What's so special about Moelis?

Curious to know what is so unique about Moelis that they are regarded so highly. They don't pay as high as CVP, they don't do as many large-cap deals as CVP or EVR, and exits are not as great as PJT RSSG for instance. Yet, at my target, plenty of people regard them highly and would take them (or took them) over an EVR or CVP.  Not a shit post, really trying to get to know the firm   

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I don't think any of the EBs have any unique specialties. At the end of the day, they will all provide you the same experience more or less. As for Moelis, I'd point to a couple of aspects: 1) While their comp is not the highest, it's still top of the street and I believe is in line with PJT and PWP and slightly higher than LAZ and EVR; 2) Exits are not as good as a PJT RSSG, but again you're comparing it to the most desirable IB analyst program. Moelis holds its own for UMM/MF exits vs any of the other EBs, including EVR or LAZ; 3) Lastly, and I think this is the truly differentiating factor of Moelis, it is their culture. Sure you hear that they are a sweatshop and that they will work you to the bone (which top EB won't?), but at least in my school plenty of people were attracted to Moelis because of their defined culture. You either like it or you hate it. A very hard-working, gritty, not-so-uptight or pretentious culture that characterizes some other EBs.     

 

Congrats on Moelis! Know first hand bonuses weren’t great. Can’t make that much with those MM sell-sides.

moelis is hyped up on this forum because it’s the most inferior hardo bank. It’s where all the hardos land that couldn’t get. EVR PJT LAZ or CVP (since all these start at the same time or earlier)

 

Can confirm not even Moelis analysts consider the bank better than CVP or EVR. Most would take CVP and EVR over Moelis in a heartbeat. 

Edit: yeah seems like the culture can be pretty good for some people who are rather honest and not pretentious after seeing the Lazard comments. 

 

I don't know about CVP, but I know a bunch of folks taking MOE over EVR. It's not that new of a trend to be frank, given what EVR turned into in the last couple of years (oversized, bureaucratic, and siloed. You may as well take GS over them at this point) 

 

Dude, my former MD use to teach us how to win a street fight, that’s pretty special to me. Not to mention the founder Ken allocates 5% of fees to a boxing budget. Compared to CVP who donates 5% to politics, it’s a no brainer.

 
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