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Lazard Ltd - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                          to                         

001-32492

(Commission File Number)

 

 

LAZARD LTD

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Bermuda    98-0437848
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or Organization)   

 

 

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  x    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  x    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):

 

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of October 23, 2013, there were 129,056,081 shares of the Registrant’s Class A common stock (including 7,313,364 shares held by subsidiaries) and one share of the registrant’s Class B common stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

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 has no material operating assets other than indirect ownership as of September 30, 2013 of approximately 99.5% of the common membership interests in Lazard Group and its controlling interest in Lazard Group.

 

     Page  

Part I. Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

     1   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     42   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     75   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     75   

Part II. Other Information

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     76   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     76   

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     76   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     77   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     77   

Item 5. Other Information

     77   

Item 6. Exhibits

     78   

Signatures

     84   

 

i


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

     Page  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2013 and December  31, 2012

     2   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     4   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     5   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     6   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

     7   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

     9   

 

1


Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND DECEMBER 31, 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

ASSETS

     
Cash and cash equivalents    $ 688,367       $ 850,190   
Deposits with banks      273,168         292,494   
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash      59,541         65,232   

Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,160 and $23,017 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively):

     

Fees

     430,197         400,529   

Customers and other

     91,678         53,713   

Related parties

     14,276         23,801   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     536,151         478,043   

Investments

     469,722         414,673   
     

Property (net of accumulated amortization and depreciation of $244,634 and $225,861 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)

     249,780         225,033   

Goodwill and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $38,039 and $35,281 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)

     376,401         392,822   
Other assets      303,326         268,406   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 2,956,456       $ 2,986,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND DECEMBER 31, 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

                               
     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Liabilities:

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 289,872      $ 269,763   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     382,064        467,578   

Senior debt

     1,076,850        1,076,850   

Capital lease obligations

     16,094        17,863   

Related party payables

     4,695        3,648   

Other liabilities

     529,820        499,651   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     2,299,395        2,335,353   

Commitments and contingencies

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 15,000,000 shares authorized:

    

Series A - 7,921 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

              

Series B - no shares issued and outstanding

              

Common stock:

    

Class A, par value $.01 per share (500,000,000 shares authorized;
129,056,081 and 128,216,423 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, including shares held by subsidiaries as indicated below)

     1,290        1,282   

Class B, par value $.01 per share (1 share authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012)

              

Additional paid-in-capital

     693,741        846,050   

Retained earnings

     219,319        182,647   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (127,852     (110,541
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     786,498        919,438   

Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost (7,313,759 and 12,802,938 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)

     (203,724     (349,782
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Lazard Ltd Stockholders’ Equity

     582,774        569,656   

Noncontrolling interests

     74,287        81,884   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     657,061        651,540   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 2,956,456      $ 2,986,893   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTH AND NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands, except for per share data)

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2013      2012      2013      2012  

REVENUE

          

Investment banking and other advisory fees

    $232,006         $218,262         $    660,351         $    732,109   

Money management fees

    241,478         214,867         707,536         621,070   

Interest income

    1,347         733         3,823         4,598   

Other

    25,692         15,602         61,587         55,379   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

    500,523         449,464         1,433,297         1,413,156   

Interest expense

    20,169         20,658         60,635         61,401   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net revenue

    480,354         428,806         1,372,662         1,351,755   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

          

Compensation and benefits

    301,809         283,818         910,679         905,527   

Occupancy and equipment

    27,393         25,680         96,435         80,309   

Marketing and business development

    17,077         19,096         60,646         69,685   

Technology and information services

    22,217         21,474         65,331         63,142   

Professional services

    12,904         8,514         32,223         31,099   

Fund administration and outsourced services

    14,475         13,179         43,328         39,300   

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

    877         2,494         2,758         6,172   

Other

    2,484         7,825         17,609         27,439   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    399,236         382,080         1,229,009         1,222,673   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

    81,118         46,726         143,653         129,082   

Provision for income taxes

    18,370         13,053         31,335         32,191   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

    62,748         33,673         112,318         96,891   

LESS - NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

    2,466         372         5,323         7,217   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
LAZARD LTD

         $  60,282         $  33,301         $  106,995         $    89,674   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD LTD CLASS A
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS:

          

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING:

          

Basic

    122,199,954         115,603,351         120,556,047         117,689,404   

Diluted

    134,242,144         135,380,036         133,174,000         135,537,050   

NET INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:

          

Basic

    $0.49         $0.29         $0.89         $0.76   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

    $0.45         $0.26         $0.81         $0.70   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

    $0.25         $0.20         $0.50         $0.56   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE MONTH AND NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013          2012         2013         2012  

NET INCOME

   $ 62,748       $   33,673      $ 112,318      $ 96,891   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
NET OF TAX:

         

Currency translation adjustments

     12,157         14,306        (18,610     12,352   

Amortization of interest rate hedge

     264         264        791        791   

Employee benefit plans:

         

Actuarial gain (loss) (net of tax (expense) benefit of $(25) and $994 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1,686 and $3,719 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively)

     50         (1,893     (2,669     (7,947

Adjustment for items reclassified to earnings (net of tax expense of $404 and $278 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $1,206 and $856 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively)

     1,223         803        3,653        2,444   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS),
NET OF TAX

     13,694         13,480        (16,835     7,640   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

     76,442         47,153        95,483        104,531   

LESS - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

     2,523         1,086        5,201        7,784   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD LTD

   $ 73,919       $ 46,067      $ 90,282      $ 96,747   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 AND 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 112,318     $ 96,891   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Noncash items included in net income:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property

     25,465        22,472   

Amortization of deferred expenses, share-based incentive compensation
and interest rate hedge

     239,357        252,812   

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     2,758        6,172   

(Increase) decrease in operating assets:

    

Deposits with banks

     25,558        18,465   

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     6,291        13,614   

Receivables-net

     (55,516     23,115   

Investments

     (54,520     (55,135

Other assets

     (81,898     (54,449

Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:

    

Deposits and other payables

     14,158        (28,361

Accrued compensation and benefits and other liabilities

     (66,104     (55,770
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     167,867        239,826   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Additions to property

     (54,344     (71,722

Disposals of property

     5,843        2,158   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (48,501     (69,564
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from:

    

Contribution from noncontrolling interests

     805        1,544   

Excess tax benefits from share-based incentive compensation

     2,211          

Payments for:

    

Capital lease obligations

     (2,092     (1,878

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     (10,228     (17,399

Purchase of Class A common stock

     (77,934     (222,679

Class A common stock dividends

     (60,931     (66,219

Settlement of vested share-based incentive compensation

     (125,546     (40,686

Other financing activities

     (165     (99
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (273,880     (347,416
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

     (7,309     6,303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (161,823     (170,851

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—January 1

     850,190        1,003,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—September 30

   $ 688,367      $ 832,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

    Series A
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
Net of Tax
    Class A
Common Stock
Held By Subsidiaries
    Total
Lazard Ltd
Stockholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
                   
    Shares       $       Shares(*)         $               Shares       $          

Balance – January 1, 2012

    7,921      $  –        123,009,312      $ 1,230      $ 659,013      $ 258,646      $ (88,364     3,492,017      $ (104,382   $ 726,143      $ 140,713      $ 866,856   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

                       

Net income

              89,674              89,674        7,217        96,891   

Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax:

                       

Currency translation adjustments

                11,547            11,547        805        12,352   

Amortization of interest rate hedge

                751            751        40        791   

Employee benefit plans:

                       

Net actuarial loss

                (7,545         (7,545     (402     (7,947

Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings

                2,320            2,320        124        2,444   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

                      96,747        7,784        104,531   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Business acquisitions and related equity transactions:

                       

Class A common stock issuable (including related amortization)

            3,369                3,369        180        3,549   

Amortization of share-based incentive compensation

            209,036                209,036        11,139        220,175   

Dividend-equivalents

            11,770        (11,856           (86     (5     (91

Class A common stock dividends

              (66,219           (66,219       (66,219

Purchase of Class A common stock

                  8,235,306        (222,679     (222,679       (222,679

Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax expense of $972

         

 

(141,781

        (3,196,018     100,172        (41,609     (49     (41,658

Class A common stock issued in exchange for Lazard Group common membership interests

        191,701        2        (2                        

Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net

                             (15,855     (15,855

Deconsolidation of investment companies

                             (14,783     (14,783

Adjustments related to noncontrolling interests

            9,242          (117         9,125        (9,125       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance – September 30, 2012

    7,921      $        123,201,013      $ 1,232      $ 750,647      $ 270,245      $ (81,408     8,531,305      $ (226,889   $ 713,827      $ 119,999      $ 833,826   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(*)

Includes 123,009,311 and 123,201,012 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock issued at January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively, and 1 share of the Company’s Class B common stock issued at each such date.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

(UNAUDITED)

(dollars in thousands)

 

    Series A
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-In-
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
Net of Tax
    Class A
Common Stock
Held By Subsidiaries
    Total
Lazard Ltd
Stockholders’
Equity
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
                   
    Shares       $       Shares(*)         $               Shares       $          

Balance – January 1, 2013

    7,921      $  –        128,216,424      $ 1,282      $ 846,050      $ 182,647      $ (110,541     12,802,938      $ (349,782   $ 569,656      $ 81,884      $ 651,540   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

                       

Net income

              106,995              106,995        5,323        112,318   

Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax:

                       

Currency translation adjustments

                (18,478         (18,478     (132)        (18,610

Amortization of interest rate hedge

                786            786        5        791   

Employee benefit plans:

                       

Net actuarial loss

                (2,654         (2,654     (15     (2,669

Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings

                3,633            3,633        20        3,653   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

                      90,282        5,201        95,483   
                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Business acquisitions and related equity transactions:

                       

Class A common stock issuable (including related amortization)

            829                829        5        834   

Delivery of Class A common stock (including dividend-equivalents)

            (4,994)        (179)          (170,988)        5,173                   

Amortization of share-based incentive compensation

            182,338                182,338        1,003        183,341   

Dividend-equivalents

            8,440        (8,604           (164     (1     (165

Class A common stock dividends

              (60,931           (60,931       (60,931

Purchase of Class A common stock

                  2,201,657        (77,934)        (77,934       (77,934

Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with shared-based incentive compensation and related tax benefit of $862

            (342,898     (609       (7,519,848     218,819        (124,688     4        (124,684

Class A common stock issued in exchange for Lazard Group common membership interests

        839,658        8        (8                        

Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net

                             (9,423     (9,423

Adjustments related to noncontrolling interests

            3,984          (598         3,386        (4,386     (1,000
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance – September 30, 2013

    7,921      $ –          129,056,082      $ 1,290      $ 693,741      $ 219,319      $ (127,852     7,313,759      $ (203,724   $ 582,774      $ 74,287      $ 657,061   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

 

(*)

Includes 128,216,423 and 129,056,081 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock issued at January 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013, respectively, and 1 share of the Company’s Class B common stock issued at each such date.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

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

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

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 approximately 99.5% and 98.8% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group, which is governed by an Operating Agreement dated as of May 10, 2005, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”). LAZ-MD Holdings LLC (“LAZ-MD Holdings”), an entity owned by Lazard Group’s current and former managing directors, held approximately 0.5% and 1.2% of the outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Additionally, LAZ-MD Holdings was the sole owner of the one issued and outstanding share of Lazard Ltd’s Class B common stock (the “Class B common stock”) which provided LAZ-MD Holdings with approximately 0.5% and 1.2% of the voting power but no economic rights in the Company as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Subject to certain limitations, LAZ-MD Holdings’ interests in Lazard Group are exchangeable for Lazard Ltd Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Class A common stock”).

Our sole operating asset is our indirect ownership of common membership interests of Lazard Group and our managing member interest of Lazard Group, whose principal operating activities are included in two business segments:

 

   

Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) and other strategic matters, restructurings, capital structure, capital raising and various other financial matters, and

 

   

Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients.

In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments and outstanding indebtedness, as well as certain commercial banking activities of Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary, Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”).

LFB is a registered bank regulated by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (“ACPR”). It 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.

 

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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)

 

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, 2012 (the “Form 10-K”). The accompanying December 31, 2012 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. 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, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period.

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 (i) entities in which it has a controlling financial interest, (ii) variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company has a variable interest and is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and (iii) limited partnerships where the Company is the general partner, unless the presumption of control is overcome. 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.

 

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

Offsetting (Netting) Assets and Liabilities—In the first quarter of 2013, the Company adopted the new disclosure requirements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) regarding the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments, including derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either (i) offset or (ii) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement. The new

 

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Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

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

 

disclosures are designed to make financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position. The disclosure requirements are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective application required. The adoption of the new disclosure requirements did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income—In the first quarter of 2013, the Company adopted the FASB’s amended guidance regarding the presentation of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendment required that the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income be presented by component and disclosed where the respective line item was reported in the consolidated statement of operations. The amendment was to be applied prospectively, and is effective with interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits—In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when net operating losses or tax credit carryforwards exist. The guidance requires that the unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of such unrecognized tax benefit, be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except in certain situations, as defined in the guidance. The new presentation requirements are effective prospectively for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating this guidance, but does not anticipate its adoption will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3. RECEIVABLES

The Company’s receivables represent receivables from fees, customers and other and related parties.

Receivables are stated net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts of $26,160 and $23,017 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, for past due amounts and for specific accounts deemed uncollectible, which may include situations where a fee is in dispute. The Company recorded bad debt expense (recoveries) of $(198) and $1,644 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $1,553 and $2,701 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments, which resulted in a net increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,765 and $1,499 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $15 and $173 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of $36,255 and $25,604, respectively.

Of the Company’s total receivables at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $58,531 and $76,481, respectively, represented interest-bearing financing fee 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 $477,620 and $401,562 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, approximates 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)

 

4. INVESTMENTS

The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consisted of the following at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Debt (including interest-bearing deposits of $519 and $578, respectively)

   $ 7,501       $ 5,948   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equities

     55,467         44,992   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funds:

     

Alternative investments (a)

     45,809         57,890   

Debt (a)

     58,605         32,077   

Equity (a)

     177,831         154,310   

Private equity

     115,568         112,444   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     397,813         356,721   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity method

     8,941         7,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investments

     469,722         414,673   

Less:

     

Interest-bearing deposits

     519         578   

Equity method

     8,941         7,012   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investments, at fair value

   $ 460,262       $ 407,083   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in “other liabilities”)

   $ 4,075       $ 2,755   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Interests in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds include investments with fair values of $7,886, $31,029 and $125,571, respectively, at September 30, 2013 and $5,054, $18,615 and $76,907, respectively, at December 31, 2012, held in order to satisfy the Company’s liability upon vesting of previously granted Lazard Fund Interests (“Lazard Fund Interests”) and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. Lazard Fund Interests represent grants by the Company to eligible employees of actual or notional interests in a number of Lazard-managed funds (see Notes 6 and 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Debt securities primarily consist of seed investments invested in debt securities held within separately managed accounts related to our Asset Management business and non-U.S. government debt securities.

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.

Interests in alternative investment funds primarily consist of interests in various Lazard-managed hedge funds and funds of funds.

Debt funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business, which invest in debt securities, and amounts related to Lazard Fund Interests discussed above.

Equity funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business, which are invested in equity securities, and amounts related to Lazard Fund Interests discussed above.

 

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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)

 

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) a mezzanine fund, which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small- to mid-cap European companies, (ii) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies, (iii) Edgewater Growth Capital Partners III, L.P. (“EGCP III”), a fund primarily making equity and buyout investments in middle market companies and (iv) Lazard Australia Corporate Opportunities Fund 2 (“COF2”), a Lazard-managed Australian fund targeting Australasian mid-market investments.

