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Moelis & Co

For the period ended Jun 30, 2026. Filed Jul 30, 2026.

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, 2026 · Filed Jul 30, 2026

MC$56.92-2.5%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 2026-03-31; filed 2026-04-30.

0001193125-26-192462

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2026-06-30; filed 2026-07-30.

0001193125-26-324296

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 92 previous paragraphs and 100 current paragraphs.

67 unchanged; 23 reworded; 4 added; 2 removed; 0 previous and 6 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 3 previous and 3 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 (4)

Current report

Operating expenses were $615.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and represented 84% of revenues, compared with $574.4 million for the same period in 2025 which represented 85% of revenues. The increase in operating expenses was attributable to both increased compensation and benefits and non-compensation expenses, as compared with the prior year period.

Current report

For the three months ended June 30, 2026, non‑compensation expenses of $67.2 million represented 16% of revenues, compared with $52.6 million which represented 14% of revenues in the prior year period. The increase in non-compensation expenses is primarily driven by occupancy and depreciation expenses related to new office space, deal-related travel expenses, professional fees associated with the public capital markets business, and other expenses related to business administration, as compared with the prior year period.
Removed paragraphs (2)
Reworded paragraphs (23)

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2026, we served our clients globally with 1,027 advisory bankers. We generate revenues primarily from providing advisory services on transactions that are subject to individually negotiated engagement letters which set forth our fees. We generally generate fees at key transaction milestones, such as closing, the timing of which is outside of our control. As a result, revenues and net income in any period may not be indicative of full year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from year to year and quarter to quarter. The performance of our business depends on the ability of our professionals to build relationships with clients over many years by providing trusted advice and exceptional transaction execution.

Current wording

As of June 30, 2026, we served our clients globally with 1,016 advisory bankers. We generate revenues primarily from providing advisory services on transactions that are subject to individually negotiated engagement letters which set forth our fees. We generally generate fees at key transaction milestones, such as closing, the timing of which is outside of our control. As a result, revenues and net income in any period may not be indicative of full year results or the results of any other period and may vary significantly from year to year and quarter to quarter. The performance of our business depends on the ability of our professionals to build relationships with clients over many years by providing trusted advice and exceptional transaction execution.

Previous wording

Economic and global financial conditions can materially affect our operational and financial performance. See “Risk Factors” in Part II. Other Information of this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K for a discussion of some of the factors that can affect our performance. The M&A market data for announced and completed transactions during the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, referenced throughout this Form 10-Q was obtained from LSEG - Financial Technology & Data (formerly known as Refinitiv) as of April 8, 2026 and April 7, 2025, respectively.

Current wording

Economic and global financial conditions can materially affect our operational and financial performance. See “Risk Factors” in Part II. Other Information of this Form 10-Q and in our Form 10-K for a discussion of some of the factors that can affect our performance. The M&A market data for announced and completed transactions during the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, referenced throughout this Form 10-Q was obtained from LSEG - Financial Technology & Data (formerly known as Refinitiv) as of July 7, 2026 and July 7, 2025, respectively.

Previous wording

For the first three months of 2026, we earned GAAP revenues of $319.8 million compared with $306.6 million earned during the same period in 2025. This represents an increase of 4% compared to a 7% increase in the number of global completed M&A transactions greater than $100 million in the same period.

Current wording

For the first six months of 2026, we earned GAAP revenues of $729.2 million compared with $672.0 million earned during the same period in 2025. This represents an increase of 9% compared to a 13% increase in the number of global completed M&A transactions greater than $100 million in the same period.

Previous wording

We continue to observe strong levels of deal activity and client engagement across our businesses. Rapid technological change, particularly related to AI, is driving companies to reevaluate their positioning and long-term competitiveness in an evolving market, supporting the need for strategic transactions and the demand for scale. Financial sponsor engagement continues to increase, reflecting ongoing efforts to monetize a substantial backlog of investments. In addition, recent market dislocation and evolving credit conditions are contributing to increased demand for liability management transactions and are expected to support more traditional restructuring activity over time. As capital markets adjust to recent market disruption, demand for customized financing solutions has also increased. Following substantial investment in 2025, our private capital advisory business has become a core pillar of our client offering and the team is actively executing and winning new business.

