Equity Research writing test+modeling test next Tuesday, seeking for advice

Hey guys,

I am going to attend a 2 hours writing test + modeling test for an ER position next Tuesday, since I dont have any experience or much knowledge about ER, could anyone give me some advice on what the test might cover or what should I prepare for it? Thanks.

 
Best Response

Definitely search the forum for this - there should be at least two threads.

Pretty much you should feel comfortable with the financial statements, and be able to take an Earnings PR and use it to write a re-cap note somewhat quickly. You know, "XYZ co reported 3Q10 results today. Revs grew _bps y/y to _%, GM's grew _bps to _%, OM's improved _bps to _%. Management reaffirmed guidance ...blah blah blah." That sorta thing w/color and your interpretation of the earnings release. Probably just a recap note in 2 hrs, so likely a flash/quick note that would be 1-2 pg's long.

I imagine they'll probably have you update the model with the info from the PR/earnings release first, and then have you write the report and fill in the numbers based off of your updated model. Have your valuation metrics down.... they'll probably want a price target, and you'll want to know whether to derive it from DCF, P/E, P/S or EV/EBITDA.

My advice is to go to yahoo.com/finance, and look up earnings PR's. Practice taking one and writing a report based off of it. Try to get a few sell side reports (and models if possible) and practice mocking your report after those. If you can get a hold of a model, wipe out one quarter's info in a column, and update the column with a PR you've found.

You've got plenty of time to practice. Good luck.

 
Bodhis:
Definitely search the forum for this - there should be at least two threads.

Pretty much you should feel comfortable with the financial statements, and be able to take an Earnings PR and use it to write a re-cap note somewhat quickly. You know, "XYZ co reported 3Q10 results today. Revs grew _bps y/y to _%, GM's grew _bps to _%, OM's improved _bps to _%. Management reaffirmed guidance ...blah blah blah." That sorta thing w/color and your interpretation of the earnings release. Probably just a recap note in 2 hrs, so likely a flash/quick note that would be 1-2 pg's long.

I imagine they'll probably have you update the model with the info from the PR/earnings release first, and then have you write the report and fill in the numbers based off of your updated model. Have your valuation metrics down.... they'll probably want a price target, and you'll want to know whether to derive it from DCF, P/E, P/S or EV/EBITDA.

My advice is to go to yahoo.com/finance, and look up earnings PR's. Practice taking one and writing a report based off of it. Try to get a few sell side reports (and models if possible) and practice mocking your report after those. If you can get a hold of a model, wipe out one quarter's info in a column, and update the column with a PR you've found.

You've got plenty of time to practice. Good luck.

Thank you very much indeed! But I really have a question that might sound stupid, what do you mean by 'PR'? BTW, my biggest concern is to build a DCF/Multiples model from scratch. May work harder on this. Thanks again.

 
ashleyho:
Bodhis:
Definitely search the forum for this - there should be at least two threads.

Pretty much you should feel comfortable with the financial statements, and be able to take an Earnings PR and use it to write a re-cap note somewhat quickly. You know, "XYZ co reported 3Q10 results today. Revs grew _bps y/y to _%, GM's grew _bps to _%, OM's improved _bps to _%. Management reaffirmed guidance ...blah blah blah." That sorta thing w/color and your interpretation of the earnings release. Probably just a recap note in 2 hrs, so likely a flash/quick note that would be 1-2 pg's long.

I imagine they'll probably have you update the model with the info from the PR/earnings release first, and then have you write the report and fill in the numbers based off of your updated model. Have your valuation metrics down.... they'll probably want a price target, and you'll want to know whether to derive it from DCF, P/E, P/S or EV/EBITDA.

My advice is to go to yahoo.com/finance, and look up earnings PR's. Practice taking one and writing a report based off of it. Try to get a few sell side reports (and models if possible) and practice mocking your report after those. If you can get a hold of a model, wipe out one quarter's info in a column, and update the column with a PR you've found.

You've got plenty of time to practice. Good luck.

