Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Prowess Basics PDF
Prowess Basics PDF
Prowess Basics PDF
By:
Ashwati Nath
(Information Officer)
CMIE
CENTRE FOR MONITORING INDIAN ECONOMY
Indias Leading Business and Economic Database and Research Company
11, Apple Heritage, 54-C, Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai-400093
Tel: 30880099
Fax:022-26870696
E-mail: info@cmie.com
Website: www.cmie.com
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
1. An Introduction to Prowess
1.1 What is Prowess?
Prowess is a database developed by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy. It comprises
data (both financial and non-financial) on more than 22000 Indian companies. The coverage
includes public, private, co-operative and joint sector companies, listed or otherwise. The
database is built on a sound understanding of accounting standards and disclosures currently
prevailing in India.
1.2 What kind of company data is available in Prowess?
All relevant data required to perform an analysis of a company is present in Prowess. More than
2000 indictors are present. Data includes:
Financial Statements (Annual Reports and Interim Results)
Fund Flows
Ratio Analysis & Technical Analysis
Product and Raw material Profiles
Share Price data
Shareholding patterns
Capex Data
M & A data
Miscellaneous
1.3 What makes Prowess so powerful?
The Prowess database is highly normalized. Rich analytical reports are based on a carefully
normalized database. The database in Prowess is complemented with powerful analytical
software tools to enable extensive querying and research. These tools make data mining very
easy and less time-consuming. In other words, finding the proverbial needle in a haystack can
be done in a matter of minutes.
In short, prowess packages a normalised database in a versatile and amazingly powerful
software, which grants unlimited querying power to the user.
1.4 What is meant by normalization of the database?
Different companies present accounting information differently. Inter year comparison, growth
rates, inter-company comparisons and industry aggregates are all compromised by the uncritical
use of raw data from annual accounts. Such a scenario would lead to errors if comparision
between different companies were made. CMIE's methodological framework for database
normalization addresses this problem. Databases are also subjected to rigorous formal validation
and quality control.
Prowess inbuilt normalization ensures that comparision made between companies or on a set of
companies is totally error-free and correct down to the last detail.
1.5 Is Prowess up-to-date?
A sprawling nation-wide network to collect information, highly trained human resources and
sophisticated technologies ensure that Prowess is the most up-to-date corporate database in India.
Prowess has intra-day updates as well as daily updates that can be downloaded from the internet.
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
The database is kept up-to-date at the users end by providing daily, weekly and fortnightly
updates as per users convenience.
1.6 What makes Prowess unique?
The following three features make Prowess unique and the best in its league:
Queries: Query is the most powerful feature in Prowess. It enables an unparalleled and
inexhaustible process of discovery. Every part of the database is made intelligently
queryable and all kinds of queries can be combined in infinite ways. The prowess query
system is a powerful and simplified step by step approach to access the entire database to
identify companies that meet your specifications.
Structured Selection Process: The Prowess database has been empowered with a
knowledge base to assist querying. This enables the automatic encapsulation of
intelligence in your queries. Querying thus gets more powerful and yet gets simpler. The
structured selection process, which embodies these unique characteristics through its
layered groupings simplifies querying on products, locations and ownership groups.
Expression based Selection: This is the most versatile feature of any querying system
and undoubtedly an integral part of Prowess. However, Prowess takes you a step ahead of
the usual expressions. Specially developed functions and a system of macro building
makes querying with expressions an enjoyable and exciting experience in prowess.
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
2. Prowess Basics
In this chapter, all the basic functions and modules of prowess that are important are
explained.
2.1 The Welcome Screen
The following screen is observed when Prowess is opened/activated:
The query module window is the window within Prowess where the various parameters/
criterion is inserted. As one can observe, the menu on the left is the query module menu. The
menu will henceforth be referred in the document as query module. Each query module is
further classified into sub modules. All the various indicators are classified into various
submodules as per the appropriate classification.
The execution of a query is always done in a query window.
2.2 The Important Icons
The third row of icons from the top, especially the first three are of prime importance. These
icons are basically used to navigate between various windows within Prowess.
Moving the mouse over the icon reveals name of these icons.
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Query
Window
Reports
Window
Output
Sheet
Analysis
Work
sheet
Chart
Query Window: The various indicators required to extract information is available in the
query window. Use this icon to revert back to the query window.
Reports window: This is a pop-up window, which gives rich and detailed reports for the
selected company or set currently on the output sheet or a selected company within the query
window. After viewing reports, one can revert back to the query window by closing the popup window.
Output Sheet: Is an excel-like sheet where the output of a query is displayed. In the case of
transfer pricing, a lot of juggling/toggle will be required between the query window and the
output sheet. To view a current output sheet, click on this particular icon.
Analysis Worksheet: Is a special type of output sheet that comes into display when multiple
data is available for the same indicator.
Chart: Becomes active when the output sheet is open. Used to generate graphs.
