Methodology

How we produce research. Every step is auditable.

Important — sectally publishes editorial research for educational purposes only. Nothing on this site constitutes financial advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or an offer to transact. See full disclaimer.

Confidence Framework

Every data point on sectally is tagged with a confidence level. This framework ensures readers always know the provenance and reliability of the information they are reading.

L1

Absolute Primary Source

Data extracted directly from audited SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q) using structured XBRL mapping. This includes revenue figures, segment breakdowns, balance sheet items, and cash flow statements as reported by the company to the SEC. L1 data undergoes no editorial transformation; it is presented as filed.

L2

Cross-Verified Secondary

Data from earnings call transcripts, investor presentations, management commentary, and verified press releases. L2 data points are cross-referenced across at least two independent sources before inclusion. Common L2 data includes forward guidance commentary, management strategic priorities, and competitive positioning statements.

L3

Model-Derived Inference

Algorithmic projections, NLP-based sentiment scoring, and statistical estimates generated from L1 and L2 inputs. L3 data is clearly marked as speculative and is never presented as factual financial data. Models, assumptions, and limitations are disclosed alongside all L3 outputs.

Research Process

Each report follows a standardized pipeline from data ingestion to publication.

1

Data Ingestion

Automated extraction from SEC EDGAR XBRL feeds. Daily refresh cycle for all covered companies.

2

Structural Validation

Automated cross-checks for arithmetic consistency, period-over-period continuity, and XBRL tag accuracy.

3

AI-Assisted Drafting

LLM tools generate preliminary analysis from verified data. All outputs are flagged for human review.

4

Editorial Review

Human editors verify every factual claim against source data. Confidence tags (L1/L2/L3) are assigned.

5

Publication

Final report published with full source citations. Updates reflected in real-time as new filings become available.

Indicator Definitions

Standard definitions used across all sectally reports. Unless otherwise noted, all metrics are calculated using the most recent four quarters of data (trailing twelve months, or TTM).

Indicator Calculation
PE Ratio (TTM) Market price per share / Earnings per share (trailing 12 months). Negative earnings yield N/A.
EV/EBITDA Enterprise Value (market cap + total debt - cash) / EBITDA (trailing 12 months).
ROE Net income (TTM) / Average shareholders' equity. Negative equity yields N/A.
ROIC NOPAT / Invested capital. NOPAT = Operating income x (1 - effective tax rate). Invested capital = Total equity + Total debt - Cash.
Gross Margin Gross profit / Revenue (TTM). Expressed as a percentage.
Operating Margin Operating income / Revenue (TTM). Expressed as a percentage.
Free Cash Flow Yield Free cash flow (TTM) / Market capitalization. FCF = Operating cash flow - Capital expenditures.
Revenue Growth (YoY) Current period revenue / Prior year same period revenue - 1. Expressed as a percentage.
Net Debt / EBITDA (Total debt - Cash and equivalents) / EBITDA (TTM). Negative values indicate net cash position.