News and Blogs
Total : 13 View more »
Microsoft Finds Buyer For Greenfield Online's Survey Solutions Unit
feeds.paidcontent.org | Sep 10, 2008
Less than a month after acquiring market researcher Greenfield Online, Microsoft
Microsoft to sell Greenfield survey business to ZM Capital
news.cnet.com | Sep 10, 2008
Once the software giant's acquisition of Greenfield Online closes, it plans to sell off a piece of the business to ZM Capital. Read this blog post by Dawn Kawamoto on News - Digital Media.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10037576-93.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1023_3-0-5
Microsoft to sell Greenfield Online division
feeds.feedburner.com | Sep 10, 2008
Software maker Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday it will sell Greenfield Online Inc.'s Internet survey solutions division to a ZM Capital LP affiliate.Financial terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft Buys Price Comparer Ciao.com
news.digitaltrends.com | Aug 29, 2008
Microsoft Buys Price Comparer Ciao.com - Microsoft has bought European price-comparison service ciao.com for over $480 million. - Lifestyle News at Digital Trends
http://news.digitaltrends.com/news/story/17715/microsoft_buys_price_comparer_ciaocom
News from Zibb.com
Total : 14 View more »
Lazard Ltd Reports Nine-Month and Third-Quarter 2008 Results - Zibb.com
NEW YORK, Oct 29, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
--Core operating business revenue(a) of $1,274.9 million for the first nine months and $426.2 million for the third quarter of 2008 vs. $1,333.6 million and $557.4 million for the respective 2007 periods
--M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue of $622.0 million for the first nine months and $230.9 million for the third quarter of 2008 vs. $655.8 million and $295.4 million for the respective 2007 periods
--Asset Management operating revenue of $503.3 million for the first nine months and $156.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 vs. $486.1 million and $177.5 million for the respective 2007 periods
--Provisions for losses from counterparty defaults(b), related primarily to the bankruptcy filing of one of our prime brokers, of $12.4 million ($9.3 million after-tax) or $0.07 per share (diluted) on a fully exchanged basis(c) for the first nine months and third quarter of 2008
--Net income per share (diluted and excluding a one-time, after-tax charge(d)) on a fully exchanged basis of $1.15 for the first nine months of 2008, including the provisions for counterparty defaults, or $1.22, adjusted to exclude the provisions for counterparty defaults, vs. $1.72 per share for the first nine months of 2007
--Net income per share (diluted and excluding the one-time, after-tax charge(d)) on a fully exchanged basis of $0.44 for the 2008 third quarter, including the provisions for counterparty defaults, and $0.51, adjusted to exclude the provisions for counterparty defaults, vs. $0.73 per share (diluted) for the 2007 third quarter
Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today announced financial results for the first nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2008. Net income on a fully exchanged basis, excluding a previously announced one-time, after-tax charge relating to the acquisition of Lazard Asset Management (LAM) equity units, was $135.3 million, or $1.15 per share (diluted), for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $200.1 million, or $1.72 per share (diluted), for the first nine months of 2007. Nine-month 2008 net income also included provisions for counterparty defaults of $12.4 million ($9.3 million after-tax), or $0.07 per share (diluted) relating primarily to the bankruptcy filing of one of our prime brokers.
Net income on a fully exchanged basis was $54.8 million, or $0.44 per share (diluted) for the third quarter of 2008, excluding the one-time, after-tax charge and including the provisions for counterparty defaults, compared to the third-quarter 2007 record of $83.6 million, or $0.73 per share (diluted).
Lazard believes that results assuming full exchange of outstanding exchangeable interests provide the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.
On a U.S. GAAP basis, which is before exchange of exchangeable interests and including the one-time, after-tax charge, the net loss was $34.8 million, or a loss of $0.61 per share (diluted) for the first nine months of 2008, compared to net income of $95.9 million or $1.72 per share (diluted) for the first nine months of 2007. The U.S. GAAP basis net loss was $77.0 million, or a loss of $1.17 per share (diluted), for the third quarter of 2008, compared to net income of $40.3 million or $0.73 per share (diluted) for the third quarter of 2007.
Comments
"In the midst of this tumultuous environment, we are pleased with the results of our core business of Financial Advisory and Asset Management," said Bruce Wasserstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. "During complex times, clients desire independent advice."
"The third quarter's market disruption and increased volatility were challenging. Excluding the provisions for counterparty defaults and the one-time, after-tax charge, our third-quarter 2008 earnings were a diluted $0.51 per share," said Michael J. Castellano, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. "Although market depreciation has affected the value of Assets Under Management, we continue to gather assets and provide a variety of superior investment solutions to clients. We will continue to focus on containing costs firm-wide, but we see the current environment as an opportunity to invest in our business."
"In Financial Advisory we are seeing an acute need for a combination of intellectual capital, independence, creativity, industry expertise and global presence, combined traits that are distinctive to Lazard," said Steven J. Golub, Vice Chairman of Lazard. "In addition to continuing to advise on precedent-setting, cross-border and exceedingly complex transactions, we are being sought by clients on matters of urgency that require the experience and wisdom of our senior bankers and, in many cases, our restructuring team, who bring the expertise and insight that is needed in these turbulent times."
"During this volatile third quarter, we advised on the completion of a number of major transactions. In fact, our M&A revenue is higher this quarter than it was for the second quarter," said Mr. Golub. "Transactions that closed in the third quarter included Gaz de France's 44.6 billion merger with Suez; The Royal Bank of Scotland Group's $7 billion sale of Angel Trains to a consortium of global infrastructure investment funds led by Babcock & Brown; International Paper's $6 billion acquisition of Weyerhaeuser's packaging business; and APP Pharmaceuticals' $5.6 billion sale to Fresenius."
"We have continued to advise on transactions that we announced last quarter and earlier in the year, such as InBev's $52 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch, as well as a number of recently announced transactions, including Caisse d'Epargne in its discussions with Banque Populaire to create France's second largest banking group; the Nuclear Liabilities Fund in British Energy's GBP12.5 billion recommended sale to EDF; Lloyds TSB Bank's GBP12.2 billion recommended acquisition of HBOS; the Ministry of Finance of the Netherlands in the State of the Netherlands' 16.8 billion acquisition of the Dutch-based banking and insurance businesses of Fortis; Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group's $9 billion investment in Morgan Stanley; Hapag-Lloyd's 4.45 billion sale to a Hamburg-led consortium; Ciba's CHF 6.1 billion sale to BASF; and Microsoft's $486 million acquisition of Greenfield Online," said Mr. Golub.
"We also are seeing an increase in our restructuring assignments, both in the U.S. and Europe, which we expect to be reflected in our results over the next several years," said Mr. Golub. "Lazard is advising on the sale of Lehman's North American businesses and assets, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history, and we have advised on eight of the top 20 Chapter 11 bankruptcies in 2008. Other recently announced restructuring assignments include the debt restructuring of Spanish real estate firm Inmobiliaria Colonial; the restructuring of global finance company CIFG; and the U.S. Treasury-led restructuring of Fannie Mae."
Operating Revenue and Operating Income
Core operating business revenue was $1,274.9 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $1,333.6 million for the first nine months of 2007, reflecting continued solid performance in Lazard's core operating businesses of Financial Advisory and Asset Management. Financial Advisory operating revenue was $771.6 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $847.5 million for the first nine months of 2007. Asset Management operating revenue was $503.3 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared to $486.1 million in the first nine months of 2007.
Operating revenue(e) was $1,272.5 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $1,397.2 million for the first nine months of 2007. Operating revenue for the first nine months of 2008 includes negative Corporate revenue of $2.4 million, compared to positive revenue of $63.7 million for the first nine months of 2007. Corporate revenue in the first nine months of 2008 was adversely affected by investment markdowns and losses reported primarily in the first quarter of 2008.
