The concept of screener is a pivotal tool in the Saudi financial market, as the use of stock screening tools has become a fundamental step for any investor wishing to understand the market and make decisions based on realistic criteria and accurate data. With the expansion of the Saudi stock market, the increase in the number of listed companies, and the diversity of sectors, finding stocks that align with investors' goals and strategies has become a complex process that requires advanced technical tools. This is where the importance of screener comes into play, as it provides an effective means to search and filter among hundreds of companies based on predefined financial and technical criteria. In this article, we will detail the concept of screener, its types, the most commonly used criteria, and how to benefit from it within the Saudi context, without providing any direct investment advice or recommendations, while emphasizing the importance of consulting a licensed financial advisor. We will also discuss the latest developments and trends in the Saudi market, the challenges and opportunities associated with using these tools, as well as reviewing what local and global platforms offer in similar services, to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking professionalism in using screener in the Saudi financial market.
What is Screener? The Concept and Role in the Saudi Market
The financial screener, or screener, is a technical tool used to filter and classify stocks listed in the Saudi financial market according to criteria set by the user. At its core, the screener provides an electronic interface that allows investors to select specific criteria such as market capitalization, price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), cash yield, liquidity, revenue growth rate, and more. Once these criteria are entered, the screener displays a shortlist of stocks that meet the required conditions. In the Saudi market, the importance of this tool has increased with the growth in the number of listed companies, which exceeded 160 companies by the end of 2024, making manual searching more challenging. The screener differs from traditional research in that it provides real-time results based on updated financial data, saving time and effort required to review all companies. It also helps investors align their searches with their investment strategies, whether short or long-term, by controlling and customizing data filters as needed. The value of the screener increases as the market expands and options multiply, making it an indispensable tool for all investors.
How Does Screener Work in the Saudi Financial Market?
The screener in the Saudi financial market relies on integrating financial and technical data from official sources such as Tadawul or approved financial sites. When using the screener, the investor begins by defining a set of filters that represent their preferred criteria, such as setting a range for market capitalization, minimum or maximum P/E ratio, annual profit growth rate, or even the sector to which the stock belongs. The system then analyzes the database of listed stocks to display only those that match these conditions. The tools vary in complexity: some offer simple filters (like selecting a sector and P/E), while others provide advanced options that include technical indicators (such as moving averages or daily trading volume). What distinguishes the Saudi screener is its full support for the Arabic language and local data, making it easier for local investors to use. The screener often integrates with stock trading platforms, providing near real-time updates of financial data, allowing users to track rapid market changes without needing to review financial reports for each company individually.
The Importance of Screener Amidst the Expansion of the Saudi Market
The Saudi financial market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, both in terms of the number of listed companies and market capitalization, which reached nearly 10 trillion riyals by the end of 2024. With this massive scale and sector diversity, it becomes challenging for investors to manually sift through all companies. Here, the importance of the screener emerges as a strategic tool that allows for filtering the market according to precise and rapid criteria. The screener enables investors to discover opportunities that may not be obvious through news alone, as the results show companies that achieve the best financial and technical indicators within the selected conditions. It also helps new investors reduce distraction and focus on a narrow range of stocks suitable for their investment strategies. With the increase in daily trading volume and the rise in the number of investors, the use of the screener has become an essential part of the initial analysis process for any portfolio, as it saves time and increases efficiency in searching for promising investment opportunities.
The Most Commonly Used Financial and Technical Criteria in Screener
The criteria that can be used within the screener are numerous, and their selection depends on each investor's strategy. Among the most famous financial criteria are market capitalization, which is used to filter large companies from smaller ones, and the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), which reflects the stock's valuation against its earnings, and the dividend yield, which is of interest to investors seeking regular income. Other criteria include revenue or annual profit growth rates, debt-to-equity ratios, and daily stock liquidity. Technical criteria include indicators such as moving averages, trading volume, and price change percentages over a specified period. Multiple criteria can be used together to narrow down results and reach stocks that combine several characteristics (for example: a large company, with high liquidity, low P/E, and high dividend yield). Advanced tools allow for adding compound conditions that meet the aspirations of more experienced investors, with the ability to save search settings for later use.
The Most Popular Screener Platforms in the Saudi Market
Several platforms in the Saudi market offer screener tools, the most prominent being the official Saudi Tadawul platform, which provides the Equity Screener service through its website. This tool allows filtering stocks based on multiple financial and technical criteria, with continuous data updates. Argaam is one of the most popular local sites providing stock data and also offers a screening tool with advanced options for subscribers. Platforms like Mubasher and Investing.com support the Saudi market and provide various filters, but often the data is less detailed than local sites. On the other hand, some major banks and brokerage firms, such as Al Rajhi Capital and National Commercial Bank, have begun developing electronic trading platforms that integrate screener tools into their services. Additionally, startups in the FinTech sector have emerged, offering advanced filtering solutions targeting individual and institutional investors, with support for the Arabic language and broader customization options. The combination of these platforms allows investors to choose the most suitable tool according to their needs and level of expertise.
