HF Interview Pitch Compliance Issue?

As a registered agent of a broker dealer in SS research, am I allowed to pitch a covered company with a higher price target than what’s shared publicly? I’m not sure what you guys have experienced when interviewing with HFs. I want to send over a modified write up with a higher PT than what’s published and not sure if that’ll get me into trouble

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, this could indeed raise compliance concerns. As a registered agent of a broker-dealer in sell-side research, you are bound by strict compliance rules. Modifying a price target (PT) to be higher than what is publicly shared could be seen as a violation of those rules, especially if it deviates from your firm's published research. This could potentially lead to issues with your current employer or regulatory bodies.

When interviewing with hedge funds, it's better to focus on showcasing your analytical skills and thought process without breaching compliance. You can discuss your reasoning and methodology for arriving at a different valuation or PT, but ensure that you clearly state it is hypothetical and not tied to your firm's official stance. Always prioritize transparency and compliance to avoid any potential trouble.

Sources: Breaking into buy-side equity research - my experience, Reflections from year 4 as an equity analyst, Long term, concentrated, deep fundamental investing, How to convert sell-side models to your own models faster?, Observations of an Equity Research Associate

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Aliquid officiis ea soluta. Tempora nihil dolorem nesciunt blanditiis. Quo enim nihil error quis aut eum sint. Recusandae voluptatem corrupti vero tenetur eligendi.

Doloremque pariatur amet ex qui repellendus modi rem. Sit provident non modi qui laborum. Tempore maiores facere iusto quas velit ullam. Provident excepturi dolorum odit beatae deleniti aut. Aperiam incidunt reprehenderit sint tempore.

Sint distinctio unde in cupiditate iste et. Ad in sed nam animi consequuntur. Illo modi a rerum officia laborum in animi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”