate such entities because, with the exception of certain seed investments, as discussed below, we do not hold more than an inconsequential equity interest in such entities and we do not hold other variable interests (including our investment management agreements, which do not meet the definition of variable interests) in such entities.

Lazard makes seed investments in certain entities that are considered VOEs and often require consolidation as a result of our investment. The impact of seed investment entities that require consolidation on the condensed consolidated financial statements, including any consolidation or deconsolidation of such entities, is not material to our financial statements. Our exposure to loss from entities in which we have made seed investments is limited to the extent of our investment in, or investment commitment to, such entities. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Investments” above for more information regarding our investments.

Generally, when the Company initially invests to seed an investment entity, the Company is the majority owner of the entity. Our majority ownership in seed investment entities represents a controlling interest, except when we are the general partner in such entities and the third-party investors have the right to replace the general partner. To the extent material, we consolidate seed investment entities in which we own a controlling interest, and we would deconsolidate any such entity when we no longer have a controlling interest in such entity.

Risk Management

Investments

The Company has investments in a variety of asset classes, primarily debt and equity securities, and interests in alternative investments, debt, equity and private equity funds. The Company makes investments primarily to seed strategies in our Asset Management business or to reduce exposure arising from LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. The Company measures its net economic exposure to market and other risks arising from investments that it owns, excluding (i) investments held in

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connection with LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, (ii) investments in funds owned entirely by the noncontrolling interest holders of certain acquired entities and (iii) interest-bearing deposits over 90 days that allow daily withdrawals without principal penalties.

Risk sensitivities include the effects of economic hedging. For equity market price risk, investment portfolios and their corresponding hedges are beta-adjusted to the All-Country World equity index. Fair value and sensitivity measurements presented herein are based on various portfolio exposures at a particular point in time and may not be representative of future results. Risk exposures may change as a result of ongoing portfolio activities and changing market conditions, among other things.

Equity Market Price Risk—At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s exposure to equity market price risk in its investment portfolio, which primarily relates to investments in equity securities, equity funds and hedge funds, was approximately $100 million and $129 million, respectively. The Company hedges market exposure arising from a significant portion of our equity investment portfolios by entering into total return swaps. The Company estimates that a hypothetical 10% adverse change in market prices would result in a net decrease of approximately $1.1 million and $1.8 million in the carrying value of such investments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, including the effect of the hedging transactions.

Interest Rate/Credit Spread Risk—At both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s exposure to interest rate and credit spread risk in its investment portfolio related to investments in debt securities or funds which invest primarily in debt securities was $50 million. The Company hedges market exposure arising from a portion of our debt investment portfolios by entering into total return swaps. The Company estimates that a hypothetical 100 basis point adverse change in interest rates or credit spreads would result in a decrease of approximately $0.8 million in the carrying value of such investments as of both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, including the effect of the hedging transactions.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk—At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s exposure to foreign exchange rate risk in its investment portfolio, which primarily relates to investments in foreign currency denominated equity and debt securities, was $57 million and $64 million, respectively. A significant portion of the Company’s foreign currency exposure related to our equity and debt investment portfolios is hedged through the aforementioned total return swaps. The Company estimates that a 10% adverse change in foreign exchange rates versus the U.S. dollar would result in a decrease of approximately $1.5 million and $1.0 million in the carrying value of such investments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, including the effect of the hedging transactions.

Private Equity—The Company invests in private equity primarily as a part of its co-investment activities and in connection with certain legacy businesses. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company’s exposure to changes in fair value of such investments was approximately $110 million and $84 million, respectively. The Company estimates that a hypothetical 10% adverse change in fair value would result in a decrease of approximately $11.0 million and $8.4 million in the carrying value of such investments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Risks Related to Receivables

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide coverage for probable losses from our receivables. We determine the adequacy of the allowance by estimating the probability of loss based on our analysis of the client’s creditworthiness, among other things, and specifically provide for exposures where we determine the receivables are impaired. At September 30, 2016, total receivables amounted to $538 million, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $13 million. As of that date, Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees, and customers and other receivables comprised 82% and 18% of total receivables, respectively. At December 31, 2015, total receivables amounted to $497 million, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $13 million. As of that date, Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees, and customers and other receivables comprised 85% and 15% of total receivables, respectively. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of approximately $22 million and $20 million, respectively. See also “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Revenue Recognition” above and Note 3 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding receivables.

