Lazard, Inc. (LAZ)

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Lazard’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, 2025 (the “Form 10-K”). All references to “2026,” “2025,” “second quarter,” “first half” or “the period” refer to, as the context requires, the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2026 and 2025.

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, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “target,” “goal,” “pipeline,” 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 forward-looking 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:

•adverse general economic conditions or adverse conditions in global or regional financial markets;

•changes in international trade policies and practices, including the implementation of tariffs, proposed further tariffs, and responses from other jurisdictions, the risk of potential government shutdowns, and the economic impacts, volatility and uncertainty resulting therefrom;

•a decline in our revenues, for example due to a decline in overall 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;

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

•changes in relevant tax laws, regulations or treaties or an adverse interpretation of those items.

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

As a result, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate or correct. Although we believe the statements reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, achievements or events. 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:

•financial objectives, including the ratios of adjusted compensation and benefits expense to adjusted net revenue;

•ability to deploy surplus cash through dividends, share repurchases and debt retirements;

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•ability to offset stockholder dilution through share repurchases;

•possible or assumed future results of operations and operating cash flows;

•strategies and investment policies;

•financing plans and the availability of short-term borrowing;

•competitive position;

•future acquisitions or other strategic transactions, the pending acquisition of Campbell Lutyens Holdings Limited (“Campbell Lutyens”) (including the consideration to be paid, the expected timing of consummation and the anticipated benefits to the transaction);

•potential growth opportunities available to our businesses;

•potential impact of investments in our technology infrastructure and data science capabilities;

•recruitment and retention of our managing directors and employees;

•potential levels of expense, including adjusted compensation and benefits expense, and adjusted non-compensation expense;

•potential operating performance, achievements, productivity improvements, efficiency and cost reduction efforts;

•likelihood of success and impact of litigation;

•expected tax rates, including effective tax rates;

•changes in interest and tax rates;

•potential impact of AI and related third-party technologies on our business, operations, compliance and reputation;

•availability of certain tax benefits, including certain potential deductions;

•potential impact of certain events or circumstances on our financial statements and operations;

•changes in foreign currency exchange rates;

•changes in international trade policies and practices, including the implementation of tariffs, proposed further tariffs, and responses from other jurisdictions, the risk of potential government shutdowns, and the economic impacts, volatility and uncertainty resulting therefrom;

•the expected timing and levels of funding of awarded institutional mandates;

•the pipeline in M&A, restructuring and other financial advisory transactions;

•expectations with respect to the economy, the securities markets, the market for mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, private credit and other financial advisory activity, the market for asset management activity and other macroeconomic, regional and industry trends;

•effects of competition on our business; and

•impact of new or future legislation and regulation, including tax laws and regulations, 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, Lazard and its operating companies use their websites and other social media sites to convey information about their businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information, and the posting of updates of AUM in various mutual funds, hedge funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC (together with its subsidiaries) (“LAM”) and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”). Investors can link to Lazard, Inc., Lazard Group and their operating company websites through http://www.lazard.com. Our websites and social media sites and the information contained therein or connected thereto shall not be deemed to be incorporated into this Form 10-Q.

Recent Developments

On April 30, 2026, the Company entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire all of the issued share capital of Campbell Lutyens, a global private

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markets advisor focused on fund placement, secondary advisory, and GP capital advisory services. The aggregate consideration for the transaction consists of (i) initial closing consideration of $460 million based on the Company’s stock price at announcement, and subject to adjustments for cash, debt and working capital as of closing; (ii) deferred consideration of $115 million payable on the second anniversary of closing; and (iii) earn-out consideration of up to $85 million based on the achievement of defined performance criteria over a multi-year period and subject to continuing employment by certain selling shareholders. Both initial and deferred consideration include portions that are subject to additional lock-up arrangements. The aggregate consideration is payable in a combination of the Company’s common stock, cash, and loan notes, subject to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, including limitations on share issuance.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Under certain circumstances, if the Purchase Agreement is terminated, the Company may be required to pay Campbell Lutyens a termination fee of $50 million.

Business Summary

Founded in 1848, Lazard is a global financial advisory and asset management firm, with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Lazard provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and capital solutions, restructuring and liability management, geopolitics, and other strategic matters, as well as asset management and investment solutions to institutions, corporations, governments, partnerships, family offices, and high net worth individuals. We aim to deliver independent, differentiated advice and solutions grounded in contextual alpha—the broad insight and judgment needed to navigate macroeconomic, geopolitical, and other factors that we believe help leaders see beyond what the world sees today.

Our mission is to provide trusted, independent financial advice and investment solutions to our clients, backed by the intellectual capital of our firm. During our more than 175-year history, we have built a global network of relationships with key decision makers in business, government 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 deepened our sector expertise, enhanced our specialized insights in geopolitical advisory, and increased connectivity to private capital in our financial advisory business. In addition, we have invested in our global investment and distribution platform in our asset management business to further drive performance. Business and government leaders and global investors seek trusted advisors, and 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 including M&A advisory, strategic capital solutions, shareholder advisory, sovereign advisory, geopolitical advisory, restructuring and liability management, capital raising and placement, and other strategic matters; and

•Asset Management, which offers a broad ran

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Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with Lazard’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Business Summary

Founded in 1848, Lazard is a global financial advisory and asset management firm with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Lazard provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets and capital solutions, restructuring and liability management, geopolitics, and other strategic matters, as well as asset management and investment solutions to institutions, corporations, governments, partnerships, family offices, and high net worth individuals. We aim to deliver independent, differentiated advice and solutions grounded in contextual alpha—the broad insight and judgment needed to navigate macroeconomic, geopolitical, and other factors that we believe help leaders see beyond what the world sees today.

