A Complete Guide Equity Analyst Job Description
Interested in becoming an equity analyst? This comprehensive guide covers the equity analyst job description, main responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, salaries and more.
Equity Analyst Job Description
An equity analyst is a financial professional who provides in-depth research and analysis on public companies. Their role involves:
- Researching companies through financial statements, industry data, economic trends etc.
- Building financial models to analyze companies and project future performance
- Creating reports, earnings estimates and stock recommendations for clients
- Presenting findings through written reports and verbal presentations
Main Responsibilities
As an equity analyst, your core responsibilities include:
Researching Companies
- Gather information from financial statements, regulatory filings, industry data etc.
- Understand company operations, products, competitors
Financial Modeling
- Build valuation and pricing models using Excel and other tools
- Project future revenues, costs, profits
Analysis and Forecasting
- Deeply analyze company and industry data
- Develop earnings, cash flow and balance sheet forecasts
- Identify risks, growth drivers and potential catalysts
Reporting and Recommendations
- Write detailed research reports for clients
- Provide buy/hold/sell recommendations and target prices
- Update models and recommendations as new information emerges
Equity Analyst Requirements and Skills
To secure a job as an equity analyst, you typically need:
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business
- Master’s degree like MBA preferred by some employers
Technical Skills
- Financial modeling
- Data analysis
- Proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, financial databases/tools
Soft Skills
- Critical thinking
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Strong research aptitude
- Meticulous attention to detail
Licenses and Certifications
- CFA designation is highly valued
- Series 7 and 63 licenses may be required
Landing a job as an equity analyst can be competitive, but is a strong stepping stone to high-paying careers in investment banking and asset management. If you have strong analytical, modelling and communication skills, it is a rewarding career path.
Equity Analyst Job Description Template
We are searching for a highly skilled Equity Analyst to evaluate public companies and provide investment recommendations. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting in-depth research and analysis on companies, industries, and economic conditions to guide investment decisions and recommendations.
Responsibilities:
- Research public companies by thoroughly analyzing financial statements, industry data, economic factors, competitors, products, management and industry trends
- Build complex financial models in Excel to project key metrics like revenue growth, expenses, profitability, cash flows and valuation
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations to summarize research findings, financial estimates and investment recommendations
- Provide well-informed guidance on buy, hold or sell decisions through investment notes, earnings estimates and other written materials
- Proactively update models to reflect the latest company data, maintaining accurate long-term growth forecasts
- Compare company performance to competitors and industry benchmarks
- Communicate regularly with clients and colleagues to discuss market developments and investment implications
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics preferred; advanced degree in Finance or MBA ideal
- 3+ years experience as an equity analyst, investment banking analyst or related capital markets role
- Highly proficient financial modelling and valuation skills
- Strong expertise in analyzing financial statements and company filings
- Excellent critical thinking, attention to detail and financial analysis skills
- Ability to transform complex information into actionable guidance
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Solid knowledge of financial markets and securities valuation
What does an equity analyst do?
An equity analyst performs in-depth research and analysis on public companies to make stock investment recommendations. Key duties include analyzing financial statements, assessing economic conditions, building financial models, and preparing research reports.
What skills and education are required to be an equity analyst?
Most equity analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related field. A master’s degree like an MBA is preferred by some employers. Necessary skills include advanced proficiency with Excel modelling, valuation analysis, financial statements, data analysis, and verbal/written communications.
What licenses or certifications are needed?
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly valued in equity research roles and shows a deeper mastery of valuation and analysis skills. Depending on the firm, you may also need FINRA licenses like Series 7 or Series 63 to transact in client accounts.
What is the work environment like?
Equity analysts tend to work full-time office hours, including occasional evenings/weekends to complete timely research around quarterly earnings releases. The role involves a combo of individual analysis and collaborative team meetings. Frequent presentations, client calls and travel may be necessary.
How much do equity analysts earn?
The average equity analyst salary in the U.S. is approximately $85,000, with senior analysts earning $100,000+ at larger firms according to Glassdoor estimates. Significantly higher pay of $150K+ is attainable for top analysts at elite bulge-bracket banks or asset managers.
What are equity analyst career advancement opportunities?
With experience, equity analysts may advance internally to senior analyst, research director or portfolio manager roles. External progression opportunities include hedge fund analysts, investment strategists, or management roles at mutual/pension funds.