Thank you very much indeed! But I really have a question that might sound stupid, what do you mean by 'PR'? BTW, my biggest concern is to build a DCF/Multiples model from scratch. May work harder on this. Thanks again.

Yeah, I meant earnings release, sorry about that. Wasn't too clear.

About building the DCF/Multiples... I assume you'll want to do this in your model after you've filled in each financial statement. Let me know if the model the other user sends you doesn't have this analysis, and I'll dig through some models.

 

I would suggest OP go on docoh.com as well

It's so well organized. Earnings are there with management commentary and conference questions. That's more than enough

edit. Bruh this is 2010 !!!!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

MP80, so nice of u if you can forward it to me. Thanks a lot!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi, MP80, it will be appreciated if you can forward the ER template to me. Thanks a lot!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi MP80, would you kindly forward me your model and note? I am preparing for an ER interview and am in deperate need to get familiarized with how a model works. Thanks a lot!

 
monkey101:
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi MP80, would you kindly forward me your model and note? I am preparing for an ER interview and am in deperate need to get familiarized with how a model works. Thanks a lot!

Me too please!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi MP80, I would appreciate it if you could send it to me also. I'm writing up an equity research report and need help. Thanks!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.
MP80, I am applying for equity research position now, and your model will be a great help to me. Could you send me model and note? I `ll really appreciate that.
 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi MP80, Do you mind to sent me the ER model and the note? Thanks a loooot for sharing.

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Hi can you forward me that model and note please. Thank you. I have a ER test coming and trying to prepare.

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

can you send me the ER model and note as well if it isnt too much trouble! it would be tremendously appreciated!

 
MP80:
I've got a model and a note from when I used to work in ER. It wasn't for a BB but it is all pretty similar. Let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Could you send me a copy of the model and note, I want to practice as I am searching left and right for a ER job and this would be extremely useful.

Thanks in advance,

 

Hi MP80 it would be awesome if you could send me the material, it would be a HUGE help for an upcoming assessment I have this week! Thanks a million!!

 

Hey, I'm heading to an Equity Research interview in 2 days, involving a 2-hrs test for a written ER report.

Would you mind sending on the research piece to me? It'd be highly appreciated.

The interviewer mentioned both quantitative (incl valuation & fin modelling) & qualitative aspects are needed for the report... Any advice about the extent of financial modelling needed (& time spent on it during the time-constraint) would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

Hi there- I am prepping for an ER model and writing test rn and would find it so helpful to see your model/note. Any chance you could forward it to me? 

 

Just a guess, but the only thing that makes sense to me is PR = Press Release

"One should recognize reality even when one doesn't like it, indeed, especially when one doesn't like it." - Charlie Munger
 

Yeah, I just want to chime in to reiterate what Bodhis said about the writing part of the interview. Companies issue press releases along with their earnings, and you should be prepared to write a report that summarizes the main points of the PR.

An example of a press release http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=496970

Don't write one lengthy article. Rather, you should be prepared to do the following things:

1) Summarize the entire article with a snappy headline, just like in a newspaper. "Activision 1Q Beat, Raises Guidance for F10" or "Google: Robust Android Market Fuels Growth"

2) Your report should have the three/four most important items in a bulletized, headline format. Write a headline for each, and a paragraph (or two) for each that lays out the facts and describes your opinion.

This is the main body of your report. Each bullet should support your Buy/Sell/Hold recommendation. These four headlines should be below your main headline. The appropriate paragraph should be directly beneath each headline.

The whole idea is to allow your client to skim your report's headlines in roughly 15-20 seconds. By just reading the headlines, they should know all the main points of your article. If they want to read further, they can read your text for your in-depth analysis

Typical items to look for and bulletize would be

a) the main reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, and what that means for the future. b) a secondary reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, or another big impact item. "Google's acquisition of XYZ looks to add $0.10 to F10" c) did the company issue "guidance" for the next quarter's results? If so, that's a bullet. "GOOG reaffirmed F10 outlook" d) last bullet should be your valuation, although this might not be included in your report. "GOOG is a Buy with $550 Price Target" would be the headline, and then you write a few sentences about how you arrived at that conclusion, whether by using a DCF or multiples, etc.

