Equity Research Analyst

In Investment Banking, the analyst role is the lowest level in the organizational chart. The analyst usually reports to an associate, and therefore the associate in Investment Banking ranks higher than the analyst.

Motivate a little in the sense that it's one form of measurement for success. But otherwise not a whole lot. Partly why I would not consider banking at this point in my life as I personally do place a value on my free time and would forgo a potentially bigger payoff via the banking/PE route.

Even if I win the lottery tomorrow, I would still live my life exactly the same. I'm pretty content at the moment so just keeping the course is enough to motivate me for now.

No, I'm not emotionally attached to the things I do, so for me starting my own business limits my flexibility if I'm financially invested.

In Equity Research, the associate is the lowest role in the organizational hierarchy and the associate reports to the analyst.

Describe the industries or companies you analyzed in the past. Also mention the companies or clients you worked for who are fairly predictable, but be specific.

Investment analyst reports contain advice on whether to buy or sell the securities of specific companies or industries. They are produced by research analysts employed by firms that may have an interest in selling securities; however, they can provide a useful model to students in understanding how investment professionals analyze an industry and what data points they find of most interest.

The Investment Banking function is usually organized by industry groups and product groups. Industry groups are essentially sectors, such as industrial, Consumer Products, Energy, Financials, and others. Product groups include functions like ECM, DCM and M&A and serve companies in all sectors. The analyst role is at the lowest level.

★ It is necessary to possess higher analytical abilities.

★ You need to have strong understanding of accounts and financial fundamentals as most of the time, what you are doing are crunching numbers!

★ Apart from this, knowledge about global and local business is an added advantage.

★ You should know about capital markets and how they function.

★ The equity analyst also needs to be a good communicator.

★ Since all the financial analysis needs to be presented in the form of reports and/or case studies, strong writing skills is a must.

★ As an equity researcher, possessing correct judgment goes with the job.

A degree in MBA, CA or CFA is essential to begin a career in equity research. A person begins as an equity research associate and then moves on to become an analyst in the long-term.

Interning with good financial and investment companies while still completing the course gives a strong platform towards career building.

Equity Research organizational chart is very flat. There are only 3 levels: associate, analyst and the Head of Equity Research. Each analyst is responsible for covering companies in a particular sector. We illustrate only some of these sectors. In reality, there are many more sectors and sub-sectors as an investment bank can have anywhere from 10 analysts (boutique investment bank) to as many as 60 analysts (big bulge brackets with international operations).

A single analyst typically has one or two associates depending on how many companies he covers.

Presentation or recommendation is based on the report, recommendations are made for the benefit of the company and its shareholders.

An analyst focuses on a specific company or industrial segment, researches it's economic performance, and documents it in the form of a report. The report is presented to the company management who then decides how to improve the services.

Accounts of a company are evaluated to determine the financial soundness (or otherwise) of the company. Profit and loss statements and managerial practices are overseen to prepare an accurate financial statement.

Industry analysis is a tool used for assessing current markets and understanding its complexities. Political, economic and market factors are reviewed to understand its influence over the development of the industry.

Review analyses you have been experienced with, such as product and scenario analysis or analysis of economic performance.

Financial and valuation modeling is the process of valuing the company and its assets.

Company analysis is a series of activities undertaken to analyse the operations of a business, focusing on the cause and effect of decisions and how they are likely to benefit (or not) future investors.

Research analysts are highly-motivated proactive professionals who are out to make a difference. They are fast-paced, adaptable, dynamic and demonstrate initiative. They are strong team players, have a passion for technology and think creatively.

All the other processes of equity research culminate into the report writing stage where the equity analyst prepares an in-depth report accessible to relevant shareholders.