Moelis: 3 Key Takeaways for Long-Term Investors

On its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, held on Nov. 5, 2026, Moelis (NYSE:MC) announced Q3 revenue of $426 million. The investment bank's deal pipeline expanded as corporate clients sought strategic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to build scale. Three things management said stand out.

1. Advisory Deal Pipelines Reach All-Time Highs

Corporate demand for mergers and acquisitions remains elevated as companies seek scale and growth. Moelis expands its mandate pipeline even as market volatility creates timing uncertainty for capital markets transactions.

As of today, both new business origination and our announced pipeline are up approximately 20% year over year, and our total pipeline is at a record high.
-- Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

2. Private Capital Advisory Expands Sponsor Relationships

The firm continues building out its private capital advisory (PCA) unit, which helps private equity sponsors manage liquidity and execute secondary transactions. Adding specialized talent allows Moelis to win mandates across both deal advisory and continuation funds.

We continue to make substantial progress in expanding our PCA capabilities. All seven of our Managing Directors focused on GP-led secondaries are now on our platform.
-- Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

3. Senior Talent Hiring Reaches Record Pace

Recruiting experienced senior bankers strengthens coverage across high-fee sectors including technology, financial institutions, and industrials. Expanding senior headcount positions the firm to capture larger market share as transaction activity accelerates.

Year to date, we have hired 24 Managing Directors, making this our most active recruiting year on record.
-- Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Looking Ahead

Client advisory activity remains active across corporate advisory and debt restructuring despite macro headwinds, and leadership reflects that operational momentum in its outlook.

In closing, our franchise is performing at a very high level despite a complex market backdrop.
-- Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

A broad suite of advisory services provides structural insulation when public issuance slows, enabling the firm to capture capital-structure advisory mandates during market shifts. Management is closely monitoring transaction timing and advisory fee conversion rates.

Having a broad set of capabilities enables us to best advise our clients through periods of market volatility.
-- Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

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