Copyright: 1994 © McGraw-Hill Inc.


Contents
S&P PC Plus Help

How to use S&P PC Plus	More About. . .

	Data Definitions Databases
	Formulas Functions
	On-line Spreadsheets
	Using PC Plus data in other applications Sample Applications
	Quick Tips


A brief tour of On-line Help

Take a few minutes to get acquainted with the Help Menu, learn how Help is organized, and discover some tips and short-cuts to make your tasks easier.  This topic discusses:

•	Help menu options

•	S&P PC Plus Help

Help menu options

Search	Searches for a topic you specify
S&P PC Plus Help	Provides a brief overview and step-by-step instructions of each PC Plus operation; additional information is provided in the next section, S&P PC Plus Help
Data Definitions	Displays item and concept definitions
Reference	Provides you with lists of • Aggregates • Geographic Codes • Indexes • Economic and Industry Sector Codes • SIC Codes
Other S&P Products	Tells you about other S&P financial databases and textual products
Windows Help	Accesses Microsoft Windows Help
About	Displays version and copyright information for PC Plus
S&P PC Plus Help

You are accessing S&P PC Plus Help right now, which consists of topics that relate to PC Plus software applications.  Descriptions on the type of help you'll find when you click on a button or topic is provided below:

	Information about how Help is structured and how to use the On-line help
	A description of each Menu Bar command
	A description of the Toolbar icons
	Phone numbers, Fax numbers, and hours

PC Plus Help also guides you through specific tasks such as creating and running reports, and screens, defining sets, and displaying data in charts.  Click on side bar buttons from PC Plus Help for specific software applications:

	Company step-by-step instructions
	Report step-by-step instructions
	Screen step-by-step instructions
	Set step-by-step instructions
	Chart step-by-step instructions

More About. . . provides you with information on the following:

Data Definitions	Instructions for looking up a data definition
Databases	Descriptions of data available in the selected database
Formulas	Instructions on how to build formulas for screens, reports, spreadsheets, and concepts
Functions	Complete list of available functions with examples for each
On-line	Updates daily market data for On-line subscribers
Spreadsheets	Instructions for using PC Plus spreadsheets and also how to create your own using DDE functions
Using PC Plus data in other applications	Instructions for using S&P Universal Look Up List to include PC Plus data in applications that support Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
Sample Applications	Shows you actual reports and screens created in PC Plus
Quick Tips	Contains a list of Quick Keys and other information for using PC Plus more effectively


What is the Menu Bar?

This list shows the nine different command menus available on the Menu Bar.  Each of the menus contains additional commands you'll use during a PC Plus session.

Choose from the following command menus for further specific information.

File Menu

Edit Menu

Formula Menu

Format Menu

Tools Menu

Databases Menu

Options Menu

Window Menu

Help Menu


File Menu

The following commands are accessed from the File drop-down menu:

Command	Description
New	Creates a new report, screen, or set
Open	Opens an existing report, screen, or set
Run	Produces a screen or report
Close	Closes an active report, screen, or set
Builder	Accesses Report, Set, or Chart Builder
Import	Imports a set of companies or data from an ASCII file to PC Plus
Save	Saves a new or modified report, screen, or set, and exports table report results
Save As	Saves a new or modified report, screen, or set.  Use this command to create another version of an existing file.  Also use for saving a file in a different directory or drive
Delete	Removes from disk, a report, screen, set, spreadsheet, or other file
Options	Attaches a note to a report, screen, or set and provides for optional assignment of password for file protection/access
Print	Prints an active report
Print Setup	Defines printing parameters supported by your printer
Exit	Ends your PC Plus session


New Command - File Menu

Creates a new report, screen, or set.  Each of these are discussed below:

Report

A report allows you to display and print data.  To display data for a single company or a few companies, create a free-form report; to display data for a set of companies, create a table report.  Report files have an .rpt extension.  For more information, see Creating a free-form report or Creating a table report.

Screen

A screen allows you to narrow a population of companies to a smaller set of companies based on criteria you specify.   Screen files have a .scn extension.  For more information, see Screen Overview.

Set

A set is a group of companies defined with a unique set name.  Set files have a .set extension.  For more information, see Set Overview.

Quick Keys:	New File Tool
Ctrl+N


Set Type

When you create a new set or import a set from an ASCII file, you can specify the type of set you want.  For example, you can direct PC Plus to transform the set of companies into a set of respective business segments, geographic segments, or issues for each company in your list.

When you create a set, all members of the set must be the same type.  For example, a business segment set is limited to business segments only.  Select from the following set types:

•	Company

•	Issue

•	Business Segments

•	Geographic Areas


Segment, Geographic, and Issue Lists for a company

PC Plus makes it easy for you to create a set of company segments or issues.  Whether you create a set in PC Plus or import a set from an ASCII file, you must first specify the set type you are creating.  Then PC Plus displays a dialog box listing Business Segments, Geographic Segments, or Issues for a company.

You'll only see this dialog box when there are multiple segments or issues for a company.  Otherwise, PC Plus automatically adds the single segment or issue to your set.

Select the business segment, geographic segment, or issue for your company that you want in your set.  You may select only one segment or issue from this dialog box.

Key

Sequentially displays company identifiers for each company in your set.  This field is not editable.

Name

Displays the company name.

OK

Adds the selected segment or issue to your set and proceeds to the next company.

Skip

Disregards the company displayed and proceeds to the next company in your set.  This command button is only available when you import sets.

Abort or Cancel

The Abort command button is only available when you import a set.  It terminates the import.  A dialog box is displayed with a message confirming the abort.  You must then click on OK to return to your previous operation.

The Cancel command button is only available when you create a new set in PC Plus.  It closes the dialog box and returns to your previous operation.

Desc

This command button is only active for Geographic Segments.  It displays the geographic area that corresponds to the selected Geographic Segment Code.


Set Formula

When you run a report, PC Plus displays the Set Formula dialog box, prompting you for companies and sets for which you want the report generated.

Type the company ticker, or tickers separated by commas ( , ) in the Companies box, or type a set name in the Sets box.

If you are unsure of a company ticker or set, click on Look Up to view an alphabetical list of companies, or click on Set File to view available saved sets.

You can also use the @SET function, or enclose a list of tickers in braces ( { } ), separated by commas ( , ) in the Sets box.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.


Open Command - File Menu

Opens an existing report, screen, or set.  You can have more than one file open at a time.

•	If the file you want to open was assigned a password when it was saved, you will be asked to enter the password before you can open the file.

•	If you are unable to locate the file you want to open in the current drive and directory, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

•	If you want to open a report or screen and run it, then activate the Run option before you click on OK.

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to open, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Lists the available file formats, such as Report Files (*.rpt).  When you select a specific file format, those file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Description

Explanatory note entered when the file was saved.

Run

Produces screen or report results for the selected file.

Quick Keys:	Open File Tool
Ctrl+O


Quick File Open

The Quick File Open dialog box is displayed when you click on Report, Screen, or Set and when you initiate an On-line update by selecting the On-line command from the Databases menu.

For Report, Screen, or Set. . .

From this dialog box you can open and view, modify, or run reports, screens, and sets.  You can also access the Builder tool for creating and displaying reports, sets, and charts.

For On-line Updating. . .

From this dialog box you can open an Item Group file to update market data.  You can also view or modify the specific items contained in the Item Group file, or create a new one.

•	If you're unable to locate the file you want to open in the current drive and directory, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

•	If the report, screen, or set you want to open was assigned a password when it was saved, you'll be asked to enter the password before you can open the file.

•	If you want to open a report or screen and run it, then activate the Run option before you click on OK.

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to open, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Lists the available file formats, such as Report Files (*.rpt).  When you select a specific file format, those file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Description

Explanatory note entered when the file was saved.  Descriptions are not available for Item Group files.

New

Creates a new report, screen, set, or item group.

Builder

Accesses Report, Set, or Chart Builder.  This selection is unavailable when you initiate an On-line update.

Save Path

Changes the default path for retrieving sets, reports, and screens.  Use the Drives and Directories list boxes to change the default path.

Run

Produces screen or report results for the selected file.  This command button is not displayed when you update On-line data.


Run Command - File Menu

Evaluates an open report or screen and displays the results.

•	To run a screen, first select the row or rows you want evaluated.  For more information, see Running a screen.

•	If you want to run a report, you'll see a dialog box where you specify the company, set, and time period you want evaluated for your report.  For more information, see Running, printing, and exporting a report.

Quick Keys:	Run File Tool

See also:	Open Command - File Menu


Run Command (Report)

When you run a report, a Run Report dialog box is displayed where you enter the companies, sets, and time period for which you want the report evaluate.  These choices are described below:

Companies

Enter the company ticker or GVKEY or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company or companies and paste into the Company box.  If you enter more than one ticker or GVKEY, separate them by commas.

Sets

Enter a saved set or set formula, or use the Look Up button or the Set File button to search for sets and paste into the Sets box.  The Look Up button displays a list of all current sets in addition to saved sets.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.  The Set File button opens a dialog box where you can search for only saved sets.

Time Period

Specify either Current Period to evaluate the most current data available, or Select Period to specify a time period.

Current Period is the default time period.  When you run a report for the current period, the most recent data is evaluated automatically.

Select Period allows you to specify the time period for which you want your report evaluated.  With Select Period, the dialog box expands where you must specify either an Absolute, Calendar, or Relative time period.  Then select specific time periods from the drop-down lists.  Use the Accept button to register each of your selected time periods.

For more information, see Understanding time periods

Align to Co

This button is available for use with Select Period.  Use this button when you run a report for more than one company and want data aligned to the same time period based on a specific company.  Align to Co defines the time period for all companies evaluated in your report based on a specific company.  For example, you can display quarterly data for the same time period for a set of companies with different fiscal quarters.

When you select Align to Co a dialog box is displayed where you enter the company ticker or GVKEY for purposes of aligning data.  For more information, see Align report data for a set of companies

Accept

You must click on this button to register specified Relative or Absolute time periods.

Look Up

Use this command button to search for companies and sets for which you want to evaluate your report.

Set File

Use this command button to access a dialog box where you can search for saved set files.  If you are unable to located your set in the list, change to a different drive and/or directory where it is located.

Print report

Select this option to run and print the report.


Align report data for a set of companies

If you are running a report for more than one company and want to automatically align data to the same time period based on a specific company, click on Align to Co. within the Run Report dialog box.  This feature only works for data referenced with relative time periods.  Formulas in your report that include an absolute time period reference, such as SALE[Y93] will not be effected when you use Align to Co.

Within the Run Report dialog box, click on Align to Co.  You'll see a dialog box where you specify the company for defining the time period for all companies in your report.

Entity

Enter the company ticker for defining the time period to which data will be aligned.

Base On

Select the periodicity for the data type you want to align.  For example, if you want to specify the quarterly time period (for the company ticker entered in the Entity box) select Quarter.

Then select the specific time period, for which you want the periodicity determined, in the Periods column.  For example, you can select Monthly in the Periods column to specify quarterly periodicity aligned by months of the year.

Periods

Select the specific time period for which you want periodicity determined.  For example, to align quarterly data to months of the year, select Monthly.

You can also specify a relative time period for your selection using the arrows (spin buttons) to the right of the Periods column.

Accept

You must click on this button to register your entries typed or selected in this dialog box.

Clear

Removes entries typed or selected in this dialog box.

Look Up

Displays the Look Up list for viewing a list of companies, items and concepts, and other information.


Close Command - File Menu

Closes the open file and all of its view windows.  If you have made any changes to the file, you will be asked if you want to save the changes.


Builder Command - File Menu

Accesses the following PC Plus Builders:

•	Report Builder for creating your own table or free-form reports

•	Set Builder for creating a set from a list of companies or using Set Functions

•	Chart Builder for displaying data graphically in Excel or Lotus 1-2-3

PC Plus assists you step-by-step in creating a report, set, or chart.

Quick Keys:	Builder File Tool

See also:	Using Report Builder
Using Set Builder
Using Chart Builder


Report Builder

Report Builder assists you in creating a new report.  It walks you through the steps to select the report presentation, and then choose data and time periods for your report.

The first step in Report Builder is to select your report.

Report Types

Select from the four available report presentations.

Standard	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time.  Many of PC Plus reports use this presentation, such as the 5-year Income Statement.
Time Series/ Trend Analysis	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a large period of time.  Time periods are displayed in the first column and data is displayed in subsequent columns.
Table	This presentation is useful for quick, comparative studies to view data for a large group of companies.
Comparative Report	This presentation is useful for displaying data for more than one company (up to 255 companies) in your report.
Next

Proceeds to the next step, selecting data for your report.


Selecting data in Report Builder

When you use Report Builder, the second step is to choose the data for your report.

Data Category

Displays a list of data categories.

Data Item

Displays a list of items (and concepts) specific to a particular category.  Double-click on an item in the list, or select it and click on Add to display it in your report.

Add

Adds the selected item (or concept) to the Selected Formulas list.

Remove

Removes the selected item (or concept) from the Selected Formulas list.

Remove All

Removes all items (and concepts) from the Selected Formulas list.

Selected Formulas

Lists items (and concepts) for your report.

Definition

Displays an item (or concept) definition.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.


Selecting time periods in Report Builder

When you use Report Builder, the third step is to select the time period for your report.  For example, you can select a five year time period beginning at a certain date.

If you have selected data that corresponds to different time periods, such as monthly close price and annual sales, you will be asked to select your time period preference.

Back

Returns to the second step in Report Builder.

Build Report

Creates your new report.


Set Builder

Set Builder assists you in creating new sets, adding or deleting companies from a set, and combining existing sets using set operators.  You can create a set from a list of companies or enter a set formula.  Once you have created a set, PC Plus is directed in your session to the set of companies until you change it.

Companies

Enter the company ticker or GVKEY or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company or companies and paste into the Company box.  If you enter more than one ticker or GVKEY, separate them by commas.

Sets

Enter a saved set or set formula, or use the Look Up button or the Set File button to search for sets and paste into the Sets box.  The Look Up button displays a list of all current sets in addition to saved sets.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.  The Set File button opens a dialog box where you can search for only saved sets.

Set Type

To create a set from a list of companies, first specify the set type.  When you create a set, you are limited to set members of the same type.  For example, a business segment set is limited to business segments only.  For more information, see Business and Geographic Segments and Issues.

Look Up

Displays a list of companies or saved and current sets.

Set File

Displays a list of saved sets.


Chart Builder

When you access Chart Builder, you'll see a dialog box where you enter the company ticker, and then select the time periods and data you want to display in a chart.

Chart Builder also allows you to create a custom chart.  When you create a custom chart, you choose the type of chart you want to display, and then select the data, time period, and companies.

Ticker and Compare Ticker

Enter the company ticker or GVKEY or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company and paste into the Ticker and Compare Ticker box.

•	If you only want to display one company in your chart, leave the Compare Ticker box blank.

•	If you want to display data for more than two companies in the same chart, then click on Create Custom Chart.

Time Reference

Select the time period you want displayed in your chart, Annual, Quarterly, Monthly, or Daily and then enter the number of time periods.

The maximum number of time periods for the database is automatically displayed.  If data history for a company is not available for the selected time period, then the graph will be blank for that time period.

Categories

Displays a list of data categories.

Items

Displays a list of available items (or concepts) specific for a particular category.  You'll notice the available items also changes depending on the Time Reference you select.

Create Custom Chart

Allows you to create a custom chart.  When you click on this button, you'll see a series of dialog boxes where you choose a chart presentation, and then select the data, time period, and companies.

Cancel

Closes Chart Builder and returns to the last operation.

Build Chart

Displays selected data in an Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 chart.


Custom Chart Builder

Chart Builder automatically displays a single data item for up to two companies in a chart.  If you want to display more than one data item or more than two companies in a chart, Chart Builder allows you to create a custom chart.

Use the Custom Chart Builder when you want to display:

•	more than two companies in a chart

•	multiple data items in a chart

When you create a custom chart, the first step is to choose your chart presentation.  The available presentations are described below:

Company Trend	Comparative	Comparative Trend
Single company	Up to seven companies	Up to seven companies
Up to seven data items	Up to seven data items	Single data item
Over time	Single time period	Over time
Chart Types

Select from the three available chart presentations.

Back

Returns to Chart Builder.

Cancel

Closes the dialog box and returns to your previous operation.

Next

Proceeds to the next step, selecting data for your chart.


Selecting data for a custom chart

When you use Chart Builder to create a custom chart, you'll see a series of dialog boxes where you select your chart presentation and then select data items, time period, and companies.

After you choose the chart presentation, you'll see a dialog box to select the data you want to display.

Data Category

Displays a list of available categories.

Data Item

Displays a list of items (and concepts) specific to a particular category.  Double-click on an item in the list, or select it and click on Add to display it in your chart.

Add

Adds the selected item (or concept) to the Selected Formulas list.

Remove

Removes the selected item (or concept) from the Selected Formulas list.

Selected Formulas

Lists items (and concepts) for your report.

Definition

Displays an item (or concept) definition.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.

Back

Returns to the previous dialog box for choosing a chart presentation.

Cancel

Exits Chart Builder and returns to your previous operation.

Next

Proceeds to the next step in creating a custom chart.


Selecting time periods for a custom chart

When you use Chart Builder to create a custom chart, you'll see a series of dialog boxes where you choose the chart presentation, and then select the data items, time period, and companies.

If you've selected a Company Trend or Comparative Trend chart, you'll see a dialog box for selecting the time period.

Time Periods

If you have selected data that corresponds to different time periods, select your time period preference.  For example, if you have monthly close price and quarterly earnings per share in your chart, select either monthly or quarterly periodicity.  Chart Builder will automatically align data for the time period you select.

Beginning and Ending Period

Use the arrow keys to specify the beginning and ending time periods.

Selected Items

Displays the number of items for each periodicity you have selected for your chart.

Back

Returns to the second step in creating a custom chart.

Cancel

Exits Chart Builder.

Next

Proceeds to the last step in creating a custom chart.


Selecting companies for a custom chart

When you use Chart Builder to create a custom chart, you'll see a series of dialog boxes where you choose the chart presentation, and then select the data items, time period, and companies.

Ticker or Ticker(s)

Enter a company ticker or GVKEY, or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company and paste into the Ticker or Ticker(s) box.

Look Up

Displays a list of companies.

Back

Returns to the previous step in creating a custom chart.

Cancel

Exits Chart Builder and returns to the last operation.

Build Chart

Displays selected data in an Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 chart.


 Import Command - File Menu

Use this command to import a set of companies or data from an ASCII file to PC Plus.  PC Plus version 3.1 provides you with limited data import capabilities, allowing you to import sector data from your CD to PC Plus.

•	You can import a list of company tickers, GVKEYs, or CUSIPs from an ASCII file to a PC Plus set.  The appropriate identifier mnemonic, such as TIC (ticker), GVKEY, or CUSIP must appear at the top of the list of your set, in either a text (.txt) or comma separated values (.csv) file.

•	You can transfer sector data for the items Economic Sector Code (ECNSEC) and Industry Sector Code (SECTOR) from your CD for use in PC Plus.  Sector data is provided in the SECTOR.CSV file on your CD in the WK1 subdirectory

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to open, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Displays the available file formats, *.txt (Text) and *.csv (Comma Separated Values).  By default both file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Import

After you have entered the file you want to import in the File Name box and selected either the Data or Set Import option, this button proceeds with the set or data import.

Cancel

Exits Import and returns to your last operation.

Text Options

Displays a dialog box where you can select your text options for importing data.  For more information, see Text Options for importing and exporting data

Import Data or Set

Select either Data for importing sector data, or Set for transferring a list of companies to a PC Plus set.


Save Command - File Menu

Saves a new file or changes made to an active file.

•	If you are saving a new file, you'll see a dialog box.  Type a name in the File Name box.

•	You can also use this command to export table report results.  For more information, see Running, printing, and exporting a report.

•	To save a file in a drive or directory other than the default, select the appropriate drive and directory.

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to open, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Lists the available file formats, such as Report Files (*.rpt).  When you select a specific file format, those file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Read Only

When you save a set, report, or screen with this button selected, it can still be opened, modified, or run.  However the file cannot be saved using the same name with subsequent modifications.

Options

Attaches a note or password to your file.

Text Options

Displays Text Export Options dialog box for selecting column delimiters for exporting your table report results.

Quick Keys:	Save File Tool
Ctrl+S


Save As Command - File Menu

Saves a new file or changes made to an active file.

•	Use this command to create another version of an existing file.  When you use this command to save an existing file, the original name will appear in the File Name box.  Type a new name to create another version, leaving the original file intact.

•	You can also use this command to export table report results.  For more information, see Running, printing, and exporting a report.

•	To save a file in a drive or directory other than the default, select the appropriate drive and directory.

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to open, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Lists the available file formats, such as Report Files (*.rpt).  When you select a specific file format, those file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Read Only

When you save a set, report, or screen with this button selected, it can still be opened, modified, or run.  However the file cannot be saved using the same name with subsequent modifications.

Options

Attaches a note or password to your file.

Text Options

Displays Text Options dialog box for selecting column delimiters for exporting your table report results.

Quick Keys:	Ctrl+S


Text Options for importing and exporting data

This dialog box is displayed when you select the Text Options command button from either the Import or Save File dialog boxes.

You can select column delimiters for

•	exporting your table report results

•	importing data

The column delimiter you use depends on the software to/from which you want to export/import.  For more information about the specific column delimiters required by your software program, refer to your specific software manual.

Column Delimiter

Tab	to delimit columns with tabs
Comma	to delimit columns with commas
Space	to delimit columns with spaces
Semicolon	to delimit columns with semicolons
Custom	to specify a custom character for column delimiters
Use Quotes	to enclose text with quotes
Use Labels	to include labels at the top of each column; this option is only available for exporting table report results
Cancel

Exits Text Options dialog box and returns to your last operation.


Delete Command - File Menu

Erases a report, screen, set, or spreadsheet from a disk.  Once the file is deleted, it cannot be recovered!

File Name

Displays the default file extension, and a list of specified file types in the current directory.  Type the name of the file you want to delete, or select it from the list.

List Files of Type

Lists the available file formats, such as Report Files (*.rpt).  When you select a specific file format, those file types are listed in the File Name list box.

Directories

Lists the current directory and any subdirectories.

Drives

Lists the available drives.  To change to a different drive, select from available drives in the Drives list.

Description

Explanatory note entered when the file was saved.


Options Command - File Menu

Attaches a note or password to your report, screen, or set.

Description

Enter an explanatory note for your specific needs.

Document Note

Annotation to further explain the report, screen, or set file.

Password

User-defined text to limit access to report, screen, or set file.

Prompt for Companies

Directs PC Plus to automatically prompt for a company when you run the report.  This option is not available when using defined sets, within certain defined reports, and when building a report using the Comparative Report presentation.


Print Command - File Menu

Use this command to print the report displayed in the Report View Window.  This command is available only if you have just run a report.

Printer

Displays the selected printer to which you are currently linked.  To change to another printer, use the Printer Setup button.

Print Range

Select from the following:

All Companies	to print free-form report results for more than one company
Current Company	to print report results displayed in the Report View Window
Pages	to specify only certain pages for a multiple-page report
Print Quality

Make you selection from the list.  The print quality options are determined by your printer.

Setup

Displays the Print Setup dialog box for changing your printer options, such as the specific printer, page orientation, and paper size and source.

Quick Keys:	Print File Tool


Print Setup - File Menu

Use this command to define the printer, page orientation, paper size, and paper source.  You can also define additional options supported by your printer.


Exit - File Menu

Use this command to exit PC Plus and return to the Program Manager.

Quick Keys:	Alt+F4


Edit Menu

The following commands are accessed from the Edit drop-down menu.

Command	Description
Undo	Reverses your last typing or editing action
Cut	Removes a selection (such as data, cell contents, formulas, or text) from its current location and places it onto the clipboard
Copy	Copies a selection (such as data, cell contents, formulas, or text) onto the clipboard
Paste	Pastes the contents of the clipboard into a screen or report
Delete	Deletes a selection from a screen, report, or set.  You remove both the cell and its contents when you use the Delete command
Insert	Inserts a row into a screen or column into a table report
Find	Locates text, a mnemonic, or formula in an active report.  You can also search for special characters such as $, [ ], and @
Find Next	Locates the next occurrence of the criteria you typed in the Find dialog box
Find Previous	Locates the previous occurrence of the criteria you typed in the Find dialog box
Replace	Replaces text, a mnemonic, or formula typed in the Find dialog box with contents you specify in the Replace dialog box
Select All	Selects all files for the specified file type


Undo Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to reverse your last typing or editing action.  For example, the Undo command is useful if you used Cut by mistake and you need to "uncut" your last action.  The Undo command is effective until you initiate another command.

Quick Keys:	Ctrl+Z


Cut Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to remove a selection (such as data, cell contents, formulas, or text) from its current location and place it onto the Clipboard for insertion into another location.  The selection you've cut remains on the Clipboard until you cut or copy something else.  Each time you use the Clipboard, you replace the existing Clipboard contents.

Quick Keys:	Cut Edit Tool
Ctrl+X


Copy Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to place a copy of a selection (such as data, cell contents, formulas, or text) onto the Clipboard for insertion into another location.  The selection you've copied remains on the Clipboard until you copy or cut something else.  Each time you use the Clipboard, you replace the existing Clipboard contents.

Quick Keys:	Copy Edit Tool
Ctrl+C


Paste Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to move or copy a selection from the Clipboard into a new location.  This button is active only if you've cut or copied something onto the Clipboard.

Quick Keys:	Paste Edit Tool
Ctrl+V


Delete Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to delete a selection from a spreadsheet or a report.  You remove both the cell and its contents when you use the Delete command.


Insert Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to insert a row in a screen template or a column in a table report.  This option is available only if you have an open screen or table report on your desktop.


Find Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to locate text, a mnemonic, or a formula.  You can also search for special characters such as $, [ ], and @.

PC Plus begins the search from the current position of the cursor or pointer.  To begin a search from the beginning of the open file, scroll to the top and then select the Find command.

Find What

Enter your text, mnemonic, or formula in this box.  Special characters such as $, [ ], and @ can be included in your text string.

Match Case

Will match only what you entered in the Find What box by specified upper- and lowercase letters.

Quick Keys:	Ctrl+F

See also:	Replace Command - Edit Menu


Find Next Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to locate the next occurrence of the criteria you typed in the Find dialog box.  Once you find the first occurrence, you can search the file for additional occurrences, close the Find box and modify the selection, or type new criteria on which to search.

Quick Keys:	F4


Find Previous Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to return to the previous occurrence of the selection you typed in the Find dialog box.

Quick Keys:	Shift+F4


Replace Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to search the open file for text, a mnemonic, or formula and replace it with something else.

Find What

Enter your text, mnemonic, or formula in this box.  Special characters such as $, [ ], and @ can be included in your text string.

Replace With

Enter your text, mnemonic, or formula that you want to insert in place of the existing text, mnemonic, or formula in the Find What box.  Special characters such as $, [ ], and @ can be included in your text string.

Match Case

Will match only what you entered in the Find What box by specified upper- and lowercase letters.

Quick Keys:	Ctrl+R

See also:	Find Command - Edit Menu


Select All Command - Edit Menu

Use this command to select all files for the file type specified.