3) Avoid overly sensational language in your writing. Words like: amazing, explosive, huge, etc should usually be avoided.

I can send you a real research piece if you'd like. PM me.

 
gamenumbers:
Yeah, I just want to chime in to reiterate what Bodhis said about the writing part of the interview. Companies issue press releases along with their earnings, and you should be prepared to write a report that summarizes the main points of the PR.

An example of a press release http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=496970

Don't write one lengthy article. Rather, you should be prepared to do the following things:

1) Summarize the entire article with a snappy headline, just like in a newspaper. "Activision 1Q Beat, Raises Guidance for F10" or "Google: Robust Android Market Fuels Growth"

2) Your report should have the three/four most important items in a bulletized, headline format. Write a headline for each, and a paragraph (or two) for each that lays out the facts and describes your opinion.

This is the main body of your report. Each bullet should support your Buy/Sell/Hold recommendation. These four headlines should be below your main headline. The appropriate paragraph should be directly beneath each headline.

The whole idea is to allow your client to skim your report's headlines in roughly 15-20 seconds. By just reading the headlines, they should know all the main points of your article. If they want to read further, they can read your text for your in-depth analysis

Typical items to look for and bulletize would be

a) the main reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, and what that means for the future. b) a secondary reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, or another big impact item. "Google's acquisition of XYZ looks to add $0.10 to F10" c) did the company issue "guidance" for the next quarter's results? If so, that's a bullet. "GOOG reaffirmed F10 outlook" d) last bullet should be your valuation, although this might not be included in your report. "GOOG is a Buy with $550 Price Target" would be the headline, and then you write a few sentences about how you arrived at that conclusion, whether by using a DCF or multiples, etc.

3) Avoid overly sensational language in your writing. Words like: amazing, explosive, huge, etc should usually be avoided.

I can send you a real research piece if you'd like. PM me.

Hi gamenumbers, What you said make a lot of sense for me. Thanks a lot for sharing. Do you mind to sent me the real research piece you mentioned? Thanks a lot/

 
aileenish109:
gamenumbers:
Yeah, I just want to chime in to reiterate what Bodhis said about the writing part of the interview. Companies issue press releases along with their earnings, and you should be prepared to write a report that summarizes the main points of the PR.

An example of a press release http://investor.activision.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=496970

Don't write one lengthy article. Rather, you should be prepared to do the following things:

1) Summarize the entire article with a snappy headline, just like in a newspaper. "Activision 1Q Beat, Raises Guidance for F10" or "Google: Robust Android Market Fuels Growth"

2) Your report should have the three/four most important items in a bulletized, headline format. Write a headline for each, and a paragraph (or two) for each that lays out the facts and describes your opinion.

This is the main body of your report. Each bullet should support your Buy/Sell/Hold recommendation. These four headlines should be below your main headline. The appropriate paragraph should be directly beneath each headline.

The whole idea is to allow your client to skim your report's headlines in roughly 15-20 seconds. By just reading the headlines, they should know all the main points of your article. If they want to read further, they can read your text for your in-depth analysis

Typical items to look for and bulletize would be

a) the main reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, and what that means for the future. b) a secondary reason that the company is enjoying success/failure, or another big impact item. "Google's acquisition of XYZ looks to add $0.10 to F10" c) did the company issue "guidance" for the next quarter's results? If so, that's a bullet. "GOOG reaffirmed F10 outlook" d) last bullet should be your valuation, although this might not be included in your report. "GOOG is a Buy with $550 Price Target" would be the headline, and then you write a few sentences about how you arrived at that conclusion, whether by using a DCF or multiples, etc.

3) Avoid overly sensational language in your writing. Words like: amazing, explosive, huge, etc should usually be avoided.

I can send you a real research piece if you'd like. PM me.