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”) which totaled $12,379 and $11,490 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company reported in revenue-other on its condensed consolidated statements of operations gross unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities as follows (including, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, restated amounts pertaining to certain non-broker dealer subsidiaries):

 

     Three Month Period
Ended September 30,
     Nine Month Period
Ended September 30,
 
     2013     2012      2013      2012  

Gross unrealized investment gains

   $ 10,925      $ 11,825       $ 12,044       $ 19,137   

Gross unrealized investment losses

   $      $       $ 3,907       $ 35   

 

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Lazard has the ability to access.

 

Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, (ii) assets valued based on net asset value (“NAV”) or its equivalent redeemable at the measurement date or within the near term without redemption restrictions, or (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or derived principally from, or corroborated by, market data.

 

Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Items included in Level 3 include securities or other financial assets whose trading volume and level of activity have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity and there is no longer sufficient frequency or volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis, as well as assets valued based on NAV or its equivalent, but not redeemable within the near term as a result of redemption restrictions.

The Company’s investments in non-U.S. Government and other debt securities are classified as Level 1 when their respective fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 2 when their fair values are primarily based on prices as provided by external pricing services.

 

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Table of Contents

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 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 is classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the time frame of any applicable redemption restriction, and is valued at NAV or its equivalent, which is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators.

The fair value of investments in debt funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the reported closing price for the fund, and classified as Level 2 when the fair values are primarily based on NAV or its equivalent and are redeemable within the near term.

The fair value of investments in equity funds is classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 as follows: publicly traded asset management funds are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the reported closing price for the fund; investments in asset management funds redeemable in the near term are classified as Level 2 and are valued at NAV or its equivalent, which is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators; and funds valued based on NAV or its equivalent that are not redeemable within the near term are classified as Level 3.

The fair value of investments in private equity funds is classified as Level 3, and is primarily based on NAV or its equivalent. Such investments are not redeemable within the near term.

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 equity and fixed income 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 Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Where reported information regarding an investment is based on data received from external fund administrators or pricing services, the Company reviews such information and classifies the investment at the relevant level within the fair value hierarchy.

 

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 present the classification of investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 within the fair value hierarchy:

 

    September 30, 2013  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Investments:

       

Debt (excluding interest-bearing deposits)

  $ 1,090      $ 5,892      $      $ 6,982   

Equities

    54,144               1,323        55,467   

Funds:

       

Alternative investments

           45,809               45,809   

Debt

    58,601        4               58,605   

Equity

    177,792        39               177,831   

Private equity

                  115,568        115,568   

Derivatives

           313               313   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 291,627      $ 52,057      $ 116,891      $ 460,575   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

       

Securities sold, not yet purchased

  $ 4,075      $      $      $ 4,075   

Derivatives

           159,267               159,267   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,075      $ 159,267      $      $ 163,342   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    December 31, 2012  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets:

       

Investments:

       

Debt (excluding interest-bearing deposits)

  $ 1,443      $ 3,927      $      $ 5,370   

Equities

    44,802               190        44,992   

Funds:

       

Alternative investments

           54,433        3,457        57,890   

Debt

    32,073        4               32,077   

Equity

    145,231        9,069        10        154,310   

Private equity

                  112,444        112,444   

Derivatives

           933               933   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 223,549      $ 68,366      $ 116,101      $ 408,016   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

       

Securities sold, not yet purchased

  $ 2,696      $ 59      $      $ 2,755   

Derivatives

           102,492               102,492   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,696      $ 102,551      $      $ 105,247   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2013 and 2012.

 

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)

 

The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2013  
    Beginning
Balance
    Net  Unrealized/
Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included

In Revenue-
Other (a)
    Purchases/
Acquisitions
    Sales/
Dispositions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Ending
Balance
 
           

Investments:

           

Equities

  $ 637      $ 2      $ 650      $         –      $ 34      $ 1,323   

Alternative investment funds

    11        (11                            

Private equity funds

    112,833        5,174        2,907        (6,848)        1,502        115,568   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 Assets

  $ 113,481      $ 5,165      $ 3,557      $ (6,848)      $ 1,536      $ 116,891   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013  
    Beginning
Balance
    Net  Unrealized/
Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included

In Revenue-
Other (a)
    Purchases/
Acquisitions
    Sales/
Dispositions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Ending
Balance
 
           

Investments:

           

Equities

  $ 190      $ 8      $ 1,095      $        $  30      $ 1,323   

Alternative investment funds

    3,457        117               (3,574              

Equity funds

    10                      (10              

Private equity funds

    112,444        8,912        6,166        (12,716       762        115,568   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 Assets

  $ 116,101      $ 9,037      $ 7,261      $ (16,300     $792      $ 116,891   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Three Months Ended September 30, 2012  
    Beginning
Balance
    Net  Unrealized/
Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included

In Revenue-
Other (a)
    Purchases/
Acquisitions
    Sales/
Dispositions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Ending
Balance
 
           

Investments:

           

Equities

  $ 181      $      $      $      $ 5      $ 186   

Alternative investment funds

    4,626        18        10        (1,209            3,445   

Private equity funds

    113,991        (522     2,945        (348     1,128        117,194   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 Assets

  $ 118,798      $ (504   $ 2,955      $ (1,557   $ 1,133      $ 120,825   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012  
    Beginning
Balance
    Net  Unrealized/
Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included

In Revenue-
Other (a)
    Purchases/
Acquisitions
    Sales/
Dispositions
    Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Ending
Balance
 
           

Investments:

           

Equities

  $ 211      $ 5      $      $ (30   $      $ 186   

Alternative investment funds

    10,171        107        20        (6,853            3,445   

Private equity funds

    122,718        11,828        5,697        (23,093     44        117,194   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Level 3 Assets

  $ 133,100      $ 11,940      $ 5,717      $ (29,976   $ 44      $ 120,825   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Earnings for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 include net unrealized gains (losses) of $2,680, $6,007, $(460) and $9,103, respectively.

Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV—The Company’s Level 2 and Level 3 investments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value. Information with respect thereto was as follows:

 

    September 30, 2013
                % of
Fair Value
Not
Redeemable
  Estimated Liquidation Period of
Investments Not Redeemable
  Investments Redeemable
    Fair Value     Unfunded
Commitments
      %
Next
5 Years
  %
5-10
Years
  %
Thereafter
  Redemption
Frequency
  Redemption
Notice Period

Alternative investment funds

  $ 45,809      $      NA   NA   NA   NA   (a)   <30-90 days

Debt funds

    4             NA   NA   NA   NA   (b)   30 days

Equity funds

    39             NA   NA   NA   NA   (c)   <30-90 days

Private equity funds

    115,568        27,685      100%   13%   36%   51%   NA   NA
 

 

 

   

 

 

             

Total

  $ 161,420      $ 27,685               
 

 

 

   

 

 

             

 

Redemption frequency as follows:

 

(a) daily (1%), weekly (12%), monthly (55%) and quarterly (32%)
(b) daily (100%)
(c) daily (13%), monthly (58%) and quarterly (29%)

 

17


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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)

 

    December 31, 2012
                % of
Fair Value
Not
Redeemable
  Estimated Liquidation Period of
Investments Not Redeemable
  Investments Redeemable
    Fair Value     Unfunded
Commitments
      %
Next
5 Years
  %
5-10
Years
  %
Thereafter
  Redemption
Frequency
  Redemption
Notice Period

Alternative investment funds

  $ 57,890      $     

NA

  NA   NA   NA   (a)   <30-120 days

Debt funds

    4             NA   NA   NA   NA   (b)   30 days

Equity funds

    9,079             2%   –%   –%   2%   (c)   30-120 days

Private equity funds

    112,444        31,482      100%   13%   39%   48%   NA   NA
 

 

 

   

 

 

             

Total

  $ 179,417      $ 31,482               
 

 

 

   

 

 

             

 

Redemption frequency as follows:

 

(a) daily (10%), weekly (9%), monthly (38%) and quarterly (43%)
(b) daily (100%)
(c) daily (37%) and monthly (61%)

See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of significant investment strategies for investments valued based on NAV.

Investment Capital Funding Commitments—At September 30, 2013, the Company’s maximum unfunded commitments for capital contributions to investment funds arose from (i) commitments to Corporate Partners II Limited (“CP II”), which amounted to $1,940 for potential “follow-on investments” and/or for fund expenses through the earlier of February 25, 2017 or the liquidation of the fund, (ii) commitments to EGCP III, which amounted to $18,501 through the earlier of October 12, 2016 (i.e., the end of the investment period) for investments and/or expenses (with a portion of the undrawn amount of such commitments as of that date remaining committed until October 12, 2023 in respect of “follow-on investments” and/or fund expenses) or the liquidation of the fund and (iii) commitments to COF2, which amounted to $7,244 through the earlier of November 11, 2016 (i.e., the end of the investment period) for investments and/or fund expenses (with a portion of the undrawn amount of such commitments as of that date remaining committed until November 11, 2019 in respect of “follow-on investments” and/or fund expenses) or the liquidation of the fund.

 

6. DERIVATIVES

The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, equity and fixed income swaps and other derivative contracts to 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 consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments are included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, on the consolidated statements of operations.

In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to Lazard Fund Interests 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, and is

 

18


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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)

 

included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the 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 Lazard Fund Interests awards and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the 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 Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

    September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Derivative Assets:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts

  $ 313      $ 893   

Equity and fixed income swaps and other (a)

           40   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 313      $ 933   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative Liabilities:

   

Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts

  $ 1,136      $ 322   

Interest rate swaps

           235   

Equity and fixed income swaps (a)

    1,825        4,342   

Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements

    156,306        97,593   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 159,267      $ 102,492   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) For equity and fixed income swaps, amounts represent the netting of gross derivative assets and liabilities of $480 and $2,305 as of September 30, 2013, respectively, and $0 and $4,342 as of December 31, 2012, respectively, for contracts with the same counterparty under legally enforceable master netting agreements. Such amounts are recorded “net” in “other assets”, with receivables for net cash collateral under such contracts of $14,684 and $15,304 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

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 Lazard Fund Interests 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, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts

   $ (5,310   $ (3,377   $ (1,705   $ (1,248

Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements

     (7,519     (4,728     (7,767     (4,639

Equity and fixed income swaps and other

     (6,520     (7,471     (6,872     (14,096
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (19,349   $ (15,576   $ (16,344   $ (19,983
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

19


Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

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

 

7. PROPERTY

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, property consisted of the following:

 

    Estimated
Depreciable
Life in Years
    September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Buildings

    33        $170,479        $166,560   

Leasehold improvements

    3-20        173,303        143,408   

Furniture and equipment

    3-10        146,504        122,125   

Construction in progress

      4,128        18,801   
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      494,414        450,894   

Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization

      244,634        225,861   
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property

      $249,780        $225,033   
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are presented below:

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Goodwill

   $ 350,619       $ 364,328   

Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization)

     25,782         28,494   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 376,401       $ 392,822   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, goodwill of $286,078 and $299,787, 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, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

Balance, January 1

   $ 364,328      $ 356,657   

Business acquisitions

     1,601        4,272   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (15,310     3,832   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30

   $ 350,619      $ 364,761   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

20


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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 gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, by major intangible asset category, are as follows:

 

    September 30, 2013     December 31, 2012  
    Gross Cost     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Carrying
Amount
    Gross Cost     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net Carrying
Amount
 

Success/performance fees

  $ 30,740     $ 10,726      $ 20,014      $ 30,740      $ 10,678      $ 20,062   

Management fees, customer relationships and non-compete agreements

    33,081        27,313        5,768        33,035        24,603        8,432   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 63,821      $ 38,039      $ 25,782      $ 63,775      $ 35,281      $ 28,494   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense of intangible assets for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 was $877 and $2,758, respectively, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 was $2,494 and $6,172, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31,

   Amortization
Expense (a)
 

2013 (October 1 through December 31)

   $ 2,589   

2014

     11,574   

2015

     6,438   

2016

     5,181   
  

 

 

 

Total amortization expense

   $ 25,782   
  

 

 

 

 

  (a) Approximately 45% of intangible asset amortization is attributable to a noncontrolling interest.

 

9. SENIOR DEBT

Senior debt was comprised of the following as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

     Initial
Principal

Amount
    Maturity
Date
    Annual
Interest
Rate
    Outstanding As Of  
          September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Lazard Group 7.125% Senior Notes

  $ 550,000                  5/15/15                   7.125   $ 528,500      $ 528,500   

Lazard Group 6.85% Senior Notes

    600,000        6/15/17        6.85     548,350        548,350   

Lazard Group Credit Facility

    150,000        9/25/15        0.76              
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        $ 1,076,850      $ 1,076,850   
       

 

 

   

 

 

 

On September 25, 2012, Lazard Group entered into a $150,000, three-year senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders (the “Credit Facility”), which expires in September 2015. The Credit Facility replaced a similar revolving credit facility which was terminated as a condition to effectiveness of the Credit Facility. Interest rates under the Credit Facility vary and are based on either a Federal Funds rate or a Eurodollar rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. As of September 30, 2013, the annual interest rate for a loan accruing interest (based on the Federal Funds overnight rate), including the applicable margin, was 0.76%. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility.

 

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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 Credit Facility contains customary terms and conditions, including certain financial covenants. In addition, the Credit Facility, 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, 2013, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. All of the Company’s senior debt obligations are unsecured.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $264,000 in unused lines of credit available to it, including the Credit Facility, and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $54,000 (at September 30, 2013 exchange rates) and Edgewater of $55,000. In addition, LFB has access to the Eurosystem Covered Bond Purchase Program of the Banque de France.

The Company’s senior debt at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is carried at historical amounts. At those dates, the fair value of such senior debt outstanding was approximately $1,197,000 and $1,207,000, respectively, and exceeded the aggregate carrying value by approximately $120,000 and $130,000, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s senior debt was 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.

 

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases—The Company has various leases and other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the fulfillment of such commitments, in accordance with their terms, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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, 2013, LFB had $4,337 of such indemnifications and held $3,572 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 Transactions—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 are subject to earnout criteria and payable over time. The Initial Shares are subject to forfeiture provisions that lapse only upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds and transfer restrictions during the four year period ending December 2014. The Earnout Shares will be issued only if certain performance thresholds are met. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 1,371,992 and 1,209,154 shares, respectively, have been earned because applicable performance thresholds have been satisfied. Such shares are no longer subject to any contingencies. As of December 31, 2012, 686,004 of such shares have been settled, and no additional shares have been settled as of September 30, 2013.

 

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)

 

Consideration Relating To Other Business Acquisitions—For a business acquired in 2013, the Company is obligated to issue a maximum of 107,617 shares of Class A common stock if certain performance thresholds are achieved.

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. The Company is obligated to issue a maximum of 202,650 additional shares of Class A common stock if certain performance thresholds are achieved.

For a business acquired in 2011, the Company is obligated to pay earnout consideration if certain performance thresholds are achieved. The maximum potential earnout consideration payable by the Company cannot exceed $7,000. Through September 30, 2013, no cash payments relating to the earnout consideration were required.

Other Commitments—In the normal course of business, LFB enters into commitments to extend credit, predominately at variable interest rates. These commitments have varying expiration dates, are fully collateralized and generally contain requirements for the counterparty to maintain a minimum collateral level. These commitments may not represent future cash requirements as they may expire without being drawn upon. At September 30, 2013, these commitments were not material.

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

The Company has various other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, from time to time, LFB enters into underwriting commitments in which it participates as a joint underwriter. The settlement of such transactions are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. At September 30, 2013, LFB had no such underwriting commitments.

In the opinion of management, the fulfillment of the commitments described herein will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s 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.

 

11. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Lazard Group Distributions—As previously described, Lazard Group’s common membership interests are held by subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd and by LAZ-MD Holdings. Pursuant to provisions of the Operating

 

23


Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

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

 

Agreement, Lazard Group distributions in respect of its common membership interests are allocated to the holders of such interests on a pro rata basis. Such distributions represent amounts necessary to fund (i) any dividends Lazard Ltd may declare on its Class A common stock and (ii) tax distributions in respect of income taxes that Lazard Ltd’s subsidiaries and the members of LAZ-MD Holdings incur as a result of holding Lazard Group common membership interests.

