A financial analyst is a professional who provides guidance, analysis and recommendations to individuals or organizations about investment opportunities. They study economic trends, analyze financial statements, and make projections about future earnings and growth potential for companies in order to help their clients make informed decisions about buying or selling stocks. Financial analysts work in various industries including banking, insurance, mutual funds, and pension funds among others. They use a variety of tools such as financial models, ratio analysis, and comparative analysis to evaluate investment opportunities. Their main goal is to help their clients make informed decisions about where to invest their money in order to maximize returns while minimizing risk.