Operating income(f) was $170.6 million for the first nine months of 2008, excluding the one-time, after-tax charge and including the provisions for counterparty defaults, compared to $286.0 million for the first nine months of 2007, with the decrease primarily attributable to the reduction in operating revenue, higher interest expense, facilities costs, business development expenses and continued investment in our businesses.
Core operating business revenue was $426.2 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $557.4 million for the third quarter of 2007. Financial Advisory operating revenue was $270.2 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $379.8 million for the third quarter of 2007. Asset Management operating revenue was $156.0 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $177.5 million for the third quarter of 2007.
Operating revenue was $437.3 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $569.5 million for the third quarter of 2007. Operating revenue for the third quarter of 2008 includes Corporate revenue of $11.1 million, compared to $12.2 million for the third quarter of 2007.
Operating income was $64.8 million for the 2008 third quarter, excluding the one-time, after-tax charge and including the provisions for counterparty defaults, compared to $118.6 million for the third quarter of 2007, with the decrease primarily attributable to the reduction in operating revenue, higher facilities costs, business development expenses and continued investment in our businesses.
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 and other factors. Accordingly, the revenue and profits in any particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. As such, Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful.
Core Operating Business
Lazard's core operating business includes our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses. Operating revenue for our core operating business was $1,274.9 million for the first nine months of 2008 and $426.2 million for the third quarter of 2008.
Financial Advisory
Lazard's Financial Advisory business of M&A and Strategic Advisory, Restructuring and Corporate Finance encompasses general strategic and transaction-specific advice to public and private companies, governments and other parties, and includes Financial Restructuring as well as various corporate finance services. Some of our assignments and, therefore, related revenue, are not reflected in publicly available statistical information. Restructuring assignments normally are executed over a six- to eighteen-month period, which will also be reflected in the recognition of restructuring revenue.
Financial Advisory operating revenue was $771.6 million for the first nine months of 2008 and $270.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $847.5 million and $379.8 million for the respective 2007 periods.
M&A and Strategic Advisory
M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $622.0 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $655.8 million for the first nine months of 2007, and was $230.9 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $295.4 million for the third quarter of 2007 and compared to $225.1 million for the second quarter of 2008.
Among the completed transactions in the third quarter of 2008 on which Lazard advised, were the following:
-- Gaz de France's 44.6 billion merger with Suez
-- The Royal Bank of Scotland Group's $7.0 billion sale of Angel Trains to a consortium led by Babcock & Brown
-- International Paper's $6.0 billion acquisition of Weyerhaeuser's packaging business
-- APP Pharmaceuticals' $5.6 billion sale to Fresenius
-- Banque Populaire's 2.1 billion acquisition of seven French regional banks from HSBC France
-- Geodis' $2.5 billion sale to SNCF Participations
-- Meinl Bank's 1.3 billion sale of the right to manage Meinl European Land and new investment in Meinl European Land by Gazit Globe and Citi Property Investors
-- Century Aluminum's $1.7 billion unwinding of primary aluminum financial forward sales contracts
-- Penn National Gaming on raising $1.25 billion in new capital principally from private equity funds affiliated with Fortress and Centerbridge Partners
-- ING in its $900 million acquisition of CitiStreet
-- Church & Dwight's $380 million acquisition of Del Pharmaceuticals from Coty
-- Tele2's SEK 2.0 billion sale of Tele2 Luxembourg and Tele2 Liechtenstein to Belgacom
-- Financial Guaranty Insurance Company's agreement to obtain reinsurance from MBIA Insurance Corporation
-- Signet's move of primary listing to NYSE and domicile to Bermuda
Among the pending, announced M&A transactions on which Lazard advised in the third quarter or continued to advise since September 30, 2008, are:
-- BHP Billiton's $147.4 billion offer for Rio Tinto
-- InBev's $52.0 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch
-- Nuclear Liabilities Fund in British Energy's GBP12.5 billion recommended sale to EDF
-- Lloyds TSB Bank's GBP12.2 billion recommended acquisition of HBOS
-- Haas Family Trusts in Rohm and Haas' $18.8 billion sale to Dow Chemical
-- Ministry of Finance of the Netherlands in the State of the Netherlands' 16.8 billion acquisition of the Dutch-based banking and insurance businesses of Fortis and Fortis' share in ABN Amro Holding
-- Independent directors of KKR Private Equity Investors, L.P. in its combination with KKR
-- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group's $9.0 billion investment in Morgan Stanley
-- Hapag-Lloyd's 4.45 billion sale to Hamburg-led consortium
-- Ciba's CHF 6.1 billion sale to BASF
-- Corn Products' $4.8 billion sale to Bunge
-- ENI's 2.7 billion acquisition of Suez's 57% stake in Distrigas
-- Nationwide Financial Services' Special Committee in the $2.4 billion combination with Nationwide Mutual Insurance
-- Criteria Caixa's 1.5 billion acquisition of a 20% stake in GFInbursa
-- TM International's INR72.9 billion acquisition of a 14.99% stake in Idea Cellular, and Idea Cellular's subsequent merger with Spice Communications
-- L Capital's $700 million sale of Micromania to GameStop
-- Polaris Acquisition Corp.'s $700 million acquisition of Hughes Telematics
-- Tower Group's Special Committee on the $490 million acquisition of CastlePoint Holdings
-- Microsoft's $486 million acquisition of Greenfield Online
-- Capgemini's 255 million acquisition of Getronics PinkRoccade Business Application Services
-- H&R Block's $315 million sale of its Financial Advisors business to Ameriprise
-- Caisse Nationale des Caisses d'Epargne's planned merger with Banque Federale des Banques Populaires
-- Clickair's merger with Vueling
-- Gemeentelijke Holding's subscription for an increase of the capital in Dexia
Financial Restructuring
Financial Restructuring operating revenue was $72.1 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $94.9 million for the first nine months of 2007, and was $23.9 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $56.2 million for the third quarter of 2007, which was a particularly strong quarter due primarily to fees in connection with the Eurotunnel restructuring. Restructuring assignments normally are executed over a six- to eighteen-month period. We expect revenues from the restructuring activity to be reflected in our results over the next several years.
Notable Restructuring assignments announced in the third quarter of 2008 include advising Lehman Brothers in connection with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy and North American asset sales, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history; Pilgrim's Pride regarding refinancing and recapitalization opportunities; restructuring of global finance company CIFG; the U.S. Treasury-led restructuring of Fannie Mae; and Hawaiian Telcom in connection with its strategic planning effort.
We continue to advise on a number of other Restructuring assignments both in and out-of-court during and since the third-quarter 2008, including:
Chapter 11 restructuring advisory assignments:
-- LandSource Communities Development LLC
-- Technical Olympic USA (TOUSA)
-- Tropicana Casino & Resorts
-- UAW in connection with Delphi's bankruptcy
-- Vertis Inc.
-- WCI Communities Inc.
-- Wellman Inc.
Other restructuring advisory assignments:
-- BLB Management Services
-- Centro Properties Limited
-- Inmobiliaria Colonial
-- Journal Register Company
-- Tarragon Corporation
-- UAW in implementing its VEBA settlements with GM, Ford and Chrysler
Corporate Finance and Other
Corporate Finance and Other operating revenue was $77.5 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $96.8 million for the first nine months of 2007, and was $15.3 million for the 2008 third quarter, compared to $28.3 million for the third quarter of 2007. These results were due to a decline during the third quarter of 2008 in the value of fund closings by our Private Fund Advisory Group and of private placements by our Capital Markets Group. Our Equity Capital Markets transaction assignments in the third quarter of 2008 included advising Natixis and EnergySolutions on their follow-on capital raising transactions and Westport Innovations on its U.S. IPO.
Our Alternative Capital Finance Group also served as placement agent on a number of Private Investment in Public Equity transactions (PIPEs) and Registered Direct Offerings (RDs). Notable assignments during the third quarter of 2008 included PIPEs for Achillion Pharmaceuticals and Threshhold Pharmaceuticals, and an RD for Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Asset Management
Asset Management operating revenue was $503.3 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $486.1 million for the first nine months of 2007, and was $156.0 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $177.5 million for the 2007 third quarter.
