Help - BB writing test

Hey all, first post. Yes i used search, but I didn't find a good answer.
I am 2010 MBA, target school. I am a career switcher, and I am just now exploring research as an option. I got an interview with a BB for their team, and passed the phone screen. Obviously I have kept an eye on the markets, and am going to prepare stock pitches, but a 'writing test' threw me off.
Anyone been through this?

3 Comments
 
Best Response

well, sorry. Turns out google search is more powerful than WSO one, so I will now answer my own question:

"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."

Thanks Bhodis

but I would still like to hear anyone's experience.

 

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