Evercore Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results; Quarterly Dividend Raised To $0.40 Per Share

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 

Evercore Inc., formerly known as Evercore Partners Inc., (NYSE: EVR) today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.

LEADERSHIP COMMENTARY

Ralph Schlosstein, President and Chief Executive Officer

"We are pleased with our third quarter and year to date results which reflect record revenues for a third quarter and record revenues, earnings and earnings per share for the year to date period. This is our fifth consecutive period of year-over-year growth in Adjusted earnings per share for a nine month period. These results are driven by the steady execution of our strategy of continually investing in and developing world class talent and focusing on businesses and services in which we have a competitive advantage."

"Our operating metrics remain strong. In Advisory, we continue to be the #1 ranked independent M&A advisor in the U.S. league tables for announced transactions, both on a year to date and a trailing twelve months basis, and the #2 advisor among independent firms in the Global league tables on a trailing twelve months basis. Our market share has grown strongly again this year. Our clients in the equities market recognized our strong research capabilities as we again ranked #3 in the Institutional Investor All-America Equity Research team rankings and #2 on a weighted basis. Importantly, we remain the highest ranked independent research firm in the U.S. In Investment Management, we continued to focus on building our wealth management business, and completed the previously announced sale of our fiduciary services business in mid October," said Ralph Schlosstein, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We continued to deliver strong returns to our shareholders as Adjusted Operating Margins for the quarter and the first nine months of the year exceeded 25%. Our Board of Directors increased our quarterly dividend to $0.40 per share, the tenth successive year of growth in our annual dividend, and approved an increase in the share repurchase authorization to $750 million."

John S. Weinberg, Executive Chairman

"Our Advisory businesses continued to drive our results in the third quarter with all of our teams contributing. Our M&A pipeline remains strong and our broader advisory capabilities continue to reach more clients," said John S. Weinberg, Executive Chairman. "We anticipate 2017 will be another strong recruiting year adding at least nine new Senior Managing Directors - six in Advisory and three in Equities. These additions complement the four promotions to Senior Managing Director in our Advisory business at the beginning of the year."

Roger C. Altman, Founder and Senior Chairman

"Market conditions continue to be favorable for M&A broadly, supporting healthy deal activity both in the U.S. and throughout the world," said Roger C. Altman, Founder and Senior Chairman. "In fact, looking at global trends, volumes are now up year to date, with each of the major regions, U.S., Europe and Asia, contributing."

Selected Financial Data - U.S. GAAP Results:

The following is a discussion of Evercore's results on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Net Revenues

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Net Revenues of $406.6 million increased 5% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Investment Banking revenues, primarily due to an increase in Advisory fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Net Revenues of $1.2 billion increased 17% versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Investment Banking revenues, primarily due to an increase in Advisory fees. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of U.S. GAAP Results below for further information.

Compensation Ratio

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the compensation ratio was 60.7% versus 60.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by increased compensation costs in the Investment Banking business, principally due to costs associated with new senior hires, as well as the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the compensation ratio was 59.2% versus 63.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by higher revenues in our Investment Banking business as well as the decrease in costs associated with transaction consideration during the first quarter of 2017. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of U.S. GAAP Results below for further information.

Operating Income

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Operating Income of $87.1 million increased 2% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Net Revenues, partially offset by increased compensation and non-compensation costs in the Investment Banking business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Operating Income of $244.7 million increased 49% versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Net Revenues, partially offset by increased compensation and non-compensation costs in the Investment Banking business. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of U.S. GAAP Results below for further information.

Effective Tax Rate

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was 32.4% versus 45.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was 27.8% versus 47.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016; the decrease was primarily driven by the application of a new accounting standard, effective January 1, 2017, related to share-based compensation, which requires that the tax deduction associated with the appreciation in the Firm's share price upon vesting of employee share-based awards above the original grant price be reflected in income tax expense. The effective tax rate is also impacted by the non-deductible treatment of compensation associated with Evercore LP Units/Interests.

Net Income and Earnings Per Share

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. and Earnings Per Share of $45.9 million and $1.04, respectively, each increased 32% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, principally driven by an increase in Net Revenues in the Investment Banking business and a decrease in the effective tax rate.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. and Earnings Per Share of $144.9 million and $3.23, respectively, increased 126% and 123%, respectively, versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, principally driven by an increase in Net Revenues in the Investment Banking business and a decrease in the effective tax rate.

Selected Financial Data - Adjusted Results:

The following is a discussion of Evercore's results on an Adjusted basis. See pages 7 and A-2 to A-13 for further information and reconciliations of these non-GAAP metrics to our U.S. GAAP results.