Current wording

We continue to observe strong levels of deal activity and client engagement across our businesses. The pursuit of scale, supported by a more accommodative U.S. regulatory environment, is a primary driver of M&A activity, and rapid technological change, particularly related to artificial intelligence technologies ("AI"), continues to drive companies to revalue their positioning and long-term competitiveness, supporting the need for strategic transactions. Financial sponsor engagement continues to increase, reflecting ongoing efforts to monetize a substantial backlog of investments. Evolving credit conditions and increased lender selectivity are contributing to increased demand for liability management transactions and are expected to support more traditional restructuring activity over time. The expansion of our capital markets platform spanning both the public and private capital markets has positioned us to deliver comprehensive financing solutions amid constructive capital markets conditions. Through our continued investment, our private capital advisory business has become a core pillar of our client offering and the team is actively executing and winning new mandates.

Previous wording

Our transaction activity levels and the timing of our revenues may be impacted by the volatility driven by recent geopolitical events, evolving conditions in the private credit market and AI-driven disruption. AI-driven disruption is weighing particularly on M&A sentiment within the software sector. However, we believe we are well-positioned to navigate these dynamic markets given our diversified capabilities, strong balance sheet, substantial liquidity and zero debt.

Current wording

Our transaction activity levels and the timing of our revenues may be impacted by the volatility driven by geopolitical events, evolving conditions in the private credit market and AI-driven disruption. AI-driven disruption is weighing particularly on M&A sentiment within the software sector. However, we believe we are well-positioned to navigate these dynamic markets given our diversified capabilities, strong balance sheet, substantial liquidity and zero debt.

Previous wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.

Current wording

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025.

Previous wording

Revenues were $319.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 as compared with $306.6 million for the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 4%. The increase in first quarter revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in average fees earned per completed transaction, as compared with the prior year period.

Current wording

Revenues were $409.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026 as compared with $365.4 million for the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 12%. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in average fees earned per completed transaction, as compared with the prior year period.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we earned revenues from 136 clients and 151 clients, respectively, and the number of clients that paid fees equal to or greater than $1 million was 61 clients and 60 clients, respectively.

Current wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, we earned revenues from 144 clients and 136 clients, respectively, and the number of clients that paid fees equal to or greater than $1 million was 67 clients and 60 clients, respectively.

Previous wording

Operating expenses were $279.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and represented 87% of revenues, compared with $269.7 million for the same period in 2025 which represented 88% of revenues. The increase in operating expenses was primarily driven by higher deal-related costs, communications and technology expenses, and occupancy costs due to increased headcount as compared with the prior year period.

Current wording

Operating expenses were $336.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and represented 82% of revenues, compared with $304.7 million for the same period in 2025 which represented 83% of revenues. The increase in operating expenses was attributable to both increased compensation and benefits and non-compensation expenses, as compared with the prior year period.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, compensation related expenses of $210.4 million represented 66% of revenues, compared with $211.5 million which represented 69% of revenues in the prior year period. The marginal decrease in compensation and benefits is primarily attributable to a lower incentive compensation accrual, as compared to the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, compensation related expenses decreased as compared to the prior year period primarily due to greater revenues.

Current wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2026, compensation related expenses of $269.4 million represented 66% of revenues, compared with $252.1 million which represented 69% of revenues in the prior year period. The increase in compensation and benefits is primarily attributable to higher headcount, as compared to the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, compensation related expenses decreased as compared to the prior year period primarily due to greater revenues.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, non‑compensation expenses of $68.9 million represented 22% of revenues, compared with $58.1 million which represented 19% of revenues in the prior year period. The increase in non-compensation expenses is primarily driven by higher deal-related costs, communications and technology expenses, and occupancy costs due to increased headcount as compared with the prior year period.