Quick Keys:	Ctrl+A


Formula Menu

The following commands are accessed from the Formula drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Paste Function	Inserts the selected function into the formula bar
Paste Item	Inserts the selected item (or concept) mnemonic into the formula bar
Paste Period Reference	Inserts the specified time period into the formula bar
Paste Company	Inserts the selected company ticker or GVKEY into the formula bar
Paste Set	Inserts the selected set into the formula bar
Define Name	Defines a saved formula with a name (mnemonic) for use in future sessions


Paste Function Command - Formula Menu

Use this command to insert functions into a formula.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

When you use this command PC Plus provides you with a list of available functions.  Choose a function from the list and insert it into a formula.  You can narrow the list by selecting a function category.

Category

A list of function categories.  Functions are grouped by the type of data returned or by the calculation performed.

Name

A list of functions specific to a particular Category.  The function syntax is displayed beneath the list boxes.

Paste

Click on Paste to insert the selected function into the formula bar.  Use Paste when you have selected a formula field in a report or screen.

Copy

Click on Copy to insert the selected function in the Clipboard.  Then use the Paste command from the Edit menu to paste the function in a selected formula.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your application.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.

If you want to search on function descriptions rather than names, access PC Plus Help to search for functions by descriptions.

Definition

Displays a definition for the selected function.

Paste Arguments

Directs PC Plus to paste function arguments, along with the function into the formula bar.  Use this feature to assist you in entering function arguments.


Paste Item Command - Formula Menu

Use this command to insert items (and concepts) into a formula.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

When you use this command PC Plus provides you with a list of available items.  Choose an item from the list and insert it into a formula.  You can narrow the list by selecting an item category.

Category

A list of item (and concept) categories.

Name

A list of items (and concepts) specific to a particular Category.  The item mnemonic is displayed beneath the list boxes.

Paste

Click on Paste to insert the selected item (or concept) into the formula bar.  Use Paste when you have selected a formula field in a report or screen.

Copy

Click on Copy to insert the selected item (or concept) in the Clipboard.  Then use the Paste command from the Edit menu to paste the item in a selected formula.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your application.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.

Definition

Displays a definition for the selected item (or concept).


Paste Period Reference - Formula Menu

Use this command to insert a time period into a formula.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.


Paste Company Command - Formula Menu

Use this command to insert a company into a formula.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Category

A list of available company categories.  By default, $C Active is chosen for you.

Name

A list of companies specific to a particular Category.

Paste

Click on Paste to insert the selected company into the formula bar.  Use Paste when you have selected a formula field in a report or screen.

Copy

Click on Copy to insert the selected company in the Clipboard.  Then use the Paste command from the Edit menu to paste the company in a selected formula.

Segment

Displays a dialog box from which you can select the respective Business Segment, Geographic Segment, or Issue for a company.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your application.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.


Paste Set Command - Formula Menu

Use this command to insert a set into a formula.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Category

The only set category is All.

Name

A list of sets beginning with PC Plus sets.

Paste

Click on Paste to insert the selected set into the formula bar.  Use Paste when you have selected a formula field in a report or screen.

Copy

Click on Copy to insert the selected set in the Clipboard.  Then use the Paste command from the Edit menu to paste the set in a selected formula.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your application.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.


Define Name Command - Formula Menu

Use this command to create Defined Names (wild cards) in your report.  When you use the Define Name Command, you type a wild card name and define the characteristics of that wild card to be either a:

•	Key (prompts you for a company)

•	Set (prompts you for a set formula or an existing set)

•	Formula (prompts you for a formula)

When you run the report, PC Plus prompts you for the company tickers or GVKEYS, sets, or formulas that correspond to the particular wild card in the report.

Since PC Plus prompts you for the Defined Names when you run the report, you can create a more flexible report that can be tailored to your specific needs each time you run the report.

For example, suppose you want to create a comparative company report that displays data for more than one company.  You could use company references, where you append items to company tickers or GVKEYS.  However, the report formulas always return data values specific to the company tickers.  However, if you use wild card names, you can display the same data in your report for different companies without modifying the report.

Names in Document

Displays existing Defined Names for your report.

Defined Name

In the Name box, type the Defined Name (wild card) you want to use or select an existing one from the list

Enter the your preference for the prompt description when you run the report, if other than the Defined Name.  This is optional.

Use Name in Formula as

Select the Defined Name characteristic.

Add

Adds the Defined Name to the report list.

Delete

Deletes the Defined Name from the report list.

Del All

Deletes all Defined Names for the report.

Paste

Pastes the selected Defined Name into the formula bar for a selected formula.

Option

Expands the dialog box for additional options.  If you want to create similar Defined Names, use the Starting and Ending arrows to select a range.  Then click on the Build button.  The newly created Defined Names are added to the list.

Company Prompt

Directs PC Plus to automatically prompt for a company when you run the report.


Defined Names Prompt

This dialog box is displayed when you run a report that contains Defined Names (wild cards).  Defined Names can be company tickers or GVKEYS, sets, or formulas depending on how each was characterized in the Defined Name command on the Formula menu.

Enter the appropriate information for which you are prompted.  Previously entered company tickers or GVKEYS, sets, or formulas are automatically displayed in the prompt boxes.  Press Enter to accept previous input or retype different information and press Enter.

See also:	Define Name Command - Formula Menu


Using the Look Up Tool

Use this Tool to view lists of companies, items and concepts, functions, and sets.  Click on one the following buttons to view a corresponding list:

	to view a list companies
	to view a list of items and concepts
	to view a list of functions
	to view a list of sets
•	The Look Up dialog box remains open until you close it.

•	You can drag the dialog box to a more convenient location on your desktop.  On the Look Up title bar, simply click and hold the mouse button while you drag it to the desired location.

•	Use the Segments button to view a company's respective Business Segments, Geographic Segments, or Issues.

•	Use prefix search by typing the beginning characters of the name you want to find.

•	Use the Search button to find names containing a text string anywhere within the name.

•	Use the Paste and Copy buttons to insert your selections into an active formula bar or another location.

Category

Click on the category to narrow the list displayed in the Name box.

Name

Lists companies, items and concepts, functions, or sets for the selected category.  Use prefix search to narrow the list to the beginning characters of a name.  As you begin typing, you'll notice that the list displayed in the Name box is limited to the characters you type.

Segments

Click on this button to display a dialog box where you can select respective Business Segments, Geographic Segments, and Issues for a company.  This button is available only when you are viewing a list of companies.

Mnemonic List

Displays a list of item and concept mnemonics rather than a list of item and concept descriptions.  This button is available only when you are viewing a list of items and concepts.

Paste Arguments

Inserts the function arguments along with the selected function when you click on the Paste button.  This check box is available only when you are viewing a list of functions.

Paste

Inserts your selection into an active formula bar or another active location.

Copy

Inserts your selection into the Clipboard.  Use the Paste command from the Edit menu to insert your selection into another location.  If you want to immediately paste your selection into an active formula bar or active another location, click on Paste instead.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your application.

Search

Click on this button to display a Search dialog box where you can type a specific text string on which you want to search.

Definition

Displays the definition for a selected COMPUSTAT item, concept, or function.  This button is available only when you are viewing a list of items and concepts or functions.

See also:	Creating a formula


Searching within Look Up lists

PC Plus allows you to search for a companies, items or concepts, functions, and sets within Look Up.  You can use either prefix search to narrow the list displayed in the Name box when you first view the list, or click on the Search button to type a specific text string.

Prefix search

Use prefix search when a list of companies, items or concepts, functions and sets is first displayed.  To use prefix search, type the beginning letters of the name you want to find.  As you begin typing you'll notice that the list is immediately narrowed to the characters you're typing.

Text string search

To search on a specific text string, click on the Search button.  You'll see a dialog box where you can type a text string.  PC Plus will find and display all names that contain the text string anywhere within the name of a company, item or concept, function, or set.


Selecting segments within Look Up

If you want to insert a Business Segment, Geographic Segment, or Issue for a company into an active formula bar or another active location use the Segment button within the Look Up dialog box.  This button is only active when you are using Look Up for companies.

Company Name

Displays the company selected in the Look Up dialog box.  You cannot change to another company from within the Segments dialog box.  To do this, click on Close and select the desired company.

Segment Type

Select Business, Issue, or Geographic to view a list of respective Business Segments, Issues, or Geographic Segments for the company identified in the Company Name box.

Desc

This button is only active for Geographic Segments.  It displays the geographic area that corresponds the selected Geographic Segment Code.

Paste

Inserts your selection into an active formula bar or another active location.

Copy

Inserts your selection into the Clipboard.  Use the Paste command from the Edit menu to insert your selection into another location.  If you want to immediately paste your selection into an active formula bar or another active location, click on Paste instead.

Close

Closes the Segments dialog box and returns to the Look Up dialog box.


Format Menu

The following commands are accessed in the Format Command drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Number	Determines how numbers, currency, dates, and times are displayed in selected fields
Alignment	Changes the alignment of text in selected fields
Font	Changes the font for text or numbers in selected fields
Justify	Distributes selected text or number fields to the left, center, or right of the fields
Size	Changes the width or height of selected text or number fields
Document Layout	Defines report or document margins and fonts
Grids	Determines use of grids, height and width of grids for aligning fields in a free-form report


Number Command - Format Menu

Use this command to format selected numbers, currency, dates, and times in your report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Category

Lists number categories.  Select the appropriate category to narrow the Format Code list.

Format Code

Lists established format codes for particular categories.

Code

Use this box to edit format codes.

Delete

Removes a user-defined format code from PC Plus.

See also:	Formatting numbers


Alignment Command - Format Menu

Use this command to align selected columns and rows of cells in a free-form report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have selected a range of cells in an open report.

Horizontal and Vertical

You have four options:  No Change, Left, Center, Right.  Use the picture at the bottom of the dialog box to guide you.

See also:	Aligning cells


Font Command - Format Menu

Use this command to change the font for selected cells in your report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Font

Select from available fonts.  Use the arrows to scroll the list.

Font Style

Select from available options.  These options may differ for different types of fonts, such as True Type, screen, and printer fonts.

Size

Select from available options.  These options may differ for different types of fonts, such as True Type, screen, and printer fonts.

Effects

Use the Underline and Strikeout check boxes to further define the appearance of cell contents.

Color

Use the drop-down list to select a font color.

Sample

Displays an example as defined by selections you make in this dialog box.

See also:	Changing fonts


Justify Command - Format Menu

Use this command to direct the placement of cell contents in a report.  For example, you can center the headings, and right-justify data in a report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have selected a range of cells in an open report.

See also:	Justifying data


Size Command - Format Menu

Use this command to change a range of cells in your report to a uniform size.  This command is available only if you have selected a range of cells in an open report.

Horizontal and Vertical

You have four options:  No Change, Shrink to smallest, Expand to largest, To last object.


Document Layout Command - Format Menu

Use this command to change the Left, Right, Top, and Bottom margins of your report.  You can also specify the font you prefer in your report.  This command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

See also:	Changing your report layout


Grids Command - Format Menu

Use this command to easily align cells in a report by displaying grids (visual guides) and setting grid options.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Width and Height

Use these edit boxes to define the size of grids.

Show Grid

Check this option to display gridlines on your report.

Snap to Grid

Check this option to have cells automatically aligned to the grids  When you have this option selected, you'll find that inserted cells are more easily aligned to existing report cells.


Tools Menu

The Tools menu changes depending on whether the active document is a screen or report.  For more information, see Tools Menu for Screens or Tools Menu for Reports.


Tools Menu for Screens

The following commands are accessed from the Screen Tools drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Run	Produces screen results for an active screen
Refresh	Updates modified formulas in screening criteria and produces results based on those modifications
Run for Time Period	Produces screen results for a specific period for an active screen
View Results	Displays formula values for screening criteria
Histogram	Displays numeric formula values in a histogram
Save Passed Set	Creates a set of companies that pass your screening criteria
To Report	Displays formula values of screening criteria in a report
Descriptions	Displays textual descriptions that correspond to code items, such as State or SIC Code


Run Command - Tools Menu (Screen)

Use this command to produce results for screening criteria.  You can then view a list of companies that meet your criteria and save them as a set.  This Menu Bar command is available only for an open screen.

Quick Keys:	Run File Tool
F9


Refresh

Use this command to update modified screening criteria for a screen you have just run.  For example, if you run a screen based on certain screening criteria and then decide to modify the screen formula, you must us the Refresh command to run the screen for your edited screen criteria.


Run for Time Period Command - Tools Menu (Screen)

Use this command to produce screening results for a specific time period.

Time Period

Specify either Current Period to evaluate the most current data available, or Select Period to specify a time period.

Current Period is the default time period.  When you run a screen for the current period, the most recent data is evaluated automatically.

Select Period allows you to specify the time period for which you want your screen evaluated.  With Select Period, the dialog box expands where you must specify either an Absolute or a Relative time period, and then select specific time periods from the drop-down lists.  Use the Accept button to register your selected time periods.

For more information, see Understanding time periods

Quick Keys:	Alt+F9


View Results Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view formula values for selected screening criteria.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have just run a screen.

Quick Keys:	View Results Screen Tool


Histogram Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view the results of selected screening criteria in a histogram.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have just run a screen.

Quick Keys:	Histogram Screen Tool


Save Passed Set Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to save the companies for the selected passed set.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have just run a screen.


To Report Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view and print your screening criteria results in a report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have just run a screen.


Descriptions Command - Tools Menu (Screen)

Use this command to access corresponding descriptions for items when you're creating a screen.  For example, you can view a list of states corresponding to the state codes for the mnemonic STATE, or view a list of industry names corresponding to SIC Codes for the mnemonic SIC.

Item

Enter the item mnemonic or use the Look Up button to search for a specific item and paste into the Item box.

Description

Displays the item description.

Minimum

Click on this button to enter your selected description into the Minimum column of your screen template.

Maximum

Click on this button to enter your selected description into the Maximum column of your screen template.


Tools Menu for Reports

The following commands are accessed from the Report Tools drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Select	Changes the pointer to the default mouse pointer (arrow) for selecting report fields
Text	Changes the pointer to a text pointer for dropping field labels in a free-form report
Formula	Changes the pointer to formula pointer for dropping formula fields into a free-form report
Table	Changes the pointer to a table pointer for dropping tables in a free-form report
First Company	Displays results for the first company in the set for which your free-form report is produced
Previous Company	Displays results for the previous company (for a free-form report)
Next Company	Displays results for the next company (for a free-form report)
Last Company	Displays results for the last company in the set for which your free-form report is produced
Select View	Displays results in a separate view window for a selected company in a set for which a free-form report is produced.  This allows you to continue viewing results for other set members alongside the selected company.


Select Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to after you're finished inserting text or formula cells, or tables in a free-form report.  When you use this command, the pointer returns to the default pointer.

Quick Keys:	Select Report Tool


Text Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to drop cells for labels in a free-form report.  This Menu Bar command is available only if you have an open file on your desktop.

Quick Keys:	Text Report Tool


Formula Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to drop formula cells in a free-form report.  This Menu Bar command is only available if you have an open file on your desktop.

Quick Keys:	Formula Report Tool


Table Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to drop tables in a free-form report.  This Menu Bar command is only available if you have an open file on your desktop.

Quick Keys:	Table Report Tool


First Company Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view the first company in a set.  This command is available only if you have run a free-form report for a set.

Quick Keys:	First Company Report Tool


Previous Company Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view the previous company in a set.  This command is available only if you have run a free-form report for a set.

Quick Keys:	Previous Company Report Tool


Next Company Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view the next company in a set.  This command is available only if you have run a free-form report for a set.

Quick Keys:	Next Company Report Tool


Last Company Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to view the last company in a set.  This command is available only if you have run a free-form report for a set.

Quick Keys:	Last Company Report Tool


Select View Command - Tools Menu

Use this command to display results in a separate view window for a selected company in a set.  This allows you to continue viewing results for other set members alongside the selected company.

This command is available only if you have run a free-form report for a set.

Quick Keys:	Select View Report Tool


Column Attributes Command

For table reports, this command is accessed by clicking the right mouse button within a table column.  The Attributes command is displayed in the list of report commands.  It allows you to:

•	sort data in ascending or descending order

•	suppress repeating values

•	hide selected columns

•	display summary statistics such as count, minimum, maximum, sum, average, standard deviation, geometric mean, and median

These attributes are discussed below:

Sort Order

The Priority box default is 1.  You can sort multiple columns by assigning the numbers 1, 2, and so on, (with 1 having the highest priority).

Click on Ascending to sort data from the lowest  to the highest value.

Click on Descending to sort data from the highest to lowest value.

Suppress Repeating Value

When you use this feature, the first occurrence of a data value for a set is displayed, and remaining companies that have the same value display a blank cell.

Hide Column

When you use this feature, the selected column is hidden.

Display Summary

This directs PC Plus to display selected summary data.  Selected summary data is specified using the Attributes report command.


Table Attributes Command

For table reports, this command is accessed by clicking the right mouse button within the table title.  The Attributes command is displayed in the list of report commands, and allows you to select the statistics you want in your table report columns.

Summary Statistics

Select one or more of the Summary Statistics listed.  Click on Select all to display all of the Summary Statistics.


Un-hide Column Command

For table reports that have hidden columns, this command is accessed by clicking the right mouse button with the report.  The Un-Hide Columns command is displayed in the list of report commands.

To display only certain hidden columns, select them from list.  To display all hidden columns, click on Un-hide all columns.  After you have made your selections, click on OK.


Databases Menu

The following commands are accessed in the Databases Command drop-down menu.

Command	Description
Default Database	Specifies the database you are accessing, such as COMPUSTAT or GLOBAL Vantage
View Data	Displays data for existing companies
Concept	Displays concept formula for viewing and modifying; also for creating user concepts
Description	Displays textual descriptions that correspond to code items, such as State or SIC Code
On-line	Allows On-line subscribers to retrieve daily market data


Default Database Command - Databases Menu

Use this command to select the database you want to access.


View Data Command - Databases Menu

Use this command to view data for a series of time periods for existing companies.

•	Per share data (such as prices and dividends) and share data (such as common shares outstanding) is displayed unadjusted.

•	This command will not display data for concepts.

Item

Enter the item mnemonic or use the Look Up button to search for a specific item and paste into the Item box.

Companies

Enter the company ticker or GVKEY or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company or companies and paste into the Company box.  If you enter more than one ticker or GVKEY, separate them by commas.

Sets

Enter a set or set expression, or use the Look Up button or the Set File button to search for sets and paste into the Sets box.  The Look Up button displays a list of all current sets.  The Set File button opens a dialog box where you can search for only saved sets.

Look Up

Use this command button to search for items, companies, and sets for which you want to view data.

Set File

Use this command button to access a dialog box where you can search for saved set files.  If you are unable to located your set in the list, change to a different drive and/or directory where it is located.

View data

After you have entered an item and company or set, click on this button to display the data.


Data View Window

This dialog box displays a data view window.  It is accessed from the View Data command from the Databases menu.  When you select an item and a company or set for which you want to view data, PC Plus displays all time periods.  Additionally, per share data (such as prices and dividends) are unadjusted.

New item

Returns to the previous dialog box where you can enter a new item, company, or set.

Previous Co

Displays data for the previous company when you are viewing data for a set.

Next Co

Displays data for the next company when you are viewing data for a set.

Go To Co

Displays a list of companies in your set for which you are viewing data.  Double-click on a company in the list to display data for that company.


Concept Command - Databases Menu

Use this command to add a concept to PC Plus, or view and modify an existing concept.

Concept

Enter the concept or use the Look Up button to search for a specific concept and paste into the Concept box.

Description

Enter a description for your concept or modify an existing concept description.

Formula

Enter the formula for your concept or modify an existing concept formula.

Edit

Changes an existing concept formula.

New Concept

Adds the new or modified concept to PC Plus.

Delete

Removes a user-defined concept from PC Plus.

Paste

Inserts the concept into the formula bar.

Look Up

Use this command button to search for concepts and other information.


Description Command - Databases Menu

Use this command to access corresponding descriptions for items.  For example, you can view a list of states that corresponding the item codes for the mnemonic STATE, or view a list of industry names that correspond to SIC Codes for the mnemonic SIC.

Item

Enter the item mnemonic or use the Look Up button to search for a specific item and paste into the Item box.

Description

Displays the item description.

View code

Displays the code descriptions for the item mnemonic in the Item box.

Close

Closes the dialog box and returns to your previous operation.

Copy

Inserts the selected item code into the clipboard.  You can then use the Paste command from the Edit menu to insert the code into screen criteria or a report formula.

Look Up

Use this command button to search for items and other information.


On-line Command - Databases Menu

If you are an On-line subscriber, use this command to update daily market data.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like additional information on this service, please contact your Account Representative.

When you access the On-line Command from the Databases drop-down menu, PC Plus displays a dialog box with two buttons.  You must click on a button to proceed.  These buttons are described below:

Update Database

Click on this button to select the Item Group you want to update, or create a new Item Group.

Settings

Click on the this button to modify communication settings to use, such as:

•	ID and Password

•	Primary and Secondary Host Telephone Numbers

•	Communication Port (Com Port) numbers (COM1, COM2, etc.) and Baud Rate

See also:	On-line Overview


On-line Item Groups for market data updates

If you are an On-line subscriber, you can customize an Item Group for the specific daily market data you want to update.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like additional information on this service, contact your Account Representative.

The On-line Item Groups dialog box is where you can

•	create a new Item Group

•	modify an existing Item Group

•	specify the time periods for which you want the data in your Item Group updated

Select the items you want to include in your Item Group, as well as the Default Number of Periods you want updated.  The items and number of periods to be updated are saved in an Item Group (*.ITG) file.

After your selections are made, you must click on OK to display a Save File dialog box where you can save the Item Group file.

Item Group

Displays the path name and file name of the Item Group.  Item Group files have an *.ITG extension.  The default name for new files are ITG1.ITG, and increase sequentially with each new file created in the same session.

Change File

Allows you to change to a different Item Group or create a new Item Group.

Available Items

Select an item you want to include in your Item Group and then click on Add, or double-click on the item.  The item is added to the Group Items list box.

Add

Adds the selected item from the Available Items list box to the Group Items list box.

Remove

Removes the selected item from the Group Items list box.

Group Items

Lists items selected for the On-line Item Group displayed in the Item Group box.

Definition

Displays an item definition.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you search for items in the Available Items list box.

Default Number of Periods

Use the arrows to specify the time periods you want to update.  Only the periodicities that correspond to items in the Group Items list box will be active; all other periodicities will be dimmed.

OK

Accepts the changes that have been made to the Item Group file and allows you to save them.

Cancel

Closes the On-line Item Groups dialog box and returns to the previous operation.


On-line Update for market data updates

If you are an On-line subscriber, you can update daily market data.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like additional information on this service, contact your Account Representative.

The On-line Update dialog box is where you can

•	enter the companies and sets for which you want to update daily market data

•	specify the time periods for which you want to update daily market data

•	schedule an On-line update

Companies

Enter the company ticker or GVKEY or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company or companies and paste into the Company box.  If you enter more than one ticker or GVKEY, separate them by commas.

Sets

Enter a saved set or set formula, or use the Look Up button or the Set File button to search for sets and paste into the Sets box.  The Look Up button displays a list of all current sets in addition to saved sets.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.  The Set File button opens a dialog box where you can search for only saved sets.

Look Up

Use this command button to search for companies and sets for which you want to update data.

Set File

Use this command button to search for saved sets.  If you are unable to located your set in the list, change to the drive and/or directory where it is located.

If you want to view a list of PC Plus sets, use the Look Up command button.

Item Group

Displays the path name and file name of the Item Group.

Items

Displays the On-line Item Groups dialog box where you can modify the Item Group file.

Number of Periods to Download

Use the arrows to specify the time periods you want to update.  The default number of periods displayed is defined in the Item Group file.  You can change the number of periods for the current update only in this dialog box.  If you want to permanently change the number of periods to be downloaded, then you must modify the Item Group.  To modify the Item Group file from this dialog box, click on the Items button.

Schedule Run

Allows you to set the time for an automatic update.  If you want to update immediately, select the Now option; this is the default.

If you want to schedule an update at a future date and/or time, select the At option.  Then specify the time and date for your update and select OK.  Once you have scheduled the update, it will automatically proceed at the specified time as long as your application is active or minimized.

If you exit your PC Plus session, you'll see a message reminding you that you've scheduled a download.  If you re-enter PC Plus before the scheduled time, then your update will still be scheduled.  If you re-enter PC Plus after the scheduled time, then you'll see a message allowing you to either update at that time or cancel the update.


On-line Communications

The On-line Communications dialog box is where you can specify the following information:

•	ID and Password

•	Primary and Secondary Host Telephone Numbers

•	Communication Port (Com Port) numbers (COM1, COM2, etc.) and Baud Rate

These settings are used for On-line updating.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like additional information on this service, contact your Account Representative.

User

Enter your ID and Password in the appropriate boxes.  When you type the Password it will display asterisks.

The Telephone field is currently unavailable.

Host Telephone Numbers

Enter your TYMNET or McGrawNet telephone numbers in the Primary and Secondary fields.  If you are using a TYMNET telephone number, then the Tymnet box should be selected.

When you update the Primary telephone number is dialed.  If the Primary telephone number is unavailable, then the Secondary telephone number will be dialed.

Baud Rate

The Baud Rate is the rate at which your modem receives or sends data.  Although some modems will process higher speeds, Tymnet and McGrawNet only support up to 9600 Baud.  As these limits increase, you'll be able to set the Baud Rate higher.

Com Port

Select the appropriate Baud Rate and Com Port from the list boxes.

Test

Activates your modem to test your defined settings.  When you select this button, PC Plus dials the Primary telephone number and attempts to login to the On-line host.  After an attempt is made to login, you'll see a dialog box telling you whether or not the login was successful.  You must then click on OK in that dialog box to logout and return to the Communications dialog box.

Setup

Accesses the On-line Modem Setup dialog box for specifying your modem settings.  The Modem Setup dialog box is where you modify the modem control strings that are sent to the modem.


On-line Modem Setup

The On-line Modem Setup dialog box is where you can modify the modem control strings sent to the modem.  Since all fields in this dialog box are text fields, you can type the control strings your modem requires.  Please refer to your modem manual for specific control strings.

Modem Control Strings

Enter the control strings required by your modem.

Cancel

Closes the On-line Modem Setup dialog box and returns to your previous operation.

Initialize

Allows you to test your current modem control strings.  If the modem control strings are successful, you'll see a dialog box confirming this.

Defaults

Returns all modem control strings to the default settings.


On-line Temporary Database

For network users only. . .

The On-line Temporary Database dialog box is displayed when a user is attempting an On-line update at the same time another user is in the application.  If exclusive access to the permanent On-line database is not available, PC Plus creates a temporary database for On-line updates and displays the On-line Temporary Dialog box.

From this dialog box you can:

•	transfer the updated data to the permanent database

•	delete the updated data

•	close the dialog box without losing any of the updated data

Transfer

Saves the updated On-line data in the permanent On-line user database.  All other users must close PC Plus before data can be transferred.

Delete

Deletes the temporary database.  If you click on this option, all updated data in the On-line temporary database will be lost.

Cancel

Closes the dialog box and returns to your previous operation without losing any of the updated On-line data.

This allows you to transfer the data from the temporary database to the permanent database at a later time.  Once all other users have closed PC Plus, you may transfer the temporary database to the permanent database by selecting the On-line command from the Databases menu.