Adjusted Net Revenues

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Net Revenues of $402.9 million increased 5% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Investment Banking revenues, primarily due to an increase in Advisory fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Net Revenues of $1.2 billion increased 17% versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Investment Banking Revenues, primarily due to an increase in Advisory fees. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of Adjusted Results below for further information.

Adjusted Compensation Ratio

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Adjusted compensation ratio was 59.0%, versus 56.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by increased compensation costs in the Investment Banking business, principally due to costs associated with new senior hires, as well as the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Adjusted compensation ratio was 59.0% versus 57.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by increased compensation costs in the Investment Banking business, principally due to costs associated with new senior hires, as well as the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. The Adjusted compensation ratio reflects the cost associated with compensation awarded to employees based on their performance consistent with market rates, and the cost associated with the addition of senior professionals. These new hire costs reflect both the number and seniority of the personnel we recruit and have the potential to change the compensation ratio in any period. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of Adjusted Results below for further information.

Adjusted Operating Income

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Operating Income of $103.6 million decreased 2% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in compensation and non-compensation costs in the Investment Banking business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Operating Income of $292.3 million increased 16% versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Net Revenues, partially offset by increased compensation and non-compensation costs in the Investment Banking business. See the Business Line Reporting - Discussion of Adjusted Results below for further information.

Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was 37.0% versus 38.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was 28.7% versus 38.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016; the decrease was primarily driven by the application of a new accounting standard, effective January 1, 2017, related to share-based compensation, which requires that the tax deduction associated with the appreciation in the Firm's share price upon vesting of employee share-based awards above the original grant price be reflected in income tax expense. Changes in the Adjusted effective tax rate are also driven by the level of earnings in businesses with minority owners.

Adjusted Net Income and Earnings Per Share

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. and Adjusted Earnings Per Share of  $61.0 million and $1.22, respectively, decreased 2% and was flat, respectively, versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven by an increase in Net Revenues in the Investment Banking business, offset by increased compensation and non-compensation costs.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. and Adjusted Earnings Per Share of $198.4 million and $3.90, respectively, increased 33% and 35%, respectively, versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, principally driven by an increase in Net Revenues in the Investment Banking business and a decrease in the effective tax rate.

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. and Adjusted Earnings Per Share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $172.3 million and $3.40, respectively, excluding the effects of the change in accounting for income taxes, up 16% and 18%, respectively, versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Evercore's quarterly results may fluctuate significantly due to the timing and amount of transaction fees earned, as well as other factors. Accordingly, financial results in any particular quarter may not be representative of future results over a longer period of time.

Non-GAAP Measures:

Throughout this release certain information is presented on an Adjusted basis, which is a non-GAAP measure. Adjusted results begin with information prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"), and then those results are adjusted to exclude certain items and reflect the conversion of vested and certain unvested Evercore LP Units and Interests into Class A shares. Evercore believes that the disclosed Adjusted measures and any adjustments thereto, when presented in conjunction with comparable U.S. GAAP measures, are useful to investors to compare Evercore's results across several periods and facilitate an understanding of Evercore's operating results. Evercore uses these measures to evaluate its operating performance, as well as the performance of individual employees. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Evercore's Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Evercore Inc. for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was higher than U.S. GAAP as a result of the exclusion of expenses associated with awards granted in conjunction with certain of the Company's acquisitions, and certain other business acquisition-related charges and Special Charges.

Acquisition-related compensation charges for 2017 include expenses and the reversal of expenses associated with performance-based awards granted in conjunction with the Company's acquisition of ISI. The amount of expense or the reversal of expense for the Class G and H LP Interests is based on the determination if it is probable that Evercore ISI will achieve certain earnings and margin targets in future periods. Acquisition-related charges for 2017 also include professional fees incurred and amortization of intangible assets. Special Charges for 2017 relate to a charge for the impairment of goodwill in the Institutional Asset Management reporting unit and a charge for the impairment of our investment in G5 | Evercore during the second quarter.

In addition, for Adjusted purposes, client related expenses have been presented as a reduction from Revenues and Non-compensation costs.

Evercore's Adjusted Diluted Shares Outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017were higher than U.S. GAAP as a result of the inclusion of Evercore LP Units, as well as the assumed vesting of certain Evercore LP Units/Interests and unvested restricted stock units granted to ISI employees.