During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Lazard Group distributed the following amounts to LAZ-MD Holdings and the subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd (none of which related to tax distributions):

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012  

LAZ-MD Holdings

   $ 565       $ 3,729   

Subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd

     60,931         66,219   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 61,496       $ 69,948   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pursuant to Lazard Group’s Operating Agreement, Lazard Group allocates and distributes to its members a substantial portion of its distributable profits in installments, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year. Such installment distributions usually begin in February.

Exchanges of Lazard Group Common Membership Interests—During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Lazard Ltd issued 839,658 and 191,701 shares of Class A common stock, respectively, in connection with the exchanges of a like number of Lazard Group common membership interests (received from members of LAZ-MD Holdings in exchange for a like number of LAZ-MD Holdings exchangeable interests).

See “Noncontrolling Interests” below for additional information regarding Lazard Ltd’s and LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership interests in Lazard Group.

Share Repurchase Program—In February 2011, October 2011, April 2012 and October 2012 the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized, on a cumulative basis, the repurchase of up to $250,000, $125,000, $125,000 and $200,000, respectively, in aggregate cost of Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s prior share repurchase authorizations expired on December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011. The Company expects that the share repurchase program, with respect to the Class A common stock, will continue to be used, among other ways, to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”). Pursuant to such authorizations, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company made purchases of 2,201,657 Class A common shares, at an aggregate cost of $77,934 (no Lazard Group common membership interests were purchased during such nine month period).

As of September 30, 2013, $76,132 of the current share repurchase amount authorized as of such date remained available under the share repurchase program, all of which expires December 31, 2014. In addition, under the terms of the 2005 Plan and the 2008 Plan, upon the vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and delivery of restricted Class A common stock, shares of Class A common stock may be withheld by the Company to cover its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements (see Note 12 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

24


Table of Contents

LAZARD LTD

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(UNAUDITED)

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

 

In October 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100,000 in aggregate cost of Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2015.

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, are each non-participating securities convertible into Class A common stock and have no voting or dividend rights. As of both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 7,921 shares of Series A preferred stock were outstanding and no shares of Series B preferred stock were outstanding. At September 30, 2013, 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 table below reflects the components of AOCI at September 30, 2013 and activity during the nine month period then ended:

 

    Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Interest
Rate
Hedge
    Employee
Benefit
Plans
    Total
AOCI
    Amount
Attributable to
Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total
Lazard Ltd
AOCI
 

Balance, January 1, 2013

  $ 19,405      $ (2,502   $ (128,536   $ (111,633   $ (1,092   $ (110,541
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Activity January 1 to September 30, 2013:

           

Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications

    (18,610            (2,669     (21,279     451        (21,730

Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax

           791        3,653        4,444        25        4,419   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net other comprehensive
income (loss)

    (18,610     791        984        (16,835     476        (17,311
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

  $ 795      $ (1,711   $ (127,552   $ (128,468   $ (616   $ (127,852
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2013  

Amortization of interest rate hedge

   $ 264  (a)    $ 791  (a) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization relating to employee benefit plans

     1,627  (b)      4,859  (b) 

Less - related income taxes

     404        1,206   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net of tax

     1,223        3,653   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reclassifications, net of tax

   $ 1,487      $ 4,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Included in “interest expense” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(b) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Such amount is included in “compensation and benefits” expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

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)

 

Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests principally represent interests held in (i) Lazard Group by LAZ-MD Holdings and (ii) Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control, but does not own.

The following tables summarize the changes in ownership interests in Lazard Group held by Lazard Ltd and LAZ-MD Holdings during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Lazard Ltd     LAZ-MD Holdings   Total
Lazard
Group
Common
Membership
Interests
 
  Common
Membership
Interests
    %
Ownership
    Common
Membership
Interests
    %
Ownership
 

Balance, January 1, 2012

    123,009,311        94.8%        6,756,779      5.2%     129,766,090   

Activity January 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012:

         

Common membership interest activity in connection with:

         

Exchanges for Class A common stock

    191,701          (191,701         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2012

    123,201,012        94.9        6,565,078      5.1%     129,766,090   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance, January 1, 2013

    128,216,423        98.8     1,549,667      1.2%     129,766,090   

Activity January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013:

         

Common membership interest activity in connection with:

         

Exchanges for Class A common stock

    839,658          (839,658         
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

    129,056,081        99.5     710,009      0.5%     129,766,090   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

The change in Lazard Ltd’s ownership in Lazard Group in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 did not materially impact Lazard Ltd’s stockholders’ equity.

The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements:

 

     Net Income (Loss) Attributable To
Noncontrolling Interests
 
     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
          2013                2012               2013               2012       

Edgewater

   $ 2,018       $ (1,704   $ 4,671      $ 2,168   

LAZ-MD Holdings

     365         1,937        862        4,956   

Other

     83         139        (210     93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,466       $ 372      $ 5,323      $ 7,217   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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)

 

     Noncontrolling Interests As Of  
     September 30,
2013
     December 31,

2012

 

Edgewater

   $ 71,075       $ 75,262   

LAZ-MD Holdings

     2,629         5,405   

Other

    
583
  
     1,217   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 74,287       $ 81,884   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Dividend Declared, October 2013—On October 23, 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on its Class A common stock, payable on November 22, 2013, to stockholders of record on November 4, 2013.

 

12. INCENTIVE PLANS

Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards

A description of Lazard Ltd’s 2005 Plan and 2008 Plan and activity with respect thereto during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, is presented below.

Shares Available Under the 2005 Plan and 2008 Plan

The 2005 Plan authorizes 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 stock unit 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.

In addition to the shares available under the 2005 Plan, additional shares of Class A common stock are available under the 2008 Plan. The maximum number of shares available under the 2008 Plan 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 (treating, for this purpose, the then-outstanding exchangeable interests of LAZ-MD Holdings on a “fully-exchanged” basis as described in the 2008 Plan).

The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, 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:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013      2012  

Share-based incentive awards:

           

RSUs (a)

   $ 46,095       $ 65,952       $ 163,184       $ 211,271   

PRSUs

     6,467                 8,900           

Restricted stock (b)

     2,627         1,659         9,712         7,538   

DSUs

     71         78         1,545         1,366   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 55,260       $ 67,689       $ 183,341       $ 220,175   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

(a) Includes $0 and $9,099 during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 relating to the Cost Saving Initiatives (see Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
(b) Includes $0 and $247 during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 relating to the Cost Saving Initiatives.

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. 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, RSU 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 incentive plans 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 Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis after the stipulated vesting periods. PRSUs, which are a form of RSUs that are also subject to service-based vesting conditions, have additional conditions and are described below. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, net of an 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 periods.

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 ordinary quarterly dividends paid on Class A common stock during such period. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, 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:

 

     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
           2013                2012      

Number of RSUs issued

       250,834          479,958  

Charges to retained earnings, net of estimated forfeitures

     $ 8,216        $ 11,770  

Non-executive members of the Board of 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 39,315 and 49,982 DSUs granted during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, 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 Class A common stock at the time of cessation of service to the Board 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

 

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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)

 

include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to any ordinary quarterly dividends paid on Class A common stock, and resulted in nominal cash payments for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

The Company’s Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan permits its Non-Executive Directors to elect to receive additional DSUs in lieu of some or all of their cash fees. The number of DSUs that shall be 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 on which the foregone cash fees would otherwise have been paid. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, 5,880 and 7,988 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, 2013 and 2012:

 

    RSUs     DSUs  
    Units     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
    Units     Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Balance, January 1, 2013

    21,481,131      $ 33.92        204,496      $ 31.47   

Granted (including 250,834 RSUs relating to dividend participation)

    4,862,379      $ 36.92        45,195      $ 34.18   

Forfeited

    (239,117   $ 34.63                 

Vested

    (9,363,792   $ 34.78                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Balance, September 30, 2013

    16,740,601      $ 34.30        249,691      $ 31.96   
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Balance, January 1, 2012

    20,751,829      $ 36.84        140,660      $ 34.83   

Granted (including 479,958 RSUs relating to dividend participation)

    8,121,632      $ 27.56        57,970      $ 23.57   

Forfeited

    (401,065   $ 35.49                 

Vested

    (4,425,534   $ 34.43                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Balance, September 30, 2012

    24,046,862      $ 34.16        198,630      $ 31.54   
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

In connection with RSUs which vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of issuing 3,471,813 and 1,331,812 shares of Class A common stock in the respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 5,891,979 and 3,093,722 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, 42,432 shares of previously delivered Class A common stock were forfeited by certain former employees and returned to the Company.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, 958,213 RSUs were modified through forward purchase agreements into liability awards. Such liability awards were settled on March 1, 2013 for $28,612. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, compensation expense of $1,690 was recorded for such liability awards.

 

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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 September 30, 2013, unrecognized RSU compensation expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, was approximately $196,000, with such unrecognized compensation expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.2 years subsequent to September 30, 2013.

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, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Restricted
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Balance, January 1, 2013

     1,972,609      $ 34.85   

Granted

     368,736      $ 36.74   

Forfeited

     (35,794   $ 33.35   

Vested

     (1,728,509   $ 36.00   
  

 

 

   

Balance, September 30, 2013

     577,042      $ 32.72   
  

 

 

   

Balance, January 1, 2012

     95,332      $ 37.63   

Granted/Exchanged

     577,323      $ 29.25   

Forfeited

     (21,178   $ 29.51   

Vested

     (186,180   $ 31.60   
  

 

 

   

Balance, September 30, 2012

     465,297      $ 30.02   
  

 

 

   

In connection with shares of restricted Class A common stock that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 18,631 and 28,129 shares of Class A common stock during the respective periods. Accordingly, 1,709,878 and 158,051 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The awards include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to any ordinary quarterly dividends paid on Class A common stock during the period, which will vest concurrently with the underlying restricted stock award. At September 30, 2013, unrecognized restricted stock expense was approximately $9,000, with such expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years subsequent to September 30, 2013.

PRSUs

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted 448,128 PRSUs. The 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 the three-year period beginning on January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2014. 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 can range from zero to three times the target number. The PRSUs granted in 2013 will vest 33% in March 2015 and 67% in March 2016, provided the applicable service and performance conditions are satisfied. 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

 

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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)

 

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 generally include dividend participation rights.

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 of $36.11 per share. As of September 30, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation expense for PRSUs granted in 2013 was approximately $23,000, and the Company expects to amortize such expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.

Lazard Fund Interests and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements

Commencing in February 2011, the Company granted Lazard Fund Interests to eligible employees. In connection with the Lazard Fund Interests 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 consolidated statement of operations. Lazard Fund Interests 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.

The following is a summary of activity relating to Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Prepaid
Compensation
Asset
      Compensation  
Liability
 

Balance, January 1, 2013

  $ 47,445      $ 97,593   

Granted

    72,217        72,217   

Settled

           (22,903

Forfeited

    (765     (985

Amortization

    (44,195       

Change in fair value related to:

   

Increase in fair value of underlying investments

           7,767   

Adjustment for estimated forfeitures

           3,175   

Other

    (217     (558
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

  $ 74,485      $ 156,306   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

    Prepaid
Compensation

Asset
      Compensation  
Liability
 

Balance, January 1, 2012

  $ 17,782      $ 29,900   

Granted

    64,658        64,658   

Settled

           (8,640

Forfeited

    (1,607     (1,706

Amortization

    (24,508       

Change in fair value related to:

   

Increase in fair value of underlying investments

           4,639   

Adjustment for estimated forfeitures

           2,202   

Other

    101          
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2012

  $ 56,426      $ 91,053   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amortization of the prepaid compensation asset will generally be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years subsequent to September 30, 2013.

The following is a summary of the impact of Lazard Fund Interests 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, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013              2012              2013              2012      

Compensation expense:

           

Amortization, net of forfeitures (a)

   $ 15,049       $ 9,626       $ 47,150       $ 26,611   

Change in fair value of underlying investments

     7,519         4,728         7,767         4,639   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 22,568       $ 14,354       $ 54,917       $ 31,250   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes $0 and $2,665 during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 relating to the Cost Saving Initiatives.

 

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

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. 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 consolidated statements of operations.

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 Company did not make a contribution to the U.S. pension plans during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.

On April 30, 2012, the Company and the Trustees of the U.K. pension plans concluded the December 31, 2010 triennial valuations of the plans. In connection with such valuations and a previously negotiated agreement with the Trustees, the Company and the Trustees agreed upon pension funding terms (the “agreement”) (which

 

32


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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)

 

superseded the terms of an agreement reached in June 2009 with respect to the previous triennial valuation as of December 31, 2007) whereby the Company: (i) made a contribution in December 2011 to the plans of 2.3 million British pounds ($3,687 at December 31, 2011 exchange rates) from a previously established escrow account, (ii) agreed to make contributions of 1 million British pounds during each year from 2012 through 2020 inclusive, and (iii) amended the previous escrow arrangement into an account security arrangement covering 10.2 million British pounds, committing to make annual contributions of 1 million British pounds into such account security arrangement during each year from 2014 through 2020, inclusive. It was further agreed that, to the extent that the value of the plans’ assets falls short of the funding target for June 1, 2020 that has been agreed upon with the Trustees, the assets from the account security arrangement would be released into the plans at that date. Additionally, the Company agreed to fund the expenses of administering the plans, including certain regulator levies and the cost of other professional advisors to the plans. The terms of the agreement are subject to adjustment based on the results of subsequent triennial valuations. The aggregate amount in the account security arrangement was approximately $16,500 at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and has been recorded in “cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash” on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Income on the account security arrangement accretes to the Company and is recorded in interest income.

During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company contributed 1 million British pounds ($1,545 at September 30, 2013 exchange rates) to these U.K. pension plans, and no contributions were required to be made to other non-U.S. pension plans.

The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost related to the Company’s post-retirement plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

     Pension Plans     Medical Plan  
     Three Months Ended September 30,  
     2013     2012     2013      2012  

Components of Net Benefit Cost (Credit):

         

Service cost

   $ 315      $ 166      $ 12       $ 15   

Interest cost

     6,744        6,862        46        
53
  

Expected return on plan assets

     (6,701     (6,637               

Amortization of:

         

Prior service cost

     708        668                  

Net actuarial loss

     919        412                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net benefit cost

   $ 1,985      $ 1,471      $ 58       $ 68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

     Pension Plans     Medical Plan  
     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2013     2012     2013      2012  

Components of Net Benefit Cost (Credit):

         

Service cost

   $ 938      $ 504      $ 39       $ 45   

Interest cost

     20,193        20,649        137        
158
  

Expected return on plan assets

     (20,090     (19,931               

Amortization of:

         

Prior service cost

     2,114        2,056                  

Net actuarial loss

     2,745        1,243                  

Settlement loss (a)

            886                  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net benefit cost

   $ 5,900      $ 5,407      $ 176       $ 203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) During the nine month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company’s pension plans in the U.S. made lump sum benefit payments in excess of the plans’ annual service and interest costs, which, under U.S. GAAP, requires that the plans’ obligations and assets be remeasured. The remeasurement of the plans resulted in the recognition of actuarial losses totaling $1,935 recorded in “other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” (“OCI”), which, combined with a settlement loss of $886 recognized in “compensation and benefits” expense, resulted in a net charge to OCI of $1,049.

 

14. COST SAVING INITIATIVES

In October 2012, the Company announced cost saving initiatives (the “Cost Saving Initiatives”) relating to the Company’s operations. These initiatives include streamlining our corporate structure and consolidating support functions; realigning our investments into areas with potential for the greatest long-term return; the settlement of certain contractual obligations; occupancy cost reduction; and creating greater flexibility to retain and attract the best people and invest in new growth areas.