Options Menu

The following commands are accessed in the Options Command drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Adjustment Factors	Determines how share and per share data are adjusted for stock splits and dividends
Data Code Options	Determines how semiannual, annual, combined figure, and not available data codes are presented
Currency Translation	Specifies currency translation rate to reflect monthend, monthly average, 12-months moving average
Current Period	Determines the current period cutoff for annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily time periods
Reporting Defaults	Customizes report display preferences for fonts and borders, formula and text field colors in report builder, and table title and column defaults in tables
Screening Defaults	Specifies default Base Set in the screen template
Workspace	Determines default display, startup and DDE options
Start Up Options	Specifies number of open tables, record buffers, record locks, open files, and swap buffer size numbers


Adjustment Factors Command - Options Menu

Use this command to automatically adjust per-share data (such as prices, dividends, and earnings per share) and share data (such as common shares outstanding) for stock splits, stock dividends, and other capital changes.

Adjustment Method

Select an adjustment method from the drop-down list.  Your choices are Ex-Date, Pay-Date, or None.  If you choose None, then no adjustment is made to per-share or share data in your PC Plus applications.

@NA Adjustment Factors

When an adjustment factor (Ex-Date or Pay-Date) is not available, you can direct PC Plus to one of three options:

Search other periods	First looks for an adjustment factor forward in time.  If there is none available, looks back in time.  If there is still none available, then use an adjustment factor of 1.0 (data for that time period is unadjusted).
Use @NA	Displays @NA for per-share data, share data, and the adjustment factor
Use 1.0	Displays unadjusted per-share and share data
Apply Current Adjustment Factor

Check this option to apply the current adjustment factor.


Data Code Options Command - Options Menu

Use this command to specify the treatment of semiannual, annual, and insignificant figure data codes for quarterly data.  These data codes are reflected in quarterly items when actual quarterly data is not available.

Annual and Semiannual Figure Codes

Leave @AF and @SF codes unchanged is the default.  You can direct PC Plus to convert these codes into numerical data by averaging reported values, or estimating data based on sales.

Insignificant Figure Codes

Select this option to replace @IF codes with zero.


Currency Translation Command - Options Menu

Use this command to specify the currency translation rate you want to use in your PC Plus session.  Currency translation is available only for companies in the GLOBAL Vantage database.

Translated or Native

To translate currency, select Translate into target currency, and then select the Target Currency and Primary Currency from the drop-down lists.  To evaluate data in the reported currency, select Use native (as reported) currency.

Period Translation Rate

Select from these options to specify either historical or current translation rates.


Current Period Command - Options Menu

Use this command to define the current period cutoff for annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily data.  Since a company's current period depends on the last reported data of a company, you can direct PC Plus how far back in time data is considered current.  If you consider current annual data to be within the last three fiscal years, then enter the number 3 in the Annual box.

Current Period Cutoffs

Enter values to define current period settings for annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily time periods.


Reporting Defaults Command - Options Menu

Use this command to change PC Plus defaults and customize various report aspects.  For example, you can change the typeface, style, point size, and fonts in your report, the background colors of text and formula fields, and specify table defaults for the number of columns in your table report and the formula for the first column.

Borders

By default, this command is selected to display borders around formula and text cells, and tables.

Font

Select this option to open a dialog box where you can choose a font, font style, size, effects, and color.

Text Background

Select this option to open a dialog box where you can choose from a standard palette of colors for text backgrounds.  By expanding the dialog box, you can further customize your color choice.

Formula Background

Select this option to open a dialog box where you can choose from a standard palette of colors for formula backgrounds.  By expanding the dialog box, you can further customize your color choice.

Table

Select this option to open a dialog box where you can enter the number of columns and specify the title and formula for the first column of table reports.

Error Level

Select this option to open a dialog box for directing PC Plus to display or not display error messages for a report.


Formula and Text Backgrounds

You can select your color preferences for text and formula cells in your reports.  Select from Basis Colors or create your own with the Define Customer Colors button.  When you select Define Custom Colors, the dialog box is expanded where you make additional color selections.


Report Table Defaults

When you insert a table into a free-form report, it contains a specified number of columns and the first column already has a column heading and formula.  By using the Reporting Defaults Command from the Options menu, you can enter your preferences for report tables.


Report error message options

Error levels

Select your preference for treatment of error messages when a report is run.  The default is Display error message.


Screening Defaults Command - Options Menu

Use this command to change PC Plus screening default for the Base Set.

Default Base Set Formula

Enter the Base Set for Screen.


Workspace Command - Options Menu

Use this command to establish or change certain PC Plus settings.  For example, you can direct PC Plus to display the Side Bar, Status Bar, Toolbar, or combination of these bars on your desktop.  In addition, you can automatically open a particular type of file each time you start a PC Plus session and instruct PC Plus to prompt you for the file type.

Display Options

Select one or more options to customize PC Plus to meet your needs.

Startup Options

Select one or more options for when you start a PC Plus session.


Start Up Options Command - Options Menu

Specifies number of open tables, record buffers, record locks, open files, and swap buffer size numbers.

Open Tables

Determines how many tables can be open at once.  The range is 1 to 64.  The default is 20.  This setting applies to the total number of open tables in all applications using the Paradox Engine.

Record Buffers

Sets how many record transfer buffers are available at one time.  The range is 1 to 512, the default is 24.

A record transfer buffer is an area in memory that holds a copy of the open table's record structure to facilitate reading and writing field values.

When you open a table, you have the option to save every change to disk (maximum data integrity) or to accumulate changes in a buffer and write them to disk in bigger blocks (maximum performance).

Increasing the number of buffers speeds up reading and writing operations, but buffered data can be lost if a power failure occurs.

Record Locks

Defines the maximum number of record locks per table.  The range is 1 to 128, the default is 32.

Locks to records are created by PC Plus only at the time values are written to a linked database table.

Open Files

Sets the maximum number of file handles for all Paradox Engine applications in all windows.  The range is 2 to 255, the default is 45.  In your CONFIG.SYS file, FILES=n specifies the number of Paradox Engine file handles.

Swap Buffer Size

Use this box to determine the size (in kilobytes) of the swap buffer, which is the memory available for swapping data in and out of memory.  The range is 8K to 256K, with a default of  64K.  The value entered is rounded to a multiple of 4K (each table requires 4K).

To increase performance and reduce disk access, you can allocate a larger swap buffer so that tables aren't swapped out to disk as frequently.

A larger swap buffer, however, can also use up memory that Windows might otherwise allocate for other purposes.  Also if there are many open tables requiring current blocks to be held in memory, too large of a swap buffer might cause PC Plus to run out of memory.


Window Menu

The following commands are accessed in the Windows Command drop-down menu.

Command	Description
Arrange	Automatically arranges open windows depending on your preferences
Tile	Displays open windows as separate tiles
Cascade	Displays open windows in a cascading arrangement
Arrange Icons	Automatically arranges icons
Close All	Closes all open windows


Arrange Command - Window Menu

Use this command to customize the manner in which you display multiple windows in PC Plus.  Depending on the task and your personal work style, you can rearrange your windows in a side-by-side display, stacked one on top of another, or even staggered one behind another.


Tile Command - Window Menu

Use this command to display two or more open windows in a side-by-side presentation.  When you tile windows, they align vertically edge-to-edge, much like ceramic tiles on a countertop.  Tiling is useful when you want to see the contents of each open window or place two open windows side by side.

Quick Keys:	Tile Window Tool


Cascade Command - Window Menu

Use this command to arrange all open windows so that they are staggered, one behind another.  When you cascade windows, only one window remains in full view, much like a deck of playing cards that you've spread across a table.  Cascading is useful when you want to keep windows large enough to work in, but still easy to select.

Quick Keys:	Cascade Window Tool


Arrange Icons Command - Window Menu

If you're using more than one application, you'll usually minimize the other applications to prevent the desktop from becoming crowded.  Use this command to rearrange the minimized application icons so that align neatly at the bottom of the display.


Close All Command - Window Menu

Use this command to close all active windows.


Help Menu

The following commands are accessed in the Help Command drop-down menu:

Command	Description
Search	Allows you to search PC Plus Help Index based on text you type in the search dialog box
PC Plus Help	Provides step-by-step instructions on how to use PC Plus as well as provide additional reference information
Data Definitions	Provides complete data definitions for the selected database
Other S&P Products	Provides information on Standard and Poor's product offerings
Windows Help	Accesses Windows Help
About	Copyright S&P PC Plus information


What is the Toolbar?

The Toolbar consists of a row of tools that represent many commonly used Menu Bar commands.  For example, clicking on the Cut tool is the same as selecting the Cut command from the Edit menu.

Once you learn what the Tools represent, you'll find they are quicker and easier to access than the Menu Bar commands.

	New File Tool For more information, see New Command - File Menu.
	Open File Tool For more information, see Open Command - File Menu.
	Save File Tool For more information, see Save Command - File Menu or Save As Command - File Menu.
	Run File Tool For more information, see Run Command - File Menu.
	Print File Tool For more information, see Print Command - File Menu.
	Builder File Tool For more information, see Builder Command - File Menu.
	Look Up Tool For more information, see Using the Look Up Tool
	Cut Edit Tool For more information, see Cut Command - Edit Menu.
	Copy Edit Tool For more information, see Copy Command - Edit Menu.
	Paste Edit Tool For more information, see Paste Command - Edit Menu.
	Select Report Tool For more information, see Select Command - Tools Menu.
	Text Report Tool For more information, see Text Command - Tools Menu.
	Formula Report Tool For more information, see Formula Command - Tools Menu.
	Table Report Tool For more information, see Table Command - Tools Menu.
	First Company Report Tool For more information, see First Company Command - Tools Menu.
	Previous Company Report Tool For more information, see Previous Company Command - Tools Menu.
	Next Company Report Tool For more information, see Next Company Command - Tools Menu.
	Last Company Report Tool For more information, see Last Company Command - Tools Menu.
	Select View Report Tool For more information, see Select View Command - Tools Menu.
	View Results Screen Tool For more information, see View Results Command - Tools Menu.
	Histogram Screen Tool For more information, see Histogram Command - Tools Menu.
	Tile Window Tool For more information, see Tile Command - Windows Menu.
	Cascade Window Tool For more information, see Cascade Command - Windows Menu.
	PC Plus Help Tool


Phone Numbers & Business Hours

When you call Standard & Poor's Compustat, you're connected to the appropriate product support representative by a computerized call directing system.  This ensures that you're connected to the appropriate product support representative who can provide you with the help you need.

U.S. and Canadian clients	800-523-4534
International clients	081-543-2555
Fax	303-850-4432
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time


Company Overview

When you know of a company or a set of companies you want to evaluate, begin with Company and direct your PC Plus session for a specific company or set.  Even if you are unsure of company or set name, PC Plus makes it easy for you to quickly view a list of companies and sets.

Once you select a company or set using Company, you can

•	generate a report

•	view data

•	save the company or set selection for use in other PC Plus applications

You don't have to run a report or view data immediately after you select a company or set.  You can simply save your selection for other PC Plus tasks.  PC Plus automatically enters your selection in the appropriate dialog boxes during your PC Plus session, preventing you from having to repeatedly look up the company or set.  Of course, you can change the company or set at any time by typing the appropriate ticker or set name in the dialog boxes that prompt for a company or set, or click on Company again and change your selection.

Related Topics:

Using Company


Using Company

When you click on Company, you'll see a dialog box from which you can:

•	direct your PC Plus session for one or more companies or sets

•	generate a report

•	view data

These options are discussed below.

	1. Click on Company.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Type the company ticker, or tickers separated by commas ( , ) in the Companies box, or type a set name in the Sets box.

If you are unsure of a company ticker or set, click on Look Up to view an alphabetical list of companies, or click on Set File to view available saved sets.

You can also use the @SET function, or enclose a list of tickers in braces ( { } ) with each ticker enclosed in quotation marks ("ticker"), separated by commas ( , ) in the Sets box.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.

3.	To save your company or set for your PC Plus session, click on OK.

To generate a report for your company or set, click on Open Report.  You'll see a dialog box listing available reports.

To view data for your company or set, click on View Data and then on OK.  You'll see a dialog box where you specify the data you want to view.


Report Overview

A report allows you to view and print data for a company or set of companies.  In addition, you can export data from a table report.  You can create your own report or use one of the reports provided with PC Plus.

Reports you create

When you create a report, you choose the data you want to display as well as how you want to display it.  You can create table reports or free-form reports.  The characteristics of each are listed below:

Table	Free-form
• Displays data for a set	• Displays data for a single company or small group of companies
• Presents data in columns and rows, with each company's data presented in 1 row	• Labels and data can be anywhere in the report, or you can align the data into columns and rows
• Automatically provides default labels for each column	• You must add label cells and type labels for data
• Displays PC Plus or user data	• Displays PC Plus or user data
Report Builder assists you in quickly creating both free-form and table reports using pre-defined report presentations - you just choose the report presentation, data, and time period.  Also, you can customize a PC Plus report for your specific needs.

Reports we provide

PC Plus provides you with a library of free-form reports that include a variety of financial statements and comparative presentations.  The benefit of these reports is that they supply you with common data presentations, so that you don't have to create a report.

Parts of a report

Whether you create your own report, or use a PC Plus report, one or more of the following elements are found in reports:

Cells	A cell is the intersection of every row and column, into which you paste or type formulas and labels.  In a free-form report, a cell may appear anywhere in the report.
Formulas	A formula is an item, concept, function, or combination of, and can also include time periods, and relational and mathematical operators.
Labels	A label is the text that identifies data displayed in your report.
Tables	A table displays information in columns and rows.  It provides you with a title cell to name your report, column labels, and formula cells.
Related Topics:

Using Report

Using Report Builder

Creating a free-form report

Creating a table report

Working with tables

Using cut, copy, and paste in reports

Inserting and deleting columns and cells

Adding a formula to a report

Customizing the appearance of your report

Running, printing, and exporting a report

Viewing results in a free-form report


Using Report

When you click on Report, you'll see a dialog box from which you can:

•	Create or modify a report

•	Run a report

These operations and how to save a report are discussed below.

Creating or modifying a report

	1. Click on Report.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	The next action you take depends on whether you're creating a new report or modifying an existing report.  Your possible actions from the dialog box are:

Click on New to create a table report or free-form report.

Click on Builder to create a new report using a predefined presentation.

Double-click on the report in the list that you want to modify.  If the report you want to modify is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

3.	If you're creating a new free-form report or table report, first drop text and formula cells, or a table in your report.  Then add labels and formulas to your report.  For more information, see Creating a free-form report and Creating a table report.

If you're creating a report using Report Builder, you'll select a presentation, along with items and time periods you want to display in your report.  After your selections are made, Report Builder automatically creates your report.  For more information, see Using Report Builder.

If you're modifying an existing report, you're ready to begin editing your report.  For more information, see Adding a formula to a report, Inserting and deleting columns and cells, and Using cut, copy, and paste in reports.

After your report is complete, you'll want to save it.  For more information, see Saving a report discussed below.

Running a report

	1. Click on Report.  You'll see a dialog box with a list of existing reports.  Use the arrow keys to scroll the entire list.
2.	Click on the reports you want to run.  If a report you want to run is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

3.	Click on Run and then on OK.  You'll see a dialog box.

4.	Type the company ticker, or tickers separated by
commas ( , ) in the Companies box, or type a set name in the Sets box.

If you are unsure of a company ticker or set, click on Look Up to view an alphabetical list of companies, or click on Set File to view available sets.

You can also use the @SET function in the Sets box.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.

5.	To run your report for a specific time period, click on Select Period.  Otherwise, PC Plus automatically evaluates the current period.  To specify a time period, select either

Absolute for the exact year, quarter, month, week, or day

or

Relative for the year, quarter, month, week, or day relative to the current time period

Use the arrow buttons to select the appropriate periodicities.  For each time period you select, click on Accept.  You'll see the selected time period displayed in the Time Period box.  For more information, see Understanding time periods.

6.	To print the report results, click on Print report.

7.	Click on OK.  PC Plus evaluates and prints the report, then displays the report results.

Saving a report

To save a new report, or to save a modified report overwriting the original, click on File and then on Save.

To save a modified report with a different name, leaving the original intact, click on File and then on Save As.  Be sure and type a different name for your modified report.


Using Report Builder

Report Builder makes it easy to create a new report.  With Report Builder, you choose from commonly used report presentations, the data you want in your report, and the time periods to be evaluated.

Presentations available with Report Builder

Standard	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time.  Many PC Plus reports use this presentation, such as the 5 year Income Statement.
Time Series/ Trend Analysis	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time.  It differs from the Standard presentation in that the data and time periods are reversed with respect to columns and rows.
Table	This presentation is useful for quick, comparative studies to view data for a group of companies.
Comparative Report	This presentation is useful for displaying data for more than one company in your report.
Note - If you prefer to design your own report presentation, you can create a free-form report.  In a free-form report you can place labels and data anywhere in the report.  For more information, see Creating a free-form report.

Creating a report using Report Builder

	1. Click on the Builder Tool.  You'll see a dialog box listing available Builder Tool options.
2.	Click on Report and then on OK.  You'll see a dialog box that displays report presentations from which you can choose.

3.	Select the appropriate report presentation and then click on Next.  You'll see a dialog box that displays items by category.  To narrow the item list, click on the appropriate category.

4.	To add an item or concept to your report, select it and click on Add.  You'll see the item mnemonic added to the Selected Formulas box.

If you want to use other formula elements, such as functions or mathematical operators with your selected item, double-click on the item in the Selected Formulas box.  You'll see it appear in the input box above the list of selected formulas.  Type the additional elements you want in your formula, and press Enter.  The formula is added to the Selected Formulas box.

5.	Click on Next.  The next dialog box you'll see depends on the report presentation you've selected.  For comparative report presentations, you'll see a dialog box for specifying the number of companies for your report.  For Standard Report, Table Report, and Time Series/Trend Report presentations, you'll see a dialog box for specifying time periods.

6.	For a Comparative Report, enter the number of companies.  For all other presentations, select the time period you want to evaluate.  If you want to display data for the current time period, leave Beginning Period and Ending Period at the default settings, 0.

If you want to display data for a time series, specify the beginning and ending Time Periods.  Beginning and ending time periods are relative to the current time period, 0.  For more information on time periods, see Understanding Time Periods.

7.	Click on Build Report.  You'll see your newly created report.  Now you can run and print your report, and save it for future PC Plus sessions.

See Also:	Customizing the appearance of your report
Working with tables
Running, printing, and exporting a report


Creating a free-form report

Free-form reports allow you to design your own presentation.  You can insert as many text and formula cells as you like anywhere in the report.

Adding labels and data to your report is a 2-step process.  First insert text cells for labels and formula cells for data.  Then add labels and formulas.

To insert text and formula cells in your report, move the mouse to a blank area of the report and click the right mouse button.  Then click on Text or Formula.  To place a cell in your report, move the pointer to where you want the cell and click.  After you have inserted text and formula cells, add labels and formulas.

Step-by-step instructions for creating a free-form report are provided below.

	1. Click on Report.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Click on New.  You'll see a blank report.  Now you're ready to insert text and formula cells in your report.

	3. To add a label, click the right mouse button on a blank area of the report and select Text.  Move the text pointer to where you want to insert a label and click.  Type the label as you want it to appear and press Enter.   Your label will automatically appear on a single line.  To insert a line break in your label (so that the label "word wraps"), press the Ctrl and Enter keys where you want the label line to end.  Then you can continue typing on the next line.
	4. To add a formula for data, click the right mouse button on a blank area of the report and select Formula.  Move the formula pointer to where you want to insert a formula cell and click.  Add a formula for data you want to display.  For more information, see Adding a formula to a report.
	5. To restore the mouse pointer, move the pointer to a blank area of the report, click the right mouse button and then on Select.
See also:	Adding a formula to a report
Using cut, copy, and paste in reports
Aligning cells
Changing the cell or column size
Inserting and deleting columns and cells
Running, printing, and exporting a report
Viewing results in a free-form report


Creating a table report

A table report consists of columns and rows and is ideal for displaying data for a set of companies in the same report.  When you create a table report, the first column automatically contains the item, CONM, for company name.  (Company name is the default, but you can change it for your specific needs.  See Reporting defaults from the Options drop-down menu.)  Then add formulas, column labels, and a table heading.

Note - A table report can contain only 1 table.  A table report cannot contain:

•	more than 1 table

•	free-form text and formula cells

Step-by-step instructions for creating a table report are provided below.

	1. Click on Report.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Click on New.
You'll see a blank report.  Now you're ready to add a table to your report.

3.	Click the right mouse button on a blank area of the report.
You'll see a list of commands.

	To insert a table, click on Table.  Move the table pointer to where you want to add the table and click.
PC Plus inserts a table in your report.  Once you add a table, you can add columns, but not additional tables or free-form formula and text cells.  For more information, see Inserting and deleting columns and cells.

Now you are ready to add formulas, column labels, and a table title.

4.	To add a formula, click on the column formula cell.  Create the formula in the formula bar and press Enter.  For more information, see Creating a Formula.

5.	To add a label, click on the column label cell.  Type the label and press Enter.  Your label will automatically appear on a single line.  To insert a line break in your label (so that the label "word wraps"), press the Ctrl and Enter keys where you want the label line to end.  Then you can continue typing on the next line.

6.	To add a table title, click on the table title cell.  Type a table title and press Enter.  It is automatically centered for you.

PC Plus provides you with additional features designed specifically for tables, such as displaying summary statistics and hiding columns.  For more information, see Working with Tables.

See also:	Working with Tables
Adding a formula to a report
Using cut, copy, and paste in reports
Changing the cell or column size
Inserting and deleting columns and cells
Running, printing, and exporting a report
Viewing results in a free-form report


Working with tables

A table allows you to display columns of data for multiple companies.  Additional table features allow you to:

•	sort data in ascending or descending order

•	suppress repeating values

•	hide selected columns

•	display summary statistics such as count, minimum, maximum, sum, average, standard deviation, geometric mean, and median

In PC Plus, these features are referred to as Attributes.

Related Topics:

Sorting data

Suppressing repeating values

Hiding and un-hiding columns

Displaying summary statistics


Sorting data

Sorting determines the order in which companies are displayed in your table.  PC Plus automatically displays the companies alphabetically by name.  If you prefer, you can sort the companies by values in any column, in either ascending or descending order.

Begin from the column you want to sort:

1.	Double-click on the column, or click the right mouse button on the column and select Attributes.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	In the Priority box type the number 1.  You can sort multiple columns by assigning the numbers 1, 2, etc., (with 1 having the highest priority).

3.	Click on Ascending to sort data from the lowest  to the highest value.

Click on Descending to sort data from the highest to lowest value.

4.	Click on OK.


Suppressing repeating values

You can suppress repeating values such as SIC Code, Country, or State for columns sorted in ascending or descending order.  When you use this feature, the first occurrence of a data value for a set is displayed, and remaining companies that have the same value display a blank cell.

Begin from the column in which you want to suppress a repeating value:

1.	Double-click on the column, or click the right mouse button on the column and select Attributes.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Click on Suppress Repeating Value, and then on OK.


Hiding and un-hiding columns

When you use this feature, the selected column is hidden.  Once it is hidden, you can easily display it again.  Both of these operations are discussed below:

Hiding a column

1.	Double-click on the column, or click the right mouse button on the column and select Attributes.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Click on Hide Column and then on OK.  The column is no longer displayed in your report.

Un-hiding a column

1.	Click the right mouse button within any column and select Un-hide columns.  You'll see a dialog box displaying a list of hidden columns.

2.	Click on the columns you want to display.  To display all hidden columns, click on Un-hide all columns.

3.	Click on OK.


Displaying summary statistics

PC Plus will automatically calculate and display summary statistics for numeric data in all table columns, or you can choose to display summary statistics only in certain columns.  This is discussed below:

Selecting summary statistics

Begin from a table:

1.	Move the pointer to the table title.  Double click on the table title, or click the right mouse button, and select Attributes.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Click on the summary statistics you want to display.  To display all of them, click on Select all.

3.	Click on OK.

Displaying summary statistics for selected columns

Begin from a table:

1.	Double-click on the column, or click the right mouse button on the column and select Attributes.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Click on Display Summary. and then on OK.  A check mark next to Display Summary activates the column for summary statistics.


Using cut, copy, and paste in reports

If you are creating or modifying a report, you may perform many different editing operations, such as cutting, copying, and pasting.  This help topic shows you how to:

•	Cut text and formula cells from a report

•	Copy text and formula cells

•	Paste text or formula cells that have been cut or copied

Cutting or copying cells in a report

1.	To cut or copy a text or formula cell, move the pointer to the cell and click the right mouse button.

To cut or copy a cell range, select the range.  Then Click the right mouse button on a cell within the range.  You'll see a list of commands.

2.	To cut your selection, click on Cut.  The cell or range is removed from the report.

To copy your selection, click on Copy.

Now you can paste the cut or copied cell or cell range to another location in the report, or another application.

Pasting text or formula cells that have been cut or copied

After you have cut or copied a cell or cell range, it can be pasted to another location.

	1. Move the pointer to a blank area of the report, click the right mouse button and select Paste.  You'll notice that the pointer changes to the paste pointer.
2.	Move the pointer to where you want to paste a cell or cell range and click.  The cell or cell range is inserted into the report.

	3. To restore the pointer, move the pointer to a blank area of the report.  Click the right mouse button, and then on Select.
Quick keys:	Ctrl+X
Ctrl+C
Ctrl+V


Inserting and deleting columns and cells

If you are creating or modifying a report, you may perform many different editing operations.  This help topic shows you how to:

•	Insert and delete table columns

•	Insert free-form text and formula cells

•	Delete free-form text and formula cells

Inserting and deleting table columns

1.	Click the right mouse button on the column to the right of where you want to insert a table column, or click the right mouse button on the the column you want to delete.

Note -  If you want to insert a column at the end of the table, you must first press the Ctrl key.  Then press the Insert key.

2.	Click on Insert Column to add a new column.  This will shift existing columns to the right.

Click on Delete to remove the table column.  You'll be asked to confirm the deletion of the selected column.  Click on OK to remove the column.

Inserting free-form text and formula cells

1.	To insert a text or formula cell, move the pointer to a blank area of a free-form report and click the right mouse button.  (If you are in a table report, you are unable to insert any cells or additional tables.)

	2. Click on Text to insert a text cell.
	or click on Formula to insert a formula cell.
3.	Move the text or formula pointer to where you want to insert a cell and click.  You'll see the text or formula cell appear in your report.

	4. To restore the pointer, move the pointer to a blank area of the report.  Click the right mouse button, and then on Select.
Deleting free-form text and formula cells

1.	To delete a text or formula cell, move the pointer to the cell, press and hold the Shift key, and click the right mouse button.

To delete a cell range, select the range.  Then Click the right mouse button on a cell within the range.

2.	Click on Delete.  You'll be asked to confirm the deletion of the selected cell or range.  Click on OK to remove the cell.

Note - unlike Cut, a deleted cell or range is not placed in the clipboard, and once deleted it cannot be recovered.

Quick keys:	Insert
Delete


Adding a formula to a report

When you create a report you add formulas for data you want to display.

To add a formula, begin from within a report:

1.	Click on the cell for which you want to add a formula.

2.	Create your formula in the formula bar.  Use the Look Up Tool to view a list of items and concepts, and functions.  For more information, see Creating a formula.

3.	After your formula is complete, press Enter.  The formula is inserted into your report.  If the formula is larger than the allotted cell size, only a portion of it is visible.

Note - To view a formula that appears cutoff in the cell, or to modify a formula, click on the cell and press F2.  You'll see the formula appear in the formula bar.  Use the arrow keys to scroll the entire formula and make your modifications.  After you're done viewing or modifying it, press Enter.

