The best investors succeed by having an information advantage. While many think this requires expensive subscriptions or complex databases, some of the most powerful research tools are actually free.
Here are 12 resources I use regularly that can significantly improve your investment research process.
- SEC Full-Text Search – A powerful tool for searching through two decades of SEC filings. Perfect for researching specific terms, people, or entities across all public company documents.
- PCAOB Auditor Search – Look up any company’s auditor and audit partner history. Access detailed track records through the top-right search bar’s auditor search function.
- SocialBlade Analytics – Track and analyze social media growth metrics for any company or individual account over time.
- Wisconsin FDD Database – Access comprehensive Franchise Disclosure Documents for businesses operating in Wisconsin. An invaluable resource for franchise research.
- OpenCorporates Database – The world’s largest open database of companies. Find executives, board members, and state registrations for private businesses.
- Wayback Machine Archive – Internet Archive’s tool for viewing historical versions of websites. Invaluable for understanding how companies have evolved their messaging and offerings over time.
- ROIC.AI – Access up to 30 years of detailed financial statements for any public company, completely free of charge.
- iBorrowDesk – Track real-time borrow rates and short availability for any publicly traded stock.
- ShortSqueeze – Comprehensive data platform for tracking short interest across the market.
- SEC Form AP – Search tool for finding audit partners and their complete work history.
- r/SecurityAnalysis – Community-curated collection of recent hedge fund investor letters and analysis.
- 10x EBITDA – Complete repository of hedge fund activist presentations and investment theses.