Management fees were $460.4 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $430.3 million for the first nine months of 2007, and were $145.3 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $157.4 million for the 2007 third quarter.
Incentive fees were $18.6 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $18.1 million for the first nine months of 2007 and were $10.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $7.3 million for the 2007 third quarter. Incentive fees are recorded on the measurement date, which for most of our funds that are subject to incentive fees falls in the fourth quarter.
Other asset management revenue was $24.2 million for the first nine months of 2008 compared to $37.7 million for the first nine months of 2007, and $0.5 million for the third quarter of 2008 compared to $12.8 million for the 2007 third quarter. The decrease is due primarily to investment markdowns and foreign exchange losses by the Asset Management business during the third quarter of 2008.
Average assets under management increased 2.0% for the first nine months of 2008 to $130.8 billion from $128.2 billion for the first nine months of 2007, and decreased 10.8% to $123.7 billion for the third quarter of 2008, from $138.7 billion for the 2007 third quarter. Assets under management at the end of the third quarter of 2008 were $113.3 billion, representing a 19.9% decrease from the level of assets under management at year-end 2007. The results primarily reflect $3.6 billion of net inflows offset by market depreciation of $31.4 billion during the 2008 nine-month period, and $660 million of net outflows and market depreciation of $18.8 billion during the third quarter of 2008.
Corporate
Corporate operating revenue was a negative $2.4 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared to income of $63.7 million during the first nine months of 2007, as 2008 revenue was adversely impacted by investment markdowns and losses reported primarily in the first quarter of 2008.
Corporate operating revenue was $11.1 million in the third quarter of 2008, compared to $12.2 million in the third quarter of 2007. As of the beginning of the third quarter of 2008, the portion of our corporate bond portfolio that had been designated as trading, as permitted by relevant accounting guidance, was re-designated to non-trading, consistent with our long-term hold strategy. Accordingly, commencing with the third quarter of 2008, all mark-to-market adjustments relating to the corporate bond portfolio, including markdowns of $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2008 relating to the re-designated portfolio, have been recorded as adjustments to other comprehensive income within the equity section of the balance sheet, unless any decline in value is deemed as other than temporary.
Expenses
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits expense, excluding the one-time, pre-tax compensation charge of $197.6 million related to the acquisition of the LAM equity units, decreased 11% to $708.8 million and 27% to $235.2 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to $792.2 million and $323.2 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007, respectively, consistent with the decrease in operating revenue compared to the same periods in 2007. The ratio of compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue was 55.7% for the first nine months of 2008, which is down from the 56.7% ratio in the first half of 2008, in anticipation of a lower year-end 2008 compensation ratio. The compensation ratio in the first nine months and full year of 2007 was 56.7% and 55.7%, respectively.
Non-Compensation
Non-compensation expenses, excluding transaction costs of $2.0 million associated with the one-time charge, were $301.9 million and $105.8 million for the first nine months and third quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to $254.4 million and $100.3 million for the comparable 2007 periods. Non-compensation expenses include amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions completed during the second half of 2007 aggregating $4.3 million and $0.5 million in the first nine months and third quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to $18.2 million in the first nine months and third quarter of 2007. Non-compensation expenses in the first nine months and third quarter of 2008 also includes a provision for counterparty defaults of $12.4 million relating primarily to the bankruptcy filing of one of our prime brokers.
The ratio of non-compensation expenses to operating revenue, excluding such amortization, provisions and transaction costs associated with the one-time charge, was 22.4% and 21.2% in the first nine months and third quarter of 2008, respectively, compared to 16.9% and 14.4% in the respective 2007 periods.
Factors contributing to the increases, in addition to the provisions and transaction costs noted above, include (i) the impact of operating expenses attributable to new offices, acquisitions made in the second half of 2007 and other investments in our businesses, (ii) the impact of the weakened U.S. dollar during the first half of 2008, and (iii) increased business development expenses for travel, market-related data and outsourced services.
The percentage of non-compensation expenses to operating revenue can vary from quarter to quarter due to quarterly fluctuation in revenues, among other things. Accordingly, the results in a particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes on a fully exchanged basis, excluding the one-time charge, was $45.1 million for the first nine months of 2008, compared to $77.8 million for the first nine months of 2007, and was $18.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared to $32.5 million for the third quarter of 2007. The effective tax rate for the first nine months and third quarter of 2008 was 25%, compared to 28% for the corresponding 2007 periods, exclusive of LAM general partnership interest-related revenue.
Minority Interest
Minority interest expense, assuming full exchange of minority interests, amounted to a negative $9.8 million in the first nine months of 2008, compared to a positive $8.1 million in the first nine months of 2007, and a negative $8.2 million in the third quarter of 2008 compared to a positive $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2007. Minority interest is included in net revenues and is attributable to various LAM-related general partnership interests held by our managing directors.
Capital and Other Matters
On September 3, 2008, Lazard priced an offering by certain selling shareholders of 6,442,721 shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock at a price to the public of $37.00 per share. Lazard did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares in this offering. In connection with this offering, Lazard Group LLC purchased an additional 784,096 shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock from the selling shareholders at the public offering price less the underwriting discount, pursuant to the firm's share repurchase program. As a result of the sale of Lazard shares by the selling shareholders, current and former Lazard Managing Directors and employees own 52.8% of Lazard Ltd. This assumes full vesting of restricted stock units awarded as part of Lazard's equity incentive plan and includes Lazard Ltd Class A common stock and exchangeable interests that continue to be held by the Managing Directors, as well as those common shares that will be issued to LAM employees and MDs in connection with the firm's purchase of all outstanding LAM equity units.
On September 25, 2008, Lazard completed its previously announced acquisition of the Lazard Asset Management (LAM) equity units that the firm did not previously own. This acquisition of the LAM equity units was essentially an exchange of pre-IPO goodwill equity interest in LAM for cash and stock. This transaction eliminated all historical LAM equity interests not owned by Lazard, simplified Lazard's capital structure, increased the firm's flexibility for growth and limited the firm's potential financial exposure. This structure further aligns the interests of all Lazard employees with the firm's shareholders. In connection with the acquisition, Lazard recorded a one-time after-tax charge of $192.1 million, on a fully exchanged basis.
At September 30, 2008, Lazard reported total stockholders' equity of $293.3 million. Equity, on a fully exchanged basis, was $356.4 million. During the third quarter of 2008, Lazard repurchased 1.287 million shares of Class A common stock, including the shares in the secondary offering described above, and 71.9 thousand exchangeable interests, for an aggregate cost of $49.1 million. Lazard's remaining share repurchase authorization at September 30, 2008, was $194.0 million.
Strategic Business Developments
During the third quarter of 2008 Lazard continued to invest in both its Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses. The investments support the firm's five-year strategy to create growth opportunities.
-- In our Financial Advisory business we continued to add senior talent, including a European-based Vice Chairman of Lazard International specializing in healthcare and global financial transactions; a global head of power, utilities and infrastructure; a European managing director specializing in mining and metals; and a head of debt advisory in Germany. We also continued our geographic expansion with the opening of an MBA Lazard office in Lima, Peru.
-- In Asset Management we launched two new mutual funds -- the Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio in the U.S., and the Lazard Korea Equity Fund. We also continued to seed new strategies in our traditional and alternative investments business.
U.S. GAAP Financial Information
On a U.S. GAAP basis, results include the one-time, after-tax charge and the minority interest expense attributable to the exchangeable interests held by LAZ-MD Holdings (LAZ-MD).
The following table presents select financial results for the first nine-months and third quarter 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 periods.
