Investment banks rely heavily on databases and presentations to analyze companies, markets, and deals. Excel, Powerpoint, Bloomber terminal, Capital IQ, Factset are some of the most common databases used. These databases contain financial information, market data, benchmarks, company profiles that are critical for financial modeling, valuation, preparing pitchbooks and presentations. Proficiency in these tools is a must-have for investment banking analysts and associates.
Excel is the most commonly used database and presentation tool in investment banks
Excel models underlie almost every analysis in investment banking. Analysts use Excel to build DCF models, LBO models, merger models and comparable companies analysis. VBA macros automate routine tasks helping improve efficiency. Models are linked to presentations created in Powerpoint that get updated automatically saving hours of manual work.
Bloomberg and Capital IQ – Leading data platforms for investment research
Bloomberg terminals and Capital IQ provide real-time financial market data, company information, industry trends used extensively for research and analysis. They contain databases updated daily across millions of public and private companies globally on financials, valuations, ownership structure, news etc that are relied on for up-to-date information.
Factset workstations facilitate investment decision making with market research
Factset is another widely used market research platform in investment banks and asset managers. It provides integrated financial information and analytical applications for better investment decision making. Features like screening tools help identify investing ideas faster by filtering on financial criteria.
Presentations play a pivotal role in securing and executing deals
Pitchbooks and presentations encapsulate all the investment recommendations, research, analysis into a consumable format for clients. Standard templates facilitate quick drafting of materials while allowing customization for specific deals. Being adept at data analysis using databases and articulating insights through impactful presentations is integral to success in investment banking.
Databases and presentations constitute a significant portion of the day-to-day responsibilities in investment banking. Excel modeling, researching data sources and preparing pitchbooks are routine tasks for analysts and associates working on deals. Expertise in these tools provides a strong foundation to advance one’s investment banking career.