Analyst sentiments on Lazard LAZ in the past quarter:

In the last 3 months, 6 analysts have offered 12-month price targets for Lazard. The company has an average price target of $40.17 with a high of $50.00 and a low of $31.00.

Explore a summary of how these 6 analysts have rated Lazard in the last 3 months. More bullish ratings indicate a positive sentiment, while more bearish ratings signify a negative outlook.

A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 1.62%.

Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination

Delve into the insights of financial experts and analysts as we provide a comprehensive breakdown of their recent evaluations for Lazard. Our Ratings Table below offers a detailed overview of the decisions made by key analysts, their current ratings, and price targets. Understanding how these experts perceive the company can yield valuable insights into potential market trends and investor sentiment.

Key Insights:

• Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Lazard. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
• Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Lazard compared to the broader market.
• Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.

Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Lazard's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.

Stay up to date on Lazard analyst ratings.

Delving into Lazard's Background

Lazard has a storied history that can be traced back to 1848. The company's revenue is nearly equally split between financial advisory, such as acquisition and restructuring advisory, and asset management. The company's asset management business is primarily equities (over 80% of assets under management), has an international focus, and is geared toward institutional clients. By geography, the company earns approximately 60% of revenue in the Americas, 35% in EMEA, and 5% in Asia-Pacific. Lazard has offices across more than 20 countries and over 3,000 employees.

Financial Insights: Lazard

Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.

Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Lazard's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2023, the company experienced a decline of approximately -27.99% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Financials sector.

Net Margin: Lazard's net margin falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 1.15%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.

Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 1.69%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns for shareholders.

Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.14%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.

Debt Management: The company faces challenges in debt management with a debt-to-equity ratio higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 6.04, caution is advised due to increased financial risk.

The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know

Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.

Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.

This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.