Nine Months Three Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
($ in millions, except per share data)
Operating income (loss) ($29.0) $286.0 ($134.7) $118.6
Net income (loss) ($34.8) $95.9 ($77.0) $40.3
Net income (loss) per share - diluted ($0.61) $1.72 ($1.17) $0.73
Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Information
Lazard discloses certain non-GAAP financial information, which management believes provides the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods. The following are non-GAAP measures used in the accompanying financial information:
-- Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis)
-- Operating revenue
-- Minority interest assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests
-- Net income, excluding the one-time charge
-- Equity on a fully exchanged basis
A reconciliation of non-U.S. GAAP financial information is presented in table titled "Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding the LAM-Related Charge."
Additional financial, statistical and business-related information is included in a financial supplement. This earnings release, the financial supplement and selected transaction information will be available today on our website at www.lazard.com.
Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 41 cities across 24 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and capital raising, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments, and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "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" or "continue", and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. 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 these forward-looking statements.
These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A "Risk Factors," and also disclosed from time to time in reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K including the following:
-- A decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets;
-- 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.
Lazard Ltd 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 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 assets under management in various hedge funds and mutual funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries. Monthly updates of these funds will be posted to the Lazard Asset Management website (www.lazardnet.com) on the third business day following the end of each month. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.
(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses, and excludes the results of Corporate.
(b) The provisions for losses from counterparty defaults relate primarily to the bankruptcy filing of one of our prime brokers.
(c) Refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD Holdings and is a non-GAAP measure.
(d) The one-time, after-tax charge for the first nine months and third quarter of 2008 represents an after-tax charge of $192.1 million for compensation expense and transaction costs in connection with the firm's purchase of all outstanding Lazard Asset Management (LAM) equity units, representing an exchange of cash and stock for pre-IPO goodwill equity interest in LAM held by certain current and former managing directors and employees of LAM, as announced during the third quarter of 2008.
(e) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) relating to the consolidation of General Partnerships, which are included in net revenue.
(f) Operating income is calculated after interest expense and before income taxes and minority interests.
LAZARD LTD
OPERATING REVENUE
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Increase / Increase /
2008 2007 (Decrease) 2008 2007 (Decrease)
($ in thousands)
Financial Advisory
M&A and Strategic Advisory $230,890 $295,401 $(64,511 ) (22 %) $621,982 $655,787 $(33,805 ) (5 %)
Financial Restructuring 23,944 56,161 (32,217 ) (57 %) 72,148 94,854 (22,706 ) (24 %)
Corporate Finance and Other 15,349 28,255 (12,906 ) (46 %) 77,475 96,809 (19,334 ) (20 %)
Total 270,183 379,817 (109,634 ) (29 %) 771,605 847,450 (75,845 ) (9 %)
Asset Management
Management Fees 145,332 157,424 (12,092 ) (8 %) 460,449 430,293 30,156 7 %
Incentive Fees 10,179 7,315 2,864 39 % 18,608 18,073 535 3 %
Other Revenue 536 12,798 (12,262 ) (96 %) 24,249 37,737 (13,488 ) (36 %)
Total 156,047 177,537 (21,490 ) (12 %) 503,306 486,103 17,203 4 %
Core Operating Business Revenue (a) 426,230 557,354 (131,124 ) (24 %) 1,274,911 1,333,553 (58,642 ) (4 %)
Corporate 11,076 12,164 (1,088 ) (9 %) (2,363 ) 63,688 (66,051 ) NM
Operating Revenue (b) 437,306 569,518 (132,212 ) (23 %) 1,272,548 1,397,241 (124,693 ) (9 %)
LAM GP Related Revenue/(Loss) (8,161 ) 2,521 (10,682 ) - (9,771 ) 8,076 (17,847 ) -
Other Interest Expense (23,325 ) (29,991 ) 6,666 - (81,490 ) (72,711 ) (8,779 ) -
Net Revenue $405,820 $542,048 $(136,228 ) (25 %) $1,181,287 $1,332,606 $(151,319 ) (11 %)
(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) relating to the consolidation of LAM General Partnerships, each of which are included in net revenue.
NM - Not meaningful
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
2008 2007 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Total revenue (a) $447,625 $577,601 (23 %) $1,301,731 $1,423,391 (9 %)
LFB interest expense (10,319 ) (8,083 ) (29,183 ) (26,150 )
Operating revenue 437,306 569,518 (23 %) 1,272,548 1,397,241 (9 %)
LAM GP related revenue/(loss) (8,161 ) 2,521 (9,771 ) 8,076
Other interest expense (23,325 ) (29,991 ) (81,490 ) (72,711 )
Net revenue 405,820 542,048 (25 %) 1,181,287 1,332,606 (11 %)
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits 432,777 323,152 34 % 906,359 792,236 14 %
Occupancy and equipment 22,872 21,462 74,643 65,436
Marketing and business development 18,368 16,898 64,052 50,264
Technology and information services 17,683 15,204 51,013 41,971
Professional services 16,017 13,166 45,521 35,695
Fund administration and outsourced services 8,569 6,074 21,712 15,042
Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions 507 18,156 4,252 18,156
Other 23,740 9,350 42,688 27,789
Total non-compensation expense 107,756 100,310 7 % 303,881 254,353 19 %
Operating expenses 540,533 423,462 28 % 1,210,240 1,046,589 16 %
Operating income (loss) (134,713 ) 118,586 NM (28,953 ) 286,017 NM
Provision for income taxes 8,304 28,284 NM 31,254 65,658 NM
Income before minority interest in net income (loss) (143,017 ) 90,302 NM (60,207 ) 220,359 NM
Minority interest in net income (loss) (excluding LAZ-MD) (8,161 ) 2,523 (9,770 ) 8,081
Minority interest in net income (loss) (LAZ-MD only) (57,899 ) 47,512 (15,596 ) 116,361
Net income (loss) ($76,957 ) $40,267 NM ($34,841 ) $95,917 NM
Weighted average shares outstanding (b):
Basic 66,002,049 51,078,444 29 % 57,466,364 51,318,879 12 %
Diluted 66,002,049 116,344,656 (43 %) 57,466,364 61,879,027 (7 %)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic ($1.17 ) $0.79 NM ($0.61 ) $1.87 NM
Diluted ($1.17 ) $0.73 NM ($0.61 ) $1.72 NM
Supplemental Information Assuming Full Exchange of Exchangeable
Interests and excluding the LAM-related charge (c):
Compensation and benefits, excluding the LAM-related charge $235,227 $323,152 (27 %) $708,809 $792,236 (11 %)
Non-compensation expense, excluding the LAM-related charge $105,756 $100,310 5 % $301,881 $254,353 19 %
Operating income, excluding the LAM-related charge $64,837 $118,586 (45 %) $170,597 $286,017 (40 %)
Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and $54,750 $83,565 (34 %) $135,276 $200,113 (32 %)
excluding the LAM-related charge
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming
full exchange of exchangeable interests and
excluding the LAM-related charge (d):
Basic 116,930,261 106,641,641 10 % 110,899,038 107,230,445 3 %
Diluted 127,714,880 116,344,656 10 % 121,607,858 117,790,593 3 %
Net income per share - assuming full
full exchange of exchangeable interests and
excluding the LAM-related charge:
Basic $0.47 $0.78 (40 %) $1.22 $1.87 (35 %)
Diluted $0.44 $0.73 (40 %) $1.15 $1.72 (33 %)
Ratio of compensation to operating revenue as adjusted (e) 53.8 % 56.7 % 55.7 % 56.7 %
Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue as adjusted (f) 21.2 % 14.4 % 22.4 % 16.9 %
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations
LAZARD LTD
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations
(a) Excluding LAM General Partnership related revenue
(b) See "Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net
Income Per Share".
