What is it about and why do you need it?
Fundamental is defined as essential or primary data and that's exactly what this report provides; financial information on a company's performance, position and cash flows over the last 3 years, including half year data. This information, extracted from reported financial statements, is the building blocks for any analysis undertaken by investment professionals.
Where do you start?
Perhaps you have read a share tip or an article in the weekend papers on a particular company; but you don't really know much about them. Then this report is the place to start. The report's front page is a snapshot of the company and gives all the important facts and figures on one page. This includes key ratios, a share price chart (updated weekly) and background on company - explaining what it actually does.
In the next section key financial ratios are set out in detail with helpful explanations to understand what the figures mean.
Consensus estimates are set out on the next page detailing what the analysts recommend (buy, sell, hold etc). These are shown together with previous predictions over the last quarter so you can see how information about the company has changed analysts' opinions. Many factors can change recommendations including the markets the company operates in, changes to the economic environment to name a few.
In addition this page provides estimates for sales, profits, dividends per share and other pertinent data for the company. Investors can also gain insight on historical earnings surprises and consensus estimates trends, as well as a summary of current estimate revisions.
On to the P&L
Next comes the detailed fundamental information, profit & loss accounts for the last three years together with balance sheets and cash flow statements with charts to demonstrate key trends.
Interim accounts, prepared by the company every six months are also provided where available.
The last page of the report gives some more information on the company including its internet address, details of directors and its head office.
The report only costs £10 and is updated weekly so the information will always be current.
This information is provided by Reuters
