How to Get Started Writing Equity Research Reports As An Amateur

Hi,

Since I have been struggling finding a job this summer, I was thinking about writing some equity research reports on my own while studying for the CFA and perhaps use these as a way to show interest and maybe break into ER for the next summer. However, I have to be honest, I don't really know what's the best way of even going about getting started. I know the basics about DCFs and whatnot, but if you were in my position, what would you recommend doing in order to eventually write good reports?

thanks

28 Comments
 

I did this to showcase my writing ability in IB, worked out quite well. I'd suggest trying to track down a template if possible which would give you a sound base for drumming up one of your own.

its one way or the other: hate me or admire.
 
YE777
UFOinsiderCurious as well

how many "curious as well" r u going to write? lmao just sayin cuz i see u in every thread writing just that

Lately, there's a lot of very good questions and when I check the 'track' feature, it automatically goes to the top of the list if someone comments on it and stops showing up when the thread goes cold. I am on here a lot, but only for 30-40 seconds at a time in between tasks, so this is the best way. I bookmark the REALLY interesting threads and check in on them throughout the day, but the 'curious' comment is convenient.
Get busy living
 

I'm gonna jump on the curiosity train and comment because the bookmarks thing isn't working for me

If your dreams don't scare you, then they are not big enough. "There are two types of people in this world: People who say they pee in the shower, and dirty fucking liars."-Louis C.K.
 

I've got some initiating coverage ER reports (Bernstein, etc) you guys can check out - these were my basis for molding my reporting style. PM me if interested.

 

Try starting a blog about investing or contributing to Seeking Alpha (http://seekingalpha.com). Both are great ways to sharpen your skills and get your work out there to the investing community. I started doing this a few months before entering my MSF program, and it has already helped on the networking and credibility side. By the time I start fall recruiting, I will have a solid portfolio of research to present to potential banks/funds.

 

you can consider using 'stockviews' platform too. They have a more transparent framework!

 

It depends on the type of note you want to do. I'd suggest doing an initiation. Topics you'd want to cover are pretty obvious, but here are some we typically use: Investment Thesis, Company Overview/Background, Recent results, End-markets, Products, Manufacturing, Risks, Valuation, Mgmt Profiles, and Model/Comps. Sections can differ depending on the industry you're launching on. Initiations can be as short as 10-15 pages or as long as 30+ pages.

 

YE777, it's all about strategerie

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

Damn, thanks Arm!

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 

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