The stock market has been a dependable source of wealth for many people over the years. If you make the right decisions you can end up with plenty of gains and profit from the stock market. However, you will need to have a complete understanding of the specific stocks you are looking to invest in, and you will have to have an understanding of the macroeconomic and microeconomic factors affecting the values of these stocks. The following are tips on how to conduct comprehensive research on stocks.
Gather important research materials
When taking a particular stock into consideration for investment you will first need to perform quantitative research. This means gathering the important financial documents the company is required to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These documents will include Form 10-K which is an audited annual report detailing the company’s balance sheet, cash flow, revenues, expenses, and sources of income. This will also include Form 10-Q which is a quarterly report on financial results and operations.
Qualitative research
In contrast to quantitative research which is based on objective metrics which can be easily measured, qualitative research involves looking at the more subjective qualities of the company you are looking to invest in. Take a look at exactly how the company earns money and make sure you understand the logistics of the revenue model. See if the company has any competitive advantages over others in the same space.
Another important aspect to take into consideration is the management team. You may be able to learn about the company’s corporate leaders by reading the transcripts of the company’s conference calls and annual reports. Also, be sure to research the background of the management team as much as possible.
Next, identify the risk factors which could derail the company’s business model. This could mean changing macroeconomic factors or even government regulatory actions. Perhaps there is a risk of a competitor being able to innovate and disrupt the market in some way.
Look at the big picture
Now that you have gathered all of the necessary research materials and have analyzed the company from a quantitative and qualitative perspective it will be time for you to take a step back and look at the company within a broader context. Look at the historical data of the stock and see how this business model stacks up against various types of economic environments. Although past performance does not guarantee future results, what it does do is provide you with clues as to potential future outcomes for the company.
Obtain professional advice
All of this, as you can see, is plenty of work. Many people do not have the time or patience to do this type of research on their own. Please call us and we can help decide which stocks best fit into your portfolio.