Guggenheim best Houston bank

Hey guys I'm a sophomore that finished recruiting for the Summer 2027 SA cycle. Don't understand the Guggenheim hate at all– bankers across the street have told me they're a top EB (EVR/JEF level and above TPH/MOE). I've heard they're amazing because:

  1. They invented ABS offerings in the energy industry.
  2. They poached all the top rainmakers from Citi's glory days (excluding Trauber who doesn't even bring in deals).
  3. They pay super well and have touse culture.
  4. Analysts have exited to Tailwater and First Reserve which are 50% IRR energy funds (more prestigious the MFPE where you work like a dog for no carry)
  5. Good MDs who give you great exposure to pitching and check in everyday at 3:00am to make sure you are awake and healthy.

Wondering if I made a mistake turning down the other big BB interviews to sign with them.

12 Comments
 

The only reason your shop is paying $200k is that the bonus pool got merged with New York.

It’s better than nothing, but EVR/MOE pays the same while offering stronger deal flow, exits, and a more established national name. PJT/LAZ don’t do a ton either, but they’re still paid well and clearly carry stronger brand recognition than GUGG.

 
Most Helpful

Clearly a trolling post, but realistically GUGG Houston comps are closer to firms like Donovan Ventures, Opportune, and Legado Advisors.

I sat in on one of their upstream sell-side pitch meetings, and honestly it was a joke. There was no real scenario analysis like you’d expect from Jefferies, and none of the deep technical bench you typically see at RBC/EVR/JPM. Instead, the VP kept circling back to irrelevant ABS track record and 4 abs deals in their pipeline (how is that even relevant?)

Also curious what happened to TPH. They used to be marginally ahead of EVR, arguably on par with Jefferies, and clearly stronger than old MOE. Now it feels like they’re losing mandates analysts are exiting to MOR/Mizuho/ no-name PE shops.

 

Wouldn’t call NGP/Quantum/Warwick no-name shops. Agree on GUGG, though, the associate I spoke with kept hyping the Berry deal, while Petrie Partners actually closed a higher transaction value. Other top boutiques closed that kind of deal monthly. 

 

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