📊 LAZ Key Takeaways
Is LAZ a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis
Lazard demonstrates strong operational fundamentals with exceptional free cash flow generation ($487.4M) and ROE (27.1%), but faces significant headwinds from declining net income (-8% YoY) and sharply falling EPS (-19% YoY) despite modest revenue growth of 2.8%. The company's balance sheet is solid with $1.5B cash, though moderate leverage (1.93x D/E) limits flexibility.
Why Buy LAZ? Key Strengths
- Exceptional free cash flow generation of $487.4M with 15.3% FCF margin demonstrates sustainable cash conversion from operations
- Outstanding return on equity of 27.1% and ROA of 4.8% indicate efficient capital deployment despite service-based model
- Strong liquidity position with $1.5B cash and $519.3M operating cash flow provides financial flexibility and downside protection
- Low capital intensity with CapEx of only $31.9M typical of asset-light advisory business model
LAZ Investment Risks to Consider
- Sharp earnings deterioration with net income down 8% YoY and diluted EPS down 19% YoY despite revenue growth signals margin compression or operational challenges
- Moderate-to-high leverage at 1.93x debt-to-equity with interest coverage of only 3.7x constrains financial flexibility if revenues decline
- Anemic revenue growth of 2.8% YoY limits earnings expansion and suggests headwinds in advisory demand or client activity
- Cyclical business model vulnerable to M&A market downturns, capital markets volatility, and asset management fee pressures
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating margin trend and root causes of profitability decline to assess if deterioration is temporary or structural
- Revenue growth rate and stability of advisory fees amid economic and market conditions
- Debt reduction trajectory relative to cash generation to confirm leverage management
- Fee realization and client asset levels in asset management business segment
LAZ Financial Metrics
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
LAZ Profitability Ratios
LAZ vs Default Sector
How Lazard, Inc. compares to Default sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is LAZ Overvalued or Undervalued?
Based on fundamental analysis, Lazard, Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Default sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
LAZ Balance Sheet & Liquidity
LAZ 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis
5-Year Trend Summary: Lazard, Inc.'s revenue has remained relatively flat over the 5-year period, with a 3% decline. The most recent EPS of $-0.90 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
LAZ Growth Metrics (YoY)
LAZ Quarterly Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $770.8M | $71.2M | $0.65 |
| Q2 2025 | $708.0M | $49.9M | $0.49 |
| Q1 2025 | $669.2M | $35.8M | $0.35 |
| Q3 2024 | $543.2M | $7.1M | $0.06 |
| Q2 2024 | $662.3M | $49.9M | $0.49 |
| Q1 2024 | $561.9M | -$22.2M | $-0.27 |
| Q3 2023 | $543.2M | $7.1M | $0.06 |
| Q2 2023 | $660.7M | $95.5M | $0.92 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
LAZ Capital Allocation
LAZ SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Lazard, Inc. (CIK: 0001311370)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about LAZ
What is the AI rating for LAZ?
Lazard, Inc. (LAZ) has an AI rating of HOLD with 72% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are LAZ's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional free cash flow generation of $487.4M with 15.3% FCF margin demonstrates sustainable cash conversion from operations. Outstanding return on equity of 27.1% and ROA of 4.8% indicate efficient capital deployment despite service-based model.
What are the risks of investing in LAZ?
Claude: Sharp earnings deterioration with net income down 8% YoY and diluted EPS down 19% YoY despite revenue growth signals margin compression or operational challenges. Moderate-to-high leverage at 1.93x debt-to-equity with interest coverage of only 3.7x constrains financial flexibility if revenues decline.
What is LAZ's revenue and growth?
Lazard, Inc. reported revenue of $3.2B.
Does LAZ pay dividends?
Lazard, Inc. pays dividends, with $186.6M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find LAZ SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Lazard, Inc. (CIK: 0001311370) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is LAZ's EPS?
Lazard, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $2.17.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is LAZ a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Lazard, Inc. has a HOLD rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is LAZ stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for LAZ: ROE of 27.1% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 7.4% (sector avg: 12%). Higher ROE suggests strong returns relative to peers.
Should I buy LAZ stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Lazard, Inc. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is LAZ's free cash flow?
Lazard, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $519.3M, with capital expenditures of $31.9M. FCF margin is 15.3%.
How does LAZ compare to other Default stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 7.4% (avg: 12%), ROE 27.1% (avg: 15%), current ratio N/A (avg: 1.8).