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PJT Partners Inc.

For the period ended Jun 30, 2025. Filed Jul 31, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Jun 30, 2025 · Filed Jul 31, 2025

PJT$148.61-3.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-01.

0000950170-25-061984

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-07-31.

0000950170-25-100937

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 79 previous paragraphs and 83 current paragraphs.

58 unchanged; 21 reworded; 3 added; 0 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 2 previous and 2 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (3)

Current report

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”), which includes a broad range of tax reform provisions, was signed into law in the United States. We are continuing to assess the impact of OBBBA and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s 2025 condensed consolidated financial statements.

Current report

Total Revenues were $731.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $41.8 million compared with $689.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Advisory Fees were $636.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $40.9 million compared with $595.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in Advisory Fees was principally due to an increase in strategic advisory revenues. Placement Fees were $79.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $2.1 million compared with $81.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in Placement Fees was due to a decrease in fund placement revenues. Interest Income and Other was $15.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $3.0 million compared with $12.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in Interest Income and Other was principally due to an increase in the fair market value of certain equity securities received as part of transaction compensation.

Current report

Expenses were $602.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $31.1 million compared with $571.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in expenses was principally due to increases in Compensation and Benefits, Occupancy and Related and Travel and Related of $18.7 million, $4.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The increase in Compensation and Benefits Expense was driven by higher revenues compared with prior year, partially offset by a lower accrual rate. Occupancy and Related increased principally due to the expansion of our London and New York offices. Travel and Related increased principally due to increased business development activity and higher cost of travel.
Reworded paragraphs (21)

Previous wording

Mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) is a cyclical business that is impacted by macroeconomic conditions. There are several factors influencing global M&A activity in the intermediate term, including monetary policy, global trade policies, greater economic and geopolitical uncertainty and global growth. The current environment poses significant risks to the U.S. and Global economies as the current geopolitical uncertainties have weighed on business and impacted capital markets around the world. In the first quarter of 2025, worldwide M&A announced volumes increased modestly compared with prior year, however, the number of announced transactions declined 1. How these macroeconomic factors will impact the strength of strategic activity in the intermediate term is still uncertain. While we expect the markets to recover to historical relationships between M&A activity and broader market benchmarks, the pace of such recovery remains unclear.

Current wording

Mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) is a cyclical business that is impacted by macroeconomic conditions. There are several factors influencing global M&A activity in the intermediate term, including monetary policy, global trade policies, greater economic and geopolitical uncertainty and global growth. How these macroeconomic factors impact the strength of strategic activity in the intermediate term is still uncertain and while there are indications of a pickup in M&A activity, the data continues to present a mixed picture. In the second quarter of 2025, worldwide M&A announced volumes increased 33% compared with prior year, however, the number of transactions declined 1. While we expect the markets to recover to historical relationships between M&A activity and broader market benchmarks, the pace of such recovery remains unclear.

Previous wording

Global restructuring and special situations trends remained elevated during the first quarter of 2025 due to continued liability management activity and balance sheet restructurings. A number of factors continue to drive this elevated activity, as both corporates and sponsors deal with capital markets volatility, challenged business models, technological disruption, and changing consumer preferences. Activity during the first quarter of 2025 was dispersed across companies, creditors and financial sponsors as well as a broad cross section of industries and geographies, demonstrating a continued multi-year cycle of elevated activity, particularly in liability management.

Current wording

Global restructuring and special situations trends remained elevated during the second quarter of 2025 due to liability management, balance sheet restructuring and bankruptcy activity. A number of factors continue to drive elevated levels of restructuring, as both corporates and financial sponsors deal with capital markets volatility, challenged business models, and changing consumer preferences. Activity during the second quarter of 2025 remains dispersed across corporates, creditors and financial sponsors as well as a broad cross section of industries and geographies, demonstrating a continued multi-year cycle of elevated activity.

Previous wording

Fund placement activity remains challenging given the global macroeconomic environment, volatility in the market, an overall slowdown in realizations and the supply of alternative investment opportunities in the market seeking capital. Additionally, limited partners have become more discerning in their deployment of capital for both existing and new fund manager relationships. Investors continue to focus on existing relationships and, as a result, the bar for fund managers to attract new investors remains high as a flight to quality persists. As it relates to private capital solutions, investors' need for liquidity continues to be a driver for increased market volumes, and, despite recent market volatility we expect the environment to remain favorable in the intermediate term.

