
Graying of America Explains Labor Market Tightness; Recession Likely On Tap for Early ‘24
David Zervos is skeptical the Fed will be able to quickly declare victory over inflation and expects that a solid economic outlook should translate to a more restrictive Fed, for a longer duration.

Pass the Guac, Do You Mind If We Double Dip This Chip?
It is common for highly levered sponsor-backed companies with liquidity needs and/or upcoming maturities to engage in liability management exercises, which often includes creating a new priming tranche of secured debt (an “Uptier”) or transferring assets out of the secured collateral package (a “Drop Down”).

Actionable Ideas: Roll Up Strategies in a Subdued M&A Environment
With a mix of economic and market headwinds prevailing against M&A activity in 2022 and 2023, financial sponsors’ exits have been expectedly muted. As such, many sponsors have resorted to fundamental buy and build strategies to create value over a longer time period.

Convertible Debt: Low-Cost Debt Capital in a High Interest Rate Environment
The convertible debt new issue market in 2023 has been frequented by companies seeking a lower cash interest alternative to what is being offered in the high yield and investment grade debt markets.

Performing Issuers Should Take Advantage of the Current Market Window with Opportunistic Transactions
Due to strong market fundamentals and lack of historical new issue supply, companies should take advantage of the market window through refinancing, repricing, and dividend transactions.

Jefferies Is Open for New LBO Underwrites
Amid an uptick in new-issue activity, Jefferies has been the most active investment bank in underwriting new LBOs. We are an arranger on 6 of the 7 LBOs expected to come in September / October, and are Left Lead on 3 of these transactions.

The Impact of the Universal Proxy Card on the 2023 Proxy Season and Beyond
The new universal proxy card (“UPC”) rules took effect last year, making the 2023 proxy season the first in which both company and dissident nominees were listed on the same ballot, allowing shareholders to choose among the different candidates in a contested election.

Weigh to Go: Assessing the Wider Implications of a Slimmer Society
Jefferies’ Global Research teams detail the possible implications for a slimmer consumer, with sticky behavioral changes, across 7 sectors. They identify ~80 companies that could benefit and ~80 that may find this a structural headwind.