what is Sell-Side Analyst

Sell-side analysts, as opposed to buy-side analysts, are employed by investment banks or brokerage firms rather than by companies themselves. Their primary role is to evaluate companies for future earnings growth and other investment criteria, with the aim of generating reports, recommendations, and market analyses that are disseminated to a wide audience, including institutional and individual investors.

1. **Sell-side analysts are employed by investment banks or brokerage firms**.
2. **They focus on evaluating companies for future earnings growth and other investment criteria**.
3. **Their work involves generating reports, recommendations, and market analyses**.
4. **These analyses are intended for a broad audience, including institutional and individual investors**.

In contrast, buy-side analysts work directly with companies, often in fund management or private equity roles, focusing on understanding operational expenses and other financial metrics that impact investment decisions. The distinction between sell-side and buy-side research is primarily one of perspective and audience, with sell-side analysts oriented towards providing market insights to investors, and buy-side analysts focused on guiding investment decisions from within the investment management community.