Expenses associated with the implementation of the Cost Saving Initiatives were completed during the second quarter of 2013. The Company incurred these expenses, by segment, as reflected in the tables below:

 

     Financial
Advisory
     Asset
Management
    Corporate      Total  

Nine Month Period Ended September 30, 2013:

          

Compensation and benefits

   $ 45,746       $ 236      $ 5,417       $ 51,399   

Other

     2,033         (1     11,272         13,304   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 47,779       $ 235      $ 16,689       $ 64,703   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Financial
Advisory
     Asset
Management
     Corporate      Total  

Cumulative October 2012 Through September 30, 2013:

           

Compensation and benefits

   $ 121,879       $ 12,292       $ 17,215       $ 151,386   

Other

     3,432         732         11,729         15,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 125,311       $ 13,024       $ 28,944       $ 167,279   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

Activity related to the obligations pursuant to the Cost Saving Initiatives during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 was as follows:

 

     Accrued
Compensation
and Benefits
    Other
Liabilities
    Total  

Balance, January 1, 2013

   $ 46,128      $ 1,714      $ 47,842   

New charges

     51,399        13,304        64,703   

Less:

      

Non-cash charges

     (12,007     (3,387     (15,394

Settlements

     (68,813     (2,299     (71,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2013

   $ 16,707      $ 9,332      $ 26,039   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

15. INCOME TAXES

As a result of its indirect investment in Lazard Group, Lazard Ltd, through certain of its subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its portion of Lazard Group’s operating income. Although a portion of Lazard Group’s income is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, Lazard Group primarily operates in the U.S. as a limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, Lazard Group’s income from its U.S. operations is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes because such income is attributable to its partners. In addition, Lazard Group is subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) which is attributable to Lazard Group’s operations apportioned to New York City. UBT is incremental to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through subsidiary corporations that are subject to local income taxes.

The Company recorded income tax provisions of $18,370 and $31,335 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $13,053 and $32,191 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 22.6%, 21.8%, 27.9% and 24.9%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% and the effective tax rates reflected above principally relates to (i) Lazard Group primarily operating as a limited liability company in the U.S., (ii) taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions that are not offset against U.S. income taxes, (iii) foreign source income (loss) not subject to U.S. income taxes (including interest on intercompany financings), (iv) Lazard Group’s income from U.S. operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, and (v) U.S. state and local taxes (primarily UBT), which are incremental to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate.

Substantially all of Lazard’s foreign operations are conducted in “pass-through” entities for U.S. income tax purposes and the Company provides for U.S. income taxes on a current basis for substantially all of 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.

Tax Receivable Agreement

The redemption of historical partner interests in connection with the Company’s separation and recapitalization that occurred in May 2005 and subsequent exchanges of LAZ-MD Holdings exchangeable

 

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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)

 

interests for shares of Class A common stock have resulted, and future exchanges of LAZ-MD Holdings exchangeable interests for shares of Class A common stock may result, in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Lazard Group. The tax receivable agreement dated as of May 10, 2005 with LFCM Holdings LLC (“LFCM Holdings”, see Note 17 below) requires the Company to pay LFCM Holdings 85% of the cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that the Company actually realizes as a result of the above-mentioned increases in tax basis. The Company calculates this provision annually and includes such amounts in operating expenses on its consolidated statements of operations once the results of operations for the full year are known. Based on the financial results for the applicable annual periods, there is no provision for such payments in the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. If any provision is required pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, such amount would be fully offset by a reduction in the Company’s income tax expense.

 

16. NET INCOME PER SHARE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share calculations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 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, on an “as-if-exchanged” basis, amounts applicable to LAZ-MD Holdings exchangeable interests 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 to settle share-based incentive compensation and LAZ-MD Holdings exchangeable interests, using the “treasury stock” method or the “as-if-exchanged” basis, as applicable.

 

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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, 2013 and 2012 are presented below:

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
          2013           2012           2013           2012  

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd

          $ 60,282        $33,301        $106,995        $89,674   

Add - adjustment associated with Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis

           3               6   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - basic

    60,282        33,304        106,995        89,680   

Add - dilutive effect, as applicable, of:

       

Adjustments to income relating to interest expense and changes in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests resulting from assumed Class A common stock issuances in connection with share-based incentive compensation and exchangeable interests, net of tax

    316        1,804        787        4,680   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - diluted

    $60,598        $35,108        $107,782        $94,360   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding

    121,441,956        114,689,712        119,797,545        116,949,317   

Add - adjustment for shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis

    757,998        913,639        758,502        740,087   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic

    122,199,954        115,603,351        120,556,047        117,689,404   

Add - dilutive effect, as applicable, of:

       

Weighted average number of incremental shares of Class A common stock issuable from share-based incentive compensation and exchangeable interests

    12,042,190        19,776,685        12,617,953        17,847,646   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted

    134,242,144        135,380,036        133,174,000        135,537,050   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd per share of Class A common stock:

       

Basic

    $0.49        $0.29        $0.89        $0.76   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

    $0.45        $0.26        $0.81        $0.70   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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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)

 

17. RELATED PARTIES

Amounts receivable from, and payable to, related parties are set forth below:

 

                                           
      September  30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Receivables

     

LFCM Holdings

   $ 13,015       $ 20,529   

Other

     1,261         3,272   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,276       $ 23,801   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Payables

     

LFCM Holdings

   $ 4,335       $ 2,943   

Other

     360         705   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,695       $ 3,648   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LFCM Holdings

LFCM Holdings owns and operates the capital markets business and fund management activities, as well as other specified non-operating assets and liabilities, that were transferred to it by Lazard Group (referred to as the “separated businesses”) in May 2005 and is owned by various former and current working members, including certain of Lazard’s former and current managing directors (which also include the Company’s executive officers) who were or are also members of LAZ-MD Holdings. In addition to the master separation agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group, LAZ-MD Holdings and LFCM Holdings (the “master separation agreement”), which effected the separation and recapitalization that occurred in May 2005, LFCM Holdings entered into certain agreements that addressed various business matters associated with the separation, including agreements related to administrative and support services (the “administrative services agreement”), employee benefits, insurance matters and licensing. In addition, LFCM Holdings and Lazard Group entered into a business alliance agreement (the “business alliance agreement”). Certain of these agreements are described in more detail in the Company’s Form 10-K.

For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, amounts recorded by Lazard Group relating to the administrative services agreement amounted to $534 and $1,466, respectively, and net referral fees for underwriting, private placement, M&A and restructuring transactions under the business alliance agreement amounted to $1,633 and $1,163, respectively. For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, amounts recorded by Lazard Group relating to the administrative services agreement amounted to $666 and $2,181, respectively, and net referral fees for underwriting, private placement, M&A and restructuring transactions under the business alliance agreement amounted to $182 and $4,548, respectively. Amounts relating to the administrative services agreement are reported as reductions to operating expenses. Net referral fees for underwriting transactions under the business alliance agreement are reported in “revenue-other”. Net referral fees for private placement, M&A and restructuring transactions under the business alliance agreement are reported in advisory fee revenue.

Receivables from LFCM Holdings and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include $5,038 and $14,299, respectively, related to administrative and support services and other receivables, which include sublease income and reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf of LFCM Holdings, and $7,977 and $6,230, respectively, related to referral fees for underwriting and private placement transactions. Payables to LFCM Holdings and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include $4,335 and $2,943, respectively, primarily relating to referral fees for Financial Advisory transactions.

 

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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)

 

Other

Other receivables and payables at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 primarily relate to referral fees for M&A transactions with MBA Lazard Holdings S.A. and its affiliates, an Argentina-based group in which the Company has a 50% ownership interest, and, at December 31, 2012, a related party loan.

LAZ-MD Holdings

Lazard Group provides certain administrative and support services to LAZ-MD Holdings through an administrative services agreement, with such services generally to be provided until December 31, 2014 unless terminated earlier because of a change in control of either party. Lazard Group charges LAZ-MD Holdings for these services based on Lazard Group’s cost allocation methodology and, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, such charges amounted to $250 and $750, respectively. For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, such charges amounted to $188 and $563, respectively.

 

18. REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

LFNY is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and is subject to the net capital requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act. 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. At September 30, 2013, LFNY’s regulatory net capital was $84,678, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $81,181.

Certain U.K. subsidiaries of the Company, including LCL, Lazard Fund Managers Limited and Lazard Asset Management Limited (the “U.K. Subsidiaries”) are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. At September 30, 2013, the aggregate regulatory net capital of the U.K. Subsidiaries was $66,007, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $51,404.

CFLF, under which asset management and commercial banking activities are carried out in France, is subject to regulation by the ACPR for its banking activities conducted through its subsidiary, LFB. In addition, the investment services activities of the Paris group, exercised through LFB and other subsidiaries of CFLF, primarily LFG (asset management), are subject to regulation and supervision by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. At September 30, 2013, the consolidated regulatory net capital of CFLF was $192,042, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $158,224.

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, 2013, for those subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements, their aggregate net capital was $113,317, which exceeded the minimum required capital by $75,584.

At September 30, 2013, each of these subsidiaries individually was in compliance with its regulatory capital requirements.

Lazard Ltd had been subject to supervision by the SEC as a Supervised Investment Bank Holding Company (“SIBHC”). As a SIBHC, Lazard Ltd was subject to group-wide supervision, which required it to compute

 

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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)

 

allowable capital and risk allowances on a consolidated basis. However, pursuant to Section 617 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the SEC’s SIBHC program was eliminated on July 21, 2011.

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 new supervision, the combined European regulated group will be required to comply with periodic financial, regulatory net capital and other reporting obligations. Additionally, the combined European regulated group, together with our European financial advisory entities, will be 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 (which is similar to the information that we have already been providing informally). This new supervision under, and provision of information to, the ACPR is expected to become effective on December 31, 2013.

The Dodd-Frank Act and 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.

 

19. SEGMENT INFORMATION

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 two business segments as described in Note 1 above - Financial Advisory and Asset Management. 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, 2013 and 2012 was prepared using the following methodology:

 

   

Revenue and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining operating income.

 

   

Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.

 

   

Segment assets are based on those directly associated with each segment, and include an allocation of certain assets relating to various segments, based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.

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

 

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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)

 

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, legal, facilities management and senior management activities.

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:

 

         Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013     2012     2013(a)     2012  

Financial Advisory

  Net Revenue    $ 233,842      $ 219,973      $ 665,611      $ 739,793   
  Operating Expenses      218,015        212,449        674,689        693,546   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Operating Income (Loss)    $ 15,827      $ 7,524      $ (9,078   $ 46,247   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Asset Management

  Net Revenue    $ 252,094      $ 221,516      $ 741,618      $ 647,096   
  Operating Expenses      168,895        160,869        511,526        477,989   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Operating Income    $ 83,199      $ 60,647      $ 230,092      $ 169,107   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Corporate

  Net Revenue (Expense)    $ (5,582   $ (12,683   $ (34,567   $ (35,134
  Operating Expenses      12,326        8,762        42,794        51,138   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Operating Income (Loss)    $ (17,908   $ (21,445   $ (77,361   $ (86,272
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  Net Revenue    $ 480,354      $ 428,806      $ 1,372,662      $ 1,351,755   
  Operating Expenses      399,236        382,080        1,229,009        1,222,673   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  Operating Income    $ 81,118      $ 46,726      $ 143,653      $ 129,082   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Cost Saving Initiatives, and the impact on each of the Company’s business segments during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013.

 

     As Of  
     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Total Assets

     

Financial Advisory

   $ 697,183       $ 793,007   

Asset Management

     632,526         566,677   

Corporate

     1,626,747         1,627,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,956,456       $ 2,986,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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, 2012 (the “Form 10-K”). All references to “2013”, “2012”, “third quarter”, “nine months” or “the period” refer to, as the context requires, the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012.

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,” “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 under the caption “Risk Factors,” including the following:

 

   

a decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets,

 

   

a decline in overall mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) activity, our share of the M&A market or our assets under management (“AUM”),

 

   

losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third parties,

 

   

losses due to unidentified or unanticipated risks,

 

   

a lack of liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds, for use in our businesses, and

 

   

competitive pressure on our businesses and on our ability to retain and attract employees at current compensation levels.

These risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Other sections of the Form 10-K 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 the:

 

   

business’ financial goals, including the ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue,

 

   

business’ ability to deploy surplus cash through dividends, share repurchases and debt repurchases,

 

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business’ ability to offset stockholder dilution through share repurchases,

 

   

business’ possible or assumed future results of operations and operating cash flows,

 

   

business’ strategies and investment policies,

 

   

business’ financing plans and the availability of short-term borrowing,

 

   

business’ competitive position,

 

   

future acquisitions, including the consideration to be paid and the timing of consummation,

 

   

potential growth opportunities available to our businesses,

 

   

recruitment and retention of our managing directors and employees,

 

   

potential levels of compensation expense,

 

   

business’ potential operating performance, achievements, productivity improvements, efficiency and cost reduction efforts,

 

   

likelihood of success and impact of litigation,

 

   

expected tax rates,

 

   

changes in interest and tax rates,

 

   

expectations with respect to the economy, the securities markets, the market for mergers, acquisitions and strategic advisory and restructuring activity, the market for asset management activity and other macroeconomic and industry trends,

 

   

effects of competition on our business, and

 

   

impact of future legislation and regulation on our business.

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 and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”). 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 40 cities in key business and financial centers across 26 countries throughout Europe, North America, 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.

 

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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:

 

   

Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding M&A and other strategic matters, restructurings, capital structure, capital raising and various other financial matters, and

 

   

Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients.

In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments and outstanding indebtedness, as well as certain commercial banking activities of Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary, Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”).

LFB is a registered bank regulated by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution. It 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.

Our consolidated net revenue was derived from the following segments:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013             2012             2013             2012      

Financial Advisory

     49     51     48     55

Asset Management

     52        52        54        48   

Corporate

     (1     (3     (2     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 investments through (i) the Edgewater Funds (“Edgewater”), our Chicago-based private equity firm (see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements), (ii) Lazard Australia Corporate Opportunities Fund 2 (“COF2”), a Lazard-managed Australian private equity fund targeting Australasian 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 private equity fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies. We may explore and discuss opportunities to expand the scope of our alternative investment and private equity activities in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere. These opportunities could include internal growth of new funds and direct investments by us, partnerships or strategic relationships, investments with third parties or acquisitions of existing funds or management companies. Also, consistent with any obligations to LFCM Holdings LLC (“LFCM Holdings”), we may explore discrete capital markets opportunities.

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

 

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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, 2013 increased when compared to such indices at September 30, 2012, December 31, 2012 and June 30, 2013. Emerging market indices at September 30, 2013 generally decreased as compared to September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, but have increased as compared to June 30, 2013. On an industry-wide basis, during the first nine months of 2013, the value and number of completed M&A transactions decreased, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. Global restructuring activity, as measured by the number of corporate defaults, increased in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the corresponding period last year, but the aggregate value of debt defaults remains low, consistent with the last several years.

Entering the fourth quarter of 2013, interest rates remain low relative to historical levels and corporate cash balances remain high. Global macroeconomic conditions appear to be improving but remain uncertain, especially with respect to Europe. The breadth of our businesses has mitigated the impact of the European financial crisis. Although the number of completed European M&A transactions declined in the first nine months of 2013 and contributed to the revenue decrease in our Financial Advisory business, we believe other advisory opportunities, including opportunities for our Sovereign Advisory and Capital Advisory businesses, may offset the slowdown. In our Asset Management business, most of LAM’s European clients are invested with LAM primarily outside of Europe. Many of those who are invested in Europe are invested in European fixed income, which has not had a significant impact on our Asset Management business. Nonetheless, the business situation in Europe remains challenging. Despite volatility in emerging markets during the third quarter of 2013, we have experienced positive flows in our Emerging Markets debt and Emerging Market and Multi-Regional equity platforms.

