Modeling Test / Case Studies

What are they like for hedge funds? I know the PE ones are straight up 3 statement LBOs but for hedge funds, is it just 3 statement + comps/multiples/DCF to get to share price for a stock or is there something else I'm missing?

Thanks!

14 Comments
 

I'm confused by 2 things here:

1) Why are you modeling out anything for an event driven fund? Your analysis should be more qualitative than quantitative. Think Equity Research analyst vs M&A analyst...

2) You need more clarity. Inquire about what you will tested on. This "modeling" test sounds so vague.

"Cut the burger into thirds, place it on the fries, roll one up homey..." - Epic Meal Time
 
vadremcWhy are you modeling out anything for an event driven fund? Your analysis should be more qualitative than quantitative. Think Equity Research analyst vs M&A analyst...
Completely disagree, valuation models for event-driven (distressed, merger arb, spin-off, etc) are crucial, otherwise you're just throwing darts. FYI, equity research analysts build models as well.
There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.
 

I'm not sure why they've asked me to do a modeling test, just stating the facts. I figured it was standard for the process. Any input Kenny (and others) of your experiences and how I could prepare myself would be greatly appreciated. I've built many models before but obviously building one from scratch over a compressed time period is different than cranking one out over a few days (and drawing on examples / old models). Any suggestions on things I could practice / focus on would be greatly appreciated.

 

Tough to say, PM me if you feel more comfortable sharing details that way.

There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.
 

The modeling test is easy... it's more of a pass / fail grade than an A to F type thing. On the other hand, you need to spend a lot more time understanding the investment case / business. That's where you can differentiate yourself from other candidates.

 

I've worked with models before, and as an analyst at a HF, I think it depends more on what your function is/will be. Also, I did not say that Equity Research Analysts do not build models. But the functions/roles/responsibilities are dramatically different in juxtaposition to an M&A analyst. Being asked to construct a model, and being tested on the implications of select inputs are very different. The former being much more difficult.

 

Amet quae autem totam architecto facilis quis mollitia. Provident et nulla nihil sunt est facilis molestiae.

Accusantium aperiam aliquid ullam culpa ut natus. Omnis quam molestias at ratione quae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 97.1%
  • AQR Capital Management 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Millennium Partners 95.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.1%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.2%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.2%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (12) $423
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (86) $288
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $192
  • Analysts (242) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (282) $96
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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”