Current wording

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, non‑compensation expenses of $136.0 million represented 19% of revenues, compared with $110.8 million which represented 16% of revenues in the prior year period. The increase in non-compensation expenses is primarily driven by occupancy and depreciation expenses related to new office space, deal-related travel expenses, communication and technology expenses related to AI investment, and other expenses related to business administration, as compared with the prior year period.

Previous wording

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, other income and expenses was income of $5.7 million, primarily related to $5.4 million in income and net gains on financial assets. For the prior year period, other income and expenses was income of $6.1 million, primarily related to $4.4 million in income and net gains on financial assets and $1.2 million in the Company's share of earnings in MA Financial.

Current wording

For the three months ended June 30, 2026, other income and expenses was income of $2.5 million, primarily related to income and net gains on financial assets and the Company's share of MA Financial's results. For the prior year period, other income and expenses was income of $3.5 million, primarily related to $3.9 million in net gains and income on financial assets.

Previous wording

The Company’s provision for income taxes was an expense of $3.9 million against pre-tax income of $46.2 million and a benefit of $10.7 million against pre-tax income of $43.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The income tax provisions for the aforementioned periods primarily reflect the Company’s allocable share of operating results from Group LP at the prevailing U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income tax rates and the effect of certain non-tax deductible items, offset by the effect of the excess tax benefit recognized in connection with the delivery of equity-based compensation at an appreciated price above the grant date price for such equity.

Current wording

The Company’s provisions for income taxes and effective tax rates were $24.0 million and 20% and $6.7 million and 6% for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The income tax provisions for the aforementioned periods primarily reflect the Company’s allocable share of operating results from Group LP at the prevailing U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income tax rates and the effect of certain non-tax deductible items, offset by the effect of the excess tax benefit recognized in connection with the delivery of equity-based compensation at an appreciated price above the grant date price for such equity.

Previous wording

We evaluate our cash needs on a regular basis in light of current market conditions. Cash and cash equivalents include all short‑term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had cash equivalents of $75.5 million and $427.8 million, respectively, invested primarily in U.S. and U.K. sovereign debt securities, money market funds, and certificates of deposit. Additionally, as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had cash of $77.4 million and $80.8 million, respectively, maintained in U.S. and non‑U.S. bank accounts, of which most bank account balances exceeded the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and U.K. Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”) coverage limits.

Current wording

We evaluate our cash needs on a regular basis in light of current market conditions. Cash and cash equivalents include all short‑term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and have original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had cash equivalents of $159.9 million and $427.8 million, respectively, invested primarily in U.S. and U.K. sovereign debt securities, money market funds, and certificates of deposit. Additionally, as of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company had cash of $47.9 million and $80.8 million, respectively, maintained in U.S. and non‑U.S. bank accounts, of which most bank account balances exceeded the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and U.K. Financial Services Compensation Scheme (“FSCS”) coverage limits.

Previous wording

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, we hold sovereign debt securities, which are highly liquid instruments in active markets that are classified as investments on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as they have original maturities of three months or more from the date of purchase. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company held $200.7 million and $340.2 million of investments, respectively.

Current wording

In addition to cash and cash equivalents, we hold sovereign debt securities, which are highly liquid instruments in active markets that are classified as investments on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as they have original maturities of three months or more from the date of purchase. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, the Company held $273.4 million and $340.2 million of investments, respectively.

Previous wording

Our liquidity is highly dependent upon cash receipts from clients which generally requires the successful completion of transactions. The timing of receivable collections typically occurs within 60 days of billing. As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 accounts receivable were $97.9 million and $82.2 million, respectively, net of allowances of $3.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Current wording

Our liquidity is highly dependent upon cash receipts from clients which generally requires the successful completion of transactions. The timing of receivable collections typically occurs within 60 days of billing. As of June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025 accounts receivable were $66.9 million and $82.2 million, respectively, net of allowances of $3.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively.

