Evercore’s head of energy research, Steve Richardson, highlighted on Squawk Box that the recent ouster of Nicolas Maduro has created an opening for international oil companies to participate in the rebuilding of Venezuela’s crude industry. He estimates that local production, currently at 600,000 barrels per day, could rise by 500,000 barrels per day within 18 months if major service providers re-enter the market. Richardson projects that oilfield services spending in Venezuela could total $2.5 billion over the next 12 to 18 months, with demand concentrated on well interventions, drilling rigs and pipeline repairs. He also noted that bilateral funding from European and Middle Eastern lenders may unlock an additional $1.2 billion in capital expenditures.

Evercore reported that large‐ticket merger and acquisition deals remain robust as it headed into the fourth quarter. In Q3, the firm’s M&A advisory revenues rose 20% year-over-year to $320 million, driven by five transactions each valued above $2 billion. Hiring continued at a brisk pace, with total headcount growing 10% over the past twelve months to 1,650 employees, bolstering its sector expertise and client coverage. Meanwhile, non-M&A advisory services—encompassing equity and debt underwriting—accounted for 45% of total revenues, suggesting a healthy pipeline for traditional dealmaking and potential upside from a renewed private equity resurgence.