(c) Charge consisting of $197,550 and $2,000 recorded to compensation
and benefits expense and to non-compensation expense, respectively,
in the three month period ended September 30, 2008 in connection
with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held
by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(d) Represents a reversal of the minority interests related to LAZ-MD
Holdings' ownership of Lazard Group
common membership interests net of an adjustment for Lazard Ltd
entity-level taxes to effect a full exchange of interests as of
January 1, 2007 and excluding the charge noted in (c) above (see
"Reconciliation of US GAAP to Full Exchange Results Excluding the
LAM-related Charge").
(e) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008,
excludes the $197,550 charge noted in (c) above.
(f) Excludes the amortization of intangible assets related to
acquisitions and for the three and nine month periods ended
September 30, 2008 excludes the $2,000 charge noted in (c) above and
$12,368 provisions for losses from counterparty defaults related to
the bankruptcy filing of one of our prime brokers.
NM Not meaningful
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF US GAAP RESULTS TO FULL EXCHANGE EXCLUDING
THE LAM-RELATED CHARGE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
($ in thousands, except per share data)
2008 2007 2008 2007
Net income (loss) ($76,957 ) $40,267 ($34,841 ) $95,917
Adjustment to exclude the LAM-related charge (a):
Compensation and benefits 197,550 - 197,550 -
Non-compensation expense 2,000 - 2,000 -
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (7,427 ) - (7,427 ) -
Minority interest (83,495 ) - (83,495 ) -
Net income excluding the LAM-related charge $31,671 $40,267 $73,787 $95,917
Adjustment for full exchange of exchangeable interests (b):
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (2,517 ) (4,214 ) (6,410 ) (12,165 )
Minority interest 25,596 47,512 67,899 116,361
Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests $54,750 $83,565 $135,276 $200,113
Diluted net income (loss) per share (c):
Net income (loss) ($1.17 ) $0.73 ($0.61 ) $1.72
Net income excluding the LAM-related charge $0.44 $0.73 $1.15 $1.72
Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests $0.44 $0.73 $1.15 $1.72
(a) Charge in the three month period ended September 30, 2008 in connection with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(b) Represents a reversal of the minority interests related to LAZ-MD Holdings' ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests to effect a full exchange of interests as of January 1, 2007 and an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision to effect a full exchange of LAZ-MD Holdings' ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests at an effective rate on operating income less LAM GP related revenue of 25.0% and 28.0% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.
(c) See "Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net Income Per Share".
LAZARD LTD
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
($ in thousands)
September 30, December 31,
2008 2007
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $774,948 $1,055,844
Cash segregated for regulatory purposes or deposited with clearing 10,649 24,585
organizations
Receivables 1,194,418 1,097,178
Investments*
Debt 378,229 585,433
Equity 112,016 333,796
Other 245,680 169,612
735,925 1,088,841
Goodwill and other intangible assets 186,235 187,909
Other assets 422,564 386,056
Total assets $3,324,739 $3,840,413
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits and other customer payables $873,665 $858,733
Accrued compensation and benefits 137,427 498,058
Senior debt 1,150,000 1,587,500
Other liabilities 621,330 623,008
Subordinated loans 150,000 150,000
Total liabilities 2,932,422 3,717,299
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interest ** 98,985 52,775
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:
Series A - -
Series B - -
Common stock, par value $.01 per share:
Class A 760 517
Class B - -
Additional paid-in capital 366,712 (161,924 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax (11,715 ) 52,491
Retained earnings 192,361 248,551
548,118 139,635
Less: Class A common stock held by a subsidiary, at cost (254,786 ) (69,296 )
Total stockholders' equity 293,332 70,339
Total liabilities, minority interest and stockholders' equity $3,324,739 $3,840,413
* At fair value, with the exception of $75,977 and $755 of investments accounted for under the equity method at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
** Includes $63,059 and $nil attributable to exchangeable interests held by members of LAZ-MD Holdings at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.
LAZARD LTD
SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Sept. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sept. 30,
2008 (a) 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Financial Advisory
M&A and Strategic Advisory $230,890 $225,108 $165,984 $313,622 $295,401 $164,318 $196,068 $247,483 $153,215
Financial Restructuring 23,944 32,666 15,538 32,321 56,161 29,073 9,620 20,423 15,562
Corporate Finance and Other 15,349 31,220 30,906 47,190 28,255 51,619 16,935 34,260 18,291
Total 270,183 288,994 212,428 393,133 379,817 245,010 222,623 302,166 187,068
Asset Management
Management Fees 145,332 157,108 158,009 165,432 157,424 142,230 130,639 121,589 112,726
Incentive Fees 10,179 8,429 - 48,959 7,315 5,752 5,006 42,009 3,423
Other Revenue 536 13,289 10,424 16,782 12,798 13,666 11,272 10,961 8,720
Total 156,047 178,826 168,433 231,173 177,537 161,648 146,917 174,559 124,869
Core operating business revenue (b) 426,230 467,820 380,861 624,306 557,354 406,658 369,540 476,725 311,937
Corporate 11,076 26,219 (39,658 ) (6,710 ) 12,164 32,868 18,657 14,774 5,668
Operating revenue (c) $437,306 $494,039 $341,203 $617,596 $569,518 $439,526 $388,197 $491,499 $317,605
Operating income (a) (d) $64,837 $87,738 $18,022 $132,278 $118,586 $89,163 $78,268 $115,207 $49,193
Net income (a) $31,671 $34,317 $7,799 $59,125 $40,267 $29,296 $26,354 $36,596 $13,158
Net income per share (a)
Basic $0.48 $0.61 $0.16 $1.17 $0.79 $0.57 $0.51 $0.88 $0.35
Diluted $0.44 $0.54 $0.14 $1.04 $0.73 $0.52 $0.47 $0.78 $0.34
Supplemental Information:
Net income assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests $54,750 $64,570 $15,956 $122,577 $83,565 $61,515 $55,033 $85,817 $34,983
Net income per share -
assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests
Basic $0.47 $0.58 $0.15 $1.16 $0.78 $0.57 $0.51 $0.84 $0.35
Diluted $0.44 $0.54 $0.14 $1.04 $0.73 $0.53 $0.47 $0.78 $0.34
Assets Under Management ($ millions) $113,287 $134,139 $134,193 $141,413 $142,084 $135,350 $124,852 $110,437 $99,334
(a) The three months ended September 30, 2008 represents U.S. GAAP results less a charge consisting of $197,550 and $2,000 recorded to compensation and benefits expense and non-compensation expense, respectively in connection with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(b) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(c) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) relating to the consolidation of LAM General Partnerships, each of which are included in net revenue.
(d) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and minority interests.
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
BEFORE FULL EXCHANGE
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net income (loss) ($76,957 ) $40,267 ($34,841 ) $95,917
Add (deduct) - net income (loss) associated with Class A common (492 ) 173 (95 ) 173
shares issuable on a non-contingent basis (a)
Basic net income (loss) ($77,449 ) $40,440 ($34,936 ) $96,090
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding (a) 66,002,049 51,078,444 57,466,364 51,318,879
Basic net income (loss) per share ($1.17 ) $0.79 ($0.61 ) $1.87
Diluted
Numerator:
Basic net income (loss) ($77,449 ) $40,440 ($34,936 ) $96,090
Add (deduct) - dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:
Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax (b) - 460 - 1,385
Minority interest in net income resulting from assumed share
issuances (see incremental issuable shares in the denominator
calculation below) and Ltd level income tax effect - 43,542 - 9,007
Diluted net income (loss) ($77,449 ) $84,442 ($34,936 ) $106,482
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 66,002,049 51,078,444 57,466,364 51,318,879
Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:
Restricted stock units (c) - 2,368,298 - 2,329,560
Equity security units (c) - 4,091,143 - 5,395,017
Convertible notes (c) - 2,631,570 - 2,631,570
Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (d) - 612,004 - 204,001
Exchangeable interests (e) - 55,563,197 - -
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 66,002,049 116,344,656 57,466,364 61,879,027
Diluted net income (loss) per share ($1.17 ) $0.73 ($0.61 ) $1.72
(a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, includes 1,076,689 and 1,149,085 weighted average shares and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 425,509 and 141,836 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of GAHL and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, includes 143,573 and 47,858 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(b) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes.
