Tariffs, LMEs, Hooters & White Lotus Walk Into a Market

In Episode 4 of The Octus Download, hosts Jason Sanjana and Kevin Eckhardt tackle a volatile week in credit markets, corporate scandals, and cultural reflections.

They begin with a breakdown of the unexpected ruling in the Johnson & Johnson talc case, before analyzing the financial restructuring behind Hooters’ bankruptcy and the executive pay scandal brewing at Macy’s. Market volatility sets the backdrop for these events, raising questions about investor confidence and business model sustainability.

The core of the episode features “Let Me Explain: LMEs”, a deep dive into liability management transactions led by Octus Founder & CEO Kent Collier and Head of Liability Management Julian Bulaon. Together, they unpack the nuances of Omniblockers, the critical role of deal size, and the rise of consensual LMEs, offering a masterclass on how these transactions are reshaping modern credit strategies.

To close, the conversation shifts gears with a cultural lens, reflecting on the moral complexity and wealth dynamics in The White Lotus finale—and how prestige TV sometimes mirrors the drama of the financial world.