We intend to leverage our existing infrastructure to capitalize on any global macroeconomic recovery, any upturn in the M&A cycle, and any momentum in the global equity markets. We expect to generate revenue growth by remaining adequately staffed to capitalize on any macroeconomic recovery and deploying our intellectual capital to generate new revenue streams. We also remain focused on expense management, and in October 2012 we announced a number of cost saving initiatives (the “cost saving initiatives”) relating to our operations. See “Cost Saving Initiatives” below and Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

 

  Financial Advisory – In the near- to mid-term, we expect that the U.S. macroeconomic environment will likely be the strongest of the developed economies. Certain legal decisions in the U.S. reinforce the importance of independent advice, and the global scale and breadth of our Financial Advisory business allows us to advise on large, complex cross-border transactions across a variety of industries. We continue to develop our range of advisory capabilities, in particular in Europe, with our Sovereign Advisory, Restructuring and Capital Advisory businesses. In addition, we believe our businesses throughout the emerging markets, Japan and Australia position us for growth in these markets, while strengthening and distinguishing our relationships with clients in developed economies. We recently integrated our Brazilian operations based in São Paulo. We also established the Lazard Africa initiative, to leverage our sovereign and corporate expertise in this rapidly growing region, for our clients in both developed and developing countries.

 

 

Asset Management – Generally, we have seen increased investor demand across regions and investment platforms. In the short to intermediate term, we expect most of our growth will come from defined benefit and defined contribution plans in the developed economies because of their sheer scope and size. Over the longer term, we expect an increasing share of our AUM to come from the developing economies in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, as their retirement systems evolve and

 

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  individual wealth is increasingly deployed in the financial markets. Our global footprint is already well established in the developed economies and we expect our business in the developing economies will continue to expand. Given our globally diversified platform and our ability to provide investment solutions for a global mix of clients, we believe we are positioned to benefit from growth that may occur in the asset management industry. We recently extended the global footprint of our Asset Management business by opening new offices in Zurich and Singapore. We are continually developing and seeding new investment strategies that extend our existing platforms. Recent examples of growth initiatives include the following investment strategies: Emerging Markets Debt, Core Emerging Markets Equity, Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity, Real Estate, Managed Volatility Strategies and Asian Equities.

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 the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K. 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 and earnings growth and stockholder returns, the prudent management of our costs and expenses, the efficient use of our assets and the return of capital to our stockholders.

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 industry statistics for the third quarter and first nine months of 2013 and 2012, the value and number of completed M&A transactions in the 2013 periods decreased compared to the corresponding periods in 2012. With respect to announced M&A transactions, the increase in value was primarily driven by one large transaction, while the number decreased compared to the corresponding periods in 2012.

 

    Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2013     2012     %
Incr / (Decr)
    2013     2012     %
Incr / (Decr)
 
    ($ in billions)  

Completed M&A Transactions:

           

Value

  $ 364      $ 478        (24 )%    $ 1,425      $ 1,454        (2 )% 

Number

    6,220        7,201        (14 )%      19,632        22,304        (12 )% 

Announced M&A Transactions:

           

Value

  $ 709      $ 553        28   $ 1,701      $ 1,665        2

Number

    8,748        9,364        (7 )%      26,448        28,599        (8 )% 

 

Source: Thomson Reuters as of October 7, 2013.

Global restructuring activity, as measured by the number of corporate defaults, increased in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the corresponding period last year, but the aggregate value of debt defaults remains low, consistent with the last several years. The number of defaulting issuers increased to 51 in the first nine months of 2013, according to Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., as compared to 46 in the corresponding period of 2012.

 

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Asset Management

A comparison of major equity market indices at September 30, 2013, to such indices at June 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, is shown in the table below.

 

      Percentage Changes
September 30, 2013 vs.
 
     June 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    September 30,
2012
 

MSCI World Index

     8     15     17

Euro Stoxx

     11     10     18

MSCI Emerging Market

     5     (7 )%      (1 )% 

S&P 500

     5     19     17

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 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, and market movements reflected in the changes in Lazard’s AUM during the period reflect the changes in global equity market indices. Our AUM at September 30, 2013 increased 6% versus AUM at December 31, 2012, primarily due to market appreciation. Average AUM for the first nine months of 2013 increased 11% as compared to average AUM for the corresponding period of 2012.

Cost Saving Initiatives

In October 2012, we announced cost saving initiatives which, at that time, were expected to result in approximately $125 million in annual savings from our compensation and non-compensation cost base. We currently expect total annual savings related to the cost saving initiatives to be approximately $160 million, partially offset by investment in our business.

Approximately $120 million of the expected annual savings relate to compensation expense associated with our headcount, and approximately $40 million to non-compensation expense. We anticipate that more than two-thirds of these savings will be realized in 2013, with the full impact of all the savings reflected in our 2014 results.

Expenses associated with implementation of the cost saving initiatives were completed in the second quarter of 2013 and have been reflected in our financial results. These implementation expenses were approximately: $38 million in the second quarter of 2013; $26 million in the first quarter of 2013; and $103 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, for a total of approximately $167 million.

The cost saving initiatives are intended to improve our profitability with minimal impact on revenue growth. The initiatives include: streamlining our corporate structure and consolidating support functions; realigning our investments into areas with potential for the greatest long-term return; the settlement of certain contractual obligations; occupancy cost reduction; and creating greater flexibility to retain and attract the best people and invest in new growth areas.

See Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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,

 

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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 and for referring opportunities to LFCM Holdings for underwriting, distribution and placement of securities. The referral fees received from LFCM Holdings are generally one-half of the revenue recorded by LFCM Holdings in respect of such activities. 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 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, 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 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 interests 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

 

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“equity method” investments, net hedging activities, as well as gains and losses on investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and on the extinguishment of debt (to the extent applicable), 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. The Company holds no “available-for-sale” or “held-to-maturity” investments.

Although Corporate segment net revenue during the first nine months of 2013 represented (2)% of Lazard’s net revenue, total assets in the Corporate segment represented 55% of Lazard’s consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2013, which are attributable to investments in government bonds and money market funds, fixed income funds, alternative investment funds and other securities, private equity investments, cash and 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 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and (b) Lazard Fund Interests awards 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, competitive pay conditions and the nature of revenues earned, as well as the mix between current and deferred compensation.

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 actual 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,” as modified by the following items:

 

   

We deduct amortization expense recorded for U.S. GAAP purposes in each fiscal year associated with the vesting of deferred incentive compensation awards,

 

   

We add (i) the grant date fair value of the deferred incentive compensation awards granted applicable to the relevant year-end compensation process (e.g. grant date fair value of deferred incentive awards granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 related to the 2012, 2011 and 2010 year-end compensation processes, respectively) and (ii) investments in people (e.g. “sign-on” bonuses) and other special deferred incentive awards granted throughout the applicable year, with such amounts in (i) and (ii) reduced by an estimate of future forfeitures of such awards, and

 

   

We adjust for year-end foreign exchange fluctuations.

Compensation and benefits expense is the largest component of our operating expenses. Our goal is for awarded compensation and benefits expense to rise at a slower rate than operating revenue growth, and if

 

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operating revenue declines, awarded compensation and benefits expense should also decline. In addition, we seek to maintain discipline with respect to the rate at which we award deferred compensation. Based on a similar level and mix of revenues from our business as in 2012 and a gradual improvement in the macroeconomic environment, we believe that over the cycle we can attain a ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue in the mid-to-high-50s percentage range, which compares to 59.4% for the year ended December 31, 2012. While we have implemented initiatives, including the cost saving initiatives announced in October 2012 (see “Cost Saving Initiatives” above), that we believe will assist us in attaining 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, changes in the mix of revenues from our businesses or various other factors could prevent us from attaining this goal.

Lazard’s 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), amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions and, in the 2012 and 2013 periods, the relevant portions of the expense relating to the first quarter 2012 staff reductions and the implementation of the cost saving initiatives. Amortization of intangible assets relates primarily to the acquisition of Edgewater.

Provision for Income Taxes

As a result of its indirect investment in Lazard Group, Lazard Ltd, through certain of its subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its portion of Lazard Group’s operating income. Lazard Group primarily operates in the U.S. as a limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, Lazard Group’s income pertaining to the limited liability company is not subject to U.S. federal income taxes because taxes associated with such income represent obligations of the individual partners. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through corporations and is subject to local income taxes. Income taxes shown on Lazard’s consolidated statements of operations are principally related to foreign taxes from non-U.S. entities and to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) attributable to Lazard’s operations apportioned to New York City.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests primarily consist of amounts related to Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control but not own and the amount attributable to LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership interest in the net income of Lazard Group. See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s noncontrolling interests.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Lazard’s 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 members’/stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses on transactions in non-functional currencies are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

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The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“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.

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
      2013     2012     2013     2012  
    

($ in thousands)

 

Net Revenue

   $ 480,354      $ 428,806      $ 1,372,662      $
1,351,755
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Compensation and benefits

     301,809        283,818        910,679        905,527   

Non-compensation

     96,550        95,768        315,572        310,974   

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     877        2,494        2,758       
6,172
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     399,236        382,080        1,229,009       
1,222,673
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     81,118        46,726        143,653       
129,082
  

Provision for income taxes

     18,370        13,053        31,335       
32,191
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     62,748        33,673        112,318       
96,891
  

Less – Net Income Attributable to
Noncontrolling Interests

     2,466        372        5,323       
7,217
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 60,282      $ 33,301      $ 106,995      $
89,674
  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income, As A % Of Net Revenue

     16.9     10.9     10.5    
9.5

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 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.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2013   2012   2013   2012
     ($ in thousands)

Operating Revenue

                

Net revenue

     $ 480,354       $ 428,806       $ 1,372,662       $
1,351,755
 

Add (deduct):

                

Other interest expense (a)

       19,895        
20,326
 
      59,680        
60,194
 

Revenue related to noncontrolling interests (b)

       (3,994 )      
(1,193
)
      (10,774 )      
(10,141
)

(Gains) losses on investments pertaining to Lazard Fund Interests (c)

       (7,519 )      
(4,728
)
      (7,767 )      
(4,639
)
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Operating revenue

     $ 488,736       $
443,211
 
    $ 1,413,801       $
1,397,169
 
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) Interest expense (excluding interest expense incurred by LFB) is added back in determining operating revenue because such expense is not considered to be a cost directly related to the revenue of our business.
(b) Revenue related to the consolidation of noncontrolling interests is excluded from operating revenue because the Company has no economic interest in such amount.
(c) Changes in the fair value of investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements that correspond to changes in the value of the related compensation liability, which is recorded within compensation and benefits expense, are excluded.

 

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     Three Months Ended 
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013             2012             2013             2012      
     ($ in thousands)  

Adjusted Compensation and Benefits Expense

        

Total compensation and benefits expense

   $ 301,809      $ 283,818      $ 910,679      $ 905,527   

Deduct:

        

Noncontrolling interests (a)

     (1,112     (1,020     (3,296     (3,110

(Charges) credits pertaining to Lazard Fund
Interests (b)

     (7,519     (4,728     (7,767     (4,639

Costs related to staff reductions (c)

                          (21,754

Cost saving initiatives (c)

                   (51,399       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense

   $ 293,178      $ 278,070      $ 848,217      $ 876,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense, as a % of Operating Revenue

     60.0     62.7     60.0     62.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Expenses related to the consolidation of noncontrolling interests are excluded because, as is the case with operating revenue, Lazard has no economic interest in such amounts.
(b) Changes in fair value of the derivative compensation liability recorded in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements are excluded because such amounts correspond to the changes in the fair value of the underlying investments, which are excluded from operating revenue.
(c) Represents expenses related to the first quarter 2012 staff reductions and the cost saving initiatives for (i) severance costs and benefit payments; (ii) the acceleration of unrecognized amortization expense of deferred incentive compensation previously granted to individuals whose employment was being terminated and (iii) the settlement of certain contractual obligations.

 

                                                                           
     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
           2013               2012               2013               2012      
     ($ in thousands)  

Adjusted Non-Compensation Expense

        

Total non-compensation expense

   $ 96,550      $ 95,768      $ 315,572      $ 310,974   

Deduct:

        

Noncontrolling interests (a)

     (487     (655     (1,626     (1,954

Costs related to staff reductions (b)

                          (2,905

Cost saving initiatives (b)

                   (13,304       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted non-compensation expense

   $ 96,063      $ 95,113      $ 300,642      $ 306,115   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted non-compensation expense, as a % of Operating Revenue

     19.7     21.5     21.3     21.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Expenses related to the consolidation of noncontrolling interests are excluded because, as is the case with operating revenue, the Company has no economic interest in such amounts.
(b) Non-compensation costs associated with the first quarter 2012 staff reductions and the cost saving initiatives are excluded to enhance comparability of adjusted non-compensation expense between present, historical and future periods.

 

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     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013         2012     2013     2012  
     ($ in thousands)  

Earnings From Operations

        

Operating revenue

   $ 488,736      $ 443,211      $ 1,413,801      $   1,397,169   

Deduct:

        

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense

     (293,178     (278,070     (848,217    
(876,024

Adjusted non-compensation expense

     (96,063    
(95,113

    (300,642     (306,115
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations

   $ 99,495      $ 70,028      $ 264,942      $ 215,030   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from operations, as a % of Operating Revenue

     20.3     15.8     18.7     15.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Certain additional key ratios and headcount information are set forth below:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
           2013               2012               2013               2012      

As a % of Net Revenue, by Revenue Category:

                

Investment banking and other advisory fees

       48 %       51 %       48 %       54 %

Money management fees

       50         50         52         46  

Interest income

       1                         1  

Other

       5         4         4         4  

Interest expense

       (4 )       (5 )       (4 )       (5 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Revenue

       100 %       100 %       100 %       100 %
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

     As Of  
     September 30,
2013 (a)
     December 31,
2012
     September 30,
2012
 

Headcount:

        

Managing Directors:

        

Financial Advisory

     136         151         155   

Asset Management

     73         75         76   

Corporate

     15         14         13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Managing Directors

    
224
  
     240         244   

Other Employees:

        

Business segment professionals

     1,086         1,108         1,140   

All other professionals and support staff

     1,095         1,165         1,197   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     2,405         2,513         2,581   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) As of September 30, 2013, most of the headcount reductions relating to the cost saving initiatives have been completed, with the remainder expected in the fourth quarter. Such reductions may be partially offset by additional investments and, in the case of managing directors, promotions.

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.

 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

The Company reported net income attributable to Lazard Ltd in the 2013 period of $60 million, as compared to net income of $33 million in the 2012 period. The changes in the Company’s operating results during these periods are described below.

Net revenue in the 2013 period increased $52 million, or 12%, with operating revenue increasing $46 million, or 10%, as compared to the 2012 period. Fee revenue from investment banking and other advisory activities increased $14 million, or 6%, primarily due to increases in M&A and Other Advisory fees and Restructuring revenue. The increase in M&A and Other Advisory fee revenue was primarily due to an increase in average fees paid in respect of transactions involving fees greater than $1 million. The increase in Restructuring revenue reflected the closing of several large assignments in the 2013 period. Money management fees, including incentive fees, increased $27 million, or 12%, primarily reflecting a $15 billion, or 10%, increase in average AUM as compared to the 2012 period. In the aggregate, interest income, other revenue and interest expense increased $11 million as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to higher investment income in the 2013 period.

Compensation and benefits expense in the 2013 period increased $18 million, or 6%, compared to the 2012 period. Factors contributing to the increase included higher compensation costs driven by the increase in operating revenue, partially offset by lower headcount related to the cost saving initiatives and reduced amortization expense in the 2013 period associated with deferred incentive compensation awards related to 2008 deferred incentive compensation (the “2008 grant”). As described below, the 2008 grant, which had a comparatively longer, four year vesting period, affected amortization expense for the full year of 2012 but was fully vested as of March 1, 2013.

