Fundamental Analysis For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 4

Getting Your Hands on Fundamental Data

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding what information companies must provide to investors

Getting a grasp on some basic accounting and math for fundamental analysis

Discovering how to access fundamental data right when they are released by companies

Getting familiar with databases that allow you to access financial information

By now, your financial calculator or spreadsheet is probably fired up and ready to start crunching down fundamental data. There’s just one little problem: You need to get the data first.

Here’s the good news. Getting your hands on financial data has never been easier, so there’s never been a better time to be a fundamental analyst. You’re able to get data faster, at less cost, and with less technical expertise than ever before. The ability to obtain financial data almost immediately from companies — and for free - allows fundamental analysts to closely monitor how a company is doing.

This chapter will show you what types of fundamental data companies provide to investors, what form they come in, and when you can expect to get them. You’ll also get a quick refresher on accounting basics you’ll need in order to understand what’s contained in the reports when they land. Finally, this chapter will show you how to obtain financial data, including a detailed look at the treasure trove of fundamental data provided by the nation’s top financial cop, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.

Getting In Sync with the ...