So I’ve been at my new job (big 4 valuation) for about a month now, things are going well. I’m still pushing very hard to learn new stuff and skills. I was assigned a CapIQ login a few weeks ago and would like to learn more about it. So far I have:
Installed the Excel add-in, downloaded all the sample templates and gone through them, looked at all the pre-made screens, clicked on all the stuff on the columns on top, and on the side, downloaded various tearsheets and financials.
Incredible amount of information.
The only reason I’ve seen people use it here are to load historical financial data into pre-made templates. Say if I want to analyze a company to invest in or build a complex model, like a merger model or LBO… Do firms who build those models start with some type of template? Do they download the data straight from the website?
How much is screening used? What about charts?
I’ve been using morningstar, which has more than enough data for my purposes but I figure since lots of companies use CapIQ, it would be best to learn some tips and listen to any advice ya’ll O.G.s have to offer.
By the way looking at your queries (not regarding CaplIQ) I think this site may be of some help, some of their downloadable models are good learning tools and give you some good ideas about how to tackle the template issue. Even otherwise it may serve as a good resource for interactive spreadsheets.
I’ve used it extensively, probably over 2,000 hours of direct use over the last 18 months since I got it. I think it’s far better than Bberg or Factset.
I use the screening a lot – it’s good for linear stuff but breaks down on very complex queries. Still good though.
The charting platform is a bit clunky but has good access to old charts of defunct stocks, which is valuable.
CapIQ has a bunch of models that you can download. You can also email the modeling team and have them build you custom templates. I have some seriously intensive custom templates that I built, one took roughly 400 hours of work between myself and the modeling team to put together. Highly recommend their team if you need something specific built, they can usually do it in roughly a week.
Attaboy little cubby! You’re on your way to do great things! I got nothing for you here, but keep on working hard, learning all you can, and improving your skills. Make us proud!
mygos, which website are you referring to? I might have missed it but I didn’t see a link.
bromion, thanks for sharing your experience, never knew they could do that for me. I’ll definately will be having a word or two with their modeling team once I get my head around everything that is available to me.
CFAvsMBA and Vandelay Industries, I’m very grateful for the positive posts, thanks!
i got access to it, but i dont use it for modeling. for a person who’s used it for a couple years, i’m pretty sure i am newb. but here is my 2 cents. i really juss get it to get sell side reports. access transcripts. and pull up a few metrics we need. i like how you can see where they pull it out from the 10-k when you highlight the numbers and shows you the formula they used. but overall if i need a model. i juss download morgan stanley’s. btw for the most part their estimates are guidance.