What is a stock screener tool and how to use it?


Posted by: Invos Research
Published on: August 28, 2023
What is a stock screener tool and how to use it?

A stock screener is a tool that helps investors filter and narrow down a list of stocks based on specific criteria or parameters. This tool allows you to quickly identify stocks that meet your investment preferences and goals. Stock screeners are available on various financial websites and trading platforms. Here's how to use a stock screener:

  1. Select a Stock Screener: Choose a reliable financial website or trading platform that offers a stock screener tool. Examples include Yahoo Finance, Google Finance, Finviz, and many brokerage platforms.

  2. Choose Criteria: Stock screeners allow you to set various criteria based on which you want to filter stocks. Common criteria include:

    • Price: Set a range for the stock's price per share.
    • Market Capitalization: Define a range for the company's total market value.
    • Sector and Industry: Choose specific sectors or industries that interest you.
    • Dividend Yield: Filter by stocks that pay dividends and specify a minimum yield.
    • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Specify a minimum or maximum EPS value.
    • Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Set a range for the P/E ratio.
    • Growth Metrics: Filter based on revenue growth, earnings growth, or other growth indicators.
    • Technical Indicators: Include criteria like moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), or other technical analysis indicators.
  3. Adjust Filters: Fine-tune your criteria to match your investment strategy and goals. Remember that the more specific your criteria, the fewer stocks will meet them.

  4. Run the Screener: After setting your criteria, run the stock screener. The tool will generate a list of stocks that meet your specified parameters.

  5. Analyze Results: Review the list of stocks generated by the screener. Take note of key information such as the stock's ticker symbol, company name, current price, market capitalization, and other relevant data.

  6. Research Further: Once you have a list of potential stocks, conduct more in-depth research on each company. Look into their financials, news, industry trends, and any other information that can help you make an informed decision.

  7. Compare and Prioritize: Compare the stocks on your list to determine which ones align best with your investment goals. Consider factors like growth potential, risk level, and how they fit into your overall portfolio.

  8. Monitor and Track: Keep an eye on the stocks you've identified using the screener. As market conditions and company performance change, your initial list may need to be adjusted.

It's important to note that while stock screeners are useful tools, they are only one part of the investment process. Thorough research and analysis are essential before making any investment decisions. Additionally, remember that past performance is not indicative of future results, so use stock screeners as a starting point for your research rather than relying solely on their results.

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