See also:	Creating a formula
Items and concepts
Parentheses
Mathematical and relational operators
Company references
Time period references


Customizing the appearance of your report

You can specify how data is displayed in your report.  For example, you can select a percentage number format, or change the placement of data to the right, left, or center within a cell.  For additional information on the available features, select from the following Related topics:

Related Topics:

Changing fonts

Justifying data

Formatting numbers

Aligning cells

Changing the cell or column size

Changing your report layout


Changing fonts

You can change the appearance of your report by using different fonts (type styles).

Begin from within a report:

1.	Select the cells for which you want to change the font.

2.	Click the right mouse button on a selected cell.  You'll see a list of commands.

3.	Select Font.  You'll see a dialog box.

4.	Select the Font, Font Style, Size, and Color choices from the dialog box.  You can view your choices in the sample box.

5.	In the Effects box, click on Strikeout to place a line through the selected formula or text.

Click on Underline to underline the selected formula or text.

6.	Click on OK.


Justifying data

Depending on the data displayed in your report, you may want to change how data is placed in the cell.

Begin from within a report:

1.	To justify an individual cell, move the pointer to the cell and click the right mouse button.

To justify a cell range, select the first cell.  Then move the pointer to the last cell in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and click the right mouse button.

2.	Click on Justify.  You'll see a dialog box.

3.	Click on Left, Center, or Right.  If you click on No Change. the cell will remain the same.

4.	Click on OK.


Formatting numbers

You can format numerical data in a cell or cell range for various formats.  For example, when you format a formula cell as a percentage, the cell value is multiplied by 100 and displayed with a percent sign (%).  This Help topic shows you how to format a cell or cell range

Begin from an open file:

1.	To format an individual cell, move the pointer to the cell and click the right mouse button.

To format a cell range, select the range.  Then click the right mouse button on a cell within the selected range.

2.	Click on Number.  You'll see a dialog box.  A list of formats is displayed in the Format Code box.  Select the appropriate category to narrow the list.

3.	Click on the Format Code.

4.	Click on OK.  You'll see the format code for the cell or cell range displayed in the left-hand side of the formula bar.


Aligning cells

In a free form report, you can place cells anywhere in the report template.  However, you may want to align the cells so that they appear in straight columns and rows.

Begin from within a report:

1.	Select the range you want to align.

2.	Click the right mouse button on a cell within the selected range.

3.	Click on Alignment.  You'll see a dialog box.

4.	Click on Left, Center, or Right.  To align a column of cells, click on options in the Horizontal box.

To align a row of cells, click on options in the Vertical box.

5.	Click on OK.


Changing the cell or column size

You can adjust the width and height of cells in a free-form report or table.  This Help topic shows you how to:

•	size a cell range in a free-form report

•	adjust the width and height of cells

Sizing a cell range

Begin from within a report:

1.	Select the range.  Then click the right mouse button on a cell within the selected range.

2.	Click on Size.  You'll see a dialog box.

3.	Click on Shrink to smallest to reduce all cells in the selected range to the smallest cell in that range.

Click on Expand to largest to enlarge all cells in the selected range to the largest cell in that range.

Click on To last object to size all cells in the selected range to the last cell in that range.

4.	Click on OK.

Adjusting width and height of a cell

Begin from within a report:

1.	Click on the cell you want to adjust.  You'll see 4 handles on each corner of the cell.

2.	Move the mouse to the appropriate handle until you see the sizing pointer.

3.	Click and hold the mouse button as you drag the handle.  Release the button once the cell is the appropriate size.


Changing your report layout

You can specify the top, bottom, right, and left margins for your report.  You can also specify a global font for your report.

Begin from within a report:

1.	Move the pointer to a blank area of the report, click the right mouse button, and select Document Layout.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Type your report margin preferences in the Left, Right, Top, and Bottom boxes.  Use the Tab key to move between cells.

3.	To accept current font settings and save the document layout, click OK.

To change current font settings, click on Font.  For additional information, see Changing fonts.  You'll see a dialog box.

4.	Click on OK.


Running, printing, and exporting a report

When you run a report, PC Plus evaluates report formulas and displays the resulting data, which you can print and export for use in other applications.

This Help topic shows you how to

•	run and print a report

•	export table report results

Running and printing a report

Begin from an open report.

	1. Move the pointer to a blank area of the report, click the right mouse button and then on Run.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Type the company ticker, or tickers separated by
commas ( , ) in the Companies box, or type a set name in the Sets box.

If you are unsure of a company ticker or set, click on Look Up to view an alphabetical list of companies, or click on Set File to view available sets.

You can also use the @SET function in the Sets box.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.

3.	To run your report for a specific time period, click on Select Period.  Otherwise, PC Plus automatically evaluates the current period.  To specify a time period, select either

Absolute for the exact year, quarter, month, week, or day

or

Relative for the year, quarter, month, week, or day relative to the current time period

Use the arrow buttons to select the appropriate periodicities.  For each time period you select, click on Accept.  You'll see the selected time period displayed in the Time Period box.  For more information, see Understanding time periods.

4.	To print the report results, click on Print report.

5.	Click on OK.  PC Plus evaluates and prints the report, then displays the report results.

Exporting report results

Begin from a table report you have just run:

1.	To export your report results, click on File and then on Save.  You'll see a dialog box.

2.	Type a file name and press Enter.  The report results are saved with a .txt extension.

See also:	Text Options for importing and exporting data


Viewing results in a free-form report

Free-form reports display data for a single company or a small group of companies.  When you run a free-form report for a set of companies, PC Plus automatically displays report results for each company in alphabetical sequence.  However, you may want to view a specific company, or view the previous company in your set.  PC Plus makes it easy for you to do this with the right mouse button and Report Tools.  This Help topic shows you how to:

•	view a specific company within your set

•	view a specific company in a separate view window, alongside other companies

•	view the first, previous, next, or last company within your set

Viewing a specific company within your set

Begin from a report view window:

1.	Click the right mouse button.  You'll see a list of companies for which your report was run.

2.	Double-click on the company you want to view.

Viewing a company in a separate view window

Begin from a report view window for the company you want to extract:

	1. Click on the Select View Tool.
	2. Click on the Tile Tool to view this company in a separate view window, alongside report results for other companies in your set.
3.	Click on the report view window to continue viewing report results for other companies in your set.

Viewing the first, previous, next, or last company in your set

Begin from a report view window:

Click on the following tools to view the appropriate company within your set.

	View first company
	View previous company
	View next company
	View last company


Screen Overview

Screen allows you to refine a large population of companies to a smaller set depending on criteria you specify.  This process is called screening.  After running your screen, you can:

•	save passed companies as a set

•	view and print a list of passed companies

•	view and print a list of passed companies along with the screen results

•	view screen results in a histogram

Parts of the Screen Template

The screen template is where you define screening criteria.  It is made up of the following 7 columns:

Column Heading	Description
Base Set	population from which you start the screening process; the default base set is $C for COMPUSTAT or $I + $F for GLOBAL Vantage, but you can use any set
Size	the number of companies in your base set
Formula	contains the formula you want to evaluate for each member in the base set
Min	the minimum value the formula can return
Max	the maximum value the formula can return
Passed	displays the number of companies that passed your screening criteria
Set	The population produced from the screening criteria
Related Topics:

Using Screen

Generating and printing screen results in a report

Adding a formula to a screen

Running a screen

Viewing results and saving sets in a screen

Using segment, issue, and currency data types

Examples of segment and issue screens

Currency screens


Using Screen

When you click on Screen you'll see a dialog box from which you can:

•	create or modify a screen

•	run an existing screen

These operations and how to save a screen are described below.

Creating and modifying a screen

	1. Click on Screen.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	The next action you take depends on whether you are creating a new screen or modifying an existing screen.  Your possible actions from the dialog box are:

Click on New if you want to create a new screen.

Double-click on the screen in the list that you want to modify.  If the screen you want to modify is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

3.	Add or modify formulas.  For more information, see Adding a formula to a screen.  After your screening criteria are complete, you'll want to save your screen.  For more information, see Saving a screen discussed below.

Running a screen

	1. Click on Screen.  You'll see a dialog box with a list of existing screens.  Use the arrow keys to scroll the entire list.
2.	Click on the screen you want to run.  If the screen you want to run is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

3.	Click on Run and then on OK.  PC Plus displays a status box, evaluates the screen, and returns the results.

You may want to save passed companies as a set, or view and print screen results.  For more information, see Viewing results and saving sets in a screen and Generating and printing screen results in a report.

Saving a screen

To save a new screen or to save a modified screen, overwriting the original, click on File and then on Save.

To save a modified screen with a different name, leaving the original intact, click on File and then on Save As.

See also:	Save Command - File Menu
Save As Command - File Menu


Generating and printing screen results in a report

You can quickly view your screen results using the Display button.  This button is available only after you have run a screen.

Begin from an open screen you have just run:

1.	Click on the row (screen criterion) you want to view.

	2. Click on Display.  PC Plus displays your screen results in a table.
	3. Click on File and then on Print to print the report results.  You'll see a dialog box.
4.	Click on OK to print the report.

5.	Click on File and then on Close to close the report view window and return to the screen template.

Note - This report table is like a report table you would create using Report Builder, so you can modify it for your specific needs and save it for future PC Plus sessions.  From the screen template, click on File and then on Close to display the report table.  Now you can modify, run and save the report.


Adding a formula to a screen

When you create a screen, you add formulas for screening criteria.

To add a formula, begin from within a screen template:

1.	Click on the formula cell.  The cell will appear highlighted.

2.	Create your formula in the formula bar.  Use the Look Up tool to view a list of items and concepts, and functions.  For more information, see Creating a formula.

3.	After your formula is complete, press Enter.  The formula is inserted into your screen.  If the formula is larger than the allotted cell size, only a portion of it is visible.

Note - To view a formula that appears cutoff in the cell, or to modify a formula, click on the cell and press F2.  You'll see the formula appear in the formula bar.  Use the arrow keys to scroll the entire formula and make your modifications.  After you're done viewing or modifying it, press Enter.

See also:	Creating a formula
Items and concepts
Parentheses
Mathematical and relational operators
Company references
Time period references


Running a screen

This allows you to identify companies in the base set that meet your specified criteria.  This Help topic shows you how to run a screen from within an open screen.  For saved screens, use Screen to automatically run a screen.

Begin from an open screen:

1.	Click on the row number of the line or lines you want to evaluate.  To evaluate each line individually, click on the appropriate row number.

To evaluate a section of rows, click on the first row number of the section.  Then move your pointer to the bottom row of the section, press and hold the Shift key, and click.

To evaluate the entire screen, select all lines by clicking on the blank cell above row 1.

After you've selected a row or rows, you're ready to run the screen.

	2. Click the right mouse button.  Click on Run to evaluate the current time period, or Run for Period to specify a time period.
If you click on Run for Period, you'll see a dialog box.  Click on Select Period, and select either

Absolute for the exact year, quarter, month, week, or day

Relative for the year, quarter, month, week, or day relative to the current time period

Use the arrow buttons to select the appropriate periodicities.  For each time period you select, click on Accept.  You'll see the selected time period displayed in the Time Period box.  After you've specified the time period, click on OK.  For more information, see Understanding time periods.

The screen is evaluated and the number of companies that meet the criteria is displayed in the Passed column.  You may want to save the companies as a set, or view and print screen results.

Quick Keys:	F9
Alt+F9
Right mouse button

See also:	Viewing results and saving sets in a screen
Generating and printing screen results in a report


Viewing results and saving sets in a screen

After you have run a screen, you can view your screen results and save the companies that meet your screening criteria for use in other PC Plus sessions.  The number of companies that meet your screening criteria is displayed in the Passed column.

This Help topic shows you how to:

•	view passed sets

•	view passed sets along with formula results

•	view screen results in a histogram

•	view and print screen results in a report

•	save passed sets

These operations are discussed below.

Viewing passed sets

Begin from a screen you have just run:

1.	Double-click on the passed set number you want to view.  You'll see a list of companies with tickers or GVKEYS.  You can also save the passed set while viewing the list.  To do this, click on File and then on Save.  Type a name in the File Name box and press Enter.

2.	Click on File and then Close to close the view window and return to the screen template.

Viewing passed sets and formula results

Begin from a screen you have just run:

	1. Select the formula cell you want to view, click the right mouse button, and select View Results, or Double-click on the formula cell you want to view.
You'll see a list of companies with tickers or GVKEYS, along with formula results.

2.	Click on File and then on Close to close the view window and return to the screen template.

Viewing screen results in a histogram

Begin from a screen you have just run:

1.	Select the formula cell you want to view.

	2. Click the right mouse button and select Histogram.
You'll see the screen results displayed in a histogram.

3.	Click on File and then on Close to close the view window and return to the screen template.

Viewing and printing screen results in a report

Begin from a screen you have just run:

1.	Select the formula cell you want to view.

	2. Click the right mouse button, and select To Report.  You'll see the screen results in a table.
	3. Click on File and then on Print to print the report results.  You'll see a dialog box.
4.	Click on OK to print the report.

5.	Click on File and then on Close to close the view window and return to the screen template.

Note - This report table is like a report table you would create using Report Builder, so you can modify it for your specific needs and save it for future PC Plus sessions.  From the screen template, click on File and then on Close to display the report table.  Now you can modify, run and save the report.

Saving passed sets

Begin from a screen you have just run:

1.	Select the passed set you want to save, click the right mouse button, and select Save passed set, or

Double-click on the passed set you want to save to display a list of companies.  Click on File and then on Save.

2.	Type a name for your set in the File Name box, and press Enter.  The companies are now saved in a set.


Using segment, issue, and currency data types

If you are screening on segment, issue, or currency data, the type of data (segment, issue, currency) for which you are screening must correspond to the company type in your base set.

For example, to screen all the pharmaceutical business segments (SICS = 2834), the base set must be a business segment set.

You can create a screen that mixes company data with different types of data.  For example, to identify business segments that contribute at least 25% to total company sales, both company and segment data item mnemonics are used in the screening formula as shown below

(SALES/SALE)>=.25

where SALES is segment sales and SALE is company sales.

Note:  Once you use a segment item in your screening formula, the base set must be a segment set.

See also:	Examples of segment and issue screens
Currency screens


Examples of segment and issue screens

You can screen data for the following:

•	Business segments

•	Geographic segments

•	Issues

Business Segment

You can screen business segment data to identify those business segments that meet your criteria.

For example, you can isolate all business segments in the pharmaceutical industry, or identify the business segments that contributed at least 25% of total company sales in a business segment screen.

The base set must be a business segment set.

Examples:

$CS	for the predefined set of all COMPUSTAT business segments
@CHGSET($MYSET,BUS)	to change the company set, MYSET, to business segments of MYSET
Your screening formulas contain business segment items.

Examples:

SICS = 2834	to isolate pharmaceutical industry segments
SALES/SALE>=.25	to identify segments that contributed at least 25% of total company sales
Geographic Segment

You can screen geographic segment data to identify those geographic segments that meet your criteria.  For example, you can identify companies doing business in Mexico.

The base set must be a geographic segment set.

Examples:

$CG	for the predefined set of all COMPUSTAT geographic segments
@CHGSET($MYSET,GEO)	to change the company set, MYSET, to geographic segments of MYSET
Your screening formulas contain geographic segment items.

Example:

GAREAG = 63	to identify all companies doing business in Mexico
Issue

You can screen issue data for common stock issues that meet your criteria.  For example, you can screen issues with a current price less than 10.

The base set must be an issue set.

Examples:

$CI	for the predefined set of active COMPUSTAT issues
$II	for the predefined set of active GLOBAL Vantage issues
@CHGSET($MYSET,ISSUE)	to change the company set, MYSET, to issues of MYSET
Your screening formulas contain issue items.

Example:

PRCCD < 10 (or PRCCI < 10)	to identify all issues with a current price less than 10


Currency screens

You can screen currencies in the GLOBAL Vantage database to enhance your international market analysis.  For example, you can identify currencies with the most favorable 12-month gain in translation rate for a specific currency.

The base set must be a currency set (such as $N, the GLOBAL Vantage predefined set of currencies).

Your screening formula contains currency items.

Example:

@RANK(((XUSDME[0M]-XUSDME[-11M])/XUSDME[-11M]),$N)<=3
This identifies the 3 currencies that have had the strongest gain against the U.S. dollar in the past 12 months.

See also:	Using segment, issue, and currency data types


Set Overview

A set is a collection of one or more companies defined with a set name.  You create a set when you run a screen, but you can also create a set from a list of companies, or using the @SET function.

Once a set is defined, you can:

•	display data for the set in a report

•	evaluate it as a base set in a screen

•	change the set into segment or issue sets

•	combine 2 or more sets using set operators

•	create an aggregate for companies in your set

•	perform comparative analyses using set functions

PC Plus Sets

PC Plus has many predefined sets for different types of data.  For example, in the COMPUSTAT database, the predefined set, $A - Aggregates, contains aggregate data.  For a complete list, see PC Plus sets.

Parts of the set template

When you create a set, the set template is displayed with the following columns:

TIC	Company ticker or GVKEY
Name	Company name
About issue, business segment, and geographic segment sets

Sets are not limited to companies only.  You can also create a set of:

•	Issues

•	Business segments

•	Geographic segments

When you create an issue, business segment, or geographic segment set, you are limited to set members of the same type.  For example, a business segment set is limited to business segments only.

Related Topics:

Using Set

Using Set Builder

Creating a set from a list of companies

Current and temporary sets

Managing sets using set operators

Changing company sets into business segment, geographic segment, and issue sets

PC Plus Sets


Using Set

When you click on Set you'll see a dialog box from which you can

•	create a set from a list of companies

•	combine sets using set operators

•	add or delete companies from existing sets

These are discussed below, along with how to save a set.

Creating and modifying a set

	1. Click on Set.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	The next action you take depends on whether you're creating a new set, or modifying an existing set.  Your possible actions from the dialog box are:

Click on New to create a set from a list of companies.  Use the Look Up button to view a list of companies and paste into the set template, or enter tickers or GVKEYs for your list of companies.

Click on Builder to create a new set using a combination of companies, sets, and the @SET Screening function.  You can also use Set Builder to change a set into other set types, (such as companies to business segments.)

Double-click on the set in the list that you want to modify.  If the set you want to modify is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.  To add a company to an existing set, enter the company ticker or GVKEY and press Enter.  To delete a company from an existing set, select the company and press the Delete key.

Saving a set

Begin from within an set.

To save a new set, or to save a modified set overwriting the original, click on File and then on Save.

To save a modified set with a different name, leaving the original intact, click on File and then on Save As.  Be sure and type a different name for the modified set.

See also:	Creating a set from a list of companies
Using Set Builder


Using Set Builder

Set Builder assists you in creating new sets, combining existing sets using set operators, and changing existing sets into other set types, (such as companies to business segments).  Once you have created a set, PC Plus is directed in your session to the particular set of companies until you change it.

	1. Click on Set.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Click on Builder.  You'll see a dialog box.

3.	In the Companies box, enter a company ticker or GVKEY, or use the Look Up button to search for a specific company or companies and paste into the Company box.  If you enter more than one ticker or GVKEY, separate them by commas.

In the Sets box, enter a saved set or set formula, or use the Look Up button or the Set File button to search for sets and paste into the Sets box.  The Look Up button displays a list of all current sets in addition to saved sets.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.  The Set File button opens a dialog box where you can search for only saved sets.

4.	To specify the respective issues, business segments, or geographic segments of the company set, select the desired Set Type and click on OK.  PC Plus displays your set in a view window.

See also:	Screening functions
Managing sets using set operators


Creating a set from a list of companies

This Help topics shows you how to create a company, business segment, or geographic segment set from a list of companies.

	1. Click on Set.  You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Select the type of set you want to create and click on OK.  A set template is displayed.

3.	Type the ticker or GVKEY for the company you want to add.  If you are creating an issue, business segment, or geographic segment set, you'll see a dialog box displaying available issues, business segments, or geographic segments for the company.

Select the issue, business segment, or geographic segment and click on OK.  Your selection is added to the set template.  If the company has only one issue, business segment, or geographic segment, then it is automatically entered in the set template.


Current and temporary sets

Current and temporary sets can be used just like you would any other set within PC Plus.  The ability to use these set types ensures that you are evaluating a group of companies based on current criteria.  Each of these set types is discussed below.

Current sets

Each time you run a screen, PC Plus creates current sets for each passed set in your screen.  You can access current sets using the Look Up button.  You'll notice that temporary sets are tied to the screen from which they are created, and this is reflected in the syntax of the set name.  That is, the set name is appended to the screen name and row number.

When you close a screen you have run, current sets are automatically deleted.  If you want to permanently save a current set, use the Save passed sets command within a screen you have just run.  For more information, see Viewing results and saving sets in a screen.

Temporary sets

You can create temporary sets by using the @SET Screening function, or typing a list of tickers or GVKEYs, enclosed in quotes ("ticker") and separated by commas, within braces ( { } ).  Examples of each are shown below:

@SET($C,SIC=3711)	creates a temporary set containing companies that have 3711 as their Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)
{"F","GM","C"}	creates a temporary set from a list of companies


Managing sets using set operators

You can combine two or more sets to create a new set, run a report, or in the base set column of a screen.  Whenever you use a set operator, the sets must be of the same type.

The available set operators are listed below:

Operator	Description
+	Union of two sets of the same type
-	Subtraction of two sets of the same type
!	Intersection of two sets of the same type
~	All companies not included in the set


Changing company sets into business segment, geographic segment, and issue sets

You can easily change a company set to the respective business segments, geographic segments, or common stock issues using either Set Builder or the @CHGSET function.  Both are discussed below.

Changing set type with Set Builder

Set Builder makes it easy to quickly convert a set into another set type.  From Set Builder, enter the set name in the Set Box, and then select the appropriate set type.  The set is automatically converted into your selected set type.

PC Plus makes it easy for you to do this using the @CHGSET function.  An example of each is shown below:

Changing set type with the @CHGSET function

A common usage of the @CHGSET function is within formulas.  An example of each is show below:

Business segments	@CHGSET($COMPANY SET,BUS)
Geographic segments	@CHGSET($COMPANY SET,GEO)
Issues	@CHGSET($COMPANY SET,ISSUE)
You can also change business segments, geographic segments, or issues to the respective companies as shown below:

Business segments	@CHGSET($BUSINESS SEGMENT SET,COMPANY)
Geographic segments	@CHGSET($GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT SET,COMPANY)
Issues	@CHGSET($ISSUE SET,COMPANY)


PC Plus Sets

PC Plus has many different predefined sets for different types of data.  These sets are referred to as dollar sign ( $ ) sets.  The COMPUSTAT and GLOBAL Vantage databases contain unique $ sets, specific to each database.  The available $ sets are listed below, by database:

COMPUSTAT Database

$ Set	Description
$C	Active U.S. companies
$R	Inactive U.S. companies
$T	Active Canadian companies
$A	Aggregates
$I	Indexes
$CS	Line of Business Segments for Active companies
$CG	Geographic Segments for Active companies
$CI	Issues for Active companies
$RI	Issues for Inactive companies
$TI	Issues for Active Canadian companies
$II	Issues for Indexes
GLOBAL Vantage Database

$ Set	Description
$I	Active Industrial companies
$F	Active Financial Services companies
$R	Inactive Industrial companies
$X	Inactive Financial Services companies
$L	Local Market Indexes
$II	Issues for Industrial companies
$FI	Issues for Financial Services companies
$RI	Issues for Inactive Industrial companies
$XI	Issues for Inactive Financial Services companies
$LI	Issues for Local Market Indexes
$N	Currencies


Chart Overview

A chart allows you to graphically display data for a company.  S&P PC Plus automatically provides you with Chart Builder, which makes it easy to display a chart.  You simply select the data and company you want to display.  With the help of chart builder, you can:

•	evaluate market trends and growth

•	compare company data alongside indexed or aggregated data

•	insert the chart into another application, such as Microsoft Word or spreadsheet program

•	view and print the data specified for your chart

Chart Builder automatically creates a chart for companies, data, and time period (for which data is available) based on criteria you specify.

Related Topics:

Using Chart Builder

Creating a custom chart

Viewing and printing chart data

Changing your chart criteria

Printing a chart


Using Chart Builder

Chart Builder makes it easy for you to display data graphically in Excel or Lotus 1-2-3.  Using DDE, Chart Builder retrieves PC Plus data and displays it in your selected spreadsheet application.

When you access Chart Builder, you'll automatically launch your spreadsheet software.  You'll see a dialog box where you type a company ticker, and then select the time periods and data you want to chart.

Once the chart is displayed, you can:

•	change companies and time periods for the same chart

•	view data in a spreadsheet

•	print the chart or data

This topic shows you how to do this.

Displaying data in a chart

	1. Click on S&P Universal Chart Builder from Program Manager.
	If you're already in a PC Plus session, click on Chart.   You'll see a dialog box.
2.	In the Ticker box, type the ticker or GVKEY for the company you want to chart.  Use the Look Up button to search for a company and paste into the Ticker box.

You also have the option to display comparison data in the same chart, such as another company, index, or aggregate.

3.	Select your spreadsheet software from the Build For drop-down list.

Note - You can specify your default spreadsheet application by clicking on Settings at the top of the dialog box.  You'll open a dialog box where you can click on the Default radio button next to your preferred spreadsheet application.

4.	To display comparison data, type the appropriate ticker or GVKEY in the Compare Ticker box.  Use the Look Up button to search for a company and paste into the Ticker box.

5.	Select Annual, Quarterly, Monthly, or Daily from the Time Reference Box.

The maximum number of time periods for each Time Reference is automatically displayed in the # of Periods box.  Enter the number of periods you want to display.

6.	In the Categories box, click on the appropriate category for the data you want to display.

7.	In the Items box, click on the data you want to display.

You'll notice the list in the Item box changes depending on the Time Reference and Categories you select.

After you've made your selections, you're ready to display the chart.

8.	Click on Build Chart.  Chart Builder displays your chart.  You can easily display the same chart for another company or different time periods.

9.	To print the chart, click on the Print button.

Displaying the same chart for another company or different time periods

1.	Click on the Settings button.  You'll see a dialog box where you can enter different tickers or GVKEYs, and also select different time periods.

2.	To display the same chart for another company, enter a ticker or GVKEY in the Ticker and Compare Ticker boxes.  You can use the Look Up button to search for companies and paste into the Ticker and Compare Ticker boxes.

3.	To display the same chart for another time period, enter the time period in the Start Period and End Period boxes.  Be sure to include the periodicity, such as Y for annual, Q for quarterly, etc.

4.	Click on OK.  PC Plus displays your chart with the new chart settings.

Displaying different data

To display different data, click on the Builder button.  You'll return to Chart Builder where you can select the new data you want to display.

Displaying data in a spreadsheet

To display chart data click on the Data button.  You'll see the data displayed in a table.

For charts built in Excel, the Data button toggles between Data and Chart, depending on whether you are viewing a chart or data.  After you are finished viewing your selected data in a table, you can return to the chart by clicking on the Chart button.

For charts built in Lotus 1-2-3, you can return to the chart by clicking on the Close button,

See also:	Creating a custom chart
Viewing and printing chart data
Changing your chart criteria
Printing a chart
Chart Builder Buttons


Creating a custom chart

Chart Builder allows you to chart a single data item for up to two companies for any time period (for which data is available).  If you want to create a chart that displays data for up to seven companies or data items, then create a custom chart.

When you create a custom chart, you choose from common chart presentations, and then the data, time period, and companies you want to display in your chart.