LFB engages in lending activities, including commitments to extend credit (primarily for clients of LFG). At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, customer receivables included $49 million and $38 million of LFB loans, respectively, with such loans being fully collateralized and closely monitored for counterparty creditworthiness.

Credit Concentrations

To reduce the exposure to concentrations of credit, the Company monitors large exposures to individual counterparties.

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Risks Related to Derivatives

Lazard enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge exposures to currency exchange rates and interest rates and uses total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices to hedge a portion of its market exposure with respect to certain seed investments related to our Asset Management business. Derivative contracts are recorded at fair value. Derivative assets amounted to $2 million and $1 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and derivative liabilities, excluding the derivative liability arising from the Company’s obligation pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, amounted to $11 million and $2 million at such respective dates.

The Company also records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI awards and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are equally offset by the changes in the fair value of investments which are expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI awards. Derivative liabilities relating to LFI amounted to $175 million and $194 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Risks Related to Cash and Cash Equivalents and Corporate Indebtedness

A significant portion of the Company’s indebtedness has fixed interest rates, while its cash and cash equivalents generally have market interest rates. Based on account balances as of September 30, 2016, Lazard estimates that its annual operating income relating to cash and cash equivalents would increase by approximately $9 million in the event interest rates were to increase by 1% and decrease by approximately $9 million if rates were to decrease by 1%.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $854 million. Substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were invested in (i) highly liquid institutional money market funds (a significant majority of which were invested solely in U.S. Government or agency money market funds), (ii) in short-term interest bearing and non-interest bearing accounts at a number of leading banks throughout the world, and (iii) in short-term certificates of deposit from such banks. Cash and cash equivalents are constantly monitored. On a regular basis, management reviews its investment profile as well as the credit profile of its list of depositor banks in order to adjust any deposit or investment thresholds as necessary.

Operational Risk

Operational risk is inherent in all our business and may, for example, manifest itself in the form of errors, breaches in the system of internal controls, employee misconduct, business interruptions, fraud, including fraud perpetrated by third parties, or legal actions due to operating deficiencies or noncompliance. The Company maintains a framework including policies and a system of internal controls designed to monitor and manage operational risk and provide management with timely and accurate information. Management within each of the operating companies is primarily responsible for its operational risk programs. The Company has in place business continuity and disaster recovery programs that manage its capabilities to provide services in the case of a disruption. We purchase insurance policies designed to help protect the Company against accidental loss and losses that may significantly affect our financial objectives, personnel, property or our ability to continue to meet our responsibilities to our various stakeholder groups.

Recent Accounting Developments

For a discussion of recently issued accounting developments and their impact or potential impact on Lazard’s consolidated financial statements, see Note 2 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Risk Management

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are included under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Management”.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules

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and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In addition, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and inquiries concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our businesses, including proceedings initiated by former employees alleging wrongful termination. The Company reviews such matters on a case-by-case basis and establishes any required accrual if a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company experiences significant variation in its revenue and earnings on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the results of any pending matter or matters could be significant when compared to the Company’s earnings in any particular fiscal quarter. The Company believes, however, based on currently available information, that the results of any pending matters, in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its business or financial condition.

There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016.

The Company transferred unregistered equity securities as part of a business acquisition in the third quarter of 2016. See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information regarding Lazard’s purchases of its Class A common stock on a monthly basis during the third quarter of 2016. Share repurchases are recorded on a trade date basis.

 

 

 

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The share repurchase program is used primarily to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the 2008 Plan and the 2005 Plan. Purchases under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Amounts shown in this line item include repurchases of Class A common stock and exclude the shares of Class A common stock withheld by the Company to meet the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements as described below.

None.

Not applicable.

On October 27, 2016, the Company entered into Amendment No.1 to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Lazard Group, dated as of October, 26, 2015, to update certain provisions regarding the management of Lazard Group by the managing members of Lazard Group, which are controlled by Lazard Ltd.

 

 

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PART IV

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 28, 2016

 

 

 

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