Summer Analyst, ESOP - Investment Banking

At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence ®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values:
Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team.

The Stout ESOP Investment Banking Team is looking for a Summer Analyst to support the execution of ESOP (“Employee Stock Ownership Plan”) formation, recapitalization, and capital markets transactions. The Summer Analyst will work under the guidance of product bankers for various transaction and pitch assignments. Successful candidates will be analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about content creation and financial modeling.

Under the mentorship of seasoned Stout professionals, Summer Analysts at Stout will have the opportunity to build foundational investment banking knowledge while gaining exposure to client work. Candidates will gain significant exposure to cash flow modeling, capital structure & valuation analysis and private capital markets. The ESOP Investment Banking team partners with successful family- and founder-owned businesses to evaluate strategic alternatives, including the formation of an ESOP to facilitate ownership transition, alongside more traditional sell-side options.

Additionally, we assist large, successful companies with established ESOPs in recapitalizations with private capital providers, and support industry bankers in sell-side roles for ESOP-owned companies seeking exits to strategic buyers or private equity. The ESOP Investment Banking team collaborates with industry bankers and our capital markets team to identify ideal candidates for ESOP exits, often working with owners pursuing a dual-track approach of both ESOP and traditional sell-side transactions.

Stout is committed to fostering the professional growth of its team members. As an apprenticeship-driven organization, Summer Analysts benefit from institutional support and the opportunity to work with senior leaders, gaining mentorship and exposure to a career in investment banking.

• Contribute to client engagements through industry and company research
• Learn how financial analysis is performed on client businesses, including financial statements, models, and valuation
• Assist with client and marketing materials, such as pitch books and presentations
• Observe and assist the deal team on live transactions and pitch assignments
• Attend client calls and meetings, where appropriate
• Participate in structured training, mentoring, and networking opportunities
• Use AI-enabled tools to support research and deliverable preparation

• Pursuing a BA/BS in Accounting, Economics, Finance, or a related discipline
• Strong academic record, with a GPA of at least 3.5 preferred
• Demonstrated interest in investment banking and financial services; familiarity with ESOPs is a plus
• Relevant internship or extracurricular experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related field (preferred)
• Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Analytical, quantitative, and detail-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills, a desire to learn, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with or interest in using AI tools to improve research and analysis (preferred, not required)
• Must be eligible to work in the US, without employer sponsorship, at the time of hire and in the future

• Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success
• Demonstrate accountability and reliability…