The three available chart presentations are described below:

Company Trend	Comparative	Comparative Trend
Single company	Up to seven companies	Up to seven companies
Up to seven data items	Up to seven data items	Single data item
Over time	Single time period	Over time
This help topic shows you how to create a custom chart.

Begin from Program Manager or PC Plus:

	1. Click on S&P Universal Chart Builder from Program Manager.
	If you're already in a PC Plus session, click on Chart.   You'll see a dialog box.
2.	Click on Create a Custom Chart.  You'll see a dialog box displaying available chart presentations.

3.	Select your chart presentation.

4.	Select your spreadsheet software from the Build For drop-down list.

Note - You can specify your default spreadsheet application by clicking on Settings at the top of the dialog box.  You'll open a dialog box where you can click on the Default radio button next to your preferred spreadsheet application.

5.	Click on Next.  You'll see a dialog box for selecting data you want to display in your chart.

6.	Double-click on an item from the Items box, or select an item and click on Add.  You'll see the selected item appear in the Selected Items box.

If you want to use other formula elements, such as functions or mathematical operators with your selected item, double-click on the item in the Selected Formulas box.  You'll see it appear in the input box above the list of selected formulas.  Type the additional elements you want in your formula, and press Enter.  The formula is added to the Selected Formulas box.

7.	After your selections are made, click on Next.  The next dialog box you see depends on the type of chart you've selected.

If you've selected a Comparative chart, you'll see a dialog box for entering company tickers or GVKEYs; proceed to step 9.

If you've selected a Company Trend or Comparative Trend chart, you'll see a dialog box for selecting the time period.

8.	Enter the time period you want to display and then click on Next.  You'll see a dialog box for entering companies you want to display.

9.	Enter the tickers or GVKEYs for your companies, or use the Look Up button to search for a company and paste into a Ticker box.

10.	Click on Build Chart.  Chart Builder displays your chart.


Viewing and printing chart data

After you have displayed a chart using Chart Builder, you can quickly view data in a table.  For charts displayed in Excel, you can also print the data.  If you display a chart in Lotus 1-2-3, you can only view the data.

Begin from the chart view window:

1.	Click on the Data button.  You'll see your selected chart data in a table.

2.	For Excel chart data, click on the Print button to print the table.

3.	For Excel charts, click on the Chart button to return to the chart.
For Lotus 1-2-3 charts, click on the Close button to return to the chart.

Note - Any changes you make to the data will not be reflected automatically in your chart.

See also:	Chart Builder Buttons


Changing your chart criteria

After you display a chart, you may want to change your chart criteria.  From the chart, use the Settings button to display the same chart for another company, change the chart axis labels, or specify a different time period.  If you want to chart different data, then create a new chart using the Builder button.

Displaying same chart for another company or different time periods

1.	Click on the Settings button.  You'll see a dialog box where you can enter different tickers or GVKEYs, and also select different time periods.

2.	To display the same chart for another company, enter a ticker or GVKEY in the Ticker and Compare Ticker boxes.  You can use the Look Up button to search for companies and paste into the Ticker and Compare Ticker boxes.

3.	To display the same chart for another time period, enter the time period in the Start Period and End Period boxes.  Be sure to include the periodicity, such as Y for annual, Q for quarterly, etc.

4.	Click on OK.  PC Plus displays your chart with the new chart settings.

Displaying different data

To display different data, click on the Builder button.  You'll return to Chart Builder where you can select the new data you want to display.

See also:	Chart Builder Buttons
Creating a custom chart


Printing a chart

After you've specified your chart criteria, Chart Builder displays your chart along with five chart buttons.  To print the chart, click on the Print button.

See also:	Viewing and printing chart data


Chart Settings

After you've specified your chart criteria, PC Plus displays your chart along with five chart buttons.  You can change companies, enter axis labels for your chart, and enter a time period with the Settings button.

If you want to change the data displayed in your chart, you must use the Builder button and return to Chart Builder.

Ticker

Enter a company ticker or GVKEY.  Use the Look Up button to search for a company and paste into the Ticker box.

Compare Ticker

Enter a company ticker or GVKEY.  Use the Look Up button to search for a company and paste into the Compare Ticker box.

The Compare Ticker box is displayed only if you entered a comparison ticker in your initial chart criteria.  A comparison ticker is optional.  If you only want to display data for one company in your chart, leave this blank.

X Axis Label

Enter a label for the X Axis of your chart.

Y Axis Label

Enter a label for the Y Axis of your chart.

Start Period and End Period

The existing time period is displayed.  Use the Start Period and End Period boxes to change the time period for your chart.

Cancel

Exits Chart Builder and returns to your previous operation.


Chart Builder Buttons

After you've specified your chart criteria, Chart Builder displays your chart along with five chart buttons.  To print the chart, click on the Print button.

The following Chart buttons are displayed depending on whether you use Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 to display your chart:

Button in Excel	Button in Lotus 1-2-3	Performs this action
		accesses the Chart Builder
		accesses PC Plus
		allows you to changes companies, time periods, and chart labels for the current chart
↔		displays data in a table; in Excel the Data button changes to the Chart button to view data in a chart
		prints a chart or chart data


COMPUSTAT Data Definitions

PC Plus provides you with complete data definitions for the COMPUSTAT database.  To access a data definition:

•	select an item in the Item lookup list and click on Definition

•	click Data Definitions from the Help menu command


Databases Overview

PC Plus provides you with the COMPUSTAT and GLOBAL Vantage databases.  Within each database are different data and company types, such as Company, Business and Geographic Segments, Issues, Indexes, Aggregates, and Currencies.

Related Topics:

Aggregates

Business and Geographic Segments

Companies

Currency

Research Companies

Indexes

Issues


Aggregates

An aggregate is a group of at least four companies that share the same industry grouping or SIC.  The data for an aggregate is the summation of data for the companies in the industry group.  Each aggregate is identified by a ticker beginning with AG, followed by an SIC code for the industry group.

There are over 270 Aggregates available only in the COMPUSTAT predefined set, $A - Aggregates.  Use Aggregates for industry analysis.


Business and Geographic Segments

You can use designated items in the database to specifically analyze a company's business and geographic segment data.

Business segments are the lines of business from which a company generates revenue.  For example, GE generates revenue from lines of business including aircraft engine, major appliances, and major broadcasting.

Use Business Segment data to find out the different lines of business and the respective percentages for each that contribute to a company's total operations

Business Segment data is available only in the COMPUSTAT predefined dollar sign set, $CS - Business Segments

Geographic segments are the different geographical regions in which a company does business.  For example, Coca-Cola generates revenue in the geographic regions of Asia, Canada, Pacific, and United States.

Use Geographic Segment data to find out geographic regions in which a Company does business and the respective percentages for each that contribute to a company's total operations.

Geographic Segment data is available only in the COMPUSTAT predefined set, $CG - Geographic Segments


Companies

Companies are publicly held corporations that trade common stock or are wholly owned subsidiaries that trade preferred stock or debt.  Companies are the fundamental reporting units for which COMPUSTAT data are categorized into the following predefined sets:

COMPUSTAT Database

$C	Active U.S. companies
$R	Inactive U.S. companies
$T	Canadian companies
GLOBAL Vantage Database

$I	Active Industrial companies
$F	Active Financial Services companies
$R	Inactive Industrial companies
$X	Inactive Financial Services companies


Currency

Currency data consists of monthend, month average, and yearend translation rates.  There are 58 currencies in the predefined GLOBAL Vantage set, $N - Currencies.  Fluctuating currency translation adds a new dimension to your portfolio analysis.


Research Companies

Research companies no longer report data due to a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, liquidation, or other reasons.  However, the COMPUSTAT and GLOBAL Vantage databases provide you with historical data for these companies in the following predefined sets:

COMPUSTAT Database

$R	Inactive U.S. companies
GLOBAL Vantage Database

$R	Inactive Industrial companies
$X	Inactive Financial Services companies


Indexes

Indexes are weighted industry composite such as

•	Standard and Poor's 500 (S&P 500)

•	Toronto Stock Exchange 300 (TSE 300)

•	NIKKEI 500

There are approximately 178 Indexes that make up the COMPUSTAT predefined set, $I - Indexes, and approximately 28 that make up the GLOBAL Vantage predefined set, $L - Local Market Indexes.

Certain items are available for indexes, such as monthly prices, dividends, earnings, and shares traded.


Issues

Issue data allows you to evaluate daily market data including prices, dividends, shares traded and much more.  This information is available for multiple common stock issues of a company in the following predefined sets:

COMPUSTAT Database

$CI	Issues for Active Companies
$RI	Issues for Research Companies
$TI	Issues for Canadian Companies
$II	Issues for Indexes
GLOBAL Vantage Database

$II	Issues for Active Industrial
$FI	Issues for Active Financial Services
$RI	Issues for Research Industrial
$XI	Issues for Research Financial Services
$LI	Issues for Local Market Indexes
Note -You must be an On-line subscriber to access Issue data.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like to find out how to begin accessing daily market data, contact your Account Representive.


Formulas Overview

A formula is a mathematical or logical combination of one or more items, concepts, or functions and produces a value for a company or set.  When you use a concept, function, or other mathematical combination in an operation, you generate a result.  In contrast, when you use an item, you extract data directly from the database.

Formulas are used to:

•	create screen criteria

•	define data in your report or spreadsheet

•	add date labels to your report or spreadsheet

•	create your own concepts

Parts of a formula

Formulas can include the following:

•	items and concepts

•	functions

•	parentheses (to establish order of operation)

•	mathematical or relational operators

•	company references

•	time period references

Of course, you probably won't use all of these components in every formula.  Some formulas may be quite simple, such as the item for annual sales, SALE.  The following Help topics discuss the various components you might use in a formula, and provide you with additional information including formula examples.

Related Topics:

Creating a formula

Items and concepts

Parentheses

Mathematical and relational operators

Company references

Time period references

Understanding time periods

Mixing time periods

Formula examples


Creating a formula

PC Plus makes it easy for you to create a formula with the Look Up tool.  When you click on Look Up, you're provided with a list of the following:

•	companies

•	items and concepts

•	functions

•	sets

Paste your selections from these lists into your formula.  You can also include time period references, mathematical and relational operators, and parentheses in your formula.

The formula bar is where you create a formula.  Once you are satisfied with the formula you are creating, press Enter to insert the formula into your screen or report formula, or concept.

To create a formula, begin from within a screen or report:

1.	Click on the cell for which you want to add a formula.

	2. Click on the Look Up tool.  You'll see a dialog box.  This dialog box remains open until you click on Close, and it can also be moved to a more convenient location on your screen.  Simply click on the title box and drag it to another location.
	3. Click on the Company button to view a list of companies. For more information on how to use companies in your formulas, see Company references.
	Click on the Item button to view a list of items and concepts.
	Click on the Function button to view a list of functions. When you paste a function, you must type or paste function arguments.  If you are using a Set Analysis function, use the Set button to easily view and paste sets into your function.
	Click on the Set button to view a list of sets.
4.	Select an item, concept, function, company, or set and click on Paste.  You'll see your selection appear in the formula bar.  You can type operators and parenthesis, and paste additional items, concepts, or functions in the formula bar.

5.	After your formula is complete, press Enter.  You'll see the formula appear in your screen or report.  If the formula is larger than the allotted cell size, only a portion of it is visible.  To view or modify a cell formula, click on it and press F2.  You'll see the formula appear in the formula bar.  After you are done viewing or modifying it, press Enter.

See also:	Company references
Items and concepts
Mathematical and relational operators
Parentheses
Time period references


Items and concepts

Items are pieces of information in the database; concepts are mathematical or logical combinations of items or other concepts stored as a specific item name.  You can use any PC Plus or user-defined item or concept in a formula.  The data type of an item or concept determines:

•	the format in which it is displayed

•	the company type for which it can be evaluated

•	how the item can be used in formulas

For example, the annual segment sales item, SALES, is a decimal data item format that can be evaluated for a company or business segment, but not for an issue or geographic segment.  If your formula contains an illogical mix of data types, it cannot be calculated and you'll receive an error message.

See also:	Creating a formula


Parentheses

When you create long formulas, use parentheses to make your formulas easier to read and ensure that the calculations are performed in the appropriate order.  When any part of a formula is enclosed in parentheses, that operation is performed first.  If the parentheses contain other parentheses, the innermost set is calculated first.

Example:

NI/((AT+ AT[-1])/2)	(AT + AT[-1]) is calculated first
If parentheses are not present, formula calculations are performed according to the following precedence:

Precedence	Operator
1	All functions
2	Exponentiation ( ^ )
3	Negation
4	Multiplication ( * ) and division ( / )
5	Addition ( + ) and subtraction ( - )
6	Relational operators
If your formula contains two or more operators with the same precedence, they are performed left to right.

See also:	Mathematical and relational operators


Mathematical and relational operators

Mathematical and relational operators allow you to combine or compare 2 or more data values.  These operators are consistent with mathematical convention.

Mathematical Operators

+	Addition
	Subtraction
*	Multiplication
/	Division
^	Exponentiation
You can use mathematical operators with decimals, integers, time periods, dates, and months.  However, items must be of the same data type to calculate a valid result.

Relational Operators

=	Equal
<>	Not equal
<	Less than
>	Greater than
<=	Less than or equal to
>=	Greater than or equal to
Even though you can use relational operators with any items, they must be of the same data type to calculate a valid result.  Also, the result of a relational operator is either true or false.  For example, the formula SALE > 500 is true if annual sales are greater than $500 million.  If the result of a relational operator is true, PC Plus returns a value of 1; if the result is false, PC Plus returns a value of 0.

See also:	Parentheses


Company references

Use company references in formulas to evaluate items, concepts, and functions for a specific company or set.  When you use a company reference, the ticker or GVKEY and a colon ( : ) precede the item, concept, or function.  The ticker or GVKEY must be in quotes.

Examples:

"COMS":SALE	Annual sales for 3COM
"COMS":PE / "I0003":PE	Price/earnings relative for 3COM to the S&P 500
See also:	Creating a formula


Time period references

Time period references direct PC Plus to evaluate formulas for a specific period of time.  You can specify a period of time in your formulas, and also when you run report or screen.  Each is discussed below.

Specifying time periods in formulas

Use brackets to specify time references, and also to enclose period functions.

Examples:

SALE[Y92]

(SALE + SALE[-1]) / 2

PRCCM[@MNT(-1Q)]

If you don't specify a time period in a formula, PC Plus automatically evaluates the current time period.

Specifying time periods when you run a report or screen

When you run a report or screen, you can specify the time period for which you want your report or screen evaluated by choosing Select Period.  Otherwise, you can accept the default of Current Period and PC Plus automatically evaluates your report or screen for the most current data.

You can specify more than one time period, depending on the type of data in your report or screen.  For example, suppose you are evaluating monthly closing price and quarterly equity.  These two data types are for different periodicities, monthly and quarterly.  You can select a monthly and quarterly time period for each data item.

Note - If a formula is already referenced with an absolute time period, then that formula will always return data for the time period specified within brackets, even if you select a different time period when you run a report or screen.

See also:	Understanding time periods


Understanding time periods

About the current period . . .

The current period changes each time data is updated.  Since companies have different fiscal years and reporting time frames, the current period differs among companies.  If you do not reference a time period in your applications, you could evaluate formulas for a set of companies with different time periods.  To avoid this, include a time period reference in the formula or specify the time period when you run a report or screen.  There are three ways to specify the time periods:  absolute, relative, and calendar.  Each is discussed below.

Absolute time period references

Absolute references direct PC Plus to an exact fiscal year or quarter.  If you use an absolute time period reference in a formula, then PC Plus will always evaluate the fiscal time period specified.

You can specify the following fiscal time periods:

Fiscal Year	SALE[Y92]
Fiscal Quarter	SALEQ[Q2Y93]
Relative time period references

Relative references direct PC Plus to evaluate formulas relative to the current time period.  The current time period is 0, so the current time period reference is an implied [0].  Therefore, one period prior to current is indicated with [-1], two periods prior to current is indicated [-2].

Calendar time period references

Calendar references direct PC Plus to an exact calendar year, quarter, month, week, or day.  The calendar time period is always the exact year in which the time period ends.  For example, suppose a company's fiscal yearend is May 1994.  The calendar time period for annual data is 1994.

The fiscal time period for the same company is different.  If you evaluate monthly time periods for annual data ending May 1994, you'll see that seven of the 12 months are from the year 1993.  Therefore, the fiscal time period for annual data is 1993.

You can specify the following calendar time periods:

Calendar Year	SALE[C91]
Calendar Quarter	SALEQ[IV92]
Calendar Month	PRCCM[JUN93]
Calendar Week	AJEXW[26W93]
Calendar Day	CSHTRD[28MAY93]
Knowing when to use absolute, relative, or calendar time periods

Use relative time referencing to create more flexible formulas in your reports, screens, and spreadsheets.  For example, suppose you create a monthly report that includes stock performance formulas for the past 12 months using relative referencing.  When you evaluate the report, you can specify any beginning month.  This gives you the flexibility to display the report for any time period without having to create another report.

Use absolute and calendar referencing to always evaluate a formula for the same time period.

See also:	@YR - Identify fiscal period year
@QTR - Identify fiscal period quarter
@MNT - Identify period month
@WK - Identify period week
@DAY - Identify period day
Time Period references


Mixing time periods

It's important to consider the proper alignment of items of different time periods when you create a formula.  For example, in the calculation of price to sales, PRCCM/SALEQ, PRCCM is a monthly item, but SALEQ is a quarterly item.

If you want to align data for different time periods. . .

You can use the @YR, @QTR, @MNT, @WK, and @DAY functions to match up annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily items, respectively, with items of different time periods.

To match the time periods in the price to sales formula, PRCCM/SALEQ, use the @MNT function.

Example:	PRCCM[@MNT(0Q)] / SALE[0Q]

This formula will return the monthly closing price of the current quarter, divided by sales for the current quarter.


Formula examples

This Help topic provides you with actual formulas you can create in PC Plus.  These are just a sample of formulas that show various combinations of items, functions, parentheses, relational operators, company references, and time period references.

Formula	Description
SIC="TWX":SIC	Identifies all companies that have the same SIC as Time Warner, ticker TWX
SPMIX<=60	Identifies all companies in the S&P 500 index
SPIIX=2890	Identifies all S&P 500 companies in the Chemicals - Diversified subindex
@RANK(SALE,@SET($C, @SIC3(SIC)=2040))<=3	Identifies the top 3 companies, based on annual sales, in the grain mill products industry
@IF(EPSX12>0, @TEXT(PRCCM/EPSX12),"Not Meaningful")	If 12-months moving earnings per share is greater than zero, divides monthly closing price by 12-months earnings per share.  If earnings per share is not greater than zero, then returns the text, Not Meaningful.
NIQ[@IF(UPDQ=3,0, @IF(UPDQ[-1]=3,-1,-2))]	Returns the current quarter's net income if the update code for the quarter indicates that the update is final (3).  If not, checks the previous quarter's update code and returns the net income from 2 quarters prior.
@IF(SEQQ>SEQQ[-1],"UP", @IF(SEQQ<SEQQ[-1],"DOWN", "NO CHANGE"))	Compares the current quarter's stockholder's equity to the previous quarter.  Returns the word UP if there is an increase, the word DOWN if a decrease, or NO CHANGE.  If stockholder's equity is not available for either quarter, the formula cannot be evaluated and will be blank.


Functions Overview

Functions are predefined calculation tools you can use to perform numerous tasks, from something as simple as averaging data for an industry, to more sophisticated analyses using fractiles.  You can use functions in your screening, reporting, spreadsheet, and concept formulas individually, or combine them for more complex analysis.  PC Plus provides you with more than 70 functions that allow you to

•	easily and automatically perform data calculations

•	get complex results fast

How to construct a function

Every function begins with @, followed by a short name, such as CAVG.  Additionally, each function requires instructions for what you want evaluated.  We refer to these instructions as arguments and they are always enclosed in parenthesis following the function name.

PC Plus categorizes functions by the particular type of analysis you want to perform.  For a complete list of functions in each category, along with syntax and descriptions for each, select from the function categories listed under Related Topics.

Related Topics:

Historical Analysis functions

Information functions

Logical functions

Mathematical functions

Period Reference functions

Reference functions

Screening functions

Set Analysis functions

Statistical functions

Text functions


Historical Analysis functions

Historical Analysis functions can be used to evaluate data over a period of time.  For example, you can calculate 5-year average sales, or find out how many times a company increased its dividend over time.

Related Topics:

@PAVG - Average across time

@PCOR - Correlation Coefficient

@PCOUNT - Count Periods

@PDEC - Decrease across time

@PGMN - Geometric mean across time

@PINC - Increase across time

@PMAX - Maximum value across time

@PMAXPD - Period for maximum value

@PMIN - Minimum value across time

@PMINPD - Period for minimum value

@PPROD - Multiplication across time

@PSTD - Standard deviation

@PSUM - Sum across time

@PWAVG - Weighted average across time


@PAVG - Average across time

@PAVG(formula, period1, period2) - Average across time

Calculates the average value of a formula over time.  Periods containing data codes are excluded from the calculation.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@PAVG(XRD/SALE,Y83,Y92)
Calculates the 10-year average R&D to sales ratio.

@PAVG(MKBK,-3M,0M)
Calculates the average market to book ratio using the last 4 months' prices.

@PAVG(ROE,-9,0)
Calculates the average return on equity over a 10-year period.

@PAVG(SALEQ,IV87,IV92,4)
Calculates the average 4th quarter sales from 4th calendar quarter 1987 through 4th calendar quarter 1992.  This application  might be used to measure performance of a seasonal business, such as retail.  Only the 4th calendar quarter of each year will be used in the calculation of average quarterly sales.


@PCOR - Correlation Coefficient

@PCOR(formulaX, formulaY, period1, period2) - Correlation Coefficient

Measures the relationship between 2 formulas using a correlation coefficient.  This returns a decimal between -1.0 and 1.0, such as .98.  A return between 0 and 1.0 indicates a positive correlation; a return between -1.0 and 0 indicates an inverse correlation.

Examples:

@PCOR(SALE,NI,-9,0)
Calculates the correlation coefficient of sales and net income over the last 10 years.

@PCOR(NI,PRCCF,-9,0)
Calculates the correlation coefficient of net income and fiscal year-end price over the last 10 years.

@PCOR(EPSPXQ,DVPSXQ,Q1Y90,Q4Y92)
Calculates the correlation coefficient of quarterly net earnings and quarterly dividends over the 12 fiscal quarters from 1st quarter 1990 to 4th quarter 1992.


@PCOUNT - Count Periods

@PCOUNT(formula, period1, period2) - Count periods

Counts the number of periods that contain data for an item over a period of time.  This function cannot evaluate an equation, so must be a single item or concept.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@PCOUNT(DVQ,-11,0)
Calculates the number of quarters with a data value for cash dividends paid over the last 12 quarters.

SALE[-@PCOUNT(SALE,-9,0)+1]
Counts the number of years sales is available over the last 10 years and returns the oldest number available.  If eight years are available, PC Plus counts SALE[-(8)+1] or SALE[-7].


@PDEC - Decrease across time

@PDEC(formula, period1, period2) - Decrease across time

Determines the number of occurrences over time where the value of a formula goes down from the immediately previous period.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@PDEC(EMP,-6,0)
Counts the times the number of employees has decreased from the previous year during the last seven years.  This returns and number between zero and six.

@PDEC(EPSPX,-9,0)
Returns the number of times primary earnings per share excluding extraordinary items has decreased from the previous year over the last 10 years.  This returns a number between zero and nine.

@PDEC(SALE/SALE[-1],-9,0)
Returns the number of times the annual sales growth decreased from the previous year over the last 10 years.  This returns a number between zero and nine.


@PGMN - Geometric mean across time

@PGMN(formula, period1, period2) - Geometric mean across time

Calculates the geometric mean of a formula value over time.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@PGMN(SALEQ,I91,IV92)
Calculates the geometric mean sales across eight calendar quarters.

SALE>@PGMN(SALE,Y88,Y92)*1.10

If you use this formula in a screening criterion, PC Plus finds all companies whose current annual sales is 10% greater than its geometric mean of sales from 1988 to 1992.


@PINC - Increase across time

@PINC(formula, period1, period2) - Increase across time

Determines the number of occurrences over time where the value of a formula goes up from the immediately previous period.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@PINC(OB,-5,0)
Counts the number of times order backlog has increased from the previous year during the last six years.  This returns a number between zero and five because there is a maximum of five intervals in six years.

@PINC(MKBK,JUN88,DEC92)
Counts the number of times the monthly market to book ratio increased from June 1988 through December 1992.

@PINC(CEQQ,-7,0)
Counts the number of times quarterly common equity increased in the last eight quarters.  This returns a number between zero and seven.  If you use this formula in a screening criterion, type 7 in the minimum column to find companies which had seven increases in eight quarters.


@PMAX - Maximum value across time

@PMAX(formula, period1, period2) - Maximum value across time

Determines the largest value of a formula over time.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@PMAX(CFL/CSHO,Y85,Y92)
Finds the largest value of cash flow per share over the 8-year period from 1985 to 1992.

@PMAX(PEM,-11,0)
Finds the largest value for monthly price to earnings ratio for the last 12 months.


@PMAXPD - Period for maximum value

@PMAXPD(formula, period1, period2) - Period for maximum value across time

Returns the period for the largest value of a formula over time.

Examples:

@PMAXPD(ROEQ,-7,0)
Identifies the period in which the highest quarterly return on equity occurs over the last eight quarters.

@PMAXPD(SALE,Y87,Y92)
Returns the year in which the largest value for sales occurs between 1987 and 1992.


@PMIN - Minimum value across time

@PMIN(formula, period1, period2) - Minimum value across time

Determines the smallest value of a formula over time.

Examples:

@PMIN(ROA,-4,0)
Returns the smallest value of return on assets for the last five fiscal years.

@PMIN(PRCLM,OCT91,SEP92)
Finds the lowest monthly closing price for October 1991 through September 1992.

@PMIN(PRCCM/EPSX12[@QTR(-2M)],-23,0,3)
Calculates the minimum value of price to earnings ratio for the first month of each quarter over the last 24 months.  The monthly price to earnings ratio from every 3rd month will be evaluated in the identification of the minimum value over a 2-year period.


@PMINPD - Period for minimum value

@PMINPD(formula, period1, period2) - Period for minimum value across time

Returns the period for the smallest value of a formula over time.

Examples:

@PMINPD(MKBK,SEP91,SEP92)
Returns the month in which the smallest market to book ratio occurs between September 1991 and September 1992.

@PMINPD(NI,-4,0)
Returns the year in which the smallest net income occurs in the past five years.


@PPROD - Multiplication across time

@PPROD(formula, period1, period2) - Multiplication across time

Calculates the product of a formula multiplied over time.  This function returns a decimal.

Example:

@PPROD(EPSPXQ,Q1Y91,Q1Y92)
Multiplies earnings per share quarterly from 1st quarter of 1991 to 1st quarter of 1992.


@PSTD - Standard deviation

@PSTD(formula, period1, period2) - Standard deviation

Measures the standard deviation of a formula value over time.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@PSTD(XRD/SALE,Y82,Y91)
Calculates the standard deviation of R&D to sales from 1982 to 1991.

@PSTD(ROE,-4,0)
Calculates the standard deviation of return on equity over the last five years.

@PSTD(SALEQ,I89,IV91)
Calculates the standard deviation of quarterly sales from the 1st calendar quarter of 1989 to the 4th calendar quarter of 1991.


