Position Title:  Equity Research Analyst (Job Band – Assistant Manager)

Location: Mumbai

Scope of work: 

• Prepare the Initiating Coverage report for adding companies to the Equity portfolio.
• Prepare periodic reports covering quarterly financial results, sectoral outlook, and any other material information.
• Work independently, covering all sectors under large and midcap.
• Maintain and work on financial models for the portfolio companies of macro and industry data series as well as company-specific financial models.
• Communicate key findings and recommendations to the appropriate unit/team.
• Conduct assessment on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, and opportunities.
• Conduct industry diligence and primary research through surveys, expert conference calls, and various channel checks to evaluate industry trends. Participate in industry and company-sponsored conferences and field trips.
• Prior Experience majorly researching BFSI / Banking Stock, Auto, IT, & Pharma, and any other sector as required by the office.
• Analysis of companies, considering earnings expectations.
• Compiling sectoral & Industry data
• Preparing & Compiling data and presentation for various authorities from time to time.

Purpose of the Role:

The Equity Research Analyst will undertake comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research to support informed investment decision-making for PFL’s equity portfolio. The role is responsible for generating actionable insights to enhance portfolio performance and deliver competitive risk-adjusted returns to PFL’s subscribers.

Key Objectives:

• Conduct in-depth research and prepare analytical reports covering macroeconomic trends, sector developments, company fundamentals, corporate actions, and market events to assess and forecast the performance of existing equity holdings.
• Provide data-driven insights to enable portfolio managers to take timely and informed investment positions. The existing equity portfolio comprises companies within the eligible investment universe prescribed by PFRDA. The portfolio may be expanded to include all companies permitted under PFRDA guidelines.
• Identify and evaluate promising new equity Investment opportunities through rigorous Fundamental and Quantitative analysis.
• Prepare detailed research notes and investment thesis to support potential expansion of the equity portfolio.Such additions may include companies outside the currently eligible investment universe prescribed by PFRDA and may span sectors beyond those presently represented in the portfolio, subject to regulatory approvals and mandate alignment.
• Proactively identify equity investment opportunities aimed at improving the portfolio’s net asset value and long-term wealth creation objectives, consistent with the fund’s risk-return framework.
• Ensure that research outputs and investment recommendations remain aligned with regulatory guidelines, internal risk policies, and the overall investment mandate.
• Act in fiduciary capacity, prioritizing the long-term interests of subscribers, maintaining research independence, managing conflicts of interest appropriately, and adhering to the Code of Conduct and stewardship responsibilities applicable to Pension Funds under PFRDA regulations.
• Undertake additional assignments and strategic initiatives as directed by the MD & CEO or Head – Research in alignment with organizational priorities.

Age Band: 28 to 40 years

Qualification Mandatory :Chartered Accountant / MBA (finance) / Cost & Management Accountant / CFA

Overall Experience: 3 years in similar profile and relevant experience definition - should have worked on equity research / should have timely produced Quality research reports for macro, multiple domains, and diverse Companies   

Compensation payable: Annual fixed compensation is Rs 12.40 Lakhs. Along with Variable pay based on yearly appraisal which is applicable only after successful completion of probation period. 

Competency Profile of Candidate

1. Functional Competencies:

• Ability to analyze macro, sector and Company financials & prospects; Analyst Reports; reports of Rating Agencies
• Suite of MS Office tools – MS Excel with Macros, Word, PPT, etc. and Report writing skills  
• Experience of working with automation tools for providing early warnings (COGENCIS, BLOOMBERG, CAPITALINE etc) 
• Ability to analyze third-party equity research reports

2. Behavioural Competencies:

• Diligence (great attention to detail); curiosity to acquire industry knowledge; Mental agility to do multi-tasking; Research mind-set
• Patience; open to continuous learning; comfort sieving through loads of data
• Written & verbal communication skills (to persuasively communicate buy / sell / hold recommendations; communicate complex ideas in a concise, accurate, yet detailed manner)
• Skills in quantitative & qualitative analysis (of macro, sector, Companies) 
• Confidentiality (report findings to be for the advantage of LIC PFL only); financial integrity (no insider trading); avoid conflict of interests.