Hi gamenumbers, What you said make a lot of sense for me. Thanks a lot for sharing. Do you mind to sent me the real research piece you mentioned? Thanks a lot/

Hi gamechangers,

Your thread is helpful can you send me that real research piece. Thanks alot.

 

Depends on the firm. Could be a short test where you have an hour or two to fill in a model from a P/R and forecast as much as possible, or it could be longer where you have to build out an entire model. There will definitely be some writing involved as well. What you get might depend on how much modeling experience you claim to have, but those are the two basic types I have come across.

 

I have over a year of experience in equity research and would ace this very easy interview test. It is quite interesting that I have had such a difficult time trying to even get an interview, yet this kid is interviewing for a position I would be very qualified for and he hardly knows what a press release is.

 
cw4937:
I have over a year of experience in equity research and would ace this very easy interview test. It is quite interesting that I have had such a difficult time trying to even get an interview, yet this kid is interviewing for a position I would be very qualified for and he hardly knows what a press release is.

well your response basically shows why no one wants you- you're a stuck up snob.

 

in a way no one really gets trained for a specific job with any degree you learn relevant theoretical concepts for a particular field or multiple fields, the actual job training or knowing the job before you do it, comes through training programs either where you work or through some training institute or an online program, so assuming this target school students get preference due to their ability to work harder since target schools generally have a tougher curriculum, lower acceptance rates (which means only those very good academically get through) and another aspect of this can be that the people in the position to hire someone will be from those target schools so they would prefer someone from a similar academic background

but in the end it depends on how well you can network and how likable as a person you are because the communication aspect matters a lot more in any job since no one wants to work with someone who is just damn awkward when it comes to socializing, think of the weird relative in your family no one wants to talk to or the weird friend/acquaintance you stay away from, additionally the skill level required in finance is not too difficult to learn, so familiarity and likability counts a lot more

 

Hi!

-No, this would be for a FT position I got through networking.

-And I think that's what "updating a model" entails, but probably projecting out a few years into the future as well. I really don't know though, because the only modeling test I've done involved building out a 3 statement model.

 
  • dont try and talk about too (focus on three key things that both have in common - operational, financial statements, valuation etc) - think for yourself because its the only way to get better.
  • keep it short and simple.. look up KISS. try keep within one page (will be hard but everyone else wont do this - this will show true class and set you apart)
  • know about the companies inside out for when they talk to you (you dont have to cover this when you write it up), you can just answer their questions. You dont have to remember everything.. just important and simple stuff that you think matters. As long as you can justify it, thats good enough. No one will expect you to be an expect so dont worry.

good luck.

 

Just did this for my hire. I got an email at 5 a.m. that contained an empty model, and a blank tab that said 'valuation'. Also had a 10Q (in your case it will prob be a 10K) for a company that was within their coverage. They said to use any available public information (i.e. press releases and presentations from their website) to fill out the model. Then use a valuation method of your choice. Then do a write up summarizing the operating & financial condition of the company. End with a recommendation and your thoughts on the stock.

My advice after doing this--

Nail the valuation and the write up. For the write up I used a research report template--Ill send you mine if you want it. Learn some things about the industry and methods that are important for valuation and mention them in the report. For example, go to google and search for investor metrics for oil and gas or something like that. You will find something like ebitdax / ev & PV10. Important to the industry, and it will show that you have good research skills.

Finally, have as many people read it as possible for errors & remember to use strong technical language that is as concise as possible.

 

Hi! Would you mind sending me the report template that you used? I do appreciate your help. I have an 2hour interview for investment analyst coming next week and am trying to practice cuz my experience is very limited. Thanks!

 

i think you already answered your own question concerning the interview. it should be mostly fit with general questions on market and stocks. phone interviews tend to be very straight forward with very few, if any, surprises.

in terms of in depth industry knowledge, bankers dont even come close to er guys...that's why there's a vetting process. pe firms are mostly looking for modeling and deal making skills, and that's why banking experience tends to be more suitable for the job. im not sure if er is the right thing if your next move is pe...although i've seen it happen. sell side er --> hedge fund is the more traditional career path.

