They listen to pitches from investor-relations departments eager to spin the company's story. And many spend a considerable amount of time every day keeping their mugs on TV and their quotes in print. After all, in general an analyst recognized in the media as an expert is more likely to impress all potential constituents and be more likely to win business for the firm. Like the business journalists who hang on their every word, top analysts are always on deadline. Then there's travel.
Aggressive analysts say they spend a minimum of a third of their working days on the road.
On top of that, they are frequently called upon to help the firm's marketing efforts. That makes them latter-day circuit riders, shuttling between New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to meet with big institutions and mutual funds. In these marketing meetings, an analyst will present clients with his best ideas, otherwise known as stock picks. Analysts are also pressed into service to win underwriting business. To put it bluntly, companies planning to issue stock want to hear what the analyst will do to convince investors to buy its shares.