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Lazard (LAZ) Hit by Economic Headwinds: Time to Sell?

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We have issued an updated research report on Lazard Ltd. (LAZ - Free Report) on May 23. Shares of this asset manager recorded a year-to-date negative return of 20.4%.

Though Lazard is positioned well for long-term growth, the prevailing macroeconomic headwinds may hinder growth in the near term. Further, at the current level, asset management businesses are under cyclical and secular pressures.

Concentration risks may also crop up owing to Lazard’s dependence on Financial Advisory revenues. Notably, these revenues contribute nearly 54% to Lazard’s total revenue.

Though Lazard is working on its cost-containment initiatives, dependence on overseas operations gives rise to risks from the regulatory and political environment, foreign exchange fluctuations and performance of the regional economy.

Moreover, analysts adopted a bearish stance over the last 30 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate decreased 16.1% for 2016 to $2.96 per share. Further, for 2017, the Zacks Consensus Estimate declined 11% to $3.41 per share over the same time frame.

Currently, Lazard carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Stocks That Warrant a Look

Better-ranked investment management stocks are Affiliated Managers Group Inc. (AMG - Free Report) , AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. (AB - Free Report) and GAMCO Investors, Inc. . All the three companies carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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