Role of a Research Analyst
Short Pointers:
- Definition:
- Research analysts are defined by their analysis, coverage, and recommendations.
- Sell-side Analysts:
- Publish public research reports.
- Provide recommendations on securities (buy, hold, or sell).
- Work for firms offering investment banking, broking, and advisory services.
- Buy-side Analysts:
- Work for asset managers (mutual funds, hedge funds, etc.).
- Generate internal investment recommendations.
- Reports are for internal use and guide investment decisions.
- Independent Research Analysts:
- Work for separate research firms.
- Sell research on a subscription basis.
- Provide tailored reports for various client needs.
- Others in Research Reporting:
- Newspapers, media, and information consolidators also offer reports.
- Overall Role:
- Conduct comprehensive company studies.
- Evaluate the past and predict future performance.
- Make informed recommendations based on analysis.
Example: Consider a scenario where a sell-side analyst at a brokerage firm assesses a pharmaceutical company. They published a report suggesting a ‘buy’ recommendation due to the company’s promising new drug pipeline. This report is accessible to the public and influences investors’ decisions. Simultaneously, a buy-side analyst at a pension fund evaluates the same company, but their analysis is for internal purposes, helping the fund manager decide whether to invest in the company’s stocks. An independent analyst might provide a detailed sector analysis report to a group of investors interested in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on future growth areas and risks.
Understanding Research Analysts
Short Pointers:
- Sell-side Analysts:
- Work for investment banks, brokerages, and advisory services.
- Publish public research reports on securities, offering buy, hold, or sell recommendations.
- Focus on future earnings and price targets of companies.
- Buy-side Analysts:
- Employed by asset managers like mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, etc.
- Generate internal investment recommendations for fund managers.
- Reports are internal, guiding decisions on buying, holding, or selling securities.
- Independent Research Analysts:
- Operate with independent firms or research originators.
- Sell research on a subscription basis to various clients, like investors and institutions.
- Offer customised reports for diverse purposes like investment, competition analysis, etc.
- Other Entities:
- Newspapers, media, and information consolidators also provide research reports.
- Role of a Research Analyst:
- Analyse and study companies thoroughly.
- Evaluate past performance and predict future performance.
- Make recommendations based on this analysis.
Example: A sell-side analyst at a brokerage firm publishes a report on a tech company, recommending a ‘buy’ based on expected growth in its cloud computing segment. This report is accessible to the public and may influence investors’ decisions. On the other hand, a buy-side analyst working for a mutual fund analysis the same company but for internal purposes, aiding the fund manager in deciding whether to include the stock in the fund’s portfolio. An independent analyst, perhaps working for a specialised research firm, might produce a detailed report on the tech industry’s future trends, selling this report to various clients interested in this sector.
Primary Responsibilities of a Research Analyst
Short Pointers:
- Understanding the Economy:
- Analyse macro-economic factors like national income, inflation, interest rates, and unemployment.
- Study fiscal and monetary policies and their impacts.
- Consider flows from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs).
- Examine savings and investment patterns and global factors affecting GDP growth.
- Understanding the Industry:
- Recognise the unique challenges and opportunities of different industries.
- Assess regulatory environment, business models, competition, and demand sensitivity.
- Understand consumer behaviour and how it affects the industry.
- Understanding Companies:
- Analyse companies qualitatively and quantitatively.
- Qualitative analysis: business model strengths and weaknesses, management quality.
- Quantitative analysis: review financial statements, cash flows, assets, and liabilities.
Example: Imagine a research analyst studying the smartphone industry. They would examine global economic factors like consumer spending trends and technological advancements. For industry understanding, they might look into the regulatory environment around data security and competition among leading smartphone manufacturers. In assessing companies, they would compare, both qualitatively and quantitatively, different manufacturers. For instance, they might qualitatively analyse Apple’s brand strength and innovation capacity while quantitatively reviewing Samsung’s financial statements, noting revenue growth and market share dynamics. This comprehensive analysis helps the analyst make informed recommendations about the industry or specific companies.
Basic Principles of Interaction with Companies/Clients
Short Pointers:
- Direct Interaction Importance:
- Personal communication with company management is crucial for deeper insight.
- Cross-Verification:
- Verify management claims to avoid being misled by exaggerated positives.
- Pre-meeting Research:
- Prepare thoroughly about the company’s products, industry, competitors, and financials.
- Independence and Neutrality:
- Maintain an unbiased opinion and independence in analysis.
- Base analysis on facts, not personal inclinations.
- Avoid disclosing non-public information.
- Networking for Insights:
- Utilise contacts beyond top management for additional perspectives.
- Engage with competitors, suppliers, retailers, and customers.
- Clarity of Questions:
- Have a clear and specific set of questions for better understanding.
- Effective Client Communication:
- Provide realistic suggestions based on facts and figures.
- Ensure clear, simple, and concise written reports.
- Disclose any conflicts of interest.
- State assumptions and avoid or explain jargon.
- Use of Technology:
- Employ recording devices during interviews and communications, with consent.
- Ethical Conduct:
- Act with sincerity, honesty, and ethics, following regulatory guidelines.
Example: A research analyst preparing to meet the management of a renewable energy company does extensive pre-meeting research on the company’s financials, market position, and competitors. During the meeting, they cross-verify the management’s optimistic claims about a new solar technology with industry reports and data. They maintain neutrality, focusing on factual information rather than personal biases. Post-meeting, the analyst connects with suppliers and customers for additional insights. The final report to clients is clear, factual, and includes a disclaimer about the analyst’s lack of financial interest in the company. This approach ensures a comprehensive, unbiased, and ethically conducted analysis.
Important Qualities of a Research Analyst
Short Pointers:
- Quantitative Skills:
- High comfort with numbers.
- Ability to analyse financial factors and identify trends.
- Recognise inter-relationships between different financial elements.
- Qualitative Skills:
- Methodical and enquiring mindset.
- Discernment in finding relevant information.
- Understanding business models and competitive dynamics.
- Key Qualities:
- Proficiency in Excel and other data analytical tools.
- Clear understanding of financial concepts.
- Skill in reading and comprehending financial statements and reports.
- Ability to ask relevant and pertinent questions.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Example: Consider a research analyst at a financial firm tasked with evaluating a new pharmaceutical company. They use their quantitative skills to analyse the company’s financial statements, looking for trends in revenue growth and R&D spending. Using qualitative skills, they understand the company’s innovative drug pipeline and its potential market impact. They methodically gather information from various sources, including industry reports and competitor analyses. Their proficiency in Excel helps in creating models to forecast future earnings. The analyst’s effective communication skills are crucial when presenting their findings, clearly articulating why the company represents a strong investment opportunity.