Anyone know how BMO equity research compares to other equity research departments?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, BMO's Equity Research department, like many others, has its unique strengths and areas of expertise. While the context provided doesn't specifically detail the nuances of BMO's Equity Research department, it does mention BMO in a broader sense, highlighting its operations and culture within the investment banking sector. Here's what can be inferred or related to your question about BMO's Equity Research:

1. Industry Focus and Expertise: You mentioned hearing about BMO's strong coverage in metals and mining. This aligns with the general understanding that certain banks may develop a reputation for excellence in specific sectors based on their historical performance, analyst expertise, and depth of research in those areas. While the context doesn't explicitly confirm BMO's specialization in metals and mining within Equity Research, it's plausible given BMO's overall presence in the market and the sectors they are known to cover.

2. Culture and Work Environment: The context mentions BMO's culture in a general sense, noting that the bank operates in both New York and Chicago with a focus on various sectors. While this doesn't directly speak to the Equity Research department, the culture of the broader organization can often permeate its various divisions. A supportive and collaborative environment in investment banking could suggest a similar atmosphere within Equity Research, impacting your experience as an intern.

3. Reputation and Opportunities: BMO, being a well-established bank with a significant presence in both the U.S. and Canada (as implied by the mention of BMO Harris Bank), likely offers a solid platform for interns to learn and grow. The bank's reputation, combined with its operational focus, could provide valuable exposure to equity research methodologies, client interactions, and sector-specific insights.

In preparation for your screening interview, it might be beneficial to focus on understanding BMO's overall approach to Equity Research, how they differentiate themselves in the market, especially in sectors they are reputed to excel in like metals and mining, and how their culture supports intern development. Remember, each bank's Equity Research department can be unique in its focus areas, culture, and opportunities for interns and full-time analysts.

Sources: Equity Research: Wall Street's Best Kept Secret, Ask a VP in Equity Research anything, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/whats-so-good-about-evercore?customgpt=1, Chicago BB and EB Ranking, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/equity-research/career-ladder-equity-research-vs-investment-banking-a-definitive-guide-part-3?customgpt=1