@PSUM - Sum across time

@PSUM(formula, period1, period2) - Sum across time

Sums the value of a formula over time.  Items containing a data code for a period are excluded from the calculation.

Examples:

@PSUM(DVC,Y81,Y92)
Calculates total common dividends paid from 1981 to 1992.

@PSUM(@IF((SALE/SALE[-1])>1.1,1,0),-5,0)
Calculates the number of times sales increased by more than 10% in the last six years.  This returns a number between zero and five.

@PSUM(IBQ+DPQ,-3,0)
Calculates cash flow over the most recent four quarters.


@PWAVG - Weighted average across time

@PWAVG(formulaX, formulaY, period1, period2) - Weighted average across time

Calculates a weighted average of a formula across time.  The importance given to each period depends on the value of another formula (Y).  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@PWAVG(XRD/SALE,SALE,Y85,Y94)
Calculates the 10-year average R&D to sales ratio from 1985 to 1994 weighted by annual sales.

@PWAVG(SALEQ,COGSQ,-7,0)
Calculates the 2-year average quarterly sales weighted by quarterly cost of goods sold.

@PWAVG(PRCCM,MKVALM,-11,0)
Calculates the average monthly close price over the last year weighted by market value.


Information functions

Information functions perform tasks that return data for a specific element of a group item or generalize data.

Related Topics:

@ELEMENT - Specify group item

@SIC2 and @SIC3 - Generalize SIC codes


@ELEMENT - Specify group item

@ELEMENT(formula, element) - Specify group item

Directs a group item to a specific element.  This function returns the value of the specified element.

Example:

@ELEMENT(INVVAL,1)
Returns the inventory valuation code for the first element.  Inventory valuation is a group item containing four codes that correspond to accounting methods.


@SIC2 and @SIC3 - Generalize SIC codes

@SIC2(sic_code) and @SIC3(sic_code) - Generalize SIC codes

Provides progressively more general SIC categories.  For example, @SIC2 generalizes the SIC code of 2834 to the first 2 digits, or 2800.  These functions return a set of companies in screening, and an SIC code or an integer in reporting applications.

Examples:

@SIC2(SIC)=3500
If you use this formula in a screening criterion, it identifies companies with 35 as the 1st two digits in their SIC Code.

@SET($C,@SIC3(SIC)=@SIC3("MHP":SIC))
Identifies all companies with the same 1st three digits in their SIC Codes as McGraw-Hill.


Logical functions

Logical functions test items and formulas to determine whether or not they meet selected conditions.

This category of functions is called logical because they evaluate a condition to be true or false, and return data depending on specified conditions.  Use these functions in screening as well as financial models you create in reports or spreadsheets.  As with any function, you can combine them with other functions for more complex formulas.

Related Topics:

@AND- Logical AND

@IF - Return a value when conditions are met

@INRANGE - Determine membership in a range

@ISAF - Determine annual figure data code

@ISCF - Determine combined figure data code

@ISIF - Determine insignificant figure data code

@ISNA - Determine not available figure data code

@ISNC - Determine not calculable data code

@ISNM - Determine not meaningful data code

@ISSF - Determine semiannual figure data code

@ISVALUE - Determine existence of data

@NOT - Logical NOT

@OR - Logical OR

@VALUE - Generate a data value


@AND- Logical AND

@AND(logical, logical) - Logical AND

Returns true if each argument is true, but false if one or more arguments are false.  This function can contain up to 30 logical conditions.

Example:

@AND(SALE>500,SIC=2834)
In screening criteria, this formula finds all companies with sales greater than $500 million with an SIC Code of 2834.


@IF - Return a value when conditions are met

@IF(condition, then_formula, else_formula) - Return a value when conditions are met.

Provides two data values for an operation with a condition for choosing between them.  If the condition is true, then PC Plus uses the first choice; otherwise PC Plus uses the second choice.

Examples:

@IF(SALE<1,0,SALE)
If sales are less than $1 million, assigns a 0.  If sales are greater than or equal to $1 million, then returns sales.

@IF(PEM<=6,PEM,0)
If the price to earnings ratio is less than or equal to six, returns the PE ratio; otherwise returns a zero.

@IF(SEQQ>SEQQ[-1],"UP",@IF(SEQQ<SEQQ[-1],"DOWN","NO CHANGE"))
Compares the current quarter's stockholders' equity to the previous quarter and will return the word UP is there is an increase, or the word DOWN if a decrease; otherwise returns NO CHANGE.  If stockholders' equity is not available for either quarter, the formula cannot be evaluated and PC Plus will display a Not Available Code (@NA) in the report cell.

NIQ[@IF(UPDQ=3,0,@IF(UPDQ[-1]=3,-1,-2))]
Returns the current quarter's net income if the update code for the quarter indicates that the update is final (3).  If not, checks the previous quarter's update code and returns that quarter's net income if the update is final; otherwise returns the net income from two quarters prior.


@INRANGE - Determine membership in a range

@INRANGE(formula, value1, value2) - Determine membership in a range

Determines whether a formula value is within a range of two other values.  This function returns a 1 for true or a 0 for false.

Examples:

@INRANGE(MKBK,1.0,2.0)
Finds those companies with a market to book ratio between 1.0 and 2.0.

@INRANGE(SALE[Y92],500,1000)
Returns a 1 if 1992 sales were between $500 million and $1 billion.


@ISAF - Determine annual figure data code

@ISAF(formula) - Determine annual figure data code

Determine if a formula is an annual figure data code (@AF).

Example:

@ISAF(DPQ)
Returns a 1 if quarterly depreciation is an @AF data code.


@ISCF - Determine combined figure data code

@ISCF(formula) - Determine combined figure data code

Determine if a formula is a combined figure data code (@CF).

Examples:

@ISCF(DPQ)
Returns a 1 if quarterly depreciation is an @CF data code.

@IF(@ISCF(DPQ),"COMBINED FIGURE",@TEXT(DPQ))
If quarterly depreciation is an @CF data code, this function returns the text COMBINED FIGURE; otherwise this function returns the depreciation value.  The @TEXT function must be used with the @IF function to put both values in the same format.


@ISIF - Determine insignificant figure data code

@ISIF(formula) - Determine insignificant figure data code

Determine if a formula is an insignificant figure data code (@IF).

Example:

@ISIF(XRD)
Returns a 1 if research and development is an @IF data code.


@ISNA - Determine not available figure data code

@ISNA(formula) - Determine not available data code

Determine if a formula is a not available data code (@NA).

Example:

@ISNA(SPCPRC)
Returns a 1 if the current commercial paper rating is an @NA data code.


@ISNC - Determine not calculable data code

@ISNC(formula) - Determine not calculable data code

Determine if a formula is a not calculable data code (@NC).

Example:

@ISNC(CFL/SALE)
Returns a 1 if the cash flow margin is an @NC data code.


@ISNM - Determine not meaningful data code

@ISNM(formula) - Determine not meaningful data code

Determine if a formula is a not meaningful data code (@NM).

Example:

@ISNM(CEPS5)
Returns a 1 if the 5-year compound growth rate for primary earnings per share are an @NM data code.


@ISSF - Determine semiannual figure data code

@ISSF(formula) - Determine semiannual figure data code

Determine if a formula is a semiannual figure data code (@SF).

Example:

@ISSF(COGSQ[Q1Y92])
Returns a 1 if quarterly cost of goods sold for 1st quarter 1992 is an @SF data code.


@ISVALUE - Determine existence of data

@ISVALUE(formula) - Determine the existence of data

Determine whether data exists for a formula.

Example:

@ISVALUE(PPLAU)
Returns a 1 if the item, Underfunded Pension Plan Assets, contains a value.


@NOT - Logical NOT

@NOT(logical) - Logical NOT

Determines whether reverse of the condition is true.  Returns a 1 if the condition is true, or 0 if false.

Example:

@NOT(STATE=36)
In screening criteria, this formula finds all companies except those located in New York.  (The item State specifies primary location only.)


@OR - Logical OR

@OR(logical, logical) - Logical OR

Determines if the logical arguments are true.  Returns a 1 if the condition is true, or 0 if false.  This function can contain up to 30 logical conditions.

Example:

@OR(SIC=2911,ROA>5)

In screening criteria, this formula finds all companies with an SIC Code of 2911 or a return on assets greater than 5%.


@VALUE - Generate a data value

@VALUE(formula1, formula2) - Generate a data value

Returns a value for formula1.  If there is no value for formula1, then returns the value for formula2.

Example:

@VALUE(PRCCD,PRCCM)/EPSX12
Divides daily closing price by 12-months moving earnings per share.  If daily closing price is not available, divides monthly close price by 12-months moving earnings per share.


Mathematical functions

Mathematical functions perform many of the same calculations available on your pocket calculator, such as logarithm, square root and exponent.

Related Topics:

@ABS - Absolute value

@EXP - Exponent

@INT - Integer

@LN - Natural log

@LOG - Log

@RND - Round

@SQRT - Square root


@ABS - Absolute value

@ABS(formula) - Absolute value

Calculates the absolute value of any numerical formula.

Example:

@ABS(NI)-DVP
Calculates the dollar amount difference between net income and dividends paid.


@EXP - Exponent

@EXP(formula) - Exponent

Calculates the number (2.718) raised to the power.  The can be any decimal or integer.  The result is a decimal.  To raise a formula to a power (n), use the mathematical operator " ^ ", such as X ^ n.  Note that the operation, X ^ n,  is not a function.

Example:

@EXP(10)
Calculates the number (2.718) raised to the 10th power .


@INT - Integer

@INT(formula) - Integer

Identifies the digits to the left of the decimal in a numerical formula.

Example:

@INT(CHE)
This example returns the value of cash and cash equivalents as an integer.  For example, if CHE=113.235, then this function returns 113.


@LN - Natural log

@LN(formula) - Natural log

Calculates the natural log (base e) of any positive numerical formula.

Example:

@LN(PRCCM)
Calculates the natural logarithm of monthly closing price.


@LOG - Log

@LOG(formula) - Log

Calculates the log (base 10) of any positive numerical formula.

Example:

@LOG(SALE)
Calculates the common logarithm of sales.


@RND - Round

@RND(formula) - Round

Rounds to the nearest whole number of a formula.

Examples:

@RND(SALE)
Rounds sales to the nearest whole number.

@RND(CSHOQ*PRCCM)
Rounds the product of quarterly common shares outstanding and monthly price to the nearest whole number.

@RND(452.7)
Rounds the number to the nearest whole number, 453.


@SQRT - Square root

@SQRT(formula) - Square root

Calculates the square root of any positive numerical formula.

Example:

@SQRT(144)
Calculates the square root of 144; the result is 12.


Period Reference functions

Period Reference functions allow you to specify the time period for which you want to evaluate data.  If you do not specify a time period, the default is the current time period.  Since companies may have different current periods, you can use period reference functions to align data to the same time period for a group of companies.

Another important feature of period reference functions is the ability to change the time period associated with an item.  For example, you can change the time reference for a monthly item to a quarterly time period using the @MNT function.

Related Topics:

@DAY - Identify period day

@MNT - Identify period month

@PERIOD - Display period number

@QTR - Identify fiscal period quarter

@WK - Identify period week

@YR - Identify fiscal period year


@DAY - Identify period day

@DAY(period) - Identify period day

Returns the last calendar day of the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@DAY(CPDQ)
Returns the last day of the current fiscal quarter.

@DAY(0Y)
Returns the last day of the fiscal year, 0Y.


@MNT - Identify period month

@MNT(period) - Identify period month

Returns the last calendar month of the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@MNT(Q3Y93)
Returns the last month of the third fiscal 1993 quarter.

@MNT(0Q)
Returns the last month of the fiscal quarter, 0Q.


@PERIOD - Display period number

@PERIOD(period) - Display period number

Returns an integer representing the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@PERIOD(@QTR(0M))
Returns the digit of the quarter in which the month, 0M, falls.

@PERIOD(CPDM)
Returns the digit for the most current month on a fiscal year end basis.  For a December fiscal year-end company, returns 5 when the current month is May; for an April fiscal year-end company, returns 1 when the current month is May.


@QTR - Identify fiscal period quarter

@QTR(period) - Identify fiscal period quarter

Returns the last fiscal quarter of the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@QTR(11NOV92)
Returns the quarter in which November 11, 1992 falls.

@QTR(-2M)
Returns the quarter in which the month, -2M, falls.


@WK - Identify period week

@WK(period) - Identify period week

Returns the last calendar week of the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@WK(11NOV92)
Returns the week in which November 11, 1992 falls.

@WK(0Q)
Returns the week of the quarter, 0Q.


@YR - Identify fiscal period year

@YR(period) - Identify fiscal period year

Returns the fiscal year of the time period.  The time period can be an absolute or relative day, week, month, quarter, or year.

Examples:

@YR(OCT87)
Returns the fiscal year in which October 1987 falls.

@YR(-3M)
Returns the fiscal year in which the month, -3M, falls.


Reference functions

Reference functions return data for specified segments and issues, and align corresponding aggregate data to a company based on its SIC Code.

Related Topics:

@AGG - Return corresponding aggregate

@GEO - Return geographic segment data

@ISS - Return issue data

@SEG - Return business segment data


@AGG - Return corresponding aggregate

@AGG(formula) - Return corresponding aggregate

Returns the corresponding aggregate value for a company.  For example, when you use the @AGG in a report for a set of companies, it returns the corresponding aggregate value for each company in the set.

Example:

SALE/@AGG(SALE)
Returns company annual sales to aggregate annual sales ratio.


@GEO - Return geographic segment data

@GEO(formula,reference) - Return geographic segment data

Returns data for the referenced geographic segment.  For example, for a company that has multiple geographic segments, the reference argument specifies the geographic segment to which the formula applies.

The following rules apply:

•	reference is optional; the default is 1.

•	If you do not specify a geographic segment reference, then the formula value for the first geographic segment is returned.

Example:

@GEO(SALEG,3)
Returns geographic sales for the third geographic segment of a company.


@ISS - Return issue data

@ISS(formula,reference) - Return issue data

Returns data for the referenced issue .  For example, for a company that has multiple issues of common stock, the reference argument specifies the common stock issue to which the formula applies.

Note - If you are an On-line subscriber, then you can access daily market data for multiple common stock issues of a company.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like information on how to access daily market data, contact your account representative.

The following rules apply:

•	reference is optional; the default is 1.

•	If you do not specify an issue reference, then the formula value for the first issue is returned.

Example:

@ISS(DSCI,2)
Returns the issue description and par value for the second common stock issue of a company.


@SEG - Return business segment data

@SEG(formula,reference) - Return business segment data

Returns the data for the referenced business segment.  For example, for a company that has multiple business segments, the reference argument specifies the business segment to which the formula applies.

The following rules apply:

•	reference is optional; the default is 1.

•	If you do not specify a business segment reference, then the formula value for the first business segment is returned.

Example:

@SEG(SALES,4)
Returns business segment sales for the fourth business segment of a company.


Screening functions

Screening functions create a set of companies, and can be used within set analysis functions, the Base Set column of screen criteria, and in Set Builder to create a new set.  Certain screening functions also change the company or set type from company to respective business segments, geographic segments, and common stock issues, and from segment or issue to respective companies.

Related Topics:

@CHGCO - Company transformation

@CHGSET - Set transformation

@SET - Select companies based on condition


@CHGCO - Company transformation

@CHGCO(co_type) - Company transformation

Changes a company to its respective business segments, geographic segments, or issues.  You can also change a business segment, geographic segment, or issue to the respective company.

The valid arguments for co_type are:

•	BUS (business segment)

•	GEO (geographic segment)

•	ISSUE

•	COMPANY.

Example:

@CAVG(PE,@SET($C,@CHGCO(COMPANY):SIC=SIC))
In a report, this evaluates each company in the PC Plus $C set by its SIC and returns the average PE for companies that are in the same SIC as the respective company.


@CHGSET - Set transformation

@CHGSET(set, set_type) - Set transformation

Changes set of companies to business segments, geographic segments, or issues.  You can also change a set of business segments, geographic segments, or issues to companies.

The valid arguments for set_type are:

•	BUS (business segment)

•	GEO (geographic segment)

•	ISSUE

•	COMPANY

Example:

@CHGSET($T  ,ISSUE)
Changes the PC Plus $T set (Canadian companies) to Canadian issues.


@SET - Select companies based on condition

@SET(base_set, logical) - Select companies based on condition

Creates a temporary set by evaluating the base set for the condition.  This function is commonly used with Set Analysis functions.

Example:

@SET($C,@AND(BETA<1,SALE>200)
Creates a set of companies with a Beta less than 1 and annual sales greater than $200 billion.


Set Analysis functions

Set Analysis Functions perform a variety of calculations that simplify your analysis using data results for a set of companies.  You can save time using these functions in your set analysis for industry studies as well as creating your own aggregates.  The set functions return the same value for each company in the set evaluated.

Related Topics:

@CAVG - Average across a set

@CCOR - Correlation coefficient across a set

@CCOUNT - Count companies containing data in a set

@CGMN - Geometric mean across a set

@CMAX - Maximum value across a set

@CMED - Median value across a set

@CMIN - Minimum value across a set

@CPROD - Multiplication across a set

@CSIZE - Count companies in a set

@CSTD - Standard deviation across a set

@CSUM - Sum across a set

@CWAVG - Weighted average across a set


@CAVG - Average across a set

@CAVG(formula, set) - Average across a set

Calculates the average value of a formula across a set.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@CAVG(ROA,$MYSET)
Calculates the average return on assets for the companies in the set MYSET.

SALE>@CAVG(SALE,@SET($C,SIC=2800)
Finds the set of companies in the chemicals industry and calculates the average sales for the set.  Identifies companies in the database with sales greater than the average sales for the chemicals industry.


@CCOR - Correlation coefficient across a set

@CCOR(formulaX, formulaY, set) - Correlation coefficient across a set

Calculates the correlation coefficient between two formulas within a set.  This returns a decimal between -1.0 and 1.0, such as .98.  A return of 0 - 1.0 indicates a positive correlation; a return of -1.0 - 0 indicates an inverse correlation.

Examples:

@CCOR(SALE,NI,$C)
Calculates the correlation coefficient of sales and net income for all active companies.

@CCOR(INVX,NI,@SET($C,SPMIX<61))
Calculates the correlation coefficient of inventory turnover and net income for companies in the S&P 500.


@CCOUNT - Count companies containing data in a set

@CCOUNT(formula, set) - Count companies containing data in a set

Counts the number of companies in a set with data for an item.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@CCOUNT(EPSPXQ[Q3Y92],$C)
Counts the number of active companies with a value for earnings per share for 3rd quarter, 1992.

@CCOUNT(XRD,@SET($C ,SPMIX=10))
Counts the number of companies in the S&P Industrials that have a value for R&D expense in the current year.


@CGMN - Geometric mean across a set

@CGMN(formula, set) - Geometric mean across a set

Calculates the geometric mean of a formula across a set.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@CGMN(TRT5Y,$TOP20)
Calculates the geometric mean of the 5-year total return for the set TOP20.

@CGMN(DVPSXQ[Q4Y91],$MYSET)
Calculates the geometric mean of dividends per share for the set MYSET for the 4th quarter of 1991.

@GCMN(PEM,$LOWCAP)
Calculates the geometric mean of the price to earnings ratio for the companies in the set LOWCAP.

See also:	@CAVG - Average across a set


@CMAX - Maximum value across a set

@CMAX(formula, set) - Maximum value across a set

Extracts the largest value of a formula across a set.

Examples:

@CMAX(SALE,$C)
Finds the largest value for sales across all active companies.

@CMAX(SALE/EMP,$C)
Finds the largest value of sales to employees in the active company set.


@CMED - Median value across a set

@CMED(formula, set) - Median value across a set

Extracts the median value of a formula across a set.

Examples:

@CMED(SALE,$C)
Finds the median value for sales across all active companies.

@CMED(PEM,$SP500)
Finds the median value for monthly price to earnings ratio for the companies in the set SP500.


@CMIN - Minimum value across a set

@CMIN(formula, set) - Minimum value across a set

Extracts the smallest value of a formula across a set.

Examples:

@CMIN(SALE,$C)
Finds the minimum value for sales across the set of active companies.

@CMIN(@PAVG(ROI,-4,0),$MYSET)
Calculates the lowest average return on investment in the last five years for the companies in the set MYSET.


@CPROD - Multiplication across a set

@CPROD(formula, set) - Multiplication across a set

Calculates the product of a formula across a set.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@CPROD(ROA,$TOP10)
Multiplies return on assets for all companies in the set TOP10.


@CSIZE - Count companies in a set

@CSIZE(set) - Count companies in a set

Returns the total number of companies in a set.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@CSIZE($MYSET)
Counts the number of companies in the set MYSET.

@CSIZE($R )
Counts the number of companies in the PC Plus $R set (Research Companies).


@CSTD - Standard deviation across a set

@CSTD(formula, set) - Standard deviation across a set

Calculates standard deviation for formula values across a set.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@CSTD(SALE/SALE[-1],$MYSET)
Calculates the standard deviation of sales growth for companies in the set MYSET.

@CSTD(NIQ[Q1Y90],$MYSET)
Calculates the standard deviation of net income for the 1st quarter of 1990 for the companies in the set MYSET.


@CSUM - Sum across a set

@CSUM(formula, set) - Sum across a set

Sums the value of a formula across a set.  This function returns a decimal.

Examples:

@CSUM(SALE,$MYSET)
Sums the annual sales for the companies in the set MYSET.

@CSUM(SALE,@SET($C ,SALE>500))
Sums the sales of companies in the active set with annual sales greater than $500 million.


@CWAVG - Weighted average across a set

@CWAVG(formulaX, formulaY, set) - Weighted average across a set

Calculates a weighted (scaled) average of a formula across a set; formulaX is weighted by formulaY.  The importance of each set member depends on the value of formulaY, which is used to determine weighting.

Examples:

@CWAVG(PRCCM,MKVALM,$MYSET)
Calculates the average price weighted by market value for the set MYSET.

@CWAVG(NI,CSHO,$MYSET)
Calculates the average net income weighted by common shares outstanding for the set MYSET.


Statistical functions

Statistical Functions provide you with the tools you need to generate statistical measures such as least squares growth rate, the fit of least squares growth, and relative standing of companies within a set.

Related Topics:

@FRAC - Measure relative standing within a set

@PCGR - Compound growth rate

@PLSG - Least squares growth rate

@PLSGR - Fit of least squares growth rate

@RANK - Rank order within a set


@FRAC - Measure relative standing within a set

@FRAC(formula, set) - Measure relative standing within a set

Measures the relative standing of a company for a formula in a set as a percentile.  This function returns a decimal.

Example:

@FRAC(NI/SALE,$C )>.75
Identifies the companies in the database for which net income to sales ratio ranks in the top 25%.


@PCGR - Compound growth rate

@PCGR(formula, period1, period2) - Compound growth rate

Calculates compound growth rate as the percent change in a formula over a period of time (P1,P2).  This function returns a percent.

Examples:

@PCGR(SALEQ,-3,0)
Calculates sales growth, last three quarters.

@PCGR(IB/SALE,Y84,Y90)
Calculates 6-year compound growth rate in net profit margin, 1984 to 1990.

@PCGR((PRCC/PRCC[-1])-1,Y86,Y90)
Calculates compound growth rate of change in calendar year close price from 1986 to 1990.


@PLSG - Least squares growth rate

@PLSG(formula, period1, period2) - Least squares growth rate

Calculates the percent change in a formula over time (P1,P2), using a least squares regression line.  This function returns a percent.

Examples:

@PLSG(SALEQ,Q4Y88,Q4Y90)
Calculates quarterly sales growth for the seven quarterly periods between 4th quarter 1988 and 4th quarter 1990.

@PLSG(SALEQ,Q4Y84,Q4Y90,4)
Calculates sales growth every 4th quarter from 4th quarter 1984 to 4th quarter 1990.

@PLSG(EPSPX,-3,0)
Calculates earnings per share growth for the last three years.


@PLSGR - Fit of least squares growth rate

@PLSGR(formula, period1, period2) - Fit of least squares growth rate (R-squared, coefficient of determination)

Returns the fit of the least squares regression line to a formula over time (P1,P2).  This function returns a decimal between 0 and 1.0.

Examples:

@PLSGR(SALE,-3,0)
Calculates fit of sales growth for three years.

@PLSGR(SALEQ,Q4Y89,Q4Y91)
Calculates fit of sales growth for seven quarterly periods from 4th quarter of 1989 to 4th quarter of 1991.


@RANK - Rank order within a set

@RANK(formula, set) - Rank order within a set

Determines the relative rank of a company for a formula within a set.  Companies are ranked in descending order with data codes placed at the end.  This function returns an integer.

Examples:

@RANK(CSHO-1,$C )-100
Ranks all companies in the database based on common shares outstanding and returns the bottom 100 companies.

@RANK(MKVAL,$SP500)<=25
Ranks companies in the set SP500 based on market value and returns the top 25 companies.


Text functions

Text functions return the value of a formula as a character string (textual data).  For example, you can display the description of an SIC Code or S&P Bond Rating in a report.

Related Topics:

@DESC - Display descriptions

@FIND - Find a specific value in a text string

@LEFT - Return the leftmost characters in a text string

@MID - Return the middle characters in a text string

@RIGHT - Return the rightmost characters in a text string

@TEXT - Return a string of characters


@DESC - Display descriptions

@DESC(value, dict_key,expression) - Display descriptions

Displays the definition of a code, footnote, or SIC Code in reporting applications.

The following rules apply to the arguments:

•	value is the item that contains a code value; value must be a single mnemonic and cannot contain other formula components

•	dict_key is optional and is used to specify a particular element for group items

•	expression is optional; if expression is blank, value and expression are assumed to be the same

Examples:

@DESC(SALEF,1)
Displays the description of the first element of the footnote, SALEF.

@DESC(SIC)
Displays the description of the SIC Code.

@DESC(SIC,0,@SIC2(SIC))
Displays the description of the 2-digit SIC Code.

@DESC(EXCHG)
Displays the description of the stock exchange of a company (for example, New York Stock Exchange).

@DESC(SPDRM)
Displays the description for the S&P Bond Rating code.


@FIND - Find a specific value in a text string

@FIND(find_text, within_text, start_at) - Find a specific value in a text string

Searches a textual item beginning at the indicated starting character (start_at) for a specific value.  In a screen formula this function returns a company.  In a report this function returns the position of the beginning character of the search text.

The following rules apply to the arguments:

•	The find_text argument must be enclosed in quotes and is case sensitive - the find_text argument must be uppercase if you are searching for text that is upper case.

•	The within_text argument must be a formula that returns a textual value, such as the mnemonic CONM for company name.

•	The start_at argument is optional; the default is 1.

Example:

@FIND("CHEM",CONM)
In screening criteria, this returns companies with the characters CHEM anywhere in the company name.  In a report formula, this returns a number representing the beginning character position.

For example, in a screen the company BIOCHEM INTERNATIONAL INC. would be included in the passed set.  The same formula in a report would return the number 4.


@LEFT - Return the leftmost characters in a text string

@LEFT(formula, num_count) - Return the leftmost characters in a text string

Displays the results of a search using the leftmost characters as the criteria of the search.  For example, you could search for a company by specifying the first three letters (num_count) of its name.  All companies beginning with those three letters will be displayed.    This function is not case sensitive.

Example:

@LEFT(CONM,2)="AM"
In a screen, this returns all companies that contain AM in the 2 leftmost characters of the company name.

