Jefferies Earnings Could Propel Stock Growth as Company Overcomes Credit Issues.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 02 2026
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Should l Buy LAZ?
Source: Barron's
- Earnings Report Date: Jefferies Financial Group is set to report its earnings on January 7.
- Stock Concerns: The company's stock previously declined due to worries about its exposure to First Brands' bankruptcy.
- Potential for Recovery: There is a possibility for Jefferies to redeem itself with the upcoming earnings report.
- Market Sentiment: Investor sentiment may shift depending on the results of the earnings report and its implications for the company's financial health.
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Analyst Views on LAZ
Wall Street analysts forecast LAZ stock price to rise
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
2 Sell
Hold
Current: 43.180
Low
46.00
Averages
54.50
High
59.00
Current: 43.180
Low
46.00
Averages
54.50
High
59.00
About LAZ
Lazard, Inc. is a financial advisory and asset management company, with operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Its segments include Financial Advisory and Asset Management. Financial Advisory segment offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a range of advisory services including mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital markets advisory, shareholder advisory, sovereign advisory, geopolitical advisory, restructuring and liability management, capital raising and placement, and other strategic matters. Asset Management segment offers a 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.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Market Appreciation and Inflows: The month's AUM included $8.9 billion in market appreciation and $4.2 billion in net inflows, demonstrating increased investor confidence in Lazard and further solidifying its market position.
- FX Impact and Asset Changes: Despite facing an $0.8 billion foreign exchange depreciation, Lazard effectively reduced its assets by $1.5 billion through the sale of its stake in Edgewater Funds management vehicles, showcasing its agile asset management strategy.
- Diversified Portfolio: Lazard's asset mix comprises $207.1 billion in equities, $36.5 billion in fixed income, $25.5 billion in multi-asset, and $8.7 billion in alternatives, highlighting its strong capability in diversification, which allows it to effectively navigate market fluctuations.
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- Impact of AI: The banking sector is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance operations and profitability rather than facing challenges from it.
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- Market Appreciation Impact: The month's AUM included $8.9 billion from market appreciation and $4.2 billion in net inflows, although $0.8 billion was lost due to currency effects, yet the overall growth remains significant.
- Sale Impact: Lazard's sale of its stake in Edgewater Funds management vehicles resulted in a $1.5 billion decrease in AUM, which, while impacting the asset size in the short term, may provide funding for future strategic adjustments.
- Talent Expansion Goals: Lazard has set a productivity target of $12.5 million per managing director by 2030, indicating the firm's commitment to accelerating talent expansion to meet growing market demands and enhance overall performance.
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- Rising Oil Prices: WTI crude oil surged about 6% to $97 per barrel, while Brent climbed to $98.31, although both benchmarks trimmed larger overnight gains in futures trading, indicating heightened worries over potential supply disruptions.
- Policy Response Expectations: U.S. President Trump is expected to announce measures to ease surging oil prices, including a coordinated release of strategic petroleum reserves by G7 countries, highlighting the seriousness with which major economies are addressing the risk of prolonged supply disruptions.
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- AI-Driven Transactions: Over 73% of the increase in deal value came from mega-deals valued at over $5 billion, highlighting the significant impact of AI-related demand on the M&A market, with expectations for continued large transactions in 2026.
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- Monthly Distribution Confirmation: Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund confirms a monthly distribution of $0.15340 per share, payable on March 23, 2026, demonstrating the fund's ongoing cash flow management capabilities and enhancing investor confidence.
- Distribution Source Analysis: The current distribution comprises net investment income, short-term and long-term capital gains, and return of capital, with return of capital accounting for 64.6%, indicating pressure on investment returns that may affect future distribution strategies.
- Annual Return Rate: As of January 31, 2026, the fund's annualized current distribution rate stands at 9.76%, while the average total return over five years is 8.46%, reflecting stability amidst market volatility and attracting income-seeking investors.
- Asset Management Scale: As of January 31, 2026, Lazard Asset Management manages client assets totaling $267 billion, showcasing its strong position in the global asset management sector and providing support for the fund's long-term growth.
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