Library Resources for
FI 506 (Carroll)
Download the class handout (Word document)
Research Hints | Financial data | Analyst reports
Articles | Bloomberg data
Pick a more recent merger to analyze. For example, you'll have trouble finding information if you pick a merger from 1978.
It will be more difficult finding information on the merged company (the company that no longer exists). In the example below, there will be more information on Clear Channel Communications (which still exists) than Ackerly Group, Inc. (which was acquired by Clear Channel in 2001/02 and ceased to exist).
To brainstorm on possible mergers to analyze, use Bloomberg (two workstations located on south end of reference area on first floor of Bruno Library).
Finding merger data in Bloomberg:
- On the Bloomberg command line, type MA then hit the green <GO> key.
- Choose number 1 by typing 1 <GO>.
- Type in the company name.
Example: Clear Channel Communications (ticker symbol CCU)
It's easiest to pick a merger where Clear Channel completely acquires a public traded company, such as when they acquired Ackerly Group, Inc. (AK), SFX Entertainment (SFX), or AMFM, Inc. (AFM).
Our choice: Clear Channel Communications, Inc. & Ackerly Group Inc.
Database: LIVEDGAR
Database with on-campus and remote access
Merger agreement is usually filed as a Form 8-K.
Example: An 8-K describing the merger was filed on 10/09/2001 by both Clear Channel and Ackerly.
Database: Hoover's Online
Database with on-campus and remote access
Search for your company to see a fact sheet. Look for the blue menu on the left side of the screen and click SEC Filings.
Database: Mergent Online
Database available only in the Bruno Library
Search for your company, then use the "Company Financials" tab to get data and analysis. Presentation of company financials is flexible;
balance sheet format may make it difficult to tell assets from liabilities & equity. You can download financials to a spreadsheet, but you
will need to bring your own Flash drive. Use the "EDGAR" tab to view the complete text of SEC filings; use the "Annual Reports" tab to
view a pdf version of the company's annual report to shareholders.
Web: EdgarScan
http://edgarscan.pwcglobal.com/servlets/edgarscan
Once you load the company, click "Excel spreadsheet" to download.
Web: Company websites
The company website may also provide recent annual reports or SEC filings. Look for a section of the website called "Investor Relations" or
"About the Company."
Database: Investext
Database available only on campus
Includes industry research reports from investment banks and trade associations. Search by company and limit by date. Look for reports around the date of the merger.
Database: Wall Street Journal
Database with on-campus and remote access
This database provides full-text access to the Wall Street Journal. Search for articles by company name.
Database: ABI/Inform
Database with on-campus and remote access
Search by company name.
Database: Business Source Premier
Database with on-campus and remote access
Search by company name.
Database: Factiva
Database available only in Bruno Library
Most advanced.
Finding merger & acquisitions activity in Bloomberg:
- On the Bloomberg command line, type MA then hit the green <GO> key.
- Choose number 1 by typing 1 <GO>.
- Type in the company name.
Finding information on a company:
- On the Bloomberg command line, type the ticker symbol of the company, then hit the yellow Equity key (F8), then the green Go key, like this:
CCU <Equity F8> <GO>
(CCU is the ticker symbol of our example company, Clear Channel Communications.) - When you are at a screen for your company, compare the company's stock performance to a stock index by typing COMP <GO>
Other commands are available for more data. To find the command, type the name of the data and hit the green Help key (F1), like this:
Credit rating <Help>
Here are some other commands to use in Bloomberg.
Credit profile of the company (substitute your company's ticker symbol for CCU): CCU <Equity F8>
CRPR <GO>
Company Credit Rating Revisions: RATC <GO>
Description of the company: CCU <Equity F8> <GO>, then choose
number 2 from the menu
Analysis for numerous industry sectors: IBQ <GO>
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