@SET($I ,@LEFT(CONM,3)="S&P")
In a set formula, this returns indexes that contain S&P in the 3 leftmost characters of the index name.


@MID - Return the middle characters in a text string

@MID(formula, start_at, num_count) - Return the middle characters in a text string

Displays the results of a search using characters within a search string as the criteria of the search.

The following rules apply to the arguments:

•	The start_at argument refers to the character at which to begin the search, such as 3 for the third character.

•	The num_count argument specifies the number of characters to include in your search.  If num_count is larger than the text returned in the formula value, then the entire text string is evaluated.


@RIGHT - Return the rightmost characters in a text string

@RIGHT(formula, num_count) - Return the rightmost characters in a text string

Displays the results of a search using the rightmost characters as the criteria of the search.  For example, you could search for a company by specifying the last three letters (num_count) of its name.  All companies ending with those three letters will be displayed.  This function is not case sensitive.

Example:

@RIGHT(CONM,3)="ADR"
In screening criteria, this returns companies with the letters ADR appearing in the rightmost characters of the company name.


@TEXT - Return a string of characters

@TEXT(formula, format) -Returns a string of characters

Returns the value of an expression as a character string.  The format argument is optional; you can specify standard formats such as ###0.000.

Examples:

@IF(@PCGR(SALE,-4,0)>10,@TEXT(@PCGR(SALE,-4,0)),"LESS THAN 10 PERCENT")
Displays a company's sales growth over the last 5 years if that rate is greater than 10%.  If not, displays the words "LESS THAN 10 PERCENT".

@IF(SALE<100,@TEXT(SALE),"GREATER THAN 100 MILLION")
Displays a company's sales if the number is less than 100 million.  If not, displays the words "GREATER THAN 100 MILLION".


Linking PC Plus data to other applications

You can link PC Plus data to most software applications that support Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE).  For example, you can

•	evaluate PC Plus data in Microsoft Excel (Versions 4 and 5) and Lotus 1-2-3 (Version 4) spreadsheets

•	display PC Plus data in Microsoft Word documents

•	insert PC Plus data in Microsoft Access files

The S&P Universal Look Up List assists you in linking PC Plus data to these applications.  When you install PC Plus, the S&P Universal Look Up List is automatically added to the S&P PC Plus Group.

If you want to evaluate data in a spreadsheet, use either an S&P PC Plus spreadsheet or create your own.

PC Plus provides you with numerous spreadsheets, most of which include four charts for easily viewing data graphically.

To quickly create your own spreadsheet, use the S&P Universal Report Builder.  When you install PC Plus, the S&P Universal Report Builder is automatically added to the S&P PC Plus Group.

See also:	Spreadsheets Overview
Using PC Plus spreadsheets
Using S&P Universal Report Builder
Creating spreadsheets using add-in functions
Using S&P Universal Look Up List


Spreadsheets Overview

Whether you use Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3, you can create financial models and perform financial analyses using COMPUSTAT data in your spreadsheets.  Since you're using Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), data results are spontaneously calculated as you display each spreadsheet.

An impressive feature of DDE is the ability to build flexible models that can be instantly generated for any company in a PC Plus database.  By simply typing a different company ticker or GVKEY, data for that company is updated when you recalculate the spreadsheet.  For information on how DDE works, see Understanding DDE.

You can create your own spreadsheet for Lotus (Version 4) or Microsoft Excel (Versions 4 or 5).  PC Plus also provides you with a library of spreadsheets for commonly used presentations.

Spreadsheets you create

Using the S&P Universal Report Builder

The S&P Universal Report Builder makes it easy to create your own Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet.  When you use the S&P Universal Report Builder, select from one of four pre-defined presentations, and then the data, time period, and companies for your report.  The S&P Universal Report Builder creates the spreadsheet and displays the data.

Using S&P Universal Look Up List

The S&P Universal Look Up List allows you to view lists of companies, items and concepts, functions, and sets for displaying data in a spreadsheet.  Any of these elements can be automatically pasted into your spreadsheet.

The power of the S&P Universal Look Up List is that you can use it along with a PC Plus spreadsheet or one you create to easily modify your spreadsheet results.  Additionally, the S&P Universal Look Up List includes Formula Builder to assist you in creating formulas for your spreadsheet.

PC Plus Spreadsheets

PC Plus provides you with a library of Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets that are easy to use, and many include charts for graphically displaying data.  All you have to do is specify the company for which you want to display data.

Related Topics:

Using PC Plus spreadsheets

Using S&P Universal Report Builder

Using S&P Universal Look Up List

Creating spreadsheets using add-in functions

Understanding DDE


Using PC Plus spreadsheets

PC Plus provides you with a library of spreadsheets for Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3.  The library includes a variety of commonly used presentations, and many spreadsheets automatically provide you with charts that are easily displayed and printed.

This Help topic shows you how to:

•	display a spreadsheet

•	display a chart

•	specify another company for the same spreadsheet

•	print spreadsheet data or charts

These operations are discussed below.

Displaying a spreadsheet

Begin from within your spreadsheet software.

1.	Click on File and then Open.

2.	Double-click on the spreadsheet in the list that you want to display.  If the spreadsheet is not in the list, change to the appropriate drive and directory where it is located.

The last company for which the spreadsheet was calculated will automatically display.  The display window also includes up to four buttons:  Company, Charts, Print, Exit.  (The Charts button is only displayed for spreadsheets that can be charted.)

To display another company, see Specifying another company below.

Displaying a chart

This option is available only for spreadsheets that include charts.  Most spreadsheets include four chart selections, and display a Chart button in the view window.

Begin from within an open PC Plus spreadsheet.

1.	Click on the Charts button.  The spreadsheet automatically displays a chart for the first chart selection.

2.	To display another chart, click on the appropriate selection button.  You can also easily modify criteria for the chart selections.

3.	To modify chart criteria for a selection, click on the Change Settings button.  You'll see a dialog box that displays current criteria for each chart.

4.	Use the list box for each to select your desired chart data, and then click on OK.  You'll return to the Charts dialog box.

Specifying another company

Begin from within an open PC Plus spreadsheet.

1.	Click on the Company button.  You'll see a dialog box where you can type another ticker or GVKEY.  If you are unsure of the company ticker or GVKEY, click on Look Up to display a list of companies.

2.	Type the ticker or GVKEY and press Enter, or double-click on the next company you want to display in the search list.  The spreadsheet is automatically re-calculated for the new company.

Printing spreadsheet data and charts

Most spreadsheets include four chart selections and display a Chart button in the view window.  The following instructions for printing a chart are specifically for Excel spreadsheets that include charts.

Begin from within an open PC Plus spreadsheet.

1.	Click on the Print button.  You'll see a dialog box that displays your print options.  Print Preview allows you to see what your spreadsheet data or chart looks like before you print it.

2.	Click on Print Spreadsheet and/or Print Charts and click on OK.


Using S&P Universal Report Builder

The S&P Universal Report Builder makes it easy to create a new spreadsheet using DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange).  With DDE, your spreadsheets are linked to PC Plus so that data appears as you create your spreadsheet.

When you use the S&P Universal Report Builder, you choose from commonly used presentations, and then select data, the time period, and companies for your spreadsheet.

Presentations available with S&P Universal Report Builder

Standard	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time (up to 255 time periods).  Many PC Plus spreadsheets use this presentation, such as the 5 year Income Statement.
Time Series/ Trend Analysis	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time.  Time periods are displayed in the first column and data is displayed in subsequent columns.
Table	This presentation is useful for quick, comparative studies to view data for a group of companies.
Comparative Report	This presentation is useful for displaying data for more than one company (up to 255 companies) in your spreadsheet.
Creating a report using S&P Universal Report Builder

	1. Click on S&P Universal Report Builder.  You'll see a dialog box that displays report presentations from which you can choose.
2.	Select your report presentation.

3.	Select your spreadsheet software from the Build For drop-down list.

Note - You can specify your default spreadsheet application by clicking on Settings at the top of the dialog box.  You'll open a dialog box where you can click on the Default radio button next to your preferred spreadsheet application.

4.	Click on Next.  You'll see a dialog box that displays items by category.  To narrow the item list, click on the appropriate category.

5.	To add an item or concept to your report, select it and click on Add.  You'll see the item mnemonic added to the Selected Formulas box.

If you want to use other formula elements, such as functions or mathematical operators with your selected item, double-click on the item in the Selected Formulas box.  You'll see it appear in the input box above the list of selected formulas.  Type the additional elements you want in your formula, and press Enter.  The formula is added to the Selected Formulas box.

Note - An item or concept modified in the input box will display the description, < Manual Entry > in your report.  You can change the description after the report is built.  Also, S&P Universal Report Builder does not automatically recognize a specific time period for a modified item or concept.  For a Standard Report or Time Series/Trend Report, you can select your time period preference in the next step.

6.	Click on Next.  The next dialog box you'll see depends on the report presentation you've selected.

7.	For a Standard Report or Time Series/Trend Report, enter the beginning and ending Time Periods.  To display data for the current time period, leave Beginning Period and Ending Period at the default settings, 0.  For more information on time periods, see Understanding Time Periods.  If you have selected data that corresponds to different time periods, select your time period preference and PC Plus will automatically align data for the time period you select.

For a Table Report or Comparative Report, enter company tickers or GVKEYs separated by commas, a set name, or a set expression (formula).  Use the Companies button or Sets button to display a list of companies or sets.  Double-click on your selection to add it to the Set or Set Expression box.

8.	Click on Build Report.  You'll see your newly created spreadsheet.

See also:	Using S&P Universal Look Up List


S&P Universal Report Builder

The S&P Universal Report Builder assists you in creating reports using DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange).  You can create your reports in either Microsoft Excel (Versions 4 or 5) or
Lotus 1-2-3 (Version 4).  With DDE, your spreadsheets are linked to PC Plus so that data appears as you create your spreadsheet.

The S&P Universal Report Builder walks you through the steps to select the spreadsheet presentation, and then choose data and time periods for your spreadsheet.

The first step in S&P Universal Report Builder is to select your report presentation and software for which you want to create your spreadsheet.

Report Types

Select from the four available report presentations.

Standard	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time (up to 255 time periods).  Many of PC Plus reports use this presentation, such as the 5-year Income Statement.
Time Series/ Trend Analysis	This presentation is useful for displaying data for a single company over a period of time.  Time periods are displayed in the first column and data is displayed in subsequent columns.
Table	This presentation is useful for quick, comparative studies to view data for a group of companies.
Comparative Report	This presentation is useful for displaying data for more than one company (up to 255 companies) in your report.
Build For

Select the program software, such as Microsoft Excel (Versions 4 and 5) or Lotus 1-2-3 (Version 4), for which you want to build your report.  You can specify the default by clicking on the Settings menu command.  When you access this command you'll see a dialog box where you can specify the default program software.

Next

Proceeds to the next step, selecting data for your report.


Selecting data in S&P Universal Report Builder

The second step in S&P Universal Report Builder is to choose the data  for your report.

Data Category

A list of data categories.

Data Item

A list of items (and concepts) specific to a particular category.

Add

Adds the selected item (or concept) to the Selected Formulas list.

Remove

Removes the selected item (or concept) from the Selected Formulas list.

Remove All

Removes all items (and concepts) from the Selected Formulas list.

Definition

Displays an item (or concept) definition.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.

Back

Returns to the first step in S&P Universal Report Builder, where you select your report presentation.

Cancel

Exits S&P Universal Report Builder.

Next

Proceeds to the next step in S&P Universal Report Builder, selecting time periods you want to display.


Selecting time periods in S&P Universal Report Builder

When you select either a Standard Report or Time Series/Trend Report in S&P Universal Report Builder, the third step is to select the time period for your report.  For example, you can select a five year time period beginning at a certain date.

Time Periods

If you have selected data that corresponds to different time periods, select your time period preference.  For example, if you have monthly close price and annual sales in your report, select either monthly or annual periodicity.  PC Plus will automatically align data for the time period you select.

Beginning and Ending Period

Use the arrow keys to specify the beginning and ending time periods.  If you want to display data for one time period, then the Beginning and Ending Period should be the same.  If you want to display the current time period, leave both Beginning and Ending Period at the default, 0.

Selected Items

Displays the number of items for each periodicity you have selected for your report.

Back

Returns to the second step in S&P Universal Report Builder.

Cancel

Exits S&P Universal Report Builder.

Build Report

Creates your new report.


Set Formula for S&P Universal Report Builder

The last step in S&P Universal Report Builder is to enter a set name or type a set formula for companies you want in your report.

Set or Set Expression

Enter company tickers or GVKEYs separated by commas, a set name, or a set expression (formula), such as the @SET function.  Use the Companies button or Sets button to display a list of companies or sets.  Double-click on your selection to add it to the Set or Set Expression box.

Build Report

Creates your new report.

Cancel

Exits S&P Universal Report Builder.


Using S&P Universal Look Up List

The S&P Universal Look Up List is automatically added to the S&P PC Plus Program Group when PC Plus is installed.  You can access the S&P Universal Look Up List by clicking on the icon from Program Manager or from the SPWS command menu within your spreadsheet.

The S&P Universal Look Up List provides you with lists of companies, items and concepts, functions, and sets within PC Plus databases.  With the S&P Universal Look Up List you can:

•	insert data into a spreadsheet or other application that supports DDE

•	modify an existing spreadsheet

•	search and paste another company into a spreadsheet you're currently viewing

•	access Formula Builder for easily creating and modifying DDE formulas

See also:	Creating spreadsheets using add-in functions
Spreadsheet:  Insert single data item for one company


S&P Universal Look Up List

Use the S&P Universal Look Up List to view companies, items and concepts, companies, and functions.  It provides you with easy access to Formula Builder for displaying data in Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Word for Windows, and Microsoft Access.

You can access the S&P Universal Look Up List directly from the S&P PC Plus Group in Program Manager.  For displaying data in an Excel spreadsheet, you can also access the S&P Universal Look Up List from the SPWS command menu within your spreadsheet.

Category

Displays available categories.

Copy

Inserts your selection from the list into the clipboard.

Copy Formula

Inserts the Formula box contents into the clipboard.

Definition

Displays the definition for a selected item (or concept) or function.

Formula

Displays the DDE formula.  You can paste or type other formula elements into your formula.  To reverse your last action in the Formula box, click on the Undo option.  To erase the contents in the Formula box and create a new formula, click on the New option.

Formula Type

Lists the available DDE syntax options:  Generic Text, Lotus V.4 DDE, Microsoft Access DDE, Microsoft Excel DDE, Microsoft Word DDE.  Select the appropriate Formula Type for your application.

Paste

Inserts your selection from the Name list into the Formula box.  This option is only available when Formula Builder is activated.

Paste Arguments

Directs S&P Look Up List to paste SPWS function arguments, along with the function into the Formula box.  Use this feature to assist you in entering function arguments.

Search

Displays a Search dialog box where you can type the text string you want to locate.  Use Search to find companies, items or concepts, and functions.  This button changes to a Browse button when you are viewing a list of sets.


S&P Universal Look Up List Settings

This command is accessed from within the S&P Universal Look Up List dialog box.  When you click on Setting from the Options menu, you'll see a dialog box where you can define your default preferences.

Default List

Select Company, Items, or Functions depending on your preference for accessing the S&P Universal Look Up List.  The default list will automatically display when you start S&P Look Up List.

Default Formula Type

Select the Formula Type depending on the software in which you are building your report or spreadsheet template.

Minimize on Use

If this option is selected, the S&P Universal Look Up list is automatically minimized when you double-click on an item or select and item and then click on Copy.  When you have selected both Minimize on Use and Always on Top, you can view your data results as you build your report and easily access S&P Universal Look Up List at the same time.

Auto Prompting

Directs the Formula Builder in S&P Universal Look Up List to prompt for required formula input.

Drag and Drop

Allows you to drag and drop an item, company, or function into your  formula when you use Formula Builder.

Always on Top

Displays the S&P Universal Look Up List on top of other applications, even if they are active.  If your application encounters an error, the message may not be visible when the S&P Look Up List is maximized on top of your open application.

If you minimize S&P Look Up List, the icon appears at the bottom of your desktop.

Close

Saves any changes you make in this dialog box and returns to S&P Universal Look Up List.

About

Displays general information about S&P Universal Look Up List.

Files

Displays a dialog box for viewing and editing the path for Sets.  It also displays the path for Items, Companies, and Functions, but these paths can only be changed by modifying SPWS.INI.  If you change these paths in your SPWS.INI, check to be sure the appropriate files are located in the path specified.  Otherwise, S&P Universal Look Up List will not execute.


Default file paths (S&P Univ Look Up)

You can view the path (location) from which items (and concepts), companies, functions, and sets are displayed in the S&P Universal Look Up List.

•	You can change only the path for sets in this dialog box.

•	If you edit the Sets path, it is saved when you click on the Close button.

•	You must edit the paths for items (and concepts), companies, and functions in the SPWS.INI file.  If you change these paths in your SPWS.INI, check to be sure the appropriate files are located in the path specified.  Otherwise, S&P Universal Look Up List will not execute.


Creating spreadsheets using add-in functions

Add-in functions for both Microsoft Excel (Versions 4 and 5) and Lotus (Version 4) for Windows allow you to retrieve data from PC Plus for use in your spreadsheet.  The add-in functions are similar to existing spreadsheet functions in that they evaluate arguments and return a single data value or range of data values.  The functions allow you to display:

•	one cell of data for a single company

•	a time series of data for a single company

•	one data item for a set of companies

See also:	Spreadsheet:  Insert single data item for one company
=SPWS - Insert a single data item in Excel
=SPWS.SET - Insert data for a set in Excel
=SPWS.TIME.SERIES - Insert a time series of data in Excel
@SPWS - Insert a single data item in Lotus 1-2-3
@SPWS.SET - Insert data for a set in Lotus 1-2-3
@SPWS.TIME.SERIES - Insert a time series of data in Lotus 1-2-3


=SPWS - Insert a single data item in Excel

=SPWS("Key","Expression") - Insert a single data item in Excel

Use this add-in function to retrieve data from PC Plus for use in your Excel spreadsheet.

Example:

=SPWS("IBM","SALE")
Returns Sales - Net for IBM.

The function arguments are described below:

Key

The ticker symbol or GVKEY for your company.

Expression

The formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.


=SPWS.TIME.SERIES - Insert a time series of data in Excel

=SPWS.TIME.SERIES("Key","Expression","Beg_Period","End_Period","Across_or_Down") - Insert a time series of data

Use this add-in function to retrieve data from PC Plus for use in your Excel spreadsheet.

This is an array function.  To use this function you must first highlight the cell range for your array.  After you have typed the function formula for the array, press CTRL + Shift + Enter.

Example:

=SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE","-4Y","0Y","DOWN")
Returns Sales - Net for the most recent five years; data is displayed down the column beginning with the 5th year of data.

The function arguments are described below:

Key

The ticker symbol or GVKEY for your company.

Expression

The formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.

Beg_Period and End_Period

The beginning and ending time period references.  All time period references must have the periodicity included, such as "0Y" and "-4Y" in the following expression:

=SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE","0Y","-4Y")

An entry of "0" or "-4" is invalid.

The most recent time period does not have to be the beginning period.  If Beg_Period and End_Period are reversed, the values will be returned in reverse order.

Across_or_Down

The array direction is optional; the default is "across".  Valid arguments are "down" or "across".


=SPWS.SET - Insert data for a set in Excel

=SPWS.SET("Set","Expression","Across_or_Down") - Insert data for a set in Excel

Use this add-in function to retrieve data for a set of companies from PC Plus for use in your Excel spreadsheet.

This is an array function.  To use this function you must first highlight the cell range for your array.  After you have typed the function formula for the array, press CTRL + Shift + Enter.

If you are unsure how many cells must be highlighted, use the =SPWS.SET.SIZE function to display the set size.  For each =SPWS.SET function, you are limited to approximately 1500 companies.  If your set exceeds the limit an error message is returned.  Use PC Plus @FRAC function in your formula to divide your set into smaller groups.

Example:

=SPWS.SET("$MYSET","SALE","DOWN")
Returns Sales - Net for the set, MYSET.  Data is displayed down the column.

The function arguments are described below:

Set

Can be any of the following:

•	set name with its path (such as "$""C:\SPWS\$SP500.SET""")

•	set name without its path when in default directory (such as "$SP500")

•	PC Plus predefined name (such as "$C", "$R")

•	set formula that evaluates to a set (such as "@SET($C,SIC=2834")

•	tickers or GVKEYs enclosed in braces (such as "{""WMT"",""KM""}")

Expression

Is the formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.

Across_or_Down

The array direction is optional; the default is "across".  Valid arguments are "down" or "across".


=SPWS.SET.SIZE - Count set size in Excel
=SPWS.SET.SIZE - Return set size in Excel

=SPWS.SET.SIZE("Set") - Return set size in Excel

Use this add-in function in your Excel spreadsheet to determine the size of your set.

When you use the =SPWS.SET functions, you must first highlight the cell range in which you want the data to appear.  The =SPWS.SET.SIZE function is useful in determining how many cells must be highlighted before entering the SPWS.SET function.

Example:

=SPWS.SET.SIZE("$MYSET")
Returns an integer for the number of companies in the set, MYSET.

The Set argument can be any of the following:

•	set name with its path (such as "$""C:\SPWS\$SP500.SET""")

•	set name without its path when in default directory (such as "$SP500")

•	PC Plus predefined name (such as "$C", "$R")

•	set formula that evaluates to a set (such as "@SET($C,SIC=2834")

•	tickers or GVKEYs enclosed in braces (such as "{""WMT"",""KM""}")


@SPWS - Insert a single data item in Lotus 1-2-3

@SPWS("Key","Expression") - Insert a single data item in Lotus 1-2-3

Use this add-in function to retrieve data from PC Plus for use in your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet.

Example:

@SPWS("IBM","SALE")
Returns Sales - Net for IBM.

The function arguments are described below:

Key

The ticker symbol or GVKEY for your company.

Expression

The formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.


@SPWS.TIME.SERIES - Insert a time series of data in Lotus 1-2-3

@SPWS.TIME.SERIES("Key","Expression","Beg_Period","End_Period",Array Direction,Maximum # of Cells) - Insert a time series of data in Lotus 1-2-3

Use this add-in function to retrieve data for a time series from PC Plus for use in your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet.  Once this function is calculated, the cell range is filled with the appropriate values.  If you modify or delete any of the values, the other cells in the data range will not change.  This function will only recalculate if one or more of the arguments in the function are changed.

Example:

@SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE","-4Y","0Y",0,5)
Returns Sales - Net for IBM for the last five years.  Data is displayed down the column.

The function arguments are described below:

Key

The ticker symbol or GVKEY for your company.

Expression

The formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.  If you want to mathematically manipulate the data values for the Expression, you must do so within the Expression argument.  For example, in the formula

@SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE","0Y","-4Y",0)/1000

only the first value will be divided by 1000.  Include the division by 1000 within the Expression argument, as in the formula

@SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE/1000","0Y","-4Y",0)

Beg_Period and End_Period

The beginning and ending time period references.  All time period references must have the periodicity included, such as "0Y" and "-4Y" in the following expression:

@SPWS.TIME.SERIES("IBM","SALE","0Y","-4Y")

An entry of "0" or "-4" is invalid.

The most recent time period does not have to be the beginning period.  If Beg_Period and End_Period are reversed, the values will be returned in reverse order.

Array Direction

This argument is optional; the default is across.  Valid arguments are 0 or 1, with 0 arraying data down the column and 1 arraying data across the row.

Maximum # of Cells

This argument is optional.  Enter this argument as an integer without quotes.

•	you are requesting data that requires fewer cells than your Maximum # of Cells, then the additional cells will fill in with blank values.

•	If you specify more time periods than the Maximum # of Cells, data will only be inserted for the Maximum # of Cells.


@SPWS.SET - Insert data for a set in Lotus 1-2-3

@SPWS.SET("Set","Expression",Array Direction,Maximum # of Cells) - Insert data for a set in Lotus 1-2-3

Use this add-in function to retrieve data for a set of companies from PC Plus for use in your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet.  Once this function is calculated, the cell range is filled with the appropriate values.  If you modify or delete any of the values, the other cells in the data range will not change.  This function will only recalculate if one or more of the arguments in the function are changed.

Example:

@SPWS.SET("$MYSET","SALE",1,10)
Inserts Sales - Net for the first 10 companies in the set, MYSET.  Data is displayed across the row.

The function arguments are described below:

Set

Can be any of the following:

•	set name with its path (such as "$""C:\SPWS\$SP500.SET""")

•	set name without its path when in default directory (such as "$SP500")

•	PC Plus predefined name (such as "$C", "$R")

•	set formula that evaluates to a set (such as "@SET($C,SIC=2834")

•	tickers or GVKEYs enclosed in braces (such as "{""WMT"",""KM""}")

Expression

Is the formula, such as an item, concept, or function, for which you want to insert data.  If you want to mathematically manipulate the data values for the Expression, you must do so within the Expression argument.  For example, in the formula

@SPWS.SET("$MYSET","SALE",0)/1000

only the first value will be divided by 1000.  Include the division by 1000 within the Expression argument, as in the formula

@SPWS.SET("$MYSET","SALE/1000",0)

Array Direction

This argument is optional; the default is across.  Valid arguments are 0 or 1, with 0 arraying data down the column and 1 arraying data across the row.

Maximum # of Cells

This argument is optional.  However, we strongly recommend that you use this argument so that you are ensured only data for your set is displayed in the data range and that any data from previous sets is deleted.  Enter this argument as an integer without quotes.

•	If you are requesting data that requires fewer cells than your Maximum # of Cells, then the additional cells will fill in with blank values.

•	If your set contains more companies than the Maximum # of Cells, data will be filled in up to the Maximum # of Cells.


Spreadsheet:  Insert single data item for one company

This Help topic provides you with step-by-step instructions to insert a single data item for one company.  These instructions include specific cell references for ease of showing you how the function works.  You can use other cell references for your specific needs.

Also, separate instructions are provided for Excel and Lotus 1-2-3.

Excel spreadsheet

Use the add-in function =SPWS(Key,Expression) in your Excel spreadsheet.

Begin from your spreadsheet:

1.	Select cell A1.

2.	Select Universal Look Up List from the SPWS command menu.  You'll see a dialog box for the Universal Look Up List with a list of companies displayed.

3.	Locate your company in the list or use the Search button and type a text string to assist you in locating your company.

4.	Double-click on your company in the list.  The ticker for your selected company is inserted in cell A1.

5.	Select cell A2.

6.	Select Universal Look Up List from the SPWS command menu.  You'll see a dialog box for the Universal Look Up List with a list of companies displayed.

7.	Click on the Item button to display a list of items (and concepts).

8.	Locate the data item (or concept) in the list or use the search button and type a text string to assist you in locating the data item (or concept).

9.	Double-click on the item (or concept).  The item (or concept) mnemonic is inserted into cell A2.

10.	Select cell B1.

11.	In the Excel Menu Bar, click on Formula and then on Paste Function.  You'll see a dialog box listing available functions.

12.	Select the SPWS category.  You'll see the four available add-in functions listed in the Paste Function box.

13.	Click on SPWS and then on OK.  You'll see the SPWS function appear in the formula bar.  The first argument is highlighted.

14.	Type A1 for the first argument (Key), and A2 for the second argument (Expression).

15.	Press Enter.  You'll see data for your selected item appear in cell B1.

Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet

Use the add-in function @SPWS(Key,Expression) in your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet.