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (which excludes certain items and which we believe allows for improved comparability between interim periods, as described above), was $293 million in the 2013 period, an increase of $15 million, or 5%, when compared to $278 million in the 2012 period. The ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 60.0% for the 2013 period, as compared to 62.7% for the 2012 period. The third quarter 2013 ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue assumes, based on current market conditions, a ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue of approximately 58.5% for the full year of 2013, as compared to 59.4% for the full year of 2012. As described above, when analyzing compensation and benefits expense on a full year basis, we believe that awarded compensation and benefits expense provides the most meaningful basis for comparison of compensation and benefits expense between present, historical and future years.

Non-compensation expense in the 2013 period remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2012 period. When excluding non-compensation costs relating to noncontrolling interests, adjusted non-compensation expense in the 2013 period increased $1 million, or 1%, compared to the 2012 period. During the 2013 period, increases in (i) professional fees, (ii) occupancy costs and (iii) mutual fund servicing fees primarily related to the increase in AUM, were partially offset by decreases in marketing and business development expense associated with lower expenses for travel, and technology expense for market data and telecommunications. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 19.7% in the 2013 period versus 21.5% in the 2012 period.

Amortization of intangible assets decreased by $2 million as compared to the 2012 period.

Operating income in the 2013 period increased $34 million, or 74%, as compared to operating income in the 2012 period. Operating income, as a percentage of net revenue, was 16.9%, as compared to 10.9% in the 2012 period.

Earnings from operations increased $29 million, or 42%, when compared to the 2012 period, and, as a percentage of operating revenue, was 20.3% in the 2013 period, as compared to 15.8% in the 2012 period.

 

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The provision for income taxes increased $5 million, or 41%, when compared to the 2012 period, and reflected an effective tax rate of 22.6%, as compared to 27.9% for the 2012 period. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily reflective of the change in the geographic mix of earnings.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests increased $2 million in the 2013 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

The Company reported net income attributable to Lazard Ltd in the 2013 period of $107 million, as compared to net income of $90 million in the 2012 period. The changes in the Company’s operating results during these periods are described below.

Net revenue in the 2013 period increased $21 million, or 2%, with operating revenue increasing $17 million, or 1%, as compared to the 2012 period. Fee revenue from investment banking and other advisory activities decreased $72 million, or 10%, primarily due to decreases in M&A and Other Advisory fees and Restructuring revenue. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory fee revenue was primarily due to a lower number of transactions involving fees greater than $1 million in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period. The 2012 period included significant fees related to our sovereign advisory and middle market businesses. The decline in Restructuring revenue was attributable to the closing of several large assignments in the first nine months of 2012, and is consistent with the industry-wide low level of corporate restructuring activity. Money management fees, including incentive fees, increased $86 million, or 14%, principally reflecting a $17 billion, or 11%, increase in average AUM as compared to the 2012 period. In the aggregate, interest income, other revenue and interest expense reflected an increase in net revenue of $6 million as compared to the 2012 period. Such increase was primarily due to higher commission revenue as a result of increased market activity in the 2013 period.

Compensation and benefits expense in the 2013 period increased $5 million, or 1%, compared to the 2012 period, and included a $51 million charge related to the cost saving initiatives, as compared to a $22 million charge in the 2012 period related to staff reductions. Excluding such charges, compensation and benefits expense decreased $24 million, or 3%, driven by lower headcount related to the cost saving initiatives and, as described below, reduced amortization expense related to the 2008 grant.

Adjusted compensation and benefits expense (which excludes certain items and which we believe allows for improved comparability between interim periods, as described above), was $848 million in the 2013 period, a decrease of $28 million, or 3%, when compared to $876 million in the 2012 period. The ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 60.0% for the 2013 period, as compared to 62.7% for the 2012 period. The ratio of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue assumes, based on current market conditions, a ratio of awarded compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue of approximately 58.5% for the full year of 2013, as compared to 59.4% for the full year of 2012. As described above, when analyzing compensation and benefits expense on a full year basis, we believe that awarded compensation and benefits expense provides the most meaningful basis for comparison of compensation and benefits expense between present, historical and future years.

We currently expect that amortization of deferred incentive compensation awards, which primarily results from compensation awards related to 2010, 2011 and 2012 deferred compensation, will approximate $302 million for the full year of 2013, a decrease of $33 million as compared to $335 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The expected reduction is primarily related to the 2008 grant. The 2008 grant had a comparatively longer, four-year vesting period and, together with compensation awards related to 2009, 2010 and 2011 deferred compensation, affected amortization expense for the full year of 2012. The 2008 grant was fully vested on March 1, 2013.

Non-compensation expense in the 2013 period increased $5 million, or 1%, as compared to the 2012 period and included a charge of $13 million related to the cost saving initiatives, as compared to a charge of $3 million

 

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associated with the staff reductions in the first nine months of 2012. When excluding such charges, as well as non-compensation costs relating to noncontrolling interests, adjusted non-compensation expense in the 2013 period decreased $5 million, or 2%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to decreases in (i) marketing and business development expense associated with lower expenses for travel and other business development (ii) technology expense for telecommunications and market data and (iii) insurance costs, all primarily attributable to the cost saving initiatives. Other contributing factors were reduced deal-related costs, which were higher in the first nine months of 2012 as a result of transactions that closed in that period. Such decreases were partially offset by increased investments in technology, higher occupancy costs related to the amended lease and build-out of our Rockefeller Center facility and higher mutual fund servicing fees primarily related to the increase in higher average AUM. The ratio of adjusted non-compensation expense to operating revenue was 21.3% in the 2013 period versus 21.9% for the corresponding period in 2012.

Amortization of intangible assets decreased $3 million, as compared to the 2012 period.

Operating income in the 2013 period (including the aggregate $65 million charge described above relating to the cost saving initiatives) increased $15 million, or 11%, as compared to operating income in the 2012 period (including the $25 million charge in 2012 described above relating to the staff reductions). Operating income, as a percentage of net revenue, was 10.5%, as compared to 9.5% in the 2012 period.

Earnings from operations increased $50 million, or 23%, when compared to the 2012 period, and, as a percentage of operating revenue, was 18.7% in the 2013 period, as compared to 15.4% in the 2012 period.

The provision for income taxes decreased $1 million, or 3%, when compared to the 2012 period, and reflected an effective tax rate of 21.8%, as compared to 24.9% for the 2012 period. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily reflective of the change in the geographic mix of earnings.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests decreased $2 million in the 2013 period.

Business 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, legal, 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.

 

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Financial Advisory

The following tables summarize the reported operating results attributable to the Financial Advisory segment:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  
     ($ in thousands)  

M&A and Other Advisory

   $ 176,449      $ 171,417      $ 515,693      $ 559,411   

Capital Raising

     15,220        14,174        51,489        45,718   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Strategic Advisory

     191,669        185,591        567,182        605,129   

Restructuring

     42,173        34,382        98,429        134,664   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenue

     233,842        219,973        665,611        739,793   

Operating Expenses(a)

     218,015        212,449        674,689        693,546   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

   $ 15,827      $ 7,524      $ (9,078   $ 46,247   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income (Loss), As A Percentage Of Net Revenue

     6.8     3.4     (1.4 )%      6.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes $0 and $47,779 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 associated with the implementation of the cost saving initiatives. All periods include indirect support costs (including compensation and benefits expense and other operating expenses related thereto).

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, the industry statistics for global M&A transactions described above reflect a 2% decrease in the value of completed transactions in the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the corresponding 2012 period, as well as a 12% decrease in the number of completed transactions in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period. Our M&A and Other Advisory revenue (which includes Sovereign and Capital Advisory revenue) decreased 8% in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period.

Certain Lazard fee and transaction statistics are set forth below:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013             2012             2013             2012      

Lazard Statistics:

        

Number of Clients With Fees Greater Than $1 Million:

        

Total Financial Advisory

     57        57        167        186   

M&A and Other Advisory

     44        46        126        139   

Percentage of Total Financial Advisory Revenue from Top 10 Clients

     35     33     21     24

Number of M&A Transactions Completed With Values Greater than $1 billion (a)

     6        8        26        36   

 

(a) Source: Thomson Reuters as of October 7, 2013.

 

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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 the U.S., 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.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013             2012             2013             2012      

United States

     53     55     59     59

Europe

     40        38        36        34   

Rest of World

     7        7        5        7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 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 net 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, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Total Strategic Advisory net revenue, representing fees from M&A and Other Advisory and Capital Raising businesses, increased $6 million, or 3%, and Restructuring revenue increased $8 million, or 23%, as compared to the 2012 period.

M&A and Other Advisory revenue increased $5 million, or 3%, and Capital Raising revenue increased by $1 million, or 7%, as compared to the 2012 period. The increase in M&A and Other Advisory revenue was primarily due to an increase in the average fees paid in respect of transactions involving fees greater than $1 million. Our major clients, which in the aggregate represented a significant portion of our M&A and Other Advisory revenue for the third quarter of 2013, included Ameristar Casinos, Amgen, CNH Global, D.E. Master Blenders 1753, Leap Wireless, NV Energy, Rockwood, Siemens and Total.

Restructuring revenue is derived from various activities including bankruptcy assignments, global debt and financing restructurings, distressed asset sales and advice on complex on- and off-balance sheet assignments, the timing of which may not correspond to industry announced defaults. The increase in Restructuring revenue reflected the closing of several large assignments in the 2013 period. Our major clients, which in the aggregate represented a significant portion of our Restructuring revenue in the 2013 period, included Eastman Kodak, Exide Technologies and Realia Business.

Operating expenses increased $6 million, or 3%, as compared to the 2012 period. The primary contributors to the increase were (i) higher compensation and benefits expense related to higher operating revenue, partially offset by a reduction in amortization expense associated with deferred compensation awards and a reduction in salary expenses related to the cost saving initiatives, and (ii) higher professional fees, partially offset by decreased travel, communications and occupancy costs.

 

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Financial Advisory operating income in the 2013 period was $16 million, an increase of $8 million as compared to operating income of $8 million in the 2012 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 6.8%, as compared to 3.4% in the 2012 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Total Strategic Advisory net revenue, representing fees from M&A and Other Advisory and Capital Raising businesses, decreased $38 million, or 6%, and Restructuring revenue decreased $36 million, or 27%, as compared to the 2012 period.

M&A and Other Advisory revenue decreased $44 million, or 8%, with Capital Raising revenue increasing $6 million, or 13%, as compared to the 2012 period. The decrease in M&A and Other Advisory revenue was primarily due to a lower number of transactions involving fees greater than $1 million in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period. The 2012 period included significant fees related to our sovereign advisory and middle markets businesses. The increase in Capital Raising revenue reflected increased activity and fees from our Private Placements, PIPES, Registered Direct offerings and Private Fund Advisory groups.

The decline in Restructuring revenue was attributable to the closing of several large assignments in the 2012 period, and is consistent with the industry-wide low level of corporate restructuring activity.

Operating expenses decreased $19 million, or 3%, as compared to the 2012 period, and included a $48 million charge in the 2013 period related to the cost saving initiatives. Excluding such charge, operating expenses decreased $67 million, or 10%. The primary contributors to the decrease were lower compensation and benefits expense due to lower operating revenue, headcount reductions related to the cost saving initiatives, reductions in amortization expense associated with deferred compensation awards, decreased travel and communications expense related to the cost saving initiatives and lower deal-related costs as a result of transactions that closed in the 2013 period as compared to the 2012 period, partially offset by higher occupancy costs related to the amended lease and build-out of our Rockefeller Center facility.

Financial Advisory operating loss in the 2013 period was $9 million (including the impact of the $48 million charge related to the cost saving initiatives), a decrease of $55 million as compared to operating income of $46 million in the 2012 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was (1.4)% as compared to 6.3% in the 2012 period. Excluding the impact of such charge in the 2013 period, operating income was $39 million, a decrease of $7 million, as compared to operating income in the 2012 period.

 

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Asset Management

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

 

     As of  
     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 
     ($ in millions)  

AUM, by Asset Class:

     

Equity:

     

Emerging Markets

   $ 46,553       $ 44,623   

Global

     33,519         36,247   

Local

     30,102         30,890   

Multi-Regional

     35,925         26,411   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Equity

     146,099         138,171   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fixed Income:

     

Multi-Regional

     10,162         10,980   

Global

     3,065         3,035   

Local

     3,348         3,549   

Emerging Markets

     7,956         5,154   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Fixed Income

     24,531         22,718   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Alternative Investments

     4,571         4,600   

Private Equity

     1,143         1,398   

Cash Management

     111         173   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total AUM

   $ 176,455       $ 167,060   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average AUM for the 2013 and 2012 periods is set forth below. Average AUM is generally based on an average of quarterly ending balances for the respective periods.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013              2012              2013              2012      
    

($ in millions)

 

Average AUM

   $ 171,497       $ 156,620       $ 170,162       $ 152,744   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total AUM at September 30, 2013 was $176 billion, an increase of $9 billion, or 6%, as compared to total AUM of $167 billion at December 31, 2012, primarily due to market appreciation. Average AUM for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 was 10% and 11% higher, respectively, than that for the corresponding periods in 2012. Within the equity asset class, Emerging Markets and Global represented 26% and 19%, respectively, of total AUM at September 30, 2013, as compared to 27% and 22%, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, approximately 90% 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, and approximately 10% of our AUM was managed on behalf of individual clients, which are principally family offices and individuals, and was substantially unchanged from the corresponding percentages at December 31, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, AUM denominated in foreign currencies represented approximately 64% of our total AUM, as compared to 62% at December 31, 2012. Foreign denominated AUM generally declines in value with the strengthening of the U.S. Dollar and increases in value as the U.S. Dollar weakens.

 

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The following is a summary of changes in AUM for the 2013 and 2012 periods:

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013     2012  
    

($ in millions)

 

AUM—Beginning of Period

   $ 163,289       $ 148,439       $ 167,060      $ 141,039   

Net Flows (a)

     1,719         1,813         (3,403     2,788   

Market and Foreign Exchange Appreciation

     11,447         10,159         12,798        16,584   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

AUM—End of Period

   $ 176,455       $ 160,411       $ 176,455      $ 160,411   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes inflows of $8,562 and $7,660 and outflows of $6,843 and $5,847 for the three month periods in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and inflows of $25,918 and $20,269 and outflows of $29,321 and $17,481 for the nine month periods in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2013, inflows were primarily attributable to the Emerging Markets and Multi-Regional equity platforms and the Emerging Markets fixed income platform. Outflows during the period were primarily attributable to the Global and Local equity platforms.

As of October 18, 2013, AUM was $183.9 billion, a $7.4 billion increase since September 30, 2013. The increase in AUM was due to market and foreign exchange appreciation of $7.1 billion and net inflows of $0.3 billion.

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

 

     Three Months  Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013             2012             2013             2012      
     ($ in thousands)  

Revenue:

        

Management Fees

   $ 228,272      $ 202,324      $ 665,964      $ 597,407   

Incentive Fees

     10,061        10,606        34,704        16,906   

Other Income

     13,761        8,586        40,950        32,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenue

     252,094        221,516        741,618        647,096   

Operating Expenses(a)

     168,895        160,869        511,526        477,989   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

   $ 83,199      $ 60,647      $ 230,092      $ 169,107   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income, As A Percentage of Net Revenue

     33.0     27.4     31.0     26.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes $0 and $235 for the three month and nine month periods of 2013 associated with the implementation of the cost saving initiatives. All periods include indirect support costs (including compensation and benefits expense and other operating expenses related thereto).

