Mergent, Inc.

Mergent, Inc., an integral part of Xinhua Finance, is a renowned provider of global business and financial information, particularly focusing on publicly traded companies and fixed-income securities. Its various products and methodologies have proven invaluable to investors and analysts alike.

Definition

Mergent, Inc. is a subsidiary of Xinhua Finance, which acquired the Moody’s publications group in 1998. Mergent serves as a leading source of business and financial data on publicly traded companies and fixed-income securities globally. Their offerings include a suite of products designed to support investment decisions and financial analyses.


Examples

  1. Mergent Online: This comprehensive database provides detailed financial statements, company profiles, annual reports, and other essential information on public companies worldwide.

  2. Mergent BondSource: A reliable resource for information on fixed-income securities, offering users access to bond prices, issue details, and market analysis.

  3. Dividend Achiever Index Series: Indexes composed of companies with a proven track record of consistent dividend increases over several years. These indexes are the basis for multiple exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

  4. Mergent Manuals and Handbooks: Publications that offer in-depth data and analysis on various sectors, industries, and geographic regions, supporting comprehensive investment research and due diligence.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of information does Mergent, Inc. provide?

Mergent offers extensive data on publicly traded companies, including financial statements, company profiles, annual reports, and detailed information on fixed-income securities.

How is Mergent Online used?

Mergent Online is used to access detailed information on global publicly traded companies, including financial statements, annual reports, and comprehensive company profiles, which aid in research and investment decisions.

What is the Dividend Achiever Index?

The Dividend Achiever Index consists of companies with a history of consistently increasing dividends. These indexes are often used as benchmarks for dividend-focused investment strategies, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

How do Mergent’s products assist investors?

Mergent’s products provide reliable and comprehensive financial data, analytics, and benchmarks, which help investors make informed decisions related to equities, bonds, and other securities.


  • Fixed-Income Securities: Financial instruments like bonds that provide regular income in the form of fixed interest or dividends.
  • Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): Investment funds traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks, which hold assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.
  • Dividend: A portion of a company’s earnings that is paid to shareholders, typically on a regular basis.
  • Financial Statements: Formal records of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or entity.

Online References


Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation” by Stephen H. Penman – Provides insights into the analysis and valuation of securities using financial statements.
  2. “Security Analysis” by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd – A classic text on the principles of security analysis.
  3. “Fixed Income Analysis” by Frank J. Fabozzi – A comprehensive guide to understanding fixed-income securities and bond markets.
  4. “Dividend Stocks For Dummies” by Lawrence Carrel – A user-friendly guide to understanding and investing in dividend stocks.

Fundamentals of Financial Information: Finance Basics Quiz

### What type of company data can be found in Mergent Online? - [x] Financial statements and company profiles - [ ] Monthly sales figures - [ ] Employee personal records - [ ] Marketing campaign effectiveness > **Explanation:** Mergent Online provides access to detailed financial statements, company profiles, annual reports, and other essential information on public companies. ### How is the Dividend Achiever Index used by investors? - [x] As a benchmark for dividend-focused investment strategies and ETFs - [ ] To determine annual salaries of CEOs - [ ] To assess private equity performance - [ ] For calculating daily stock market fluctuations > **Explanation:** The Dividend Achiever Index is used by investors to measure the performance of companies with a history of consistently increasing dividends, serving as a benchmark for dividend-focused investments, including ETFs. ### Who acquired the Moody's Publications group that Mergent is a part of? - [ ] Standard & Poor's - [x] Xinhua Finance - [ ] Fitch Ratings - [ ] Bloomberg > **Explanation:** Xinhua Finance acquired the Moody’s Publications group in 1998, making Mergent Inc. part of its extensive financial information network. ### What primary information does Mergent BondSource provide? - [x] Bond prices, issue details, and market analysis - [ ] Shareholder meeting minutes - [ ] Employee performance reviews - [ ] Marketing expense reports > **Explanation:** Mergent BondSource provides critical information on fixed-income securities, including bond prices, issue details, and market analysis. ### What type of securities data is Mergent, Inc. well-known for? - [ ] Cryptocurrency valuations - [x] Fixed-income securities and publicly traded company information - [ ] Real estate appraisals - [ ] Artwork valuations > **Explanation:** Mergent is well-known for providing comprehensive data on fixed-income securities and publicly traded companies, supporting informed investment decisions. ### Which product is known for offering in-depth information specifically on bonds? - [ ] Mergent Online - [ ] Mergent Manuals and Handbooks - [x] Mergent BondSource - [ ] Dividend Achiever Index > **Explanation:** Mergent BondSource is specifically designed to offer detailed bond prices, issue details, and market analysis on fixed-income securities. ### How do exchange-traded funds (ETFs) related to Mergent? - [ ] They hold predominant company ownership in Mergent, Inc. - [x] They are based on Dividend Achiever Index methodologies - [ ] They utilize Mergent's HR databases for employee information - [ ] They assist in managing Mergent’s internal finances > **Explanation:** Four exchange-traded funds are based on Mergent's Dividend Achiever Index methodologies, aligning with companies known for increasing dividend payouts. ### What is an example of a financial statement? - [x] Balance sheet - [ ] Marketing strategy plan - [ ] Employee training manual - [ ] CEO's annual letter > **Explanation:** A balance sheet is an example of a financial statement, which presents the assets, liabilities, and equity of a company at a specific point in time. ### What primary sector does Mergent serve? - [ ] Hospitality industry - [x] Financial information analytics - [ ] Pharmaceuticals - [ ] Construction > **Explanation:** Mergent primarily serves the financial information analytics sector, providing detailed data and analyses on publicly traded companies and fixed-income securities. ### Why are financial statements crucial for investors? - [ ] They determine a company's logo - [ ] They set corporate mission statements - [x] They offer key insights into a company's financial health and performance - [ ] They provide personal details of all employees > **Explanation:** Financial statements are crucial because they offer key insights into a company's financial health and performance, helping investors make informed decisions.

Thank you for exploring the world of Mergent, Inc. and testing your understanding with our detailed quiz. Continue expanding your financial knowledge and striving for investment excellence!


Wednesday, August 7, 2024

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