The Evolution of Screener Tools with Digitization and Artificial Intelligence
The financial services sector in Saudi Arabia has been significantly impacted by the wave of digitization, as screener tools have become more advanced thanks to integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. In 2024-2025, major trading platforms began testing AI-powered financial analysis solutions, allowing investors to suggest automatic filtering criteria based on their investment behavior and big data analysis. These tools can detect patterns and provide alerts when investment opportunities align with the user's personal trends. The screener can also be linked with multiple data sources (APIs), allowing for real-time updates of financial indicators and increasing the accuracy of results. Advances in artificial intelligence enhance the screener's ability to adapt to changing market needs, providing greater transparency in how stocks are selected, solidifying its role as an essential tool in the fast-paced digital investment environment.
Comparing Local and Global Screener in the Saudi Market
The local screener differs from its global counterpart in several aspects; the Saudi screener is specifically designed to meet the needs of local investors, with full support for the Arabic language and integration with local indices (such as the TASI or Nomu). It also features real-time data updates according to local disclosure standards issued by the Capital Market Authority. Global tools like TradingView or Investing.com, while supporting Saudi stocks, may have less specialized filters, with occasional delays in data updates. Additionally, global tools often focus on the English language, making them difficult to use for some local investors. Nevertheless, global platforms offer some additional features such as advanced technical analysis and connections with other international markets, making them a good option for investors with global experience. Ultimately, the local screener remains the best choice for those focusing on the Saudi market and seeking accurate data and tailored support for local criteria.
Using Screener to Explore New Companies and IPOs
With the increasing number of newly listed companies in the Saudi market, especially during 2024-2025 with the listing of companies like MC4, the screener has become an important means to explore these companies and compare them with existing companies in the same sector. The screener allows investors to set specific criteria for new companies, such as the performance of newly listed stocks, the price change rate during the first months of trading, or comparing profitability indicators with the sector average. It also enables the examination of liquidity characteristics and daily trading volume of these companies to monitor their attractiveness to investors. Additionally, the screener allows tracking the results of new companies immediately upon announcement, helping investors evaluate their performance objectively, free from initial impressions or promotional campaigns. This use is one of the most important advantages of the screener in the era of increasing listings in the Saudi market.
Challenges of Using Screener in the Saudi Market
Despite the numerous benefits of the screener, there are challenges facing users in the Saudi market. The first is data quality, as the accuracy of results depends on the timeliness and integration of the financial data disclosed by companies. Sometimes, some companies delay disclosures or make corrections later, affecting filtering results. Additionally, some small or low-liquidity companies may not have all the required indicators available. Another challenge is the screener's inability to analyze qualitative factors such as management quality or future sector conditions, as it is limited to numerical data only. Furthermore, over-reliance on rigid criteria (such as always having a low P/E) may exclude good companies that are going through exceptional growth phases. Finally, it should be noted that the screener does not account for sudden events or breaking news that may change a stock's attractiveness overnight.
Screener and the Beginner Investor: What You Need to Know
The screener is an ideal tool for beginner investors in the Saudi financial market, as it simplifies filtering options and focuses the search on stocks that fit their strategies. It is important for beginners to start by clearly defining their investment goals (such as seeking regular income or capital growth), then selecting the financial and technical criteria that reflect these goals within the screener. It is advisable to start with simple criteria and not complicate filters initially, while thoroughly studying the results before making any decisions. It is also beneficial to use the screener as an educational tool to understand the relationship between financial indicators and stock performance, and to compare the results of companies in different sectors. Beginners should always combine screener results with qualitative research and reading financial reports before making a final decision, while consulting a licensed financial advisor when needed.
The Digital Sector's Evolution and Support for Screener Tools in Saudi Arabia
The digital financial services sector (FinTech) plays a pivotal role in the development of screener tools in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, new licenses have been granted to financial technology companies, leading to the emergence of new platforms offering advanced filtering and analysis solutions. The state's support for digitizing the financial market and providing APIs for market data has contributed to enhancing data update accuracy and improving user experience. Additionally, incubator and accelerator programs have helped develop innovative solutions, such as integrating artificial intelligence in predicting investment opportunities or customizing screener tools according to the investor's profile. With the market opening up to foreign investors and increasing demand for bilingual tools, the growth and evolution of screener tools in the coming years are expected to continue, further enhancing the Saudi market's position as an advanced regional financial hub.
How to Use Screener with a Watchlist?