This release also presents changes in Adjusted Net Revenues, Adjusted Investment Management Revenues and Adjusted Investment Management Expenses from the prior-year periods assuming that the restructuring of certain Investment Management affiliates occurred on December 31, 2015. This includes the transfer of ownership of the Mexican Private Equity Business that occurred on September 30, 2016. Evercore believes this is useful additional information for investors because it improves the comparability of period-over-period results and aligns with management's view of business performance.

Further details of these adjustments, as well as an explanation of similar amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are included in Annex I, pages A-2 to A-13. 

Business Line Reporting - Discussion of U.S. GAAP Results

The following is a discussion of Evercore's segment results on a U.S. GAAP basis.

Investment Banking

Revenues

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, Advisory Fees increased 8% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven primarily by the number and composition of fees in excess of $1 million, taking into account the size and type of transaction and the nature of services provided. Commissions and Related Fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 16% from the third quarter of last year as institutional clients are adjusting the level and composition of trading volumes in light of the broad movement to passive investing strategies and lower levels of volatility, impacting both payments for research and execution services. Underwriting Fees of $11.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased 39% versus the third quarter of last year, as we participated in 13 underwriting transactions (vs. 12 in Q3 2016); 8 as a bookrunner (vs. 4 in Q3 2016).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Advisory Fees grew 26% versus the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven primarily by the number and composition of fees in excess of $1 million, taking into account the size and type of transaction and the nature of services provided. Commissions and Related Fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 12% from last year as institutional clients are adjusting the level and composition of trading volumes in light of the broad movement to passive investing strategies and lower levels of volatility, impacting both payments for research and execution services. Underwriting Fees of $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 23% from last year, as we participated in 39 underwriting transactions (vs. 30 in 2016); 19 as a bookrunner (vs. 12 in 2016).

Expenses

Compensation costs of $236.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were up 7% compared to the third quarter of last year, driven by higher compensation costs as a result of increased headcount in the business, including new senior hires, as well as higher levels of revenue earned and the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. Compensation costs of $660.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were up 10% compared to last year, driven by higher compensation costs as a result of increased headcount in the business, including new senior hires, as well as higher levels of revenue earned and the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. This resulted in a compensation ratio of 60.9% and 59.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to 60.1% and 64.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Compensation costs include $4.8 million and $15.3 million of expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, related to the Class E LP Units and $2.0 million and ($12.9) million of expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, related to the Class G and H LP Interests issued in conjunction with the acquisition of ISI. The Company incurred an expense reversal in the first quarter of 2017 following a review of the outlook for the Evercore ISI business where the Company concluded that it would be appropriate to lower the level of earnings and margins that it considers probable of achievement for future periods. Compensation costs included $13.8 million and $66.1 million of expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, related to the Class E, G and H LP Units/Interests issued in conjunction with the acquisition of ISI based on the probability assumptions in place at that time.

As discussed in "Capital Transactions" below, in July 2017, the Board of Directors approved the exchange of all of the outstanding Class H LP Interests into 1.9 million Class J LP Units, which will continue to vest based on the completion of service through February 15, 2020. This modification did not result in any further expense and the remaining expense as of the modification date will be recorded ratably from the date of modification to the final vesting date. Compensation costs include $2.3 million of expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the Class J LP Units.

Assuming the maximum thresholds for the Class G LP Interests were considered probable of achievement at September 30, 2017, an additional $16.3 million of expense would have been incurred in the third quarter of 2017 and the remaining expense to be accrued over the future vesting period extending from October 1, 2017 to February 15, 2018 would be $2.5 million. In that circumstance, the total number of Class G LP Interests that would vest and become exchangeable to Class E LP Units would be 366,000.

Non-compensation costs for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $68.4 million, up 6% compared to the third quarter of last year. The increase in non-compensation costs versus last year reflects the addition of personnel within most parts of the business. The ratio of non-compensation costs to net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 17.6%, flat compared to the third quarter of last year. Non-compensation costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $196.6 million, up 7% from last year. The increase in non-compensation costs versus last year reflects the addition of personnel within most parts of the business. The ratio of non-compensation costs to net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 17.6%, compared to 19.6% last year, driven by increased net revenues.

Special Charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect an impairment charge of $14.4 million incurred in the second quarter of 2017 related to the Company's equity method investment in G5 | Evercore, resulting from the sustained negative economic and political climate in Brazil.

Investment Management

Revenues

Investment Advisory and Management Fees of $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased 1% compared to the third quarter of last year, driven primarily by higher fees in Wealth Management in the third quarter of 2017.

Realized and Unrealized Gains of $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased relative to the third quarter of last year, driven principally by higher gains in Private Equity.

