Jefferies: Q2 Earnings Set A Positive Tone For M&A Outlook (Rating Upgrade)

  • Upgrading Jefferies from 'hold' to 'buy' due to a more attractive valuation and resilient outlook despite recent volatility. Q2 results showed YoY revenue declines, but segment performance exceeded expectations given macro uncertainty, especially with client confidence rebounding in May. Management was optimistic with regard to the deal activity outlook and set the tone in anticipation of bulge bracket investment banks' earnings.