Previous wording

The Board of Directors of Moelis & Company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share. The $0.65 per share will be paid on June 18, 2026 to Class A common stockholders of record on May 11, 2026. During the three months ended March 31, 2026 the Company paid aggregate dividends of $0.65 per share.

Current wording

The Board of Directors of Moelis & Company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share. The $0.65 per share will be paid on September 17, 2026 to Class A common stockholders of record on August 10, 2026. During the six months ended June 30, 2026 the Company paid aggregate dividends of $1.30 per share.

Previous wording

During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, the Company repurchased 1,909,970 and 156,105 shares, respectively, from its employees for the purpose of settling tax liabilities incurred upon delivery of equity-based compensation awards and pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program. In February 2026, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300.0 million of Class A common stock and/or Class A partnership units of Group LP with no expiration date. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program was $248.0 million as of March 31, 2026.

Current wording

During the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, the Company repurchased 2,274,404 and 186,889 shares, respectively, from its employees pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program and for the purpose of settling tax liabilities incurred upon delivery of equity-based compensation awards. In February 2026, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $300.0 million of Class A common stock and/or Class A partnership units of Group LP with no expiration date. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program was $226.2 million as of June 30, 2026.

Previous wording

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $153.7 million at March 31, 2026, a decrease of $355.7 million from $509.4 million at December 31, 2025. Operating activities resulted in a net outflow of $278.8 million primarily attributable to cash operating outflows, including discretionary bonus paid during the period, net of cash collected from clients. Investing activities resulted in a net inflow of $127.6 million primarily attributable to net sales of investments. Financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $204.4 million primarily related to the payment of dividends and tax distributions and treasury stock purchases.

Current wording

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $208.6 million at June 30, 2026, a decrease of $300.8 million from $509.4 million at December 31, 2025. Operating activities resulted in a net outflow of $49.3 million primarily attributable to cash operating outflows, including discretionary bonus paid during the period, net of cash collected from clients. Investing activities resulted in a net inflow of $35.6 million primarily attributable to net sales of investments. Financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $285.7 million primarily related to treasury stock purchases and the payment of dividends and tax distributions.

Previous wording

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $185.4 million at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $227.8 million from $413.2 million at December 31, 2024. Operating activities resulted in a net outflow of $165.5 million primarily attributable to cash operating outflows, including discretionary bonuses paid during the period, net of cash collected from clients. Investing activities resulted in a net outflow of $7.0 million primarily attributable to purchases of investments. Financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $56.7 million primarily related to the payment of dividends and tax distributions and treasury stock purchases.

Current wording

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were $222.5 million at June 30, 2025, a decrease of $190.7 million from $413.2 million at December 31, 2024. Operating activities resulted in a net inflow of $38.7 million primarily attributable to cash collected from clients, net of cash operating outflows, including discretionary bonuses paid during the period. Investing activities resulted in a net outflow of $113.1 million primarily attributable to purchases of investments. Financing activities resulted in a net outflow of $117.8 million primarily related to the payment of dividends and tax distributions and treasury stock purchases.

Previous wording

As of March 31, 2026, the Company has a total payable of $269.3 million due pursuant to the tax receivable agreement in the condensed consolidated financial statements and of this amount an estimated $38.3 million will be due in less than one year. These amounts represent management’s best estimate of the amounts currently expected to be owed under the tax receivable agreement. Payments made under the tax receivable agreement are required to be made within 225 days of the filing of our tax returns. We generally expect to receive the tax savings prior to making the cash payments to the eligible selling holders of Group LP partnership units. The Company made a payment of $32.2 million pursuant to the tax receivable agreement during the first three months of 2026.

