Industry S3E2 “Smoke and Mirrors” | IPOs Gone Wrong, How a "Greenshoe" Works, and More!

Two former Morgan Stanley investment bankers break down your favorite TV show like never before: decoding the financial jargon, unpacking each trade, and revealing the real-life events behind the drama. With insider reality checks and a Princeton English Literature major's insight, our analysis makes the drama richer and helps you grasp the high-stakes world of finance behind it.
This isn't just a recap; it's an education.

In this episode of the Unofficial Companion Podcast to HBO Max's hit show Industry, hosts Jen and Kristen dive deep into the financial intricacies and dramatic moments of Season 3, Episode 2 titled "Smoke and Mirrors".

They kick off the discussion by analyzing the thematic significance of the title, tying it to both magic tricks and the episode's plot centered around deception and storytelling in the finance world. They recount how the episode unfolds at the London Stock Exchange with the IPO of Henry Muck's green energy company, Lummi, caught in a frenzy due to a sudden power outage and the ensuing chaos on the trading floor at Peerpoint. The hosts compare this fictional IPO with real-life events such as the Facebook IPO disaster, adding valuable insights into IPO procedures, trading mechanisms, and the role of investment banks in supporting stock prices post-IPO. They explore the role of underwriters, the use of green shoes, and the pivotal decision-making and risk management during high-stakes trading situations.

The hosts also bring forth significant comparisons with real-world financial scenarios, making this episode not just a recap but an enriching learning experience.