(c) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, the restricted stock units and convertible notes were not dilutive and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2008, the equity security units were not dilutive.
(d) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, the Series A convertible preferred stock and Series B convertible preferred stock were not dilutive. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 9,724 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and 277 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock that will be convertible into Class A common stock on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of CWC. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock will be dependant, in part, on the future value of the Class A common stock and currency exchange rates, therefore, the shares are excluded from the basic net income per share calculation but included in the diluted net income per share calculation.
(e) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and the nine month period ended September 30, 2007, the LAZ-MD exchangeable interests were not dilutive.
LAZARD LTD
RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET
INCOME PER SHARE
ASSUMING FULL EXCHANGE OF
EXCHANGEABLE INTERESTS AS OF JANUARY 1, 2007
& EXCLUDING THE LAM-RELATED
CHARGE (a)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
($ in thousands, except per share data)
Basic
Numerator:
Net income $54,750 $83,565 $135,276 $200,113
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding (b) 116,930,261 106,641,641 110,899,038 107,230,445
Basic net income per share $0.47 $0.78 $1.22 $1.87
Diluted
Numerator:
Net income $54,750 $83,565 $135,276 $200,113
Add dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:
Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax (c) 910 877 4,307 2,633
Diluted net income $55,660 $84,442 $139,583 $202,746
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding 116,930,261 106,641,641 110,899,038 107,230,445
Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares:
Restricted stock units 7,087,022 2,368,298 5,189,253 2,329,560
Equity security units - 4,091,143 2,350,333 5,395,017
Convertible notes 2,631,570 2,631,570 1,754,380 2,631,570
Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock (d) 1,066,027 612,004 1,414,854 204,001
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 127,714,880 116,344,656 121,607,858 117,790,593
Diluted net income per share $0.44 $0.73 $1.15 $1.72
(a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, excludes a charge consisting of $197,550 and $2,000 recorded to compensation and benefits expense and non-compensation expense, respectively in connection with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(b) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, includes 1,076,689 and 1,149,085 weighted average shares and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 425,509 and 141,836 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of GAHL and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, includes 143,573 and 47,858 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(c) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the equity security units.
(d) For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, includes 12,155 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and 277 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock less 4,632 shares of Series A and 277 shares of Series B that were converted during the three month period ended September 30, 2008. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, includes 9,724 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock and 277 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock that will be convertible into Class A common stock on a non-contingent basis with respect to the acquisition of CWC. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock will be dependant, in part, on the future value of the Class A common stock and currency exchange rates, therefore, the shares are excluded from the basic net income per share calculation but included in the diluted net income per share calculation.
LAZARD LTD
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT ("AUM")
As of Variance
September 30, June 30, December 31,
2008 2008 2007 Qtr to Qtr YTD
($ in millions)
Equities $90,302 $109,250 $119,276 (17.3 %) (24.3 %)
Fixed Income 13,277 14,630 14,233 (9.2 %) (6.7 %)
Alternative Investments 4,270 4,420 3,577 (3.4 %) 19.4 %
Private Equity (a) 1,557 1,661 1,401 (6.3 %) 11.1 %
Cash 3,881 4,178 2,926 (7.1 %) 32.6 %
Total AUM $113,287 $134,139 $141,413 (15.5 %) (19.9 %)
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2008 2007 2008 2007
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
AUM - Beginning of Period $134,139 $135,350 $141,413 $110,437
Net Flows (660 ) 3,295 3,604 17,485
Market Appreciation / (Depreciation) (18,801 ) 2,733 (31,372 ) 13,122
Foreign Currency Adjustments (1,391 ) 706 (358 ) 1,040
AUM - End of Period $113,287 $142,084 $113,287 $142,084
Average AUM (b) $123,713 $138,717 $130,758 $128,181
% Change in average AUM (10.8 %) 2.0 %
(a) Includes $1.1 billion, $1.2 billion and $1.0 billion as of September 30, 2008, June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, held by an investment company for which Lazard may earn carried interests.
(b) Average AUM is based on an average of quarterly ending balances for the respective periods.
LAZARD LTD
SCHEDULE OF INCOME TAX PROVISION
Three Months Nine Months Ended Supplemental Information
Ended September 30, Ended September 30, Excluding LAM-related charge (a)
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
2008 2007 2008 2007 Sept. 30, 2008 Sept. 30, 2008
Lazard Ltd Consolidated ($ in thousands)
Effective Tax Rate
Operating Income
Lazard Group
Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings (weighted average ownership of 42.3% (58,884 ) $61,440 (8,471 ) $148,917 $27,470 $77,883
and 45.6% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30,
2008, excluding the LAM-related charge, and 51.8% and 52.0% for
the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007
respectively)
Allocable to Lazard Ltd (weighted average ownership of 57.7% and (75,781 ) 57,130 (20,247 ) 137,551 37,415 92,949
54.4% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30,
2008, excluding the LAM-related charge, and 48.2% and 48.0% for
the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007
respectively)
Total Lazard Group operating income (134,665 ) 118,570 (28,718 ) 286,468 64,885 170,832
Lazard Ltd and its wholly owned subsidiaries (48 ) 16 (235 ) (451 ) (48 ) (235 )
Total Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income (134,713 ) $118,586 (28,953 ) $286,017 $64,837 $170,597
Provision for income taxes
Lazard Group (effective tax rates of (3.6%) and (81.1%) for the
three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, and 20.6%
and 19.0% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30,
2007, respectively) (b)
Allocable to LAZ-MD Holdings $2,318 $12,624 $11,228 $28,356 $5,176 $14,086
Allocable to Lazard Ltd 2,566 11,744 12,048 26,208 7,135 16,617
Total Lazard Group provision for income taxes 4,884 24,368 23,276 54,564 12,311 30,703
Tax adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level (c) 3,420 3,916 7,978 11,094 3,420 7,978
Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes $8,304 $28,284 $31,254 $65,658 $15,731 $38,681
Lazard Ltd consolidated effective tax rate (6.2 %) 23.9 % (107.9 %) 23.0 % 24.3 % 22.7 %
Lazard Ltd Fully Exchanged Tax
Rate
Operating Income
Lazard Ltd consolidated operating income (134,713 ) $118,586 (28,953 ) $286,017 $64,837 $170,597
Adjustments for LAM GP related loss/(revenue) 8,161 (2,521 ) 9,771 (8,076 ) 8,161 9,771
Operating income excluding LAM GP related revenue (126,552 ) $116,065 (19,182 ) $277,941 $72,998 $180,368
Provision for income taxes
Lazard Ltd consolidated provision for income taxes $8,304 $28,284 $31,254 $65,658 $15,731 $38,681
Tax adjustment for full exchange (d) 2,517 4,214 6,410 12,165 2,517 6,410
Total fully exchanged provision for income taxes $10,821 $32,498 $37,664 $77,823 $18,248 $45,091
Lazard Ltd fully exchanged tax rate (8.6 %) 28.0 % (196.3 %) 28.0 % 25.0 % 25.0 %
(a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, excludes a charge consisting of $197,550 and $2,000 recorded to compensation and benefits expense and non-compensation expense, respectively in connection with the company's purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(b) Lazard Group effective tax rate of 19.0% and 18.0%, excluding the LAM-related charge, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, respectively.
(c) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision from $2,566 to $5,986 and $12,048 to $20,026 for an effective tax rate of 25% in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and from $11,744 to $15,660 and $26,208 to $37,302 for an effective tax rate of 28% in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, applicable to Lazard Ltd's ownership interest in Lazard Group's operating income (loss) exclusive of its applicable share of LAM GP related gains and losses, and, in 2008, the impact of the LAM-related charge. The income tax benefit associated with such charge was $7,427 which significantly impacted the effective tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008.