2.3 Execute Commands
Processing of the input parameters and indicators will begin only when a execute command
button is clicked using a mouse. These commands are displayed at the bottom right in the
query window.
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Open
previously
saved prowess
file
Saves as
prowess
file
Saves output
as multiple
prowess files
Saves as
excel file
Saves as
word file
Saves as
user set
Splits
user set
How to save output sheets for further use in future or as reference points
As an excel file (.xls): This facility to save the output as an excel file is available
to allow portability. The output saved as an excel file can then be viewed on nonProwess PCs. It is important to note that while data can be exported to an excel
file, it cannot be imported back into prowess.
As a prowess file (.cof): This facility enables the user to save the output in
prowess format. All files are saved by default into a folder called usercof in the
installed prowess folder. Files thus saved can later be opened using the Open File
icon.
As an analysis worksheet (.aws): In certain output sheets, each company may
consume multiple rows due to multiple data displays for selected indicators. In
such a case, the output sheet takes the form of an analysis worksheet. Following
are some of the modules within Prowess where the output is in the form of an
analysis worksheet.
i.
Query by Finance Stocks/ Credit Ratings
ii.
Query by Finance Stocks/ Capex
iii. Query by Finance Stocks/ Mergers & acquisitions
iv.
Query by Basic Information/ Major Equity Holders Information
v.
Query by Basic Information/ Location of Plants
vi.
Query by Product Segments/ Product Raw Materials
As a user set (.psu): The user can create can create and save a user-defined set of
companies for future use. An important difference between a user set and prowess
output file (.cof) is that the user set saves only the name of the companies while
.cof file saves the companies along with all the other columns that are currently
displayed on the concerned output sheet.
Note: All the various methods to save the output are also available under the file menu
option
.
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Query on Year
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Prowess: Basics
CMIE
Prowess: Basics
10
CMIE
Prowess: Basics
11
CMIE
iii. Monthly: Displays data for last traded date of every month within the entered date
range.
iv. Quarterly: Displays data for last traded date of every quarter within the entered
date range.
v. Annual: Displays data for last traded date of every year within the entered date
range.
The Date Proximity Field:
Often, it may happen that while entering certain dates into the Query on date field, the
entered date might not be a traded date. In such a case, the query will fail to execute and a
error message will be displayed. Such events can be avoided by using the Date
Proximity option, which indicates the nearness of the entered date to Traded Date.
Select one of the following options based on need:
i. Exact_Date: Indicates that Entered date should exactly match the Traded date
ii. Latest: Indicates that Traded date should either match the Entered date or should
be the nearest available traded date (back-dated)
iii. -1: Indicates that the Traded date should either match the Entered date or should
be the immediately preceding traded date of the exchange (back-dated)
iv. -2: Indicates that the Traded date should either match the Entered date or should
be one of the immediately preceding two traded dates of the exchange, whichever
is closer to the entered date. (back-dated)
v. -7: Indicates that the Traded date should either match the Entered date or should
be one of the immediately preceding seven traded dates of the exchange,
whichever is closer to the entered date. (back-dated)
vi. Similar to above options, other options available within Date Proximity include
-15, -30, -90, -180 and -360.
Illustrations for Query on Date in Stock Prices & Indicators Module:
To find data for date 13th September 2008.
Query on Date: 20080913
To find data for the entire calendar year of 2008 on a weekly basis.
Query on Date: 20080101-20081231
Select Interval: Weekly
To view data for the date closest to 12th April 2009.
Query on Date: 20090412 (This is a Sunday, a non-trading day)
Select Date Proximity: Latest
To view all available data on a quarterly basis:
Query on Date: ALL
Select Interval: Quarterly
To view data for the latest 60 traded days.
Query on Date: L60
Prowess: Basics
12
CMIE
6.USER SETS:
In the menu Select company by Name/company classifications, two frames of classification
are observed. In the left frame is the set of classifications created by CMIE as per the
commonly followed standards. The main broad classification under this frame include:
Industry Classification
Indices Classification
CMIE Indices Classification
Listed/Permitted Companies Classification
The need for user sets:
However, the user may, from time to time, need to create his own set of companies, which he
needs to work on a regular basis. An excellent example is when one wants view a portfolio of
companies. The user may create the set after subjecting the original list of companies to
many filtration criteria. The tedium of creating the required and frequently used set of
companies one uses Prowess can be eliminated by creating user sets. Such User-defined sets
can be viewed in the right-side frame of Company classifications window. All usersets are
saved by default into the usersets folder.
Refresh
Button
Prowess: Basics
13
CMIE
Illustration No. 1:
Investor X has invested in 5 companies viz. ACC, BHEL, INFOSYS, WIPRO and TCS.
Create a user set of these companies, which will enable the investor to view data for his
portfolio easily.
