Equity Research Analyst - U.S. Small & Mid-Cap Quality Strategy, KAR

Although we value experience and skills, we also care about who you are. We strive to surround ourselves with good people that share our values, that work hard, and that support each other as a team and as individuals.

Firm Overview

Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management is a Los Angeles–based registered investment adviser managing over $50 billion in assets. We employ a high‑quality, low‑turnover, long‑term investment philosophy focused on companies with durable competitive advantages.

We are seeking an Equity Research Analyst to join our investment team with a dedicated focus on domestic small- and mid‑capitalization equities. This individual will play a meaningful role in generating original research, shaping portfolio decisions, and contributing to the success of our high-quality-focused equity strategies.

Position Summary

The Equity Research Analyst will perform deep fundamental research on small- and mid‑capitalization companies, evaluate business quality and sustainability of competitive advantages, and communicate well‑supported investment findings to Portfolio Managers. The ideal candidate brings a passion for investing, strong financial analysis skills, buy‑side experience, intellectual curiosity, and a mental framework aligned with our quality-first philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

Fundamental Research & Idea Generation

• Conduct deep bottom‑up fundamental research on U.S. small- and mid‑capitalization companies across assigned sectors

• Source prospective investments and maintain ongoing research on current holdings.

• Evaluate various business models within an industry and compare and contrast their relative strengths and weaknesses; identify competitive advantages.

• Develop knowledge of industry structure, competitive trends, risks, and long‑term drivers.

Financial & Valuation Analysis

• Analyze and interpret financial statements and appraise valuation.

• Relate qualitative business attributes with financial business character.

Communication & Recommendation

• Prepare written research reports, investment memos, and recommendation summaries.

• Present research findings to Portfolio Managers with clarity and well‑supported analysis.

• Engage in portfolio review discussions and provide ongoing monitoring of portfolio holdings.

External Engagement

• Establish and maintain relationships with company contacts, industry experts, and other relevant research sources.

• Visit companies, attend conferences and industry events to deepen understanding of coverage areas.

Collaboration & Firm Contribution

• Work closely with Portfolio Managers and fellow analysts in a collaborative, idea‑driven environment.

• Uphold the firm’s research process and contribute to the shared learning of the investment group.

• Support special projects and analyses as requested by the Head of Research or Portfolio Managers.

Qualifications

• Preferably 3+ years of buy‑side equity research experience, ideally covering small- or mid-capitalization companies.

• Strong accounting and financial analysis skills.

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of qualitative and quantitative information into key investment insights.

• Skills in writing research reports and verbally articulating important investment considerations.

• MBA and/or CFA designation (or progress toward CFA).

Success Profile

The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• A passion for investing.

• High intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, humility, and a long-term mindset.

• Strong judgment and comfort with tactfully challenging consensus with well‑reasoned analysis.

The starting base salary range is $140,000.00 to $175,000.00 plus variable compensation incentives.The starting salary offer will vary based on the applicant’s education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, internal equity, and alignment with market data. This position is also eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan.

This position requires U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (Green Card holder) as a condition of employment. We are unable to sponsor work visas or provide support for OPT/CPT programs for this role.

Benefits at KAR:

We offer a variety of benefits that support employees and their families in maintaining all aspects of health and wellness.  We pride ourselves on offerings that encourage work-life balance and support the needs and goals of the team.

• Competitive Pay

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Life and Disability Insurance

• Health Savings Account with a Company Match

• Flexible Spending Accounts including Dependent Care

• Wellness Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• 24-Hour Employee Assistance Program

• Adoption Assistance

• Paid Family Care Time

• Paid Volunteer days

• Gym onsite

• Paid Parking

• Fully stocked kitchen- lunch provided.

• Hybrid 3/2 (Subject to change)

KAR is made up of diverse, talented, and passionate employees working together to achieve a common and rewarding goal: providing high quality investment strategies and wealth solutions for our clients.

Awarded Best Firm Culture at the 2022 PAM Awards, KAR maintains a team-oriented culture of accessibility, open communication, and respect. We believe in empowering and growing our people and are excited to be hiring.

KAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For additional information on Kayne Anderson Rudnick, please access the firm’s web site at www.kayne.com.