Nelnet vs Lazard

Nelnet Inc and Lazard Ltd are compared on this page, examining their business models, financial performance, and market context in a clear, neutral style. The content explains how each organisation operates, how strategies translate into results, and how external conditions shape opportunities and risks. Readers can explore the differing approaches and implications without guidance. Educational content, not financial advice.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

NNI

Metric

LAZ

$4.68B

Market Cap

$4.93B

6.19%

Potential Profit

6.11%

Hold

Analyst Rating

Hold

Investment Analysis

Nelnet

NNI

Pros

Nelnet reported strong first quarter 2025 earnings, with net income excluding derivative adjustments up 29.7% year-on-year.
The company maintains a diversified business model across loan servicing, education technology, and banking segments, supporting stable revenue streams.
Nelnet has enhanced its capital and liquidity positions, enabling strategic investments and resilience in uncertain economic conditions.

Considerations

Some valuation models suggest Nelnet's current share price is significantly above its estimated fair value, indicating potential downside risk.
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is high at over 227%, which could constrain financial flexibility and increase risk in a rising interest rate environment.
Analyst consensus is a 'hold' rating, reflecting limited upside expectations and muted market enthusiasm for further near-term gains.

Lazard

LAZ

Pros

Lazard maintains a leading position in global financial advisory and asset management, benefiting from strong client relationships and brand reputation.
The company has demonstrated consistent profitability and efficient cost management, supporting healthy operating margins in recent periods.
Lazard's asset management division provides recurring fee-based revenue, which helps stabilise earnings during market volatility.

Considerations

Lazard's financial advisory revenue is highly sensitive to global M&A activity, making it cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns.
The company faces intense competition from larger investment banks and alternative asset managers, pressuring fee levels and market share.
Lazard's share price performance has lagged broader market indices in recent years, reflecting investor concerns about growth prospects.

About The Companies

Nelnet (NNI)

Nelnet is a diversified American company with a significant footprint in financial services and education technology. While it started with a focus on student loan servicing, it has expanded considerably. Today, its business is split into several key areas: servicing student and consumer loans, providing technology and payment processing services for schools and businesses, managing a portfolio of loan assets, and operating its own online bank. This multi-faceted model means Nelnet isn't reliant on just one stream of income. For investors, understanding these different segments—from loan systems and EdTech to asset management and banking—is key to appreciating the company's overall strategy and market position. It aims to provide a broad range of services that support customers throughout their educational and financial journeys.

Lazard (LAZ)

Lazard Ltd (LAZ) is a specialist global financial advisory and asset management firm offering M&A and restructuring advice, capital structure guidance, and investment management for institutions and private clients. With a market capitalisation around $4.8 billion, Lazard’s revenues are closely tied to deal flow, market valuations and assets under management, which makes results cyclical and sensitive to economic conditions. Investors should note its fee-based and performance-related income mix, a broad international footprint across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and competition from larger banks and boutiques. Key risks include variability in transaction volumes, retention of senior advisory talent, regulatory oversight and market-driven asset performance. Assessing Lazard typically involves watching announced mandates, assets under management trends, margin progress and management commentary. This summary is for educational purposes only and not personalised advice; values can rise or fall and past performance is not a reliable guide to the future. Consider your risk tolerance or consult a qualified adviser before investing.

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Nelnet vs Lazard

Comparison Snapshot

Investment Analysis

Nelnet

Pros

Considerations

Lazard

Pros

Considerations

About The Companies

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Buy NNI or LAZ in Nemo

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Discover More Comparisons

Nelnet vs Radian

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Frequently asked questions

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What is meant by a ‘diversified business model’ in the Nelnet context?

How should I view earnings growth versus market expectations for Nelnet and Lazard?

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Why is a ‘hold’ rating mentioned for Nelnet, and what does that imply for investors?

How does Lazard’s exposure to M&A activity influence its revenue profile?

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Comparison Snapshot

About The Companies