Current wording

Fund placement activity remains challenging given the global macroeconomic environment, volatility in the market, an overall slowdown in realizations and the supply of alternative investment opportunities in the market seeking capital. Additionally, limited partners have become more discerning in their deployment of capital for both existing and new fund manager relationships. Investors continue to focus on existing relationships and, as a result, the bar for fund managers to attract new investors remains high as a flight to quality persists. As it relates to private capital solutions, the demand for alternative liquidity vehicles from general partners and limited partners continues to be a driver for increased market volumes, and, despite recent market volatility we expect the environment to remain favorable in the intermediate term.

Previous wording

1 Source: LSEG Global Mergers & Acquisitions Review for First Quarter of 2025 as of March 31, 2025.

Current wording

1 Source: LSEG Global Mergers & Acquisitions Review for First Half of 2025 as of June 30, 2025.

Previous wording

We provide a range of strategic advisory, shareholder advisory, capital markets advisory, and restructuring and special situations services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors and governments around the world. In conjunction with providing restructuring advice, we may also assist with raising various forms of financing, including debt and equity. Our private capital solutions services include providing General Partner solutions and investing solutions to clients seeking portfolio liquidity, unfunded commitment relief and investments in secondary markets. Our fund placement services primarily serve a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, alternative credit/hedge funds, and real estate. We advise on all aspects of the fundraising process including competitive positioning and market assessment, marketing materials and related documentation including partnership terms and conditions most prevalent in the current environment. We also provide public and private placement fundraising services to our corporate clients and recognize placement and underwriting fees based on the successful completion of the transaction.

Current wording

We provide a range of strategic advisory, shareholder advisory, capital markets advisory, and restructuring and special situations services to corporations, financial sponsors, institutional investors and governments around the world. In conjunction with providing restructuring advice, we may also assist with raising various forms of financing, including debt and equity. Our private capital solutions services include providing general partner solutions and investing solutions to clients seeking portfolio liquidity, unfunded commitment relief and investments in secondary markets. Our fund placement services primarily serve a diverse range of investment strategies, including private equity, alternative credit/hedge funds, and real estate. We advise on all aspects of the fundraising process including competitive positioning and market assessment, marketing materials and related documentation including partnership terms and conditions most prevalent in the current environment. We also provide public and private placement fundraising services to our corporate clients.

Previous wording

The amount and timing of the fees paid vary by the type of engagement and are typically based on retainers, completion of a transaction or a capital raise. Fees earned for services provided to alternative asset managers are typically recognized upon acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments (referred to as a “closing”), in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. For commitment based fees, revenue is recognized over time as commitments are accepted. Fees for such closed-end fund arrangements are generally paid in installments over three or four years and interest is charged to the outstanding balance at an agreed upon rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or an alternate reference rate, plus a market-based margin. For funds with multiple closings, the constraint on variable consideration is lifted upon each closing. For open-end fund structures, placement fees are typically calculated as a percentage of a placed investor’s month-end net asset value. Typically, we earn fees for such open-end fund structures over a four year period. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time as the constraint over variable consideration is lifted. We may receive non-refundable up-front fees in our contracts with customers, which are recorded as revenues in the period over which services are estimated to be provided.

Current wording

The amount and timing of the fees paid vary by the type of engagement and are typically based on retainers, completion of a transaction or a capital raise. Fees earned for services provided to alternative asset managers are typically recognized upon acceptance by a fund of capital or capital commitments (referred to as a “closing”), in accordance with terms set forth in individual agreements. For commitment based fees, revenue is recognized over time as commitments are accepted. Fees for such closed-end fund arrangements are generally paid in installments over three or four years and interest is charged to the outstanding balance at an agreed upon rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate or an alternate reference rate, plus a market-based margin. For funds with multiple closings, the constraint on variable consideration is lifted upon each closing. For open-end fund structures, placement fees are typically calculated as a percentage of a placed investor’s month-end net asset value. Typically, we earn fees for such open-end fund structures over a four year period. For these arrangements, revenue is recognized over time as the constraint over variable consideration is lifted. Placement and underwriting fees earned for public and private placement fundraising services are recognized based on successful completion of the transaction. We may receive non-refundable up-front fees in our contracts with customers, which are recorded as revenues in the period over which services are estimated to be provided.