Our mission is to provide trusted, independent financial advice and investment solutions to our clients, backed by the intellectual capital of our firm. During our more than 175-year history, we have built a global network of relationships with key decision makers in business, government 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 deepened our sector expertise, enhanced our specialized insights in geopolitical advisory, and increased connectivity to private capital in our financial advisory business. In addition, we have invested in our global investment and distribution platform in our asset management business to further drive performance. Business and government leaders and global investors seek trusted advisors, and 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 including M&A advisory, strategic capital solutions, shareholder advisory, sovereign advisory, geopolitical advisory, restructuring and liability management, capital raising and placement, and other strategic matters; and

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

In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including cash management, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness and certain contingent obligations. 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 make investments to seed our Asset Management strategies.

See “Business Segments” below for discussion of the adjusted operating results of our Financial Advisory, Asset Management and Corporate segments.

Business Environment and Outlook

Economic and global financial market conditions can materially affect our financial performance. As described above, our principal sources of revenue are derived from activities in our Financial Advisory and Asset Management business segments. Our Financial Advisory revenues are primarily dependent on the successful completion of merger, acquisition, sale, restructuring, capital raising or similar transactions, and our Asset Management revenues are primarily driven by the levels of AUM. Weak or uncertain global economic and financial market conditions can create a challenging

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environment for M&A and capital-raising activity and may also pressure our Asset Management business. However, these conditions may generate increased opportunities for our restructuring business. Additionally, heightened equity market volatility can create compelling investment opportunities for Asset Management.

We operate in a competitive, global environment. Ongoing developments in international trade policies and practices, along with shifting domestic governmental priorities, have increased uncertainty relative to prior years. We believe our broad set of capabilities, diversified business model, and the competitive advantage provided by Lazard’s contextual alpha—our ability to incorporate geopolitical, regulatory, and macroeconomic insight into our advice—position us well to meet evolving client needs across varying economic environments. Unpredictability and the potential for related impacts, however, could create or exacerbate market volatility, contribute to weakened economic and business conditions, and reduce our clients’ ability to finalize decision-making or execute on investment priorities.

New risks and uncertainties emerge continuously, and it is not possible for our management to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all potentially applicable factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this 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 revenue growth, earnings growth and shareholder returns, the evaluation of potential growth opportunities, the investment in new technology to support the development of existing and new business opportunities, the evaluation of other strategic alternatives, the prudent management of our costs and expenses, the efficient use of our assets and the return of capital to our shareholders.

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

Financial Advisory

The following table sets forth global M&A and restructuring industry statistics for completed and announced M&A transactions and completed restructuring transactions.

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Source:    Dealogic as of January 6, 2026.

Another measure of global restructuring activity is the number of corporate defaults, which decreased as compared to 2024. The number of defaulting issuers was 125 in 2025, according to Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., as compared to 148 in 2024.

Net revenue trends in Financial Advisory are generally correlated to the level of completed industry-wide M&A transactions and restructuring transactions occurring subsequent to corporate debt defaults. 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 greater or lesser relative 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.

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Asset Management

The percentage change in major equity market indices (i) at December 31, 2025, as compared to such indices at December 31, 2024, and (ii) at December 31, 2024, as compared to such indices at December 31, 2023, is shown in the table below.

The fees that we receive for providing investment management and advisory services are primarily driven by the level of AUM and the nature of the AUM product mix. Accordingly, market movements, foreign currency exchange rate volatility and changes in our AUM product mix will impact the level of revenues we receive from our Asset Management business when comparing periodic results. A substantial portion of our AUM is invested in equities. Movements in AUM during the period generally reflect the changes in equity market indices.

Financial Statement Overview

Net Revenue

The majority of Lazard’s Financial Advisory net revenue historically has been earned from advice and other services provided in M&A transactions. The amount of the fee earned can vary depending upon the type, size and complexity of the transaction Lazard is advising on. M&A fees can be earned as a retainer, working fee, announcement fee, milestone fee, opinion fee or transaction completion fee. Most fees are paid upon completion of a transaction, the timing of which can be impacted by delays due to securing financing, board approvals, regulatory approvals, shareholder votes, changing market conditions or other factors.

Our restructuring and liability management team advises on situations where our clients are financially distressed, providing advice on financial debt restructurings, liability management and M&A. Bankruptcy proceedings may require court approval of our fees. We also advise on both public and private debt and structured equity transactions, while the private capital advisory team provides fundraising and secondary advisory services for private equity, private credit, real estate and real assets-focused investment firms. Additionally, Lazard earns fees from providing strategic advice to clients, which may include shareholder advisory, geopolitical advisory and other strategic advisory matters, with such fees not being dependent on the completion of a transaction.

Our Financial Advisory businesses may be impacted by overall M&A activity levels in the market, the level of corporate debt defaults and the environment for capital raising activities, among other factors.

Significant fluctuations in Financial Advisory net revenue can occur over the cour

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