How is equity research different from general investment research?

Equity research is specifically about publicly-traded securities. General investment research covers private deals, real estate, infrastructure and other asset classes.

Do all hedge funds do equity research internally?

Fundamental long/short funds: yes, dominant work. Quant funds: less central. Macro funds: heavy on rates/FX rather than equities specifically.

How do expert networks fit into equity research workflows?

Heavily. Channel checks, sector deep-dives, competitive positioning, management perspective. Networks are a routine input alongside databases and modelling.

Equity Research

Equity research is structured analysis of publicly-traded companies' investment merits — including financial modelling, sector context, valuation analysis and trading recommendations. Conducted by sell-side analysts (published) and buy-side analysts (internal).

Term: Equity Research
Section: Glossary
Last refreshed: Q1 2026

01/In Depth3–5 paragraphs

Equity research outputs include initiation reports, quarterly earnings previews and recaps, sector deep-dives, model updates and event-driven notes. Coverage typically organised by sector with specialised analysts per category.

Methodology blends financial modelling (DCF, multiples, sum-of-parts) with qualitative analysis of management, competitive position and category dynamics. Primary research via channel checks, expert networks and survey work has become standard for sophisticated coverage.

Expert networks support equity research workflows materially. Analysts use networks for channel checks ahead of earnings, sector-deep-dive interviews, competitor-positioning research and management-team perspective work.

Compliance is central in equity research. Sell-side analysts navigate Reg FD restrictions; buy-side analysts navigate insider-trading concerns. Expert network engagements operate under documented frameworks that protect both sides.

02/Examples4 concrete cases

+A sell-side analyst publishing earnings preview on a public SaaS company with 6 expert calls as input
+A buy-side analyst running channel checks ahead of quarterly results on a portfolio holding
+A sector specialist publishing an initiation report on an emerging category with 12 expert interviews
+An equity research team running sector deep-dive across 4 publicly-traded competitors

03/Frequently Asked3 questions

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04/See AlsoWhere this applies

04.1

EXPERT CONSULTATIONS

One-hour calls with vetted operators, executives and specialists across 50,000+ professionals. Scheduled in 3 to 5 business days. From €500.

04.2

INVESTMENT THESIS VALIDATION

Test the assumptions underlying your investment thesis before you commit capital.

05/Related Terms3 suggestions

SELL-SIDE RESEARCH

Sell-side research is published equity (or fixed income) research produced by analysts at investment banks and broker…

BUY-SIDE RESEARCH

Buy-side research is internal investment analysis conducted by hedge funds, asset managers, PE firms, family offices …

ALTERNATIVE DATA

Alternative data is non-traditional information used in investment research — distinct from public filings, sell-side…

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