> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/help/importing-from-google-finance-and-yahoo-apis/differences-vs-ticker-fundamentals-import.md).

# Differences vs Ticker Fundamentals Import

This article compares two different ways of bringing listed company related data into Model Reef:

* **Google Finance / Yahoo style API imports**
* **Stock Ticker fundamentals imports**

You will learn:

* What each method is designed for.
* Which one to use for which use case.
* How they can be combined inside one model.

## Purpose of API based imports

Imports from Google Finance, Yahoo style or similar APIs are designed to bring in **market and reference data**, such as:

* Prices and volumes.
* Indices and benchmarks.
* FX rates and yields.

They are best suited for:

* Building **drivers** and **modifiers**.
* Conditioning forecasts on market behaviour.
* Running sensitivity and scenario analysis on external factors.

They do **not** directly create three statement models by themselves.

## Purpose of ticker fundamentals imports

The **Stock Ticker fundamentals import** is designed to bring in **full financial statement history** for a listed company, including:

* P\&L lines.
* Balance Sheet lines.
* Cashflow statement components.

It is best suited for:

* Building complete three statement models with history.
* Running DCF or other valuation analyses.
* Comparing listed peers on a fundamentals basis.

It does not provide intraday pricing or detailed market microstructure data.

## Data structure differences

Key differences in data structure:

* **API imports**
  * Typically provide single series per symbol (price, FX rate, index level).
  * Stored as driver style Data Library entries.
  * Used mainly in formulas and timing logic.
* **Ticker fundamentals imports**
  * Provide many series per company (revenue, costs, assets, liabilities, etc.).
  * Stored as a set of fundamental Data Library entries.
  * Used to auto create variables and full financial statements.

As a result, fundamentals imports replace a large amount of manual setup, whereas API imports are lighter weight inputs to your existing model.

## Behaviour in the model

With API imports, you decide:

* Which variables reference the imported series.
* How those series affect revenue, costs, capex or financing.
* How they shape different scenarios.

With fundamentals imports, Model Reef automatically:

* Creates a branch for the company.
* Auto generates variables and categories.
* Builds P\&L, Balance Sheet and Cashflow statements.
* Sets base case forecast and valuation assumptions.

You can then override or extend that logic, but you start from a complete model.

## When to use which

Use **ticker fundamentals imports** when:

* You need a working, statement level model for a listed company.
* You are doing valuation or transaction analysis.
* You want to compare companies on a fundamentals basis.

Use **Google Finance / Yahoo style API imports** when:

* You need price, FX or index based drivers.
* You want to stress test your model against market movements.
* You need macro or benchmark series to feed regression or scenario logic.

You can also combine both in a single model, for example:

* Use fundamentals to build the company's financial model.
* Use API based price and index series as drivers for scenario and valuation overlays.

## Related articles

* [IRR/MOIC & Waterfall Models](/use-cases/portfolio-funds-vc-pe-and-family-offices/irr-moic-and-waterfall-models.md)
* [Build a Seasonality Adjusted Forecast](/how-tos/scenarios-and-planning/build-a-seasonality-adjusted-forecast.md)
* [Historical Fundamentals Imported](/help/stock-ticker-fundamentals/historical-fundamentals-imported.md)
* [Viewing Scenario Differences](/syntax/scenario-syntax/viewing-scenario-differences.md)