Capital IQ - Basic Functionality and Navigation - Getting Started

Nov 1, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Tutorial on navigating and using S&P Global’s Capital IQ, focusing on the software’s core functionality and the key information needed to support financial modeling. Explains what Capital IQ is, how students can access it locally or remotely, and how to use navigation elements like the top search bar and clickable links. Covers the main tabs—Companies, Research, Markets, and Screening—and shows how to gather company data for tasks such as DCF modeling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

What is Capital IQ?

How to Access Capital IQ

Navigation

Companies

Research

Markets

Screening

Using Capital IQ for Financial Information (DCF)

Capital IQ: Getting Started Basic Navigation and Functionality Created by: Ben Stegeman ‘21 In this tutorial, we will be exploring how to navigate and use the basic functions of S&P Global’s Capital IQ , as well as go over the key information needed for building a financial model. What is Capital IQ? Capital IQ (CIQ) is a financial research software used by many financial professionals, but more specifically Equity Researchers and Investment Bankers. This software compiles data of public and private companies, commodities, investment funds, economic indicators, and much more in an easy to use and straightforward layout. Additionally, CIQ includes features such as company and transaction screeners, stock price and yield curve charting, and compatibility with Microsoft Excel. This software is excellent for those looking to perform detailed industry and company research such as DCF and Comparable analysis. How to Access Capital IQ As Babson students, we have access to CIQ through a variety of sources. The easiest method is to use the computer stations located in the Cutler Center, which has 42 workstations pre-loaded with industry leading financial software , including CIQ. The other method that gives students remote access is by the following the below link, and clicking the “Capital IQ” link under “GETTING STARTED” section. [https://l](https://l)[ibguides.babson.edu/capitaliq](ibguides.babson.edu/capitaliq) Navigation Once in CIQ , you will see a simple layout with a search bar at the very top by the logo which can be used to search companies, people, funds, and more. Located directly underneath the search is a navigation bar which holds all the functions that CIQ can do , which will be explained later. Also, when navigating through the various pages there are many clickable links, which are generally denoted by blue text , and/or underlining when being moused over. These links are useful for learning more about what is being said, or displays calculations CIQ performs. We will now explore the basic uses of each tab. Companies To use the “Companies” tab you will first need to type in a company or ticker into the top search bar. In this case, I used “AAPL” for Apple Inc. On this page we will see general information about the company, called a “tearsheet ,” including: a business description, which describes the main sources of revenue and operations of the business, company headquarters, and, once you scroll down, a current overview of market data and financials. If you look to the far left side of the page, you will see links to access more detailed qualitative and quantitative company specific information. This includes the three financial statements, Equity Researcher estimates, and stock price charting to name a few. If certain sections aren’t showing, make sure that the little box next to the main header displays a “minus” to expand all the sections. Finally, if you look at the top of the tearsheet below the name of the company you will find links to the company’s most recent annual reports, as well as options to export and customize the tearsheet. Research In the research tab you will find a search bar along with other text boxes and a list of research reports below. In this tab, you have access to all company reports and analyst reseach , which you can search for by using the “Search Criteria” box. By searching you can display specific reports on a company, or reports done by specific analysts, as well as see events like earnings calls and macroeconomic factors. This is useful to see how market sentimement has changed for a company. Markets In the Markets tab, you will find Year to Date (YTD) overviews on the overall equity market, equity sectors, bonds, and commodities. This is useful if you want to get a quick understanding of how the markets are performing. If you want to learn more about each section, click the blue underlined words to navigate to more information on the topic.

FAQs

What is Capital IQ used for, and who typically uses it?

Capital IQ is a financial research software used by many financial professionals, especially equity researchers and investment bankers. It compiles data on public and private companies, commodities, investment funds, and economic indicators.

How can students access Capital IQ through Babson?

Students can use the computer stations in the Cutler Center, which have Capital IQ pre-loaded. They can also access it remotely by using the provided link and clicking the “Capital IQ” link under the “GETTING STARTED” section.

What are the main functions of the Companies, Research, Markets, and Screening tabs?

The Companies tab provides company “tearsheets” and related details like financial statements and charts. The Research tab helps search for company reports and analyst research. The Markets tab gives YTD overviews for equity markets, sectors, bonds, and commodities. The Screening tab lets users filter equities using predetermined criteria.

Nov 1, 2026

Uploaded by Jake