(d) Represents an adjustment to the Lazard Ltd tax provision to effect a full exchange of LAZ-MD Holdings' ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests at an effective rate on operating income less LAM GP related revenue of 25.0% for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 28.0% for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 respectively.
LAZ-G
SOURCE: Lazard Ltd
Lazard Ltd Media: Judi Frost Mackey, +1 212-632-1428 judi.mackey@lazard.com or Richard Creswell, +44 207 187 2305 richard.creswell@lazard.com or Investors: Michael J. Castellano, +1 212-632-8262 Chief Financial Officer or Jean Greene, +1 212-632-1905 investorrelations@lazard.com
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Companies: Lazard Ltd (LAZ)
Research and Markets: In the United States DIY Power Tool Are Likely to Continue to Decline Further
DUBLIN, Ireland, Oct 20, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5e33f4/diy_power_tools_in) has announced the addition of the "DIY Power Tools in the United States 2008" report to their offering.
From 2007-08, power tool sales have fallen as the housing market has stumbled, home renovations have declined and commodity costs have risen. While cordless tools remain comparatively strong sellers, on a whole, DIY power tool sales fell in 2007 and are likely to continue to decline further in an uncertain economic environment.
Insights relate to analysis of the following areas:
How trends in housing, renovation and home improvement retailing are shaping the market context
The changing profile of homeownership, including the emergence of younger, multi-ethnic and single female homeowners
How the aging of the Baby Boomer population will affect the power tool market and the best ways to appeal to Boomers.
The sales, acquisitions and innovations of the largest suppliers
How brand identities are being developed and promoted
What product innovations are being used and are on the horizon
Which consumer groups to target and how to reach them
What marketing and retail strategies can help target specific consumer groups
Key Topics Covered:
Scope and Themes
What you need to know
Definition
Consumer survey data sources
Abbreviations and terms
Abbreviations
Terms
Executive Summary
Opportunity for growth: developing "green" products
Expand outreach to Hispanics with bilingual staff, signage, promotions
Hone in on affluent Baby Boomers and promote upgrades
Females comprise undeveloped consumer base
Downturn in housing market negatively impacts power tool market
Three dominant suppliers show slowing sales
Black & Decker and Craftsman most popular brands among owners
Home improvement stores top department stores as source of tool purchases
Advertising favors males, but should expand its focus
Cordless tools -- fastest-growing product segment and a key area of innovation
Two out of three own at least one power tool
Research shows three distinct levels of ownership
Young, multi-ethnic users buy more tools
Specific projects motivate majority of tool purchases
Consumers seek balance of product attributes, consult multiple information sources, value testing
Market Background
Key points
Downturn in housing market suppresses power tool sales
New and existing home sales dropped sharply in 2006-07
Figure 1: Sales of new and existing homes, 2002-07
Housing market will continue to decline through 2009
Figure 2: Seasonally-adjusted annual rates for sales of new and existing homes, January-June 2008
Home repairs and renovations fell in 2007
Figure 3: Expenditures for residential repairs, maintenance, and improvements, 2002-07
Changes in homeownership impact power tool ownership
Baby Boomers comprise largest home owning population
Figure 4: Incidence of home ownership, by age, 1997-2007
Ranks of young homeowners multiply
Growing numbers of Hispanic and non-white homeowners
Figure 5: Incidence of home ownership, by race/Hispanic origin, 1997-2007
Single homeowners and female DIYers
Major home centers post sales declines
Sales slump in a challenging macroeconomic environment
DIY programs and websites build interest and familiarity
Leading Companies
Key points
Three major suppliers for DIY power tool market
Smaller suppliers cater largely to advanced DIYers
Black & Decker
TechTronics Industries
Bosch
Manufacturer Activity
Key points
Cordless offerings and kits move center stage
Black & Decker
Overall cordless offerings
Black & Decker's Firestorm System
Black & Decker's VPX li Ion cordless system
DeWalt's platforms with Nano technology
Cordless feature integrated into basic hand tools
Bosch
Overall Cordless Offerings
Combination Kits -- 18V and 36V systems with added features
Dremel Duo: Rotary Tool Set
Figure 6: Dremel Duo Power tool television ad, 2008
TTI
Ryobi's One+ lithium-ion System
Makita
Advertising and Promotion
Key points
As consumers purchase tools for specific projects, growth hinges on outreach
Companies undertake similar promotional and advertising activities
DIY advertising typically lacks diversity
Ryobi One+ highlights size, versatility of system
Figure 7: Ryobi power tools television ad, 2008
Bosch showcases new cordless technology
Figure 8: Skil power tools range television ad, 2008
Figure 9: Dremel Duo Power tool television ad, 2008
Black & Decker highlights innovative household products
Figure 10: Black & Decker Scumbuster television ad, 2008
"Grab-It" uses telemarketing to promote innovative product
Figure 11: Grabit home power tool television ad, 2008
Innovation and Innovators
Key points
Technological innovations vital for product differentiation
Cordless tools have been key area of growth and innovation
Range of cordless offerings
Future technologies in cordless batteries
Laser technology innovation
Who Owns/Rents Power Tools?
Key points
Trends in power tool ownership and rental
Trended data show overall stability in product ownership
Figure 12: Trends in types of workshop equipment owned, January 2003-November 2007
Significant increase in rentals during 2005-07
Figure 13: Trends in types of workshop equipment rented, January 2003-November 2007
Black & Decker and Craftsman remain most popular brands for DIYers
Figure 14: Trends in brands of workshop equipment owned, 2005-07
Three levels of ownership: low, medium and high
The majority of respondents are "low" or casual power tool users
A third of respondents are "medium" or moderate power tool users
About 10% of consumers are "high" or dedicated, advanced power tool users
Figure 15: Types of workshop equipment owned, by number of tools owned, January-November 2007
Profile of workshop equipment owners: aged 35-64, white, upper income
Figure 16: Incidence of household ownership of workshop equipment, January-November 2007
Affluent couples and Baby Boomers present lucrative target market
Figure 17: Incidence of household ownership of workshop equipment, by cohort group, January-November 2007
Power Tool Ownership by Home Ownership and Remodeling Activity
Key points
Homeowners own more power tools, new home buyers rent more tools
Figure 18: Incidence of household ownership of workshop equipment or rental, by home ownership status, January-November 2007
Home ownership is major driver for ownership of all types of power tools
Figure 19: Incidence of household ownership of workshop equipment for types of tools, by home ownership status, January-November 2007
Most home owners will undertake some home improvements
Figure 20: Incidence of household ownership of workshop equipment or rental, by value of residence, January-November 2007
Remodeling drives power tool ownership
Figure 21: Household incidence of ownership/rental of workshop equipment, by whether home improvement or remodeling was done in last 12 months, January-November 2007
Who Buys DIY Power Tools?
