AceTheRound
HF InterviewTechnical

Pitch me a stock

Lay out a concise, variant thesis with catalysts, valuation, and downside protection.

Direct answer

Present a differentiated long or short idea with a crisp thesis, valuation support, catalysts, and risk management.

Step-by-step

Walk through the structured answer

1

State the variant view

Define the mispricing vs. consensus and whether it’s a long or short; keep it to one or two sharp points.

2

Support with drivers and numbers

Show revenue/earnings drivers, key metrics, and valuation (DCF, multiples, or SOTP) that back the thesis.

3

Catalysts and timing

List near-term events (earnings, product launches, divestitures) that unlock the valuation gap.

4

Risks and plan

Name the top risks, how you’d monitor them, and risk controls (position sizing, stops, hedges).

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Giving a generic industry overview instead of a differentiated take.
  • Ignoring liquidity, borrow availability, or risk sizing for shorts.
  • Skipping a clear valuation anchor or relying only on comps.

Follow-up angles

  • How would the thesis change if rates move 100 bps?
  • What makes this catalyst credible?
  • How do you size this position in a portfolio?
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