Investment Advisory and Management Fees of $47.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 3% compared to the first nine months of last year, driven primarily by a lack of fees in Private Equity for the first nine months of 2017, partially offset by higher fees in Wealth Management in the first nine months of 2017.

Realized and Unrealized Gains of $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased relative to the first nine months of last year, driven by losses related to the wind-down of a Private Equity fund in Mexico in 2017.

On September 30, 2016, the Company completed the transfer of ownership and control of the Mexican Private Equity Business to a newly formed entity, Glisco Partners Inc., which is controlled by the principals of the business.

Expenses

Investment Management's expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $14.5 million, a decrease of 4% compared to the third quarter of last year principally as a result of a reduction in non-compensation costs. Investment Management expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $48.4 million, up 3% from last year due to special charges recorded during the second quarter of 2017.

Special Charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect an impairment charge of $7.1 million incurred in the second quarter of 2017 related to goodwill in the Company's Institutional Asset Management reporting unit where the fair value has been reduced relative to the remaining goodwill as a result of the pending sale of the Institutional Trust and Independent Fiduciary business of Evercore Trust Company.

Business Line Reporting - Discussion of Adjusted Results

The following is a discussion of Evercore's segment results on an Adjusted basis. See pages 7 and A-2 to A-13 for further information and reconciliations of these metrics to our U.S. GAAP results.

Investment Banking

Adjusted Revenues

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, Advisory Fees increased 8% versus the three months ended September 30, 2016, driven primarily by the number and composition of fees in excess of $1 million, taking into account the size and type of transaction and the nature of services provided. Commissions and Related Fees for the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 16% from the third quarter of last year as institutional clients are adjusting the level and composition of trading volumes in light of the broad movement to passive investing strategies and lower levels of volatility, impacting both payments for research and execution services. Underwriting Fees of $11.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased 39% versus the third quarter of last year, as we participated in 13 underwriting transactions (vs. 12 in Q3 2016); 8 as a bookrunner (vs. 4 in Q3 2016).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Advisory fees grew 27% year over year, driven primarily by the number and composition of fees in excess of $1 million, taking into account the size and type of transaction and the nature of services provided. Commissions and Related Fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 12% from last year as institutional clients are adjusting the level and composition of trading volumes in light of the broad movement to passive investing strategies and lower levels of volatility, impacting both payments for research and execution services. Underwriting Fees of $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased 23% from last year, as we participated in 39 underwriting transactions (vs. 30 in 2016); 19 as a bookrunner (vs. 12 in 2016).

Adjusted Expenses

Adjusted compensation costs were $227.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 10% from the third quarter of last year. Evercore's Investment Banking Adjusted compensation ratio was 59.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, up versus the Adjusted compensation ratio reported for the third quarter of last year of 56.8%, driven by higher compensation costs as a result of increased headcount in the business, including new senior hires, as well as higher levels of revenue earned and the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted compensation costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $655.3 million, an increase of 23% from last year, and the Adjusted compensation ratio was 59.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to an Adjusted compensation ratio of 57.6% for the first nine months of 2016, driven by higher compensation costs as a result of increased headcount in the business, including new senior hires, as well as higher levels of revenue earned and the increase in compensation costs in Evercore ISI following our review of the outlook for the business during the first quarter of 2017.

Adjusted non-compensation costs for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $58.1 million, up 5% from the third quarter of last year. The increase in Adjusted non-compensation costs versus last year reflects the addition of personnel within most parts of the business. The ratio of Adjusted non-compensation costs to Adjusted net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was 15.2%, compared to 15.1% for the third quarter of last year. Adjusted non-compensation costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $172.5 million, up 9% from last year due to the addition of personnel within most parts of the business. The ratio of Adjusted non-compensation costs to net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 15.6%, compared to 17.0% last year, driven by increased net revenues.

Investment Management

Adjusted Revenues

Adjusted Investment Advisory and Management Fees of $16.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased 1% compared to the third quarter of last year, driven primarily by higher fees in Wealth Management.

Realized and Unrealized Gains of $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased relative to the third quarter of last year, driven principally by higher gains in Private Equity.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates of $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased relative to the third quarter of last year principally as a result of higher income earned in the third quarter of 2017 by ABS.

Adjusted Investment Advisory and Management Fees of $46.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased 2% compared to the first nine months of last year, driven primarily by a lack of fees in Private Equity during the first nine months of 2017, partially offset by higher fees in Wealth Management in the first nine months of 2017.

Realized and Unrealized Gains of $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 decreased relative to the first nine months of last year, driven principally by losses related to the wind-down of a Private Equity fund in Mexico in 2017.