Current wording

As of June 30, 2026, the Company has a total payable of $269.6 million due pursuant to the tax receivable agreement in the condensed consolidated financial statements and of this amount an estimated $38.6 million will be due in less than one year. These amounts represent management’s best estimate of the amounts currently expected to be owed under the tax receivable agreement. Payments made under the tax receivable agreement are required to be made within 225 days of the filing of our tax returns. We generally expect to receive the tax savings prior to making the cash payments to the eligible selling holders of Group

Previous wording

The Company is exposed to the risk that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may have an adverse effect on the reported value of the Company’s non‑U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities. Non‑functional currency‑related transaction gains and losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the reported amounts of our revenues and other income from investments may be affected by movements in the rate of exchange between the pound sterling, euro, Brazilian real, Hong Kong dollar, Israeli shekel, rupee, Australian dollar, Saudi riyal and the U.S. dollar, in which our financial statements are denominated. Other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income were losses of $0.2 million and gains of $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively, primarily from the fluctuations of foreign currencies. We have not entered into any transactions to hedge our exposure to these foreign currency fluctuations through the use of derivative instruments or other methods.

Current wording

The Company is exposed to the risk that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies may have an adverse effect on the reported value of the Company’s non‑U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities. Non‑functional currency‑related transaction gains and losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the reported amounts of our revenues and other income from investments may be affected by movements in the rate of exchange between the pound sterling, euro, Brazilian real, Hong Kong dollar, Israeli shekel, rupee, Australian dollar, Saudi riyal and the U.S. dollar, in which our financial statements are denominated. Other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income was a gain of less than $0.1 million and a gain of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, and losses of $0.2 million and gains of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, primarily from the fluctuations of foreign currencies. We have not entered into any transactions to hedge our exposure to these foreign currency fluctuations through the use of derivative instruments or other methods.

Previous wording

ASC 740 prescribes a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of tax benefits associated with the positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. The Company has reviewed and will continue to review the conclusions reached regarding uncertain tax positions, which may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, no unrecognized tax benefit was recorded. To the extent that the Company’s assessment of the conclusions reached regarding uncertain tax positions changes as a result of the evaluation of new information, such change in estimate will be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. The Company reports income tax related interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions, if applicable, as a component of income tax expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, no such amounts were recorded.

Current wording

ASC 740 prescribes a two-step approach for the recognition and measurement of tax benefits associated with the positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. The Company has reviewed and will continue to review the conclusions reached regarding uncertain tax positions, which may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, no unrecognized tax benefit was recorded. To the extent that the Company’s assessment of the conclusions reached regarding uncertain tax positions changes as a result of the evaluation of new information, such change in estimate will be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. The Company reports income tax related interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions, if applicable, as a component of income tax expense. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, no such amounts were recorded.
Rearranged current paragraphs (6)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Revenues were $729.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026 as compared with $672.0 million for the same period in 2025, representing an increase of 9%. The increase in revenues is primarily attributable to an increase in average fees earned per completed transaction, as compared with the prior year period.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

For the six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, we earned revenues from 218 clients and 220 clients, respectively, and the number of clients that paid fees equal to or greater than $1 million was 121 clients and 117 clients, respectively.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, compensation related expenses of $479.8 million represented 66% of revenues, compared with $463.7 million which represented 69% of revenues in the prior year period. The increase in compensation and benefits is primarily attributable to higher headcount, as compared to the prior year period. As a percentage of revenues, compensation related expenses decreased as compared to the prior year period primarily due to greater revenues.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, other income and expenses was income of $8.1 million, primarily related to income and net gains on financial assets and the Company's share of MA Financial's results. For the prior year period, other income and expenses was income of $9.7 million, primarily related to $8.2 million in net gains and income on financial assets and $1.5 million in the Company's share of earnings in MA Financial.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

The Company’s provisions for income taxes and effective tax rates were $20.2 million and 27% and $17.4 million and 27% for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. The income tax provisions for the aforementioned periods primarily reflect the Company’s allocable share of operating results from Group LP at the prevailing U.S. federal, state, and local corporate income tax rates and the effect of certain non-tax deductible items.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

LP partnership units. The Company made a payment of $32.2 million pursuant to the tax receivable agreement during the first six months of 2026.