Previous wording

Interest Income and Other – Interest Income and Other represents interest typically earned on Cash and Cash Equivalents, investments in Treasury securities and outstanding placement fees receivable; foreign exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars; sublease income; and the amount of expense reimbursement invoiced to clients related to out-of-pocket expenses. Interest on placement fees receivable is earned from the time revenue is recognized and is calculated as mutually agreed upon with the receivable counterparty. Interest receivable is included in Accounts Receivable, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Current wording

Interest Income and Other – Interest Income and Other represents interest typically earned on Cash and Cash Equivalents, investments in Treasury securities and outstanding placement fees receivable; foreign exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars; sublease income; the amount of expense reimbursement invoiced to clients related to out-of-pocket expenses; and the mark-to-market impact on fair value of certain equity securities received in exchange for advisory services. Interest on placement fees receivable is earned from the time revenue is recognized and is calculated as mutually agreed upon with the receivable counterparty. Interest receivable is included in Accounts Receivable, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Previous wording

The operating entities have generally been subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax and to entity-level income taxes imposed by state and local as well as non-U.S. jurisdictions, as applicable. These taxes have been reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Current wording

Our operating entities are generally subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax and to entity-level income taxes imposed by state and local as well as non-U.S. jurisdictions, as applicable. These taxes have been reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Previous wording

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

Current wording

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024:

Previous wording

(1) Certain balances on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to their current presentation. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, this resulted in a reclassification of $3.1 million from Other Expenses to Communications and Information Services. This reclassification had no impact on net income or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Current wording

(1) Certain balances on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to their current presentation. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, this resulted in a reclassification of $3.3 million and $6.4 million respectively, from Other Expenses to Communications and Information Services. This reclassification had no impact on net income or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Previous wording

The following table provides revenue statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

Current wording

The following table provides revenue statistics for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024:

Previous wording

Total Revenues were $324.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $4.9 million compared with $329.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Advisory Fees were $282.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $6.5 million compared with $288.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in Advisory Fees was due to decreases in restructuring and private capital solutions revenues mostly offset by an increase in strategic advisory revenues. Placement Fees were $36.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $1.5 million compared with $34.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase in Placement Fees was due to an increase in fund placement revenues. Interest Income and Other was $6.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $0.1 million compared with $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Current wording

Total Revenues were $406.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $46.7 million compared with $360.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. Advisory Fees were $354.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $47.4 million compared with $307.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in Advisory Fees was principally due to an increase in strategic advisory revenues. Placement Fees were $43.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, a decrease of $3.7 million compared with $46.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease in Placement Fees was due to a decrease in fund placement revenues. Interest Income and Other was $9.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $2.9 million compared with $6.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in Interest Income and Other was principally due to an increase in the fair market value of certain equity securities received as part of transaction compensation.

Previous wording

Expenses were $272.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of $3.5 million compared with $275.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in expenses was principally due to a decrease in Compensation and Benefits of $7.8 million, partially offset by increases in Travel and Related, Occupancy and Related and Communications and Information Services of $2.1 million, $1.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The decrease in Compensation and Benefits was principally driven by a lower accrual rate compared with prior year. Travel and Related increased principally due to greater business travel. Occupancy and Related increased principally due to the expansion of our London and New York offices. Communications and Information Services increased principally due to higher market data expense and investments in technology infrastructure.

Current wording

Expenses were $330.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $34.6 million compared with $295.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in expenses was principally due to increases in Compensation and Benefits, Occupancy and Related and Travel and Related of $26.5 million, $2.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The increase in Compensation and Benefits Expense was driven by higher revenues compared with prior year, partially offset by a lower accrual rate. Occupancy and Related increased principally due to the expansion of our London and New York offices. Travel and Related increased principally due to increased business development activity and higher cost of travel.

Previous wording

The Company’s Benefit for Taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $21.6 million, which represents an effective tax rate of -41.1% on pretax income of $52.6 million. The Company’s Provision for Taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $0.5 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 1.0% on pretax income of $53.9 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to an increased tax benefit related to the delivery of vested shares at a value in excess of their amortized cost.

Current wording

The Company’s Provision for Taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $15.0 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 19.7% on pretax income of $76.5 million. The Company’s Provision for Taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $11.4 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 17.7% on pretax income of $64.4 million.

Previous wording

We evaluate our cash needs on a regular basis. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $226.8 million and $546.8 million, respectively. The vast majority of these balances are either held in institutions labeled by the Financial Stability Board as global systemically important banks, money market funds or Treasury securities. Although we maintain multiple banking relationships with both global and regional banks and actively monitor the financial stability of such institutions, a failure at any institution where we maintain a banking relationship could impact our liquidity.