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates of $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased relative to the first nine months of last year principally as a result of higher income earned in the first nine months of 2017 by ABS.

On September 30, 2016, the Company completed the transfer of ownership and control of the Mexican Private Equity Business to a newly formed entity, Glisco Partners Inc., which is controlled by the principals of the business.

Adjusted Expenses

Investment Management's Adjusted expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $13.9 million, down 5% compared to the third quarter of last year principally due to a reduction in non-compensation costs. Assuming the restructuring of certain Investment Management affiliates had occurred on December 31, 2015, Adjusted Investment Management expenses would have increased 1% when compared to the third quarter of last year. Adjusted Investment Management expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $40.2 million, down 12% from last year due to a decrease in compensation and non-compensation costs. Assuming the restructuring of certain Investment Management affiliates had occurred on December 31, 2015, Adjusted Investment Management expenses would have decreased 7% when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Balance Sheet

The Company continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, holding cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and certificates of deposit of $555.6 million at September 30, 2017. Current assets exceed current liabilities by $440.7 million at September 30, 2017. Amounts due related to the Long-Term Notes Payable and Subordinated Borrowings were $175.1 million at September 30, 2017.

On October 18, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the Institutional Trust and Independent Fiduciary business of Evercore Trust Company for a purchase price of $34.4 million. This transaction resulted in a decrease of $28.4 million to Goodwill.

Capital Transactions

On October 23, 2017, the Board of Directors of Evercore declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share to be paid on December 8, 2017 to common stockholders of record on November 24, 2017.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 the Company repurchased approximately 800,000 shares/units at an average price per share/unit of $75.87. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 3.9 million shares/units at an average price per share/unit of $74.99.

During the first quarter, after consideration of the market environment in which our equities business operates and the intermediate term cost structure of that business, we reduced the shares we expect to deliver, included in our Adjusted share base, for the 2014 acquisition of ISI from approximately 7.0 million shares to 5.4 million shares. Further, in July 2017, the Board of Directors approved the exchange of all of the outstanding Class H LP Interests into 1.9 million Class J LP Units, reducing the aggregate number of units to 5.3 million. The new units contain the same service vesting terms as the Class H LP Interests and are not entitled to distributions. The Class J LP Units do not have performance thresholds and the holders will be issued one share each of Class B common stock of Evercore Inc., which will entitle them to one vote on all matters submitted generally to holders of Class A and Class B common stock for each Class E LP Unit and Class J LP Unit held.

The total shares available to be granted in the future under the Amended and Restated 2016 Evercore Inc. Stock Incentive Plan was approximately 7.4 million as of September 30, 2017.

Conference Call

Evercore will host a related conference call beginning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, October 26, 2017, accessible via telephone and the internet. Investors and analysts may participate in the live conference call by dialing (877) 359-9508 (toll-free domestic) or (224) 357-2393 (international); passcode: 96579176. Please register at least 10 minutes before the conference call begins. A replay of the call will be available for one week via telephone starting approximately one hour after the call ends. The replay can be accessed at (855) 859-2056 (toll-free domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international); passcode: 96579176. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Evercore's website at www.evercore.com. The webcast will be archived on Evercore's website for 30 days after the call.

About Evercore

Evercore (NYSE: EVR) is a premier global independent investment banking advisory firm. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve superior results through trusted independent and innovative advice on matters of strategic significance to boards of directors, management teams and shareholders, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic shareholder advisory, restructurings, and capital structure. Evercore also assists clients in raising public and private capital and delivers equity research and equity sales and agency trading execution, in addition to providing wealth and investment management services to high net worth and institutional investors. Founded in 1995, the Firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices and affiliate offices in major financial centers in North America, Europe, South America and Asia. For more information, please visit www.evercore.com.

Basis of Alternative Financial Statement Presentation

Our Adjusted results are a non-GAAP measure. As discussed further under "Non-GAAP Measures", Evercore believes that the disclosed Adjusted measures and any adjustments thereto, when presented in conjunction with comparable U.S. GAAP measures, are useful to investors to compare Evercore's results across several periods and better reflect management's view of operating results. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of our U.S. GAAP results to Adjusted results is presented in the tables included in Annex I.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, Evercore's operations and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "probable," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this presentation are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in Evercore's business. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Evercore believes these factors include, but are not limited to, those described under "Risk Factors" discussed in Evercore's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and Registration Statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release. In addition, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Evercore to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can Evercore assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and Evercore does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Evercore undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

With respect to any securities offered by any private equity fund referenced herein, such securities have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

ANNEX I