A stock analyst is a type of financial analyst who makes predictions about the performance of the stock market, usually with a focus on the specific stocks a company or firm invests in. As a stock analyst or equity analyst, your job duties include researching companies or particular industries, conducting financial analysis based on current market trends and historical data, and building models to predict future performance. You also prepare technical reports on financial estimates, projections, and recommendations based on a stock’s anticipated return. Many stock analysts who work for a firm can seek sponsorship to obtain their securities license.