 

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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.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
         2013              2012              2013              2012      

United States

     65%         63%         62%         63%   

Europe

     26            26            27            26      

Rest of World

     9            11            11            11      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     100%         100%         100%         100%   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Asset Management net revenue increased $31 million, or 14%, as compared to the 2012 period. Management fees increased $26 million, or 13%, as compared to the 2012 period, reflecting a $15 billion, or 10%, increase in average AUM. Incentive fees remained substantially unchanged as compared to the 2012 period. Other revenue increased by $5 million, or 60%, as compared to the 2012 period.

Operating expenses increased $8 million, or 5%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits expense related to the increase in operating revenue and an increase in mutual fund servicing fees related to the growth in AUM.

Asset Management operating income in the 2013 period was $83 million, an increase of $23 million, or 37%, compared to operating income of $60 million in the 2012 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 33.0%, compared to 27.4% in the 2012 period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Asset Management net revenue increased $95 million, or 15%, as compared to the 2012 period. Management fees increased $69 million, or 11%, as compared to the 2012 period, reflecting a $17 billion, or 11%, increase in average AUM. Incentive fees increased $18 million, or 105%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to fees related to traditional investment products. Other revenue increased $8 million, or 25%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to higher commissions as a result of increased market activity.

Operating expenses increased $34 million, or 7%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits expense related to the increase in operating revenue and an increase in mutual fund servicing fees related to the growth in AUM.

Asset Management operating income in the 2013 period was $230 million, an increase of $61 million, or 36%, compared to operating income of $169 million in the 2012 period and, as a percentage of net revenue, was 31.0%, compared to 26.1% in the 2012 period.

 

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Corporate

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

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012     2013     2012  
     ($ in thousands)  

Interest Income

   $ 732      $ 738      $ 2,375      $ 2,379   

Interest Expense

     (20,169     (20,624     (60,630     (61,366
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Interest (Expense)

     (19,437     (19,886     (58,255     (58,987

Other Revenue

     13,855        7,203        23,688        23,853   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenue (Expense)

     (5,582     (12,683     (34,567     (35,134

Operating Expenses (a)

     12,326        8,762        42,794        51,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Loss

   $ (17,908   $ (21,445   $ (77,361   $ (86,272
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes (i) in 2013, $0 and $16,689 for the three month and nine month periods associated with the implementation of the cost saving initiatives, and (ii) in 2012, $0 and $24,659 for the three month and nine month periods relating to the staff reductions.

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, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Net interest expense was substantially unchanged as compared to the 2012 period.

Other revenue increased $7 million, or 92%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to an increase in net investment gains, including gains relating to Lazard Fund Interests.

Operating expenses increased $4 million, or 41%, as compared to the 2012 period, primarily due to increased compensation and benefits expense associated with Lazard Fund Interests.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 versus September 30, 2012

Net interest expense and other revenue was substantially unchanged as compared to the 2012 period.

Operating expenses decreased $8 million, or 16%, compared to the 2012 period, and included in the 2013 period a charge of $17 million associated with the cost saving initiatives, while the 2012 period included a charge of $25 million related to staff reductions. Excluding such charges in both periods, operating expenses were substantially unchanged.

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. M&A, Other Advisory, and Asset Management fees are generally collected within 60 days of billing, while Restructuring fee collections may extend beyond 60 days,

 

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particularly those that involve bankruptcies with court-ordered holdbacks. Fees from our 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. In addition, during the nine month period of 2013, the Company made cash payments, including severance payments, associated with the cost saving initiatives (see “Cost Saving Initiatives” above and Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Summary of Cash Flows:

 

     Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
 
         2013             2012      
     ($ in millions)  

Cash Provided By (Used In):

    

Operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 112.3      $ 96.9   

Noncash charges (a)

     267.7        281.5   

Other operating activities (b)

     (212.1     (138.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     167.9        239.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

     (48.5     (69.6

Financing activities (c)

     (273.9     (347.4

Effect of exchange rate changes

     (7.3     6.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (161.8     (170.9

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

    

Beginning of Period

     850.2        1,003.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Period

   $ 688.4      $ 832.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)    Consists of the following:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property

   $ 25.5      $ 22.5   

Amortization of deferred expenses, stock units and interest rate hedge

     239.4        252.8   

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     2.8        6.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 267.7      $ 281.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
(b) Includes net changes in operating assets and liabilities.
(c) Consists primarily of purchases of shares of Class A common stock, settlements of vested restricted stock units (“RSUs”), Class A common stock dividends and distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.

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 quarters. 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.

 

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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 has also been impacted by cash payments, including severance payments, associated with the cost saving initiatives (see “Cost Saving Initiatives” above and Note 14 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

Lazard’s 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 members’/stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses on transactions in non-functional currencies are included on the 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 Lazard Group common membership interests and matters relating to liquidity and to compliance with regulatory net capital requirements. At September 30, 2013, Lazard had approximately $688 million of cash, with such amount including approximately $271 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, no material amount of additional U.S. income taxes would be recognized upon receipt of dividends or distributions of such earnings from its foreign operations.

We maintain lines of credit in excess of anticipated liquidity requirements. As of September 30, 2013, Lazard had approximately $264 million in unused lines of credit available to it, including a $150 million, three-year, senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders that expires in September 2015 (the “Credit Facility”) (see “—Financing Activities” below) and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $54 million (at September 30, 2013 exchange rates) and Edgewater of $55 million. In addition, LFB has access to the Eurosystem Covered Bond Purchase Program of the Banque de France.

The Credit Facility 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 Credit Facility 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012. 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.

 

    Maturity
Date
  As of     Increase
(Decrease)
 
      September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
   
        ($ in millions)        

Senior Debt:

       

7.125%

  2015   $ 528.5      $ 528.5      $         –   

6.85%

  2017     548.4        548.4          
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Senior Debt

    $ 1,076.9      $ 1,076.9      $  –   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Lazard’s annual cash flow generated from operations historically has been sufficient to enable it to meet its annual obligations. Lazard has not drawn on its Credit Facility and prior revolving credit facility since June 30, 2006. 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 Credit Facility remains outstanding and unpaid or any other amount is owing to the lending bank group, the Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require that Lazard Group not permit (i) its Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the 12-month period ending on the last day of any fiscal quarter to be greater than 4.00 to 1.00 or (ii) its Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) 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, 2013, Lazard Group was in compliance with such ratios, with its Consolidated Leverage Ratio being 1.75 to 1.00 and its Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio being 8.87 to 1.00. In any event, no amounts were outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2013.

In addition, the Credit Facility, 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, 2013, 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.

Stockholders’ Equity

At September 30, 2013, total stockholders’ equity was $657 million, as compared to $652 million at December 31, 2012, including $583 million and $570 million attributable to Lazard Ltd on the respective dates. The net activity in stockholders’ equity during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 is reflected in the table below (in millions of dollars):

 

Stockholders’ Equity—January 1, 2013

   $ 652   

Increase (decrease) due to:

  

Net income

     112   

Amortization of share-based incentive compensation

     183   

Purchase of Class A common stock

     (78

Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation awards and related tax benefit of $1

     (125

Class A common stock dividends

     (61

Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net

     (9

AOCI (including noncontrolling interests’ portion thereof)(a)

     (17
  

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity—September 30, 2013

   $ 657   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Includes:

  

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

   $ (19

Employee benefit plans and other adjustments

     2   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (17
  

 

 

 

In February 2011, October 2011, April 2012 and October 2012 the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized the repurchase of up to $250 million, $125 million, $125 million and $200 million, respectively, in aggregate cost of Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s prior share

 

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repurchase authorizations expired on December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 the Company repurchased 2,201,657 shares of Class A common stock, at an aggregate cost of $78 million (no Lazard Group common membership interests were purchased during such nine month period). Furthermore, in order to help offset the dilutive effect of our share-based incentive compensation plans, during a given year Lazard intends to repurchase at least as many shares as it expects to ultimately issue pursuant to such plans in respect of year-end incentive compensation attributable to the prior year.

As of September 30, 2013, $76 million of the current share repurchase amount authorized as of such date remained available under the share repurchase program, all of which expires on December 31, 2014.

In October 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100 million in aggregate cost of Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2015.

Under the terms of the 2005 Plan and the 2008 Plan, upon the vesting of RSUs, performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and delivery of restricted Class A common stock, shares of Class A common stock may be withheld by the Company to meet the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. In that regard, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company withheld $125 million to satisfy its withholding tax obligations for certain employees on vested RSUs and delivery of restricted Class A common stock in lieu of issuing 3,490,444 shares of Class A common stock.

The Company plans to continue to deploy excess cash and may do so in a variety of ways, including by 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 18 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 the Form 10-K and Note 18 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth information relating to Lazard’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2013:

 

     Contractual Obligations Payment Due by Period  
     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More than
5 Years
 
     ($ in thousands)  

Senior Debt (including interest) (a)

   $ 1,302,410       $ 75,218       $ 641,280       $ 585,912           

Operating Leases (excluding $155,400 of sublease
income)

     1,022,666         82,263         151,540         135,984         652,879   

Capital Leases (including interest)

     18,632         3,185         5,548         9,899           

Investment Capital Funding Commitments (b)

     27,685         27,685                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (c)

   $ 2,371,393       $ 188,351       $ 798,368       $ 731,795       $ 652,879   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(a) See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. These amounts are generally due on demand and therefore are presented in the “less than 1 year” category.
(c) The table above excludes contingent obligations, as well as any possible payments for uncertain tax positions, and payments pursuant to the Company’s tax receivable agreement, given the inability to estimate the possible amounts and timing of any such payments. See Notes 10, 12, 13 and 15 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements regarding information in connection with commitments, incentive plans, employee benefit plans and income taxes, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of Lazard’s 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, compensation liabilities, income taxes, 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 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:

 

   

there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement with a client,

 

   

the agreed-upon services have been provided,

 

   

fees are fixed or determinable, and

 

   

collection is probable.

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).

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 Fund 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

 

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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 period 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 each of their respective jurisdictions. In addition to estimating actual current tax liability for these jurisdictions, we also must account for the tax effects of differences between the financial reporting and tax reporting of items, such as deferred revenue, compensation and benefits expense, unrealized gains or losses on investments and depreciation and amortization, as well as intercompany transactions such as revenue sharing, dividends and interest expense. Differences that 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 as discussed below, any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets and our unrecognized tax benefits.

A deferred tax asset is recognized 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, 2012, on a consolidated basis, we recorded gross deferred tax assets of approximately $1.41 billion.

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. In order to determine whether we apply a valuation allowance, we must assess whether it is more likely than not that such asset will be realized, 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. Although we have been profitable on a consolidated basis for the three year periods ended December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013, certain of our tax-paying entities have individually experienced minimal profits on a cumulative basis during such periods and losses in 2012, primarily due to permanent differences between net income and taxable income at such entities. Considering the recent operating results of such entities and the other factors listed below, we recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $1.24 billion on our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2012 and have not changed our assessment regarding the level of valuation allowance as of September 30, 2013.

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

 

   

future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;

 

   

future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards;

 

   

taxable income in prior carryback years; and

 

   

tax-planning strategies.

 

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

 

   

nature, frequency and magnitude of any past losses and current operating results,

 

   

duration of statutory carryforward periods,

 

   

historical experience with tax attributes expiring unused, and

 

   

near-term and medium-term financial outlook.

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 significant evidence and will generally outweigh a projection of future taxable income.

As mentioned previously, certain of our tax-paying entities have individually experienced minimal profits on a cumulative basis over the past several years and losses in 2012. If these entities achieve sustainable levels of profitability in the future, we believe that the valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets at such entities could be reduced significantly. If any significant valuation allowance reduction were to occur, we would likely have a negative effective tax rate in the period in which such reduction occurs. Included in our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2012 are approximately $705 million related to certain basis step-ups and approximately $196 million of net operating losses generated by the amortization of such step-up assets. Under our tax receivable agreement, Lazard Group will retain 15% of the actual cash tax savings relating to such assets and will pay 85% of such savings to the owners of Lazard prior to the separation. As a result, in the event of a reduction of our valuation allowance, we also would recognize a liability relating to the portion expected to be payable under the tax receivable agreement. The creation of this liability could potentially offset a significant amount (but not all) of the income we would otherwise recognize upon a release of the valuation allowance.

If any valuation allowance reduction were to occur, for subsequent periods, our effective tax rate, with all other factors being held constant, would increase and could be significantly higher than our effective tax rate in the period immediately preceding the reduction in the valuation allowance. In such a situation, an increase in our effective tax rate would not impact the amount of cash income taxes we would pay in those periods subsequent to the release of any valuation allowance.

The Company records tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return based upon 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, the Company recognizes 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 “Risk Factors” and Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for additional information related to income taxes.

Investments

Investments consist primarily of debt and equity securities, and interests in alternative investment, debt, equity and private equity funds.

 

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These investments are carried at either (a) fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition, with any increases or decreases in fair value reflected (i) in earnings, to the extent held by our broker-dealer subsidiaries or when designated as “trading” securities within our non-broker-dealer subsidiaries, and (ii) in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” (“AOCI”), to the extent designated as “available-for-sale” securities until such time they are realized and reclassified to earnings, or (b) if designated as “held-to-maturity” securities, amortized cost on the consolidated statements of financial condition. Any declines in the fair value of “available-for-sale” and “held-to-maturity” securities that are determined to be other than temporary are charged to earnings. The Company holds no “available-for-sale” or “held-to-maturity” securities.

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 or, if applicable, AOCI, and therefore subject Lazard to market and credit risk.

Data relating to net investments is set forth below (in millions of dollars):

 

    September 30, 2013(a)     December 31, 2012(a)  
         %     $     %  

Debt securities (b)

  $     8        2   $ 6                1

Equity securities (net of $4 and $3 of securities sold, not yet purchased, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively) (c)

    51        11        42        10   

Alternative investment funds (d)

    46        10        58        14   

Debt funds (e)

    59        13        32        8   

Equity funds (f)

    178        38        154        37   

Private equity funds owned (g)

    103        22        101        25   

Other (h)

    21        4        19        5   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investments

  $ 466        100   $ 412        100
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 2,956        $ 2,987     
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

Net investments, as a percentage of total assets

    16       14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(a) Includes investments held in connection with Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, with an aggregate fair value of $164 million and $101 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The majority of the market risk associated with such investments is equally offset by the market risk associated with the derivative liability with respect to such awards. The Company is subject to market risk associated with any portion of such investments that employees may forfeit. See “—Risk Management—Risks Related to Derivatives” for risk management information relating to derivatives.

 

(b) Debt securities primarily consist of seed investments invested in debt securities held within separately managed accounts related to our Asset Management business and non-U.S. government debt securities.

 

(c) Equity securities 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.

 

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At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments in marketable equity securities were invested as follows:

 

     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

    Percentage invested in:

    

    Consumer

     32     31

    Financials

     33        34   

    Energy

     7       
9
  

    Industrial

     12        12   

    Technology

     10        7   

    Other

     6        7   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

    Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(d) The fair value of such interests reflects the pro-rata value of the ownership of the underlying securities in the funds. Such funds are diversified and may incorporate particular strategies; however, there are no investments in funds with a single sector strategy.

 

(e) Debt funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business, which invest in debt securities, and amounts related to Lazard Fund Interests discussed above.

 

(f) Equity funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business, which are invested in equity securities, and amounts relating to Lazard Fund Interests discussed above.

 

(g) Comprised primarily of investments in private equity funds that are generally not subject to short-term market fluctuation, but may subject Lazard to market or credit risk. Private equity investments primarily include (i) a mezzanine fund, which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small- to mid-cap European companies; (ii) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies; (iii) Edgewater Growth Capital Partners III, L.P. a fund primarily making growth equity and buyout investments in middle market companies and (iv) COF 2, a Lazard-managed Australian fund targeting Australasian mid-market investments.

