Buy side credit analyst

Hi guys,

I am trying to get a better understanding of how a buy-side credit analyst values a bond. My understanding is that you construct a spot-rate curve and make the present value of a bond's cash flows equal to its market value by solving for the z-spread or the OAS if the bond has an embedded option. I am assuming this is all done through some software package?

Once you have a z-spread or OAS do you compare it to other bonds of similar credit risk and maturity and look for relative value? In terms of credit analysis, do you simply use the ratings assigned by a ratings agency or do you conduct your own analysis and come up with your own rating?

Also, say a company has 2 bonds in issuance, a 3 yr note and a 20 year bond and you believe that rates will fall and that the longer duration bond will rise, do you make that call or is duration and curve positioning entirely up to the portfolio manager?

Thanks and I appreciate your help.

1 Comments
 

Non magnam alias id rerum ea aut excepturi. Quis officiis quo molestias sunt perspiciatis repudiandae eum. Ad ducimus a quo culpa illum ratione atque. Fugiat voluptate unde quisquam rerum id. Eaque officia fugit facilis magnam omnis quasi consequatur. Nulla dolore dignissimos quidem est minus animi.

Sed officiis dolorem facilis repudiandae quis voluptas quod. Delectus quis voluptas nemo dolore omnis neque. Rerum voluptas est harum consequatur accusantium eius reprehenderit. Illo in est atque velit delectus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
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
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”