Combining data sets 1. SDC and Datastream

In an ideal world all data of all databases would be inter exchangeable without effort. Unfortunately that's not the case. This series of posts will provide hands on info on combining data sets between different data bases.
Why would you bother?

In cases with only a handful of company it would be no big deal to search your companies one by one, but when your work sets exceeds a significant number, say over 50, your searches would get too time consuming.

Using company names in combining data bases:

Not a good idea. Names change, and different data bases may decide to present company names differently: word order, language or abbreviated names.

Example:

Koninklijke Ahold

Datastream: Ahold Kon.

Compustat: KONINKLIJKE AHOLD NV

Amadeus: Koninklijke Ahold N.V.

Audit analytics: Royal Ahold

It's a better idea to use objective methods  to identify company by, the 'company identifiers.'

Between SDC and Datastream
Identifiers they use:
Datastream codes, codes constructed by Tomson Financial for their own databases; Ticker; CUSIP;
SEDOL (excepti SDC database Venture capital); ISIN only datasream and SDC database Global new Issues

In practice, it works like this:

When you are making your report, choose Custom reports > all items > type name identifier, where you can add extra (meta)data to your output, among them company identifiers. Depending on the SDC database there are more or less options. Obviously it is possible to download more identifiers in your output.
1.

2.

Repeat this for all items (depending on the SDC database you are using)
Press OK
3.

Press OK. Give a name for your saved file in the SDC database. Press save.
The next screen is optional to add some personal info to the report. (4 rows)
Or click cancel.
Press the Execute button to generate your report.

4.

There is no 100% guarrantee that all selected identifiers do provide an identifier for each item in the work set, as the next image illustrates.

5.

So, sometimes it is necessary to use more identifiers when you uploading your work set to another database, even when using Datastreamcodes. When you download you report in Excel you can use the autofilter to save you some work.

Closing SDC, the program askes you to save your search. Do it. You can recall your last actions when using SDC again.

Using your workset:

Removing empty cells: autofilter > deselect lege cellen / empty cells (or not null)

In my case I use Datastream codes. Next select all cells > go to the Datastream TAB and select option 'Create List from range'

The next menu give the possibilty to add an own name to the uploaded file. But often this is not presentend as a choice when trying to open the the list. Memorize date.

When you upload your selection to the remote server of Datastream, memorize the upload mnemonic that's given to the document, it identifies your upload.

Using the uploaded list:

Go to either the Static search menu or Times series (depending on what you want to do)

Static Search for creating a work set in Datastream, where you might find other identifiers (coming from M&A does not give the possibility to download ISIN, but in Datastream you can.

In the menu use this button (Listpicker > looking glass)

Typ the mnemonic of the uploaded list: L#G74705

TIP: if you have got difficulty incorporating your works set into Datastream. lack of hits might be the result of the type of security you are using. Mark Bruyneel explains here, how you can solve this.