The screener is used in the initial stage to search for stocks that meet specific investment criteria, while the watchlist is used to monitor the performance of a selected group of stocks daily. After filtering the market using the screener and obtaining a shortlist of potential stocks, investors often add these stocks to their watchlist to continuously track their price movements and news. This way, quantitative search results can be combined with qualitative monitoring, allowing for more accurate decision-making. This strategy is widely used among professional investors, as it helps in monitoring sudden changes or news affecting selected stocks and provides flexibility in adjusting the list according to market developments. This integration between the screener and watchlist enhances analytical effectiveness and provides a comprehensive platform for managing investment decisions.
The Future: Screener and Innovation in the Saudi Market
The future of screener tools in the Saudi market is heading towards further innovation, supported by advancements in artificial intelligence and digitization. It is expected that the capabilities of screener tools will increase in customizing filters and providing smart recommendations based on user data analysis and market behavior. In the coming period, there will be broader integration between screener and smart trading platforms, allowing investors to execute orders directly from filtering results, with real-time updates of financial indicators. The use of screener tools among financial institutions for managing portfolios and investment funds will also expand, with the potential to develop customized solutions for each sector or type of investor. With the trend to make Riyadh a regional financial hub, advanced screener tools will play a pivotal role in attracting local and international investors, achieving higher levels of transparency and efficiency in the market.
Conclusion
Screener represents an essential tool for every investor in the Saudi financial market, providing an effective means to filter and research stocks according to precise and objective criteria. As the market expands and the number of listed companies increases, discovering investment opportunities without relying on advanced technical tools like the screener has become challenging. With the evolution of the digital sector and the emergence of artificial intelligence solutions, the capabilities of the screener are enhanced to become smarter and more customized, positively reflecting on the efficiency of analysis and the flexibility of decision-making. However, it is important to emphasize that using the screener should be part of a comprehensive methodology that includes qualitative analysis and studying financial and economic reports, and not relying on it alone for the final decision. Consulting a licensed financial advisor remains a fundamental necessity before embarking on any investment, to ensure alignment of strategy with goals and risk tolerance. The SIGMIX platform provides investors with advanced tools and educational content on using the screener, inviting every investor to benefit from specialized financial advisory services to ensure appropriate and informed decisions in the Saudi market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Screener is an electronic tool that allows filtering stocks listed in the Saudi market according to criteria set by the user such as market capitalization, price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), cash yield, and more. It is used through trading platforms or financial sites like Tadawul or Argaam, where the investor selects the appropriate filters to obtain a shortlist of matching stocks. This tool facilitates research and saves time in exploring companies that align with the investor's strategy and financial goals.
Screener enables investors to filter hundreds of stocks based on accurate and immediate financial data, providing quick access to opportunities that may be overlooked by traditional news analysis. While following the news requires significant time and effort, the screener allows identifying stocks that meet specific criteria within seconds, enhancing the effectiveness of research and reducing distraction and reliance on recommendations or personal impressions.
The most common criteria in Screener include market capitalization, price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), dividend yield, annual profit or revenue growth rate, debt-to-equity ratio, and daily stock liquidity. Investors can combine several criteria to reach a narrow list of stocks that meet their investment requirements, whether they prefer large companies or those with stable returns.
Yes, platforms like Saudi Tadawul and Argaam offer free Screener tools or basic services that allow filtering stocks according to general criteria. These services often provide up-to-date data for basic filters. To access more advanced options or in-depth analyses, some platforms may require a paid subscription that offers additional features and real-time data updates.
Challenges include the quality and timeliness of financial data, as some companies may delay disclosures or correct data later. The Screener tool cannot analyze qualitative factors such as company management or future sector conditions. Additionally, over-reliance on rigid criteria may exclude good companies going through exceptional growth phases. Screener should be used as a supportive tool within a comprehensive strategy.
Screener can be used to track the performance of newly listed companies or new IPOs by setting specific criteria such as listing date, price change rate, or comparing financial indicators with the sector average. This helps in objectively assessing the attractiveness of new companies, free from initial impressions, with the ability to track their quarterly results immediately upon announcement.
It is not advisable to rely solely on Screener for investment decisions, as it is primarily a tool for preliminary research. Results from Screener should be combined with qualitative analysis, studying financial reports, monitoring economic news, and understanding sector conditions. Consulting a licensed financial advisor is essential to ensure alignment of strategy with goals and risk tolerance.
Screener is used to search for stocks that meet specific investment criteria, while the Watchlist is used to monitor a selected group of stocks daily. Investors often start with Screener to find potential stocks, then add them to the Watchlist to continuously track their price movements and news before making a final investment decision.
Screener tools have evolved significantly in Saudi Arabia with the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, becoming capable of suggesting automatic filtering criteria and analyzing big data to provide smart alerts. APIs have contributed to real-time updates of financial data and enhanced result accuracy, making Screener a more effective tool in the modern digital investment environment.
Consulting a licensed financial advisor remains essential even with advanced Screener tools, as the specialist helps interpret results within the context of financial goals and risk tolerance, providing a comprehensive view that considers qualitative analysis and economic variables, supporting safer and more suitable investment decisions.