 

(h) Represents investments (i) accounted for under the equity method of accounting and (ii) private equity and other interests that are consolidated but owned by noncontrolling interests, and therefore do not subject the Company to market or credit risk. The applicable noncontrolling interests are presented within “stockholders’ equity” on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $117 million and $116 million, respectively, of our total investments at a fair value of $466 million and $412 million, respectively, or 25% and 28%, respectively, were classified as Level 3 assets. Substantially all of our Level 3 investments at both dates are priced based on NAV or its equivalent. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, gains of approximately $9 million and $12 million, respectively, were recognized in “revenue-other” on the consolidated statement of operations pertaining to Level 3 investments.

For additional information regarding risks associated with our investments, see “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.

See Notes 4 and 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value, including the levels of fair value within which such measurements of fair value fall.

Assets Under Management

AUM managed by LAM and LFG, which represents substantially all of the Company’s total AUM, primarily consists of debt and equity instruments whose value is readily available based on quoted prices on a

 

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recognized exchange or prices provided by external pricing services. Accordingly, significant estimates and judgments are generally not involved in the calculation of the value of our AUM.

Goodwill

In accordance with current accounting guidance, goodwill has an indefinite life and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. For years prior to 2011, Lazard made estimates and assumptions in order to determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities and to project future earnings using various valuation techniques. Commencing in 2011, as permitted under an amendment issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Company elected to perform 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 of Variable Interest Entities

The 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 such entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) under U.S. GAAP.

 

   

Voting Interest Entities. Voting interest entities are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and (ii) the equity holders have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. Lazard is required to consolidate a voting interest entity that it maintains an ownership interest in if it holds a majority of the voting interest in such entity.

 

   

Variable Interest Entities. VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. If Lazard has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests in a VIE, it is required to analyze whether it needs to consolidate such VIE.

Lazard is involved with various entities in the normal course of business that are VIEs and holds variable interests in such VIEs. Transactions associated with these entities primarily include investment management, real estate and private equity investments. Those VIEs for which Lazard is determined to be the primary beneficiary are consolidated in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance.

Risk Management

We encounter risk in the normal course of business, and therefore, in order to help manage and monitor such risks, we have designed risk management processes which consider both the nature of our business and our operating model. We are subject to varying degrees of credit and market risk, including risks related to the level of soundness of our clients, financial, governmental and other institutions and third parties, as well as operational and liquidity risks (see “—Liquidity and Capital Resources”) and, where appropriate, we monitor these risks at both an entity level and on a consolidated basis. Management within each of Lazard’s operating locations is principally responsible for managing the risks within its respective businesses on a day-to-day basis.

Market and credit risks related to our investing activities are discussed under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Investments” above. Risks related to Lazard’s other activities are presented below. Lazard has established procedures to assess credit and market risks, as well as specific interest rate and currency risk, and has established limits related to various positions.

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

 

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analysis of the client’s creditworthiness and specifically provide for exposures where we determine the receivables are impaired. At September 30, 2013, total receivables amounted to $536 million, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $26 million. As of that date, Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees, and customer and related party receivables comprised 80%, 17% and 3% of total receivables, respectively. At December 31, 2012, total receivables amounted to $478 million, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $23 million. As of that date, Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees, and customer and related party receivables comprised 84%, 11% and 5% of total receivables, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of approximately $36 million and $26 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. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, customer receivables included $19 million and $14 million of LFB loans, respectively. Such loans are closely monitored for counterparty creditworthiness to help minimize exposure. In addition, as of September 30, 2013, LFB’s commitments to lend, which are fully collateralized and generally contain requirements for the counterparty to maintain a minimum collateral level, were not significant.

Credit Concentrations

To reduce the exposure to concentrations of credit, the Company monitors large exposures to individual counterparties and, in addition, LFB has in place concentration risk limits. At September 30, 2013, excluding inter-bank counterparties, LFB had no exposure to an individual counterparty that exceeded $8 million. With respect to activities outside LFB, as of September 30, 2013 the Company’s largest individual counterparty exposure was a Financial Advisory fee receivable of $22 million.

Risks Related to Derivatives

Lazard enters into interest rate swaps and foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge exposures to interest rates and currency exchange rates and uses equity and fixed income swap contracts 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 $0.3 million and $1 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and derivative liabilities, excluding the derivative liability arising from the Company’s obligation pertaining to Lazard Fund Interests and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, amounted to $3 million and $5 million at such respective dates.

The Company also records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to Lazard Fund Interests 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 currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of Lazard Fund Interests awards. Derivative liabilities relating to Lazard Fund Interests amounted to $156 million and $98 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

In addition, LFB enters into interest rate swaps, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other derivative contracts to hedge exposures to interest rate and currency fluctuations on open positions that arise primarily from client activity. Such foreign currency and interest rate positions are subject to strict internal limits and, based on account balances as of September 30, 2013, we do not believe that the impact of potential significant movements in either the currency or interest rate markets on LFB’s positions would materially affect the Company’s annual operating income.

Risks Related to Short-Term Investments and Corporate Indebtedness

A significant portion of the Company’s indebtedness has fixed interest rates, while its cash and short-term investments generally have floating interest rates. Based on account balances as of September 30, 2013, Lazard

 

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estimates that its annual operating income relating to cash and short-term investments and corporate indebtedness would increase by approximately $7 million in the event interest rates were to increase by 1% and decrease by approximately $1 million if rates were to decrease by 1%.

As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $688 million. Substantially all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were invested in highly liquid institutional money market funds (a significant majority of which were invested solely in U.S. Government or agency money market funds), in short-term interest earning accounts at a number of leading banks throughout the world and 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 Risks

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, business interruptions, fraud 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 programs designed to protect the Company against accidental loss and losses, which 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.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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.”

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (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 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

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved from time to time in a number of 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.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

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 2013. Share repurchases are recorded on a trade date basis.

 

Period

  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
    Average Price
Paid per Share
    Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
    Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

July 1 – July 31, 2013

       

Share Repurchase Program (1)

    23,200      $ 35.86        23,200      $102.8 million

Employee Transactions (2)

    34,033      $ 32.88             $                   –

August 1 – August 31, 2013

       

Share Repurchase Program (1)

    542,700      $ 35.53        542,700      $83.5 million

Employee Transactions (2)

    124,286      $ 36.14             $                   –

September 1 – September 30, 2013

       

Share Repurchase Program (1)

    201,100      $ 36.66        201,100      $76.1 million

Employee Transactions (2)

    4,310      $ 35.42             $                   –

Total

       

Share Repurchase Program (1)

    767,000      $ 35.84        767,000      $76.1 million

Employee Transactions (2)

    162,629      $ 35.44             $                   –

 

(1)

As disclosed in more detail in Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in February 2011, October 2011, April 2012 and October 2012, the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized, on a cumulative basis, the repurchase of up to an additional $250 million, $125 million, $125 million and $200 million, respectively, in aggregate cost of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2012, December 31, 2013, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The share repurchase program is used primarily

 

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  to offset a portion of the shares to be issued under the 2005 Plan and the 2008 Plan. Purchases under the share repurchase program may be made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Amounts shown in this line item include repurchases of Class A common stock (no Lazard Group common membership interests were purchased during the third quarter of 2013) and exclude the shares of Class A common stock withheld by the Company to meet the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements as described below.

 

  In October 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard Ltd authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $100 million in aggregate cost of Class A common stock and Lazard Group common membership interests through December 31, 2015.

 

(2) Under the terms of the 2005 Plan and the 2008 Plan, upon the vesting of RSUs, PRSUs and delivery of restricted Class A common stock, shares of Class A common stock may be withheld by the Company to meet the minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. During the three month period ended September 30, 2013, the Company satisfied such obligations in lieu of issuing (i) 161,913 shares of Class A common stock upon the vesting of 773,793 RSUs and (ii) 716 shares of Class A common stock upon the vesting of 1,388 shares of restricted Class A common stock.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

  2.1   Master Separation Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC, LAZ-MD Holdings LLC and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
  2.2  

Amendment No. 1, dated as of November 6, 2006, to the Master Separation Agreement,

dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and LAZ-MD Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2006).

  2.3   Second Amendment, dated as of May 7, 2008, to the Master Separation Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, as amended, by and among Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group LLC and LAZ-MD Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on May 9, 2008).
  2.4   Class B-1 and Class C Members Transaction Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1 filed on December 17, 2004).
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on March 21, 2005).
  3.2   Certificate of Incorporation in Change of Name of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on March 21, 2005).
  3.3   Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Lazard Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
  3.4   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Lazard Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008).
  3.5   Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bye-Laws of Lazard Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2010).
  4.1   Form of Specimen Certificate for Class A common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on April 11, 2005).
  4.2   Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Lazard Group LLC’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-126751) on Form S-4 filed on July 21, 2005).
  4.3   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Lazard Group LLC’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-126751) on Form S-4 filed on July 21, 2005).
  4.4   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 21, 2007, between Lazard Group LLC and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on June 22, 2007).
  4.5   Form of Senior Notes (included in Exhibits 4.3 and 4.4).

 

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10.1     Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2006, by and among LAZ-MD Holdings LLC, the Registrant and certain members of LAZ-MD Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2006).
10.2     First Amendment, dated as of May 7, 2008, to the Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement dated as of November 6, 2006, between LAZ-MD Holdings LLC and Lazard Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008).
10.3     Operating Agreement of Lazard Group LLC, dated as of May 10, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.4     Amendment No. 1 to the Operating Agreement of Lazard Group LLC, dated as of December 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to Lazard Group LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 333-126751) filed on December 19, 2005).
10.5     Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 9, 2008, to the Operating Agreement of Lazard Group LLC, dated as of May 10, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on May 8, 2008).
10.6     Amendment No. 3, dated as of April 27, 2010, to the Operating Agreement of Lazard Group LLC, dated as of May 10, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2010).
10.7     Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among Ltd Sub A, Ltd Sub B and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.8     Employee Benefits Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC, LAZ-MD Holdings LLC and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.9     Insurance Matters Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.10     License Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among Lazard Strategic Coordination Company LLC, Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, Lazard Frères S.A.S., Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.11     Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among LAZ-MD Holdings LLC, LFCM Holdings LLC and Lazard Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.12     Business Alliance Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.13     Amendment and Consent, dated February 9, 2009, to the Business Alliance Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and LFCM Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Annual Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009).
10.14     Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Lazard Strategic Coordination Company LLC, dated as of January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on February 11, 2005).

 

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10.15     Lease, dated as of January 27, 1994, by and between Rockefeller Center Properties and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on February 11, 2005).
10.16   Amendment dated as of February 16, 2011, by and among RCPI Landmark Properties, L.L.C. (as the successor in interest to Rockefeller Center Properties), RCPI 30 Rock 22234849, L.L.C. and Lazard Group LLC (as the successor in interest to Lazard Frères & Co. LLC), to the Lease dated as of January 27, 1994, by and among Rockefeller Center Properties and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2011).
10.17     Lease with an Option to Purchase, dated as of July 11, 1990, by and between Sicomibail and Finabail and SCI du 121 Boulevard Hausmann (English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on February 11, 2005).
10.18     Occupational Lease, dated as of August 9, 2002, by and among Burford (Stratton) Nominee 1 Limited, Burford (Stratton) Nominee 2 Limited, Burford (Stratton) Limited, Lazard & Co., Limited and Lazard LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on February 11, 2005).
10.19*   2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on May 2, 2005).
10.20*   Lazard Ltd’s 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (File No. 001-32492) filed on March 24, 2008).
10.21*   2005 Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on March 21, 2005).
10.22*   Form of Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of May 4, 2005, applicable to, and related Schedule I for, Scott D. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.23*   Form of First Amendment, dated as of May 7, 2008, to Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of May 4, 2005, for Scott D. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on May 9, 2008).
10.24*   Amendment, dated as of February 23, 2011, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of May 4, 2005 and amended as of May 7, 2008, for Scott D. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2011).
10.25*   Form of Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on April 11, 2005).
10.26*   Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of October 4, 2004, by and between Lazard Group LLC and Alexander F. Stern (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009).
10.27*   First Amendment, dated as of March 23, 2010, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of October 4, 2004, with Alexander F. Stern (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on March 23, 2010).

 

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10.28*   Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of March 18, 2005, by and between Lazard Group LLC and Kenneth M. Jacobs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on March 1, 2010).
10.29*   First Amendment, dated as of March 23, 2010, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of March 18, 2005, with Kenneth M. Jacobs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) field on March 23, 2010).
10.30*   Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of October 4, 2004, by and between Lazard Group LLC and Matthieu Bucaille (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2011).
10.31*   First Amendment, dated as of April 1, 2011, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of October 4, 2004, between Lazard Group LLC and Matthieu Bucaille (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2011).
10.32*   Acknowledgement Letter, dated as of November 6, 2006 from Lazard Group LLC to certain managing directors of Lazard Group LLC modifying the terms of the retention agreements of persons party to the Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of November 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2006).
10.33     Letter Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2005, from IXIS Corporate and Investment Bank to Lazard LLC and Lazard Ltd (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (File No. 333-121407) on Form S-1/A filed on March 21, 2005).
10.34     Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2005, by and among Lazard Group Finance LLC, the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and IXIS Corporate and Investment Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on June 16, 2005).
10.35*   Description of Non-Executive Director Compensation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005).
10.36*   Form of Award Letter for Annual Grant of Deferred Stock Units to Non-Executive Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on September 8, 2005).
10.37*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock Units to Executive Officers under the Lazard Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on January 26, 2006).
10.38*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock Units to Executive Officers under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Registrant’s Annual Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009).
10.39*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Deferred Cash Award to Executive Officers under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Registrant’s Annual Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009).

 

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10.40*   Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2006).
10.41*   First Amended Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock Units to Executive Officers under the Lazard 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Registrant’s Annual Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007).
10.42   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 14, 2008, by and among Lazard Ltd, LAZ Sub I, Lazard Asset Management LLC and Lazard Asset Management Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32492) filed on August 15, 2008).
10.43     Senior Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2012, among Lazard Group LLC, the Banks from time to time parties thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on November 1, 2012).
10.44*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2010).
10.45*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Lazard Fund Interests under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 29, 2011).
10.46*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock to Executive Officers who are or may become eligible for retirement under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2012).
10.47*   First Amendment, dated as of August 2, 2011, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of March 15, 2005, between Lazard Group LLC and Ashish Bhutani (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2011).
10.48*  

Second Amendment, dated as of October 24, 2012, to the Agreement relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants, dated as of March 18, 2005 and amended on March 23, 2010, among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and Kenneth M. Jacobs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q

filed on November 1, 2012).

10.49*   Second Amendment, dated as of March 14, 2013, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants dated as of March 15, 2005 and amended on August 2, 2011, among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and Ashish Bhutani (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
10.50*   Second Amendment, dated as of March 14, 2013, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants dated as of October 4, 2004 and amended on April 1, 2011, among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and Matthieu Bucaille (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.51 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
10.51*   Second Amendment, dated as of March 14, 2013, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants dated as of May 4, 2005 and amended on May 7, 2008 and February 23, 2011, among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and Scott D. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.52 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).

 

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10.52*   Second Amendment, dated as of March 14, 2013, to the Agreement Relating to Retention and Noncompetition and Other Covenants dated as of October 4, 2004 and amended on March 23, 2010, among the Registrant, Lazard Group LLC and Alexander F. Stern (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.53 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
10.53*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Performance-Based Stock Units under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
10.54*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Lazard Fund Interests to Named Executive Officers under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
10.55*   Form of Agreement evidencing a grant of Restricted Stock Units to Named Executive Officers under the 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report (File No. 001-32492) on Form 10-Q filed on April 30, 2013).
  12.1   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Kenneth M. Jacobs.
  31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Matthieu Bucaille.
  32.1   Section 1350 Certification for Kenneth M. Jacobs.
  32.2   Section 1350 Certification for Matthieu Bucaille.
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

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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.

Date: October 29, 2013

 

LAZARD LTD
By:   /s/    Matthieu Bucaille
  Name: Matthieu Bucaille
  Title: Chief Financial Officer
By:   /s/    Dominick Ragone
  Name: Dominick Ragone
  Title: Chief Accounting Officer

 

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