Ans:
Go to Select Company by name
Select the sub-module Select Company by name
In the field labeled Start tying for auto search, enter ACC
This will lead to companies beginning with the syllable ACC.. to be
displayed in the frame below. From the list of companies in the
frame labeled company alias, double click on the name of ACC Ltd
in order to select it. (The selection will be displayed in the righthand side frame.)
Repeat the previous two steps again by typing BHEL in the field
labeled Start tying for auto search and double click on the display
in order to make the selection. Do the same all the other companies,
which comprise the portfolio.
Click on the NEW button after all selections are made. The output sheet will
be displayed.
From the File menu, option, choose the option Save as user set. Save the user set by
the name portfolio.psu into the default folder usersets.
The userset thus created can be viewed in the company classifications sub-menu under
the Module Select Company by name. One must click on the Refresh button
(bottom left hand side) to view the user set.
Place a tick in the checkbox against the desired user set and click on the NEW button
to load the set of companies.
Prowess: Basics
14
CMIE
Analysis:
The resultant output sheet contains the list of companies comprising the portfolio of the investor.
The user can then run queries on this set of companies. The creation of such user sets allows the
user to effectively save time in cases where data is frequently sought for a set of companies
(which are regularly accessed).
Usersets can also be easily edited as per the changes occurring in the portfolio.
To edit a user set:
Load the user set on the output sheet using the company classifications menu.
Delete the unwanted companies by using the Delete Row icon.
To add companies to the user set, go to the sub-module Select company by name under the
module Select Company by name and key in the desired company and make the selection.
Click on the ADD button after the required companies have been selected.
The user set thus modified can again be saved as a user set with a different name (or replaced)
using the Save as user set option under the File menu.
Illustration No. 2:
Find all the Create a user set of listed real estate companies, which possess the financials for both
2007 and 2008.
Ans: Go to Select Company by name
Select company classifications
Choose Real Estate under the classification industry by placing a tick
in the square provided (Industry/Non-Financial/ Construction/ Real
Estate)
Execute New button
Go back to Query Window
Go to Select Company by Name/Company Classifications
Unselect Cement by removing the tick against it.
Select Listed / Permitted cos in CMIE sets in company
classifications
Execute AND
Go back to Query Window
Go to Query by Finance Stocks/ Audited Financial Results
In the list of expressions, select the very first expression Finance Year by
placing a tick in the S column.
In the Query on Year field, type: 200703&200803
Execute AND button.
Analysis:
The resultant output sheet contains the list of companies satisfying the users criteria. It can be
saved as a user set by using the Save as user set option under file menu. This file has a .psu
extension and must be saved in the default folder viz. usersets.
After the creation of a new user set, click on the Refresh button (bottom left hand side) of the
Company classifications module window. The newly created user set will now be displayed in
the usersets frame within the Company Classifications sub-module.
Prowess: Basics
15
CMIE
7. OUTPUT FORMATS
By default, on execution of a query, the company is always displayed in the Row of the output
sheet while Indicators and Dates are displayed in the columns. Often, it may happen that the
resultant output is not very reader-friendly due to this output format. This happens when the user
needs to scroll horizontally owing to many columns but few rows.
Output Sheets are more reader-friendly when then contain fewer columns than rows in case of an
output grid. Three kinds of data are displayed in an output grid:
i.
The company/set.
ii.
The expressions i.e. indicators selected by the user.
iii. The year/period/date on which the query runs.
Based on whichever data type is maximum in number, the same can be set to appear in the row
of the output sheet. For example, if for a single company, a single indicator is to be viewed for
30 different dates, it is prudent to make changes to the settings so that the date appears in the row
(and not the default type company).
Following are the various sub-modules in which the Rows and Columns can be interchanged:
Query by Finance Stocks/Audited Financial Results
Query by Finance Stocks/Interim Financial Results
Query by Finance Stocks/Stock Prices and Indicators
Query by Basic Information/ Equity Holding Information
Select Indices/Index Numbers
Perform Aggregates/Aggregate Financial Results
Perform Aggregates /Aggregate Interim Results
Perform Aggregates /Aggregate Stock Indicators
In the query tab of each of these sub-modules, two fields viz. Output Type and Source Type
is given.
The field Output Type indicates what will appear in the row of an output sheet. Default
type is Company
The field Source Type indicates what will appear in the column of an output sheet. Default
type is None which indicates parameters other than the company type appear in columns.
Illustration:
Compare the Income Details of Infosys from March 2002 till March 2008.
Solution:
Go to module Select Company by name
Go to sub-module Select company by name
Enter Infosys. Double click on the displayed entry to select it.
Execute New
Go back to Query Window
Go to Query by Finance / Stocks
Go to Audited Financial Results
The third expression in the Query tab is Income. Using control +
Click, place a tick against Income in the S column. This will select
all the various break-ups of the income details.
Prowess: Basics
16
CMIE
Make multiple
selections of a
hierarchy by using
control + click
Prowess: Basics
17