Begin from your spreadsheet:

1.	Enter your company ticker in cell A1.

2.	In cell A2, type @SPWS($A$1,"CONM") and press Enter.  Since CONM is the mnemonic for the item Company Name, you'll see the company name for the ticker in cell A1 appear in cell A2.  Now you're ready to retrieve additional data.

3.	In the cell where you want to insert data, type @SPWS($A$1,"SALE") and press Enter.  Since SALE is the mnemonic for Sales - Net, you'll see the data for this item appear in your spreadsheet.  You can continue typing the same @SPWS function, replacing the mnemonic SALE with the desired mnemonic for the data you want to display.


Understanding DDE

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) allows you to link your spreadsheets or documents to the COMPUSTAT database.  This allows you to display COMPUSTAT data in Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word for Windows, or any other application that supports DDE.

As with any DDE link, there is a source (server) and a dependent file (client application).  Whether you create your own report or use a PC Plus spreadsheet, the database is the source and the spreadsheet or document is the dependent file.

When you create a spreadsheet using DDE links, data values appear in your spreadsheet as you insert each DDE command, and the cell values can then be used in other dependent cell formulas.

This topic discusses DDE syntax and add-in functions for Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3.  Add-in functions assist you in creating your Excel and Lotus spreadsheets.

About DDE Syntax

The DDE link is accomplished with a DDE command and always includes the following three common elements:

Elements	Description
Application name (Appname)	SPWS
Topics	CS (for COMPUSTAT) GV (for GLOBAL Vantage)
Items	Key (Ticker or GVKEY); Formula
The following examples insert Sales - Net for IBM:

Software application	DDE Command	Example
Lotus 1-2-3	@DDELINK("SPWS","CS", "Key;Formula")	@DDELINK("SPWS","CS", "IBM;SALE")
Word	dde SPWS CS Key;Formula	dde SPWS CS IBM;SALE
Access	=DDE("SPWS","CS", "Key;Formula")	=DDE("SPWS","CS","IBM;SALE")
About Add-in functions

If you want to display PC Plus data in an Excel or Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet, PC Plus includes add-in functions that make it easy to insert data for a company or set of companies.  These functions are provided below.

Excel Functions	Description
=SPWS	Inserts one cell of data for a single company
=SPWS.TIME.SERIES	Inserts a range of data over a period of time for a single company
=SPWS.SET	Inserts a range of data for a set of companies
=SPWS.SET.SIZE	Returns the number of companies in a set
Lotus 1-2-3 Functions	Description
@SPWS	Inserts one cell of data for a single company
@SPWS.TIME.SERIES	Inserts a range of data over a period of time for a single company
@SPWS.SET	Inserts a range of data for a set of companies


Sample Applications Overview

This section of On-line help provides you with examples of actual tasks you can perform in PC Plus as well as time-saving tips for effectively using PC Plus.  For example, you can identify companies within the same industry as your company, and see how easy it is to display total return to shareholders for a set of companies.

Discover how you can work smarter, improve your decision making, and perform sophisticated financial analysis faster with PC Plus.

Related Topics:

Evaluating companies in the same industry as your company

Re-creating the market

Why is a company no longer trading stock or filing with the SEC?

Evaluating companies for a specific line of business

Evaluating lines of business within a company

Calculating growth rates

Evaluating total return to shareholders

Enhance your financial analysis with market charts

Effectively using the Report Library

Using the S&P Universal Look Up List


Evaluating companies in the same industry as your company

PC Plus makes it easy for you to identify and evaluate companies within the same industry as your target company.  For example, suppose you want to

•	identify companies in the same industry as Wal-mart

•	rank those companies by annual sales to find the top four

•	display the top four in a comparative ratio report

The following screen example identifies the top four companies.  We've used prefix search to locate and paste the ticker for Wal-mart Stores into the formula for the first criteria.

Use PC Plus Comparative Ratio Report (CRATCMPR) to quickly display your report, as shown in the following example:


Re-creating the market

PC Plus allows you to identify companies that comprise the following indexes:

•	S&P 500

•	S&P MidCap 400

•	S&P 100

•	Toronto Stock Exchange 300

•	S&P Industrials

•	S&P Transportation

•	S&P Utilities

•	S&P Financial

•	S&P 500 Supplementary

Use the items, Major Index Markers - Monthly (SPIDXM) for historical index constituents, or Major Index Markers - Current (SPIDXC) for current index constituents.  The following screen example shows you the formulas for identifying current constituents of the S&P 500, S&P MidCap, and S&P 100.  By clicking the right mouse button, we've used the Descriptions command from the drop-down menu to look up the corresponding codes for the appropriate index.


Why is a company no longer trading stock or filing with the SEC?

Companies that issue public securities, such as common stock or debt instruments, are required to file financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  COMPUSTAT maintains these companies in the active ($C) database.  When SEC filings are no longer required, the company is moved from the active ($C) to the inactive ($R) database.  Use the item, Research (Inactive) Company Reason for Deletion (DLRSN), to find out why a company is no longer active.

The following report was generated using Report Builder, (containing the formula (@DESC(DLRSN)) and shows you a sample of inactive companies and the reason they are inactive:


Evaluating companies for a specific line of business

Many companies generate revenue through more than one line of business, and the lines of business are often very different in nature.  PC Plus makes it easy for you to identify COMPUSTAT companies that generate revenues in a specific industry and quickly display operating results.  For example, suppose you want to

•	identify companies that manufacture bacterial and virus vaccines

•	display the companies in a comparative segment report

The following screen example identifies companies that have bacterial and virus manufacturing operations:

The following report was easily created using Report Builder.  It displays business segment data for the set of segments, VACCINE, from the screen example shown above.:


Evaluating lines of business within a company

You can evaluate the lines of business within a company, in much the same way you would evaluate a group of companies.  For example, if a company generates revenues from multiple lines of business, you can evaluate performance ratios for each individual operating unit.

The following report was generating using Report Builder, and is followed by an example of the report results:


Calculating growth rates

PC Plus provides you with the tools you need to efficiently calculate and produce growth rates in a report.  While several pre-calculated compound and least squares growth rates are available for commonly evaluated data, you can also use the Compound Growth and Least Squares Growth functions to calculate growth rates for any item over any period of time.

The following table report was generated using Report Builder, and displays data for the pre-calculated 5-Year Compound Growth Rate - Sales (CSALE5) and 5-Year Least Squares Growth Rate - Sales (GSALE5):


Evaluating total return to shareholders

PC Plus allows you to easily calculate a total return to shareholders that includes the effects of special distributions.  Total return to shareholders is defined as the price appreciation plus reinvestment of dividends and the compounding effect of dividends paid on reinvested dividends.  In addition to being a good measure of returns to shareholders over time, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires publicly traded companies to provide this information in their proxy statements.

To calculate accurate total returns, use one of nine concepts that calculate the most commonly used annualized total returns and indexed returns.  The following table report was generated using Report Builder to display data for 1-Year Total Return (TRT1Y), 5-Year Total Return (TRT5Y), and 5-Year Indexed Total Return (IDRT5Y):


Enhance your financial analysis with market charts

PC Plus provides you with a variety of charts that are easy to display and incorporate in your financial analysis.  Use either Chart in your PC Plus session, or access charts from within PC Plus templates provided for use in Excel.

The following chart, displaying monthly high, low, and closing price, along with volume of shares traded, was generated using Chart in PC Plus:


Effectively using the Report Library

PC Plus Report Library provides you with pre-defined reports of commonly used presentations.  These reports help you display information as accurately and quickly as possible, without creating a new report.  The Report Library features:

•	over 70 pre-defined reports

•	reports with footnotes which indicate unusual situations

•	analytical reports such as comparative, composite, growth, and trend

•	combined industry reports that allow you to compare companies within industries

•	easy customization to meet your specific needs

Reports you might use in your application

The report you select may depend on your application.  The following illustration suggests reports you can use for various applications:

Investment Research	• Performance Summary (Profitability) • Six Months Market Data • Latest Month's Issue Price • Five Year Ratio Report
Merger/Acquisition Analysis	• Performance Summary (Profitability) • Five Year Ratio Report • Trend Income Statement and Balance Sheet • Flow of Funds Statement • Comparative Composite Income Statement and Balance Sheet
Competitive Analysis	• Comparative Income Statement  and Balance Sheet • Comparative Composite Income Statement and Balance Sheet • Comparative Composite Average Income Statement and Balance Sheet • Trend Income Statement and Balance Sheet
Industry Analysis	• Composite Income Statement and Balance Sheet • Composite Average Income Statement and Balance Sheet • Segment Comparison


Using the S&P Universal Look Up List

The S&P Universal Look Up List helps you to build reports using Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) links in:

•	Microsoft Excel

•	Lotus 1-2-3

•	Microsoft Word for Windows

•	Microsoft Access

Formula Builder is available with the S&P Universal Look Up List and assists you in creating report formulas.  The S&P Universal Look Up List provides you with access to companies, sets, functions, items, and concepts you can paste or drag-and-drop into your formulas.  Access the S&P Universal Look Up List directly from Windows Program Manager (in the S&P PC Plus group).

The following example shows an Excel spreadsheet containing PC Plus data that was inserted using S&P Universal Look Up List.  For more information on how to use the S&P Universal Look Up List in spreadsheets, see Spreadsheet:  Insert single data item for one company.


Quick Tips Overview

This section provides you with quick tips on how you can work faster and more efficiently.  It also provides you with information for organizing and locating your set, report, screen, or spreadsheet files, depending on your particular task.

Related Topics:

Using Quick Keys

Using the right mouse button in Report and Screen

Finding files with the Drives and Directories options

Pathing your files for a specific use

What are data codes?


Using Quick Keys

While you can use your mouse to access PC Plus operations from the Side Bar buttons, Toolbar, and Menu Bar, a number of Quick Keys (shown with their Menu Bar equivalents) have been provided as a keyboard interface.

Quick Keys	Menu Bar
CTRL + N	File/New
CTRL + O	File/Open
F9	File/Run
CTRL + S	File/Save
ALT + F4	File/Exit
CTRL + X	Edit/Cut
CTRL + C	Edit/Copy
CTRL + V	Edit/Paste
DEL	Edit/Delete
CTRL + F	Edit/Find
F4	Edit/Find Next
SHIFT + F4	Edit/Find Previous
CTRL + R	Edit/Replace
CTRL + A	Edit/Select All
F9	Tools/Run
ALT + F9	Tools/Run for Period
F1	Help for PC Plus
In addition, most Windows applications have keyboard equivalents.  For example, to select Open from the File menu, press ALT + F to display the File drop-down menu, and then the letter O to choose Open.  The F in File and the O in Open are underlined to indicate the keyboard interface.


Using the right mouse button in Report and Screen

When you are working in an open report or screen, the right mouse button provides you with access to commonly used report and screen tools.  The command menu displayed depends on whether you're in a report or screen, and the location of the mouse pointer when you click the right mouse button.  While the same command choices can be accessed from the Toolbar or the Tools command on the Menu Bar, you may prefer to use your right mouse button.

For more information on these commands, see Tools Menu for Screens and Tools Menu for Reports.


Finding files with the Drives and Directories options

If you are unable to locate your set, report, screen, or spreadsheet in the list box, it may be located in another drive or directory.  Use the Drives and Directories options in the dialog box to change to where your file is located.  As you change drives and directories, the list box displays available files.  Use the List Files of Type drop-down list box to identify files by their extension.

See also:	Pathing your files for a specific use


Pathing your files for a specific use

You can specify paths for saving and retrieving files.  For example, you can save user-created reports in a different directory than PC Plus reports.  To do this, use the Drives and Directories list boxes to select the appropriate path for sets, reports, or screens.  To define your drive and directory selection as the default, click on Save Path in the in the File Open, Save, or Save As dialog box.


What are data codes?

PC Plus contains more than 400 data items that companies can report.  However, not every company presents data for every item.

Sometimes a company will combine two or more items into one item, or will not disclose information on certain items.  When this happens, you'll see a data code instead of data.

For example, if a company has interest income, but includes it in interest expense, the Interest Income item will contain a combined figure code (@CF).

PC Plus uses the following data codes:

Code	Description
@AF	Annual Figure (only annual data is available for quarterly items)
@CF	Combined Figure (the figure is combined in another item)
@IF	Insignificant Figure (the number is immaterial)
@NA	Not Available (company does not disclose information about the item)
@NC	Not Calculable (division rules for calculation were not met)
@NM	Not Meaningful (item is not meaningful for a company
@SF	Semi-annual Figure (only semi-annual data is available for quarterly items)
See also:	@VALUE - Generate a data value
@ISVALUE - Determine existence of data
@ISAF - Determine annual figure data code
@ISCF - Determine combined figure data code
@ISIF - Determine insignificant figure data code
@ISNA - Determine not available figure data code
@ISNC - Determine not calculable data code
@ISNM - Determine not meaningful data code
@ISSF - Determine semiannual figure data code


Glossary of Terms

$A

$C

$I

$R

$T

Aggregate

Applications

Arguments

Base Set

Builder File Tool

Cascade Window Tool

Cell

Clipboard

Copy Edit Tool

Cut Edit Tool

Dialog Box

Entity

Extension

First Company Report Tool

Formula Report Tool

Free-form report

Histogram Screen Tool

Item Group

Last Company Report Tool

Look Up Tool

Mnemonic

New File Tool

Next Company Report Tool

Open File Tool

Paste Edit Tool

Pointer

Previous Company Report Tool

Print File Tool

Run File Tool

Save File Tool

Screening Criteria

Select Report Tool

Select the range

Select View Report Tool

Table Report

Table Report Tool

Text Report Tool

Tile Window Tool

View Results Screen Tool

S&P PC Plus Help Tool

@SET

@IF

@TEXT

@CAVG

@AND

@PAVG

@SIC2

@PCGR


$A

The predefined PC Plus set of industry aggregates; an industry aggregate is the summation of all companies in a specific industry.  It differs from an index which is a weighted average composite of companies within an industry.


$C

The predefined PC Plus set of publicly held U.S. corporations that trade common stock or wholly-owned subsidiaries that issue preferred stock or public debt.


$I

The predefined PC Plus set of indexes; indexes are weighted industry composites.


$R

The predefined PC Plus set of companies that no longer trade stock due to a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, liquidation, or other reasons.


$T

The predefined PC Plus set of Canadian companies.


Aggregate

Summation of data for a group of companies, such as an industry aggregate.  An industry aggregate differs from an index, which is a weighted average composite of companies within an industry.


Applications

Tasks which you can accomplish with S&P PC Plus.  For example, you can run a screen, create a report, link data to your spreadsheet, or display a chart.


Argument

An argument is a component that is included in the parenthesis of a function.  A function may contain more than one argument.  Multiple arguments are separated by commas.  For example, in the formula @PAVG(SALE,-4Y,0Y) there are three arguments:

•	SALE

•	-4Y

•	0Y.


Base Set

The population for which you can apply your screening criteria.  When you create a new screen, you can use the predefined sets, $C to screen the COMPUSTAT database and $I + $F to screen the GLOBAL Vantage database, or choose another set.


Builder File Tool

Allows you to create a new report, set, or chart using Report, Set, or Chart Builder.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Builder command from the File menu.


Cascade Window Tool

Displays open windows so they are staggered, one behind the other.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Cascade command from the Windows menu.


Cell

The basic unit of a report or spreadsheet, which are formed at the intersection of every row and column.  In a free-form report, they can appear anywhere within the report.


Clipboard

An area within Windows where you can temporarily store information.  For example, when you copy or cut a selection (such as a mnemonic, function, table, or text), your selection is stored in the clipboard and can be pasted to another location.  The selection remains until you replace it by cutting or copying something else.


Copy Edit Tool

Copies a selection from a report, screen, set, or formula.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Cut command from the Edit menu.


Cut Edit Tool

Removes a selection from a report, screen, set or formula.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Cut command from the Edit menu.


Dialog Box

A window that overlays the open file on your desktop.  It may include boxes in which you type your choice, click on your choice from a list box, or view and change settings related to the current application.


Entity

Can be a company, business or geographic segment of a company, issue of a company, index, aggregate or currency.  Each belongs to a pre-defined $ set in S&P PC Plus.


Extension

The 3-character code at the end of a file name and identifies the file type.  For example, the file name cis5.rpt can be identified as a report by the extension, .rpt.


First Company Report Tool

Displays report results for the first company in a set.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the First Company command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you run a free-form report for a set of companies.


Formula Report Tool

Changes the pointer to the formula pointer and allows you to add cells for data to your free-form report.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Formula command from the tools menu.  This tool is active only if you have an open free-form report on your desktop.


Free-form report

A report presentation that allows you to place text and formula cells, or a table anywhere within a report.


Geometric mean

The nth root of the product arrived at by multiplying the values in the distribution by each other.  It is an alternative measure of central tendency to the arithmetic mean and is characteristically lower than arithmetic mean.


Histogram Screen Tool

Displays numerical formula values for your screen criteria in a histogram.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Histogram command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only if you have just run a screen.


Item Group

Contains the On-line items and number of days you want to update.


Last Company Report Tool

Displays report results for the last company in a set.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Last Company command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you run a free-form report for a series of companies.


Look Up Tool

Accesses the Lookup dialog box to view a list of companies, items and concepts, functions, or sets.


Mnemonic

An abbreviated name that consists of alphanumeric characters.  Standard & Poor's Compustat assigns mnemonics to items and concepts, reports, screens, and spreadsheets.


New File Tool

Creates a new report, screen, set, or spreadsheet.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the New command from the File menu.


Next Company Report Tool

Displays report results for the next company in a set.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Next Company command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you run a free-form report for a set of companies.


Open File Tool

Opens an existing report, screen, set, or spreadsheet.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Open command from the File menu.


Paste Edit Tool

Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Paste command from the Edit menu.  This tool is active only if you've cut or copied a selection from a report, screen, set, or formula.


Pointer

The arrow you move with your mouse.  There are four PC Plus report pointers you activate when you click your right mouse button on a blank area of a report:  Select, Text, Formula, and Table.


Previous Company Report Tool

Displays report results for the previous company in a set.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Previous Company command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you run a free-form report for a set of companies.


Print File Tool

Prints a view window after a screen or report has been run or a set is displayed.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Print command from the File menu.


Run File Tool

Runs an open screen or report.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Run command from the File menu.  This tool is active only if you've opened a report or screen.


Save File Tool

Saves a new or modified report, screen, or set.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Save or Save As command from the File menu.


Screening Criteria

Used in a screening rule and defines how a population is narrowed down to a smaller group of entities.


Select Report Tool

Restores the pointer after inserting text or formula cells or a table.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Select command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only if you have an open free-form report on your desktop.


Select the range

Click on the first cell.  Then move the pointer to the last cell in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and click.


Select View Report Tool

Extracts report results for an active. free-form report and displays in a separate report view window.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Select View command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you run a free-form report for a set of companies.


Table Report

A report presentation consisting of columns and rows for displaying data for a set of companies.  The default for the first column is company name.  Each subsequent column can contain any formula.


Table Report Tool

Allows you to add a tale to a new report.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Table command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only when you open a new report.  Once you add a table to the report, this tool is no longer active.


Text Report Tool

Changes the pointer to the text pointer and allows you to add cells for labels to your free-form report.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Text command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only if you have an open free-form report on your desktop.


Tile Window Tool

Displays open windows as separate windows.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Tile command from the Windows menu.


View Results Screen Tool

Displays formula values for your screen criteria.  Clicking on this tool is the same as selecting the Formula Values command from the Tools menu.  This tool is active only if you have just run a screen.


S&P PC Plus Help Tool

Accesses S&P PC Plus Help.


@SET

Creates a temporary set by evaluating the base set for the condition.  This function is commonly used with Set Analysis functions.  For more information see, @SET - Select companies based on condition .


@IF

Provides two data values for an operation with a condition for choosing between them.  If the condition is true, then PC Plus uses the first choice; otherwise PC Plus uses the second choice.  For more information see, @IF - Return a value when conditions are met .


@TEXT

Returns the value of an expression as a character string.  For more information, see @TEXT - Return a string of characters .


@CAVG

Calculates the average value of a formula across a set.  For more information, see @CAVG - Average across a set


@AND

Returns true if each argument is true, but false if one or more arguments are false.  For more information, see @AND- Logical AND .


@PAVG

Calculates the average value of a formula over time.  For more information, see @PAVG - Average across time .


@SIC2

Provides progressively more general SIC categories.  For example, @SIC2 generalizes the SIC code of 2834 to the first 2 digits, or 2800.  For more information, see @SIC2 and @SIC3 - Generalize SIC codes .


@PCGR

Calculates compound growth rate as the percent change in a formula over a period of time.  For more informations, see @PCGR - Compound growth rate .


On-line Overview

On-line allows you to update daily price data, as current as the previous day's transactions.  Since On-line data is seamlessly integrated with PC Plus, your financial analyses and investment decision-making are accomplished in one application.

Note - In order to take advantage of this feature, you must be an On-line subscriber.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like information on how to begin accessing daily market data, contact your Account Representative.

Types of On-line subscriptions

There are two On-line subscriptions available, On-line with Daily Price subscription and On-line without Daily Price subscription.  If you're an On-line Daily Price subscriber, then you can update historical daily market data for dates subsequent to your CD for all available data items.  If you're an On-line without Daily Price subscriber, you can only update limited scalar data, that is for the current time period.

The following shows you the data that you can update.  If you receive your PC Plus CD monthly, then you can update only the items in italics.

Item Name	Item Mnemonic
Adjustment Factor - Current Date	AFDTE
Adjustment Factor - Current Date Daily	AFDTED
Common Shares Traded - Current	CSHCUR
Common Shares Traded Daily	CSHTRD
Dividend Distribution Type - Ex-date Daily	DVDIXD
Dividend Distribution Type - Pay-date Daily	DVDIPD
Dividend Payment Method - Ex-date Daily	DVMEXD
Dividend Payment Method - Pay-date Daily	DVMEPD
Dividends per Share - Ex-date Daily	DVPSXD
Dividends per Share - Pay-date Daily	DVPSPD
Price - Close Daily	PRCCD
Price - Current	PRCCUR
Price - High Daily	PRCHD
Price - Low Daily	PRCLD
Price Status Code Daily	PRCSTD
What is an Item Group file?

An Item Group file contains the daily items to be updated.  It also contains the number of time periods for which the data should be updated.  When you update On-line data, you must first select the Item Group that you want to update.

You can create your own Item Group, or use one provided with your On-line installation.  For information on how to create your own Item Group, see Creating an Item Group.

When your On-line software is installed, you are provided with one or both of the following Item Group files:

PRVCLOSE.ITG	contains only Adjustment Factor - Current Date, Common Shares Traded - Current, and Price Current
DAILY.ITG	contains all 15 On-line data items
Note - Only On-line Daily Price subscribers receive the DAILY.ITG file.

How long does an update take?

The amount of time it takes to update depends on the number of items, days, and companies for which you are updating, and the speed of your modem (baud rate).

Update now or schedule an update for later?

You can schedule an update at a time that is convenient for you.  Previous day's data is available after 4:00 AM, Eastern Time.  Once an update is scheduled, it will process "in the background" as you continue your PC Plus applications.

Related Topics:

On-line Updating
Creating an Item Group
Scheduling an On-line update


On-line Updating

If you are an On-line subscriber, you can use the On-line command from the Databases menu to update daily market data.

On-line is a separate subscription that works with PC Plus.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like further information on this service, contact your Account Representative.

This help topic provides you with step-by-step instructions for updating daily market data.

Begin from the menu bar:

1.	Click on Databases and then on On-line.  You'll see an On-line dialog box with two large buttons, Update Database and Settings.

2.	Click on Update Database.  You'll see a Quick File Open dialog box.

3.	Select your Item Group from the File Name list box and click OK.  You'll see an On-line Update dialog box.

4.	To update all active U.S. companies, type $C in the Set box.
To update all active U.S. and Canadian companies; and Indexes, type $C+$T+$I in the Set box.

If you want to update a smaller population of companies, type the company tickers separated by commas ( , ) in the Companies box, or type a set name in the Set box.

If you are unsure of a company ticker or set, click on Look Up to view lists of companies and sets.  Look Up displays all sets (PC Plus sets, current sets, and saved sets).

You can also use the @SET function in the Set box to create a temporary set.  For more information, see Current and temporary sets.

5.	Use the arrows to specify the time periods you want to update.  The default number of periods specified for the selected Item Group file is automatically displayed.

You can change the number of periods for the current update only.  If you want to permanently change the number of periods to be downloaded, then you must modify the Item Group file.

6.	To update immediately, click on Now and then on OK.  PC Plus will initiate the update.

If you want to schedule an update for a later date and/or time, click on At.  Then specify the time and date you want to update and click on OK.  PC Plus will automatically proceed at the specified time as long as your application is active or minimized.

If you exit your PC Plus session, you'll see a message reminding you that you've scheduled an update.  You must re-enter PC Plus before the scheduled time for the update to proceed.  If you re-enter PC Plus after the scheduled time, then you'll see a message allowing you to either update at that time or cancel the update.

See also:	Creating an Item Group


Creating an Item Group

An Item Group contains On-line data and number of days for which you want to update daily market data.  If you are a Daily On-line subscriber, PC Plus automatically provides you with the Item Groups that contain all the items you're licensed to receive.  Also, the default number of time periods is one (for the previous business day's transactions).  However, you may want to customize your own item group to update only certain items or direct PC Plus to update more than the previous day's transactions.

This help topic provides you with step-by-step instructions for creating or modifying an Item Group.

Begin from the menu bar:

1.	Click on Databases and then on On-line.  You'll see an On-line dialog box with two large buttons, Update Database and Settings.

2.	Click on Update Database.  You'll see a Quick File Open dialog box.

3.	To create a new Item Group, click on New.

To modify an Item Group, double-click on the Item Group in the File Name list box.  You'll see an On-line Update dialog box.  Then click on the Items button.

You'll see an On-line Item Groups dialog box.

4.	In the Available Items list box, double-click on the item(s) you want to include in your Item Group.  As you double-click on each item, you'll see it added to the Group Items list box.

To delete an item from the Group Items list box, select it and click on Remove.

5.	Use the arrows to specify the Default Number of Periods (for the number of days you want to update).

6.	After your Group Items list is complete and you've specified the Default Number of Periods, click on OK.

If you are creating a new Item Group, you'll see a Save File dialog box.

If you are modifying an Item Group, you'll see a confirmation box asking if you want to save the changes with the existing name overwriting the original.  To save the Item Group with a different name, click on No.  You'll see a Save File dialog box.

7.	Type the Item Group name in the File Name box and click on OK.

See also:	On-line Overview
On-line Updating


Scheduling an On-line update

If you are an On-line subscriber, you can use the On-line command from the Databases menu to update daily market data.

On-line is a separate subscription that works with PC Plus.  If you are not an On-line subscriber and would like further information on this service, contact your Account Representative.

When you use the On-line command from the Databases menu, you can update immediately or schedule an update at a time that is convenient for you.  Previous day's data is available after 4:00 AM, Eastern Time.

To schedule an update for a later date and/or time, proceed as usual with your On-line update.  When you get to the last dialog box, On-line Update, select the At option.  Then specify the time and date you want to update and click on OK.

After you schedule an update, PC Plus will automatically proceed at the specified time as long as your application is active or minimized.  If you exit your PC Plus session, you'll see a message reminding you that you've scheduled an update.  You must re-enter PC Plus before the scheduled time for the update to proceed.  If you re-enter PC Plus after the scheduled time, then you'll see a message allowing you to either update at that time or cancel the update.

See also:	On-line Updating
On-line Overview