Key points
Overall purchasing levels have fallen since 2006
Figure 22: Incidence of purchasing power tools in past two years, May 2006 and June 2008
25-34s and Hispanics are buying more tools
Figure 23: Number of power tools purchased in past two years, June 2008
18-24s more likely to receive power tools as gifts
Figure 24: Incidence of acquiring power tools, bought for self or received as a gift, by age, June 2008
Where Tools are Purchased
Key points
Home improvement stores widely frequented
Figure 25: Incidence of shopping a home improvement store in last 3 months, January-November 2007
Home Depot and Lowe's dominate home improvement market
Figure 26: Home improvement stores shopped in last three months, January-November 2007
Home centers are primary destination for power tools
Figure 27: Where tools were bought in last two years, by gender, June 2008
Younger consumers turn to greatest variety of non-specialist retailers
Figure 28: Where tools were bought in last two years, by age, June 2008
Use of range of retailers peaks at $75K-99.9K household income level
Figure 29: Where tools were bought in last two years, by household income, June 2008
Reasons for Buying New Tools
Key points
Most purchases are for specific projects, not general future use
Figure 30: Whether tools are bought for specific projects or just in case, by age, June 2008
18-34s are more likely first-time buyers -- older buyers seek replacements
Figure 31: Why last power tool was bought, by age, June 2008
Considerations When Buying Power Tools
Key points
Durability, price, and product attributes -- prime factors
Figure 32: Considerations when buying power tools, by age, June 2008
Young buyers rely most heavily on salespeople for advice
Figure 33: Incidence of relying on salespeople for product information, by age, June 2008
Level of Experience with Power Tools
Key points
Gender roles persist, but may be more aggressively addressed
Figure 34: Degree of experience with power tools, by gender, June 2008
Experience is fairly high for $50K+ earners
Figure 35: Degree of experience with power tools, by household income, June 2008
Opinions and Behaviors
Key points
No surprise -- men enjoy tool shopping, and women do not
Figure 36: Attitudes and behaviors regarding power tools, by gender, June 2008
Aptitude and interest in DIY declines with age
Figure 37: Attitudes and behaviors regarding power tools, by age, June 2008
Race/Hispanic Origin
Key points
Whites most likely, and blacks least likely, to own power tools
Figure 38: Household ownership of workshop equipment, by race/Hispanic origin, January-November 2008
Incidence of recent purchase of power tools is highest among Hispanics
Figure 39: Incidence of purchasing power tools in past two years, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Whites most likely to shop at home improvement stores
Figure 40: Incidence of shopping a home improvement store in last three months, by race/Hispanic origin, January-November 2007
Hispanics most likely to shop at a variety of retailers for power tools
Figure 41: Where tools were bought in last two years, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Blacks and Hispanics more likely to buy tools for specific purpose
Figure 42: Why tools are bought, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Whites more likely than blacks and Hispanics to be replacing old tools
Figure 43: Why last power tool was bought, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Blacks and Hispanics consider a greater range of factors before buying
Figure 44: Considerations when buying power tools, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Hispanic consumers rely heavily on salespeople for advice
Figure 45: Incidence of relying on salespeople for product information, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Blacks show lowest level of experience with power tools
Figure 46: Degree of experience with power tools, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Hispanics show a range of positive attitudes to DIY and tools
Figure 47: Attitudes and behaviors regarding power tools, by race/Hispanic origin, June 2008
Appendix: Other Useful Consumer Tables
Types of workshop equipment owned
Figure 62: Types of workshop equipment owned, by age of head of household, January-November 2007
Figure 63: Types of workshop equipment owned, by household income, January-November 2007
Figure 64: Types of workshop equipment owned, by race/Hispanic origin, January-November 2007
Degree of experience with power tools
Figure 65: Degree of experience with power tools, by age, June 2008
Considerations when buying power tools
Figure 66: Considerations when buying power tools, by gender, June 2008
Figure 67: Considerations when buying power tools, by household income, June 2008
Appendix: Simmons Cohorts
Figure 68: Married couples cohorts
Figure 69: Single women cohorts
Figure 70: Single men cohorts
Appendix: Trade Associations
Companies Mentioned:
- Ace Hardware U.S.
- Amazon North America
- American Hardware Manufacturers Association
- Black & Decker
- BSH Home Appliances Corporation [Bosch]
- Costco Wholesale Corporation
- Greenfield Online
- Hilti, Inc.
- Hitachi Koki U.S.A., Ltd
- Home Improvement Research Institute
- Kmart Corporation
- National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- National Retail Hardware Association and Home Center Institute
- Power Tools Institute (PTI)
- U.S. Bureau of the Census
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5e33f4/diy_power_tools_in
SOURCE: Research and Markets
Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager Fax from USA: 646-607-1907 Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716 press@researchandmarkets.com
Tags: acquisition advertising auto racing commodity consumer environment executive hardware household housing manufacturer market marketing men nascar north america online population products research residential retail sales technology telemarketing television trade wholesale women
Greenfield Online Inc (SRVY) Corporate Event Announcement Notice - Zibb.com
Oct 09, 2008 (Wall Street Horizon via COMTEX) --
Greenfield Online Inc (SRVY)
Expected next earnings release: Announcement date: 11/6/2008 - After Market Earnings Quarter: Q3 Announcement Status: Unconfirmed
Tags: corporate earnings market online
Companies: Greenfield Online Inc (SRVY)
Receipt of Remaining Antitrust Clearances in Connection with the Acquisition of Greenfield Online,
WILTON, Conn., Oct 07, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Greenfield Online, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRVY) ("Greenfield Online") announced today that Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT) ("Microsoft") had obtained clearance from the Federal Cartel Office of Germany in connection with its tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Greenfield Online. In addition, Microsoft has advised Greenfield Online that it has made the required antitrust filing in Italy. Accordingly, the antitrust conditions for completion of the tender offer have been satisfied and there are no remaining regulatory conditions to complete the tender offer.
The tender offer remains subject to the satisfaction of all other closing conditions, including the minimum tender condition. Unless extended, the tender offer is scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of Wednesday, October 8, 2008. Subject to the satisfaction of all other conditions, immediately upon the expiration of the tender offer, Microsoft expects to accept for payment all shares of Greenfield Online validly tendered and not withdrawn from the offer.
About Greenfield Online, Inc.
Greenfield Online, Inc. is a global interactive media and services company that collects consumer attitudes about products and services, enabling consumers to reach informed purchasing decisions about the products and services they want to buy; and helping companies better understand their customer in order to formulate effective product marketing strategies. Proprietary, innovative technology enables us to collect these opinions quickly and accurately, and to organize them into actionable form. For more information, visit www.greenfield.com. Through our Ciao comparison shopping portals we gather unique and valuable user-generated content in the form of product and merchant reviews. Visitors to our Ciao portals use these reviews to help make purchasing decisions and we derive revenue from this Internet traffic via e-commerce, merchant referrals, click-throughs, and advertising sales. For more information or to become a member, visit http://www.ciao-group.com. Through our Greenfield Online and Ciao Surveys websites and affiliate networks, we collect, organize and sell consumer opinions in the form of survey responses to marketing research companies and companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.greenfield-ciaosurveys.com. To take a survey, go to www.greenfieldonline.com.
Advisory and Important Additional Information
This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of Greenfield Online or Microsoft. Crisp Acquisition Corporation, a subsidiary of Microsoft has commenced the tender offer by filing a Tender Offer Statement on ScheduleTO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and Greenfield Online has filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. THE TENDER OFFER IS BEING MADE SOLELY BY THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT. THE TENDER OFFER STATEMENT (INCLUDING AN OFFER TO PURCHASE, A RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER.
The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement is being made available to all stockholders of Greenfield Online, at no expense to them. The Tender Offer Statement (including the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and all other offer documents filed by Microsoft and the Company with the SEC) and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are also available for free at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Investors and security holders are strongly advised to read both the Tender Offer Statement and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement regarding the tender offer referred to in this press release because they contain important information. The tender offer materials may also be obtained for free by contacting the information agent for the tender offer.
Advisors disclaimer
Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., acted as financial advisor to Greenfield Online in connection with the transaction. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal advisor to Greenfield Online. Perkins Coie LLP acted as legal advisor to Microsoft. The transaction will be financed by cash on hand at Microsoft.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this presentation about our expectation of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as, "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only our beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. It is possible that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from our anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. In addition, certain factors could affect the outcome of the matters described in this press release. These factors include, but are not limited to, (1)the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (2)the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us or others following the announcement of the merger agreement, (3)the inability to complete the merger due to the failure to satisfy other conditions required to complete the merger, (4)risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations, and (5)the costs, fees and expenses related to the merger. Additional information regarding risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company is detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, available for viewing on the Company's website at www.greenfield.com. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
SOURCE: Greenfield Online, Inc.
Greenfield Online Cynthia Brockhoff, 203-846-5772 Vice President -- Investor Relations Cbrockhoff@Greenfield.com
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