Current wording

We evaluate our cash needs on a regular basis. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $318.4 million and $546.8 million, respectively. The vast majority of these balances are either held in institutions labeled by the Financial Stability Board as global systemically important banks, money market funds or Treasury securities. Although we maintain multiple banking relationships with both global and regional banks and actively monitor the financial stability of such institutions, a failure at any institution where we maintain a banking relationship could impact our liquidity.

Previous wording

Our liquidity is highly dependent upon cash receipts from clients, which are generally dependent upon the successful completion of transactions as well as the timing of receivable collections. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, was $338.6 million and $320.8 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $4.1 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Included in Accounts Receivable, Net are long-term receivables of $92.8 million and $88.6 million as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, related to placement fees that are generally paid in installments over a period of three to four years.

Current wording

Our liquidity is highly dependent upon cash receipts from clients, which are generally tied to the successful completion of transactions and the timing of receivable collections. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses, was $359.0 million and $320.8 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $5.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Included in Accounts Receivable, Net are long-term receivables of $98.6 million and $88.6 million as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, related to placement fees that are generally paid in installments over a period of three to four years.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, certain holders of Partnership Units exchanged 0.3 million and 0.2 million Partnership Units, respectively, for cash in the amounts of $57.3 million and $18.7 million, respectively.

Current wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, certain holders of Partnership Units exchanged 0.5 million and 0.3 million Partnership Units, respectively, for cash in the amounts of $81.3 million and $30.3 million, respectively.

Previous wording

On February 6, 2024, the Company announced that the Board authorized a $500 million Class A common stock repurchase program, which replaced the then-existing $200 million repurchase program authorized on April 25, 2022. As of March 31, 2025, the Company’s remaining repurchase authorization was $150.5 million. Under the current repurchase program, which has no expiration date, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, and economic and market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Current wording

On February 6, 2024, the Company announced that the Board authorized a $500 million Class A common stock repurchase program, which replaced the then-existing $200 million repurchase program authorized on April 25, 2022. As of June 30, 2025, the Company’s remaining repurchase authorization was $87.2 million. Under the current repurchase program, which has no expiration date, shares of the Company’s Class A common stock may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of shares repurchased depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, and economic and market conditions. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Previous wording

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 0.8 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at an average price per share of $158.51, or $127.1 million in aggregate, excluding excise tax on net share repurchases, pursuant to the share repurchase program.

Current wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 1.3 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock at an average price per share of $149.85, or $190.5 million in aggregate, excluding excise tax on net share repurchases, pursuant to the share repurchase program.

Previous wording

The Company provides a guarantee to a lending institution for certain loans held by employees for investment in funds of its former Parent, which are secured by the underlying investments in those funds. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the amount guaranteed was $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively. In connection with this guarantee, we currently expect any associated risk of loss to be insignificant.

Current wording

The Company provides a guarantee to a lending institution for certain loans held by employees for investment in funds of its former Parent, which are secured by the underlying investments in those funds. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the amount guaranteed was $1.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively. In connection with this guarantee, we currently expect any associated risk of loss to be insignificant.

Previous wording

We have entered into a tax receivable agreement with the holders of Partnership Units (other than PJT Partners Inc.) that provides for the payment by PJT Partners Inc. to exchanging holders of Partnership Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that PJT Partners Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of the increases in tax basis related to such exchanges of Partnership Units and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the tax receivable agreement. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had amounts due of $32.8 million and $29.3 million, respectively, pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, which represent management’s best estimate of the amounts currently expected to be owed in connection with the tax receivable agreement. Actual payments may differ significantly from estimated amounts due.

Current wording

We have entered into a tax receivable agreement with the holders of Partnership Units (other than PJT Partners Inc.) that provides for the payment by PJT Partners Inc. to exchanging holders of Partnership Units of 85% of the benefits, if any, that PJT Partners Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of the increases in tax basis related to such exchanges of Partnership Units and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into the tax receivable agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the tax receivable agreement. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had amounts due of $33.5 million and $29.3 million, respectively, pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, which represent management’s best estimate of the amounts currently expected to be owed in connection with the tax receivable agreement. Actual payments may differ significantly from estimated amounts due.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The Company’s Benefit for Taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $6.5 million, which represents an effective tax rate of -5.1% on pretax income of $129.1 million. The Company’s Provision for Taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $11.9 million, which represents an effective tax rate of 10.1% on pretax income of $118.3 million.