pitching owned stock/bonds/loan in an interview

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider when pitching a stock, bond, or loan in an interview:

1. Confidentiality:

   • It's crucial not to disclose any confidential information about your current firm's positions. If asked, you should say, "I have no comment on my current firm's positions, however, this is what I think about this security..." and then lay out your thesis.

2. Ethical Considerations:

   • There is no ethical concern with pitching a security you own, as long as you do not disclose your firm's confidential positions. Future employers will assume that how you act in the interview is how you will act in the future. Sharing confidential information can reflect poorly on your professional integrity.

3. Preparation:

   • Ensure you have a well-prepared pitch. This includes having printed versions of comps, an excess equity model, and a brief equity research report to justify your pitch. This demonstrates your ability to function under pressure and hold your ground in arguments.

4. Relevance to Interviewer:

   • Tailor your pitch to the interviewer's philosophy and the fund's strategy. For example, if the fund focuses on distressed debt and deep value, pitching a high-growth tech stock might not be appropriate.

5. Intellectual Integrity:

   • Demonstrating intellectual integrity is valued. Even if you pitch a security that the interviewer disagrees with, showing thorough research and a solid rationale can still leave a positive impression.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively pitch a security in an interview without compromising your professional ethics or confidentiality.

Sources: Pitch me a Stock Interview Question for Investment Banking?, Stock pitches for experienced hires, Breaking into buy-side equity research - my experience, Breaking into buy-side equity research - my experience, Pitching a Short for the Stock of a Bank you are Interviewing with