 

Agreed that you will get an earnings PR, most likely. So they're looking for you to write a faux earnings note. You may also get a copy of the analyst's last note, which will help you identify what they're looking for. 1hr might be kind of tough if you've never done anything like it before.

A quick outline could look like this: 1. Results recap (revenue, EPS, EBITDA), how those metrics changed year over year, and discuss any operating metrics that are important (reserves for O&G, monthly active users for an internet company, etc). 2. Guidance, changes vs previous guidance (need previous PR), discuss factors influencing company's ability to meet guidance. 3. Opinion on outlook for the quarter and year, changes to estimates, etc.

If you've got extra time, you could read the earnings call transcript to get a better idea of content to discuss. This kind of exercise is hard if it's a company you've never thought about before, but I hope that helps.

 

Just adding to charlie: The opinion section can help set you apart. Read up on the industry and write up something thoughtful. Don't just parrot whatever management said on the call.

They also care a lot about style. Be careful with grammar and try to be concise.

 

Well, if there is a hold on it there is no target price. So if it was poor earnings you could just say maintain our hold rating. You could probably even get away with that for a buy if you are careful, but if you want to go beyond what they asked for then yeah go ahead and put in estimates.

 

It's way more about how you get to the numbers than what you have. Just be able to justify any assumption you make. And you an always go without if you don't feel like you have enough time.

 

Having never spent a day working in ER but having read countless reports and spoken to most of the analysts in my space I would be really impressed if you had a simple operating model that you could reference to support your high level numbers (even if your assumptions were driven off of consensus data). I realize this would probably require another few hours of work but I think it might stand to differentiate your candidacy from other applicants. I realize this is above and beyond a simple writing sample request. Good luck to you.

 
junkbondswap:

Having never spent a day working in ER but having read countless reports and spoken to most of the analysts in my space I would be really impressed if you had a simple operating model that you could reference to support your high level numbers (even if your assumptions were driven off of consensus data). I realize this would probably require another few hours of work but I think it might stand to differentiate your candidacy from other applicants. I realize this is above and beyond a simple writing sample request. Good luck to you.

The one area I lack expertise in (pretty much the sole reason I want to move) is my lack of modeling skills. With that said, how would one build a "simple" operating model...I figure it would be good practice as well.

 

Ethically you shouldn't given that it is the property of your company and likely falls under any confidentiality agreement that you may have. With that said, if you have access to a full blown model you should be able to build a very simple version from scratch. Take 3 years of historicals and forecast out 5 years based on your tweaked assumptions. If you feel comfortable you can build in 3 cases (base, upside, downside) but it sounds like, based on your own admission, that your modelling skills are weak. If your goal is ER then you will ultimately have to spend the time, money, and resources to get your modelling skills up speed, which honestly isnt that difficult if you are willing to put the time in. The math is straight-forward and even if you do not understand accounting you can teach yourself by taking one of your company's existing models and seeing how the 3 statements link together.

 

Hey..not to be a stickler. I have heard of analysts dissuading their associates from sending models to clients (prior to removing all but the 3 statements/final summary sheet). It's kind of like an unwritten rule that ex-associates should also not be distributing their ex-analyst's models. If the author of the model was the poster, than that is fine. Just my 2 cents.

 

This is ridiculous. Surely the original poster didn't spend hours of his time forwarding models to everyone who asked. Everyone just put in the grunt work yourself, spend a few hours digging around the internet and googling different topics. You'll find plenty of sample models, as case studies and standalone xls templates. There's tons of white papers of Modeling tests that walk you through the entire process step by step. This forum has been a great resource to myself and I'm sure as well for everyone interested in investing, etc. but quit asking the guy for stuff after the 15th or 20th person does. Just make your own thread and request one, I'm sure someone will reply and PM you one. This is just a waste and like beating a dead horse.

 

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