How to tell if a bank is going downhill?

Aside from the obvious like deal volume and deal count. What if the majority of deals are of undisclosed value? Or is it possible that deal count is not indicative of firm activity, given there might be a large pipeline behind the scenes?

Would appreciate any insights into other metrics to use to evaluate an MM bank's performance.

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hmmm maybe - anecodatally they've been the standout among European peers (helped in no doubt by their US franchise). I haven't had a change to look at BBG yet, but think they're still placed well in the league tables (in lev fin at least from what I recall).

Two points may highlight that not all is good: (1) They are still on the hook for a couple of deals they've elected to underwrite but couldn't sell down completely (in lev fin), and (2) apparently the summer to FT conversion rate this year is 20%(!?) - I'm quoting this from one of those SA conversion rate threads on WSO (job market is tough atm)

 
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He meant the European bulges. Lazard is doing well too. The problem with the European bulges is that they’re subject to all of the regulation of American banks plus even more in Europe but they don’t have the massive, profitable domestic commercial banking markets of American bulges or the gargantuan lending power that offers.

So they’re spread across markets in shittier businesses meaning it’s hard to invest in IB, and in the best global banking market (US) they’ve got their undercapitalized North American outpost office (separated by ringfence from HQ) facing down multiple well capitalized balance sheet gargantuans in BAML/Citi/JPM and two white shoe historic American bulges in MS/GS. And those two aren’t exactly small on the balance sheet front either.

So it’s a terrible situation for them. They’ve basically been crippled since 2009-2012. 

 

Pretty simple chart tbh

                         Is it Greenhill?

                      /                          \

                 Yes                          No 

                    |                              |

    Its going downhill              Its fine

Edit: lmao looks like i pissed off some greenhill bankers

 

Greenhill was one of the most respected names (maybe still is) on the street until recently due to a few key personnel departures. There are many reasons people come and go, personality conflicts, bonus dispute and so on. IMHO, Greenhill is still a great shop which offers some of the best exist oppt for junior bankers.

 

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