Which of the following is a necessary document for locating financial information in comparables analysis?

The annual proxy statement, also known as DEF14A, is a necessary document for locating financial information in comparables analysis because it provides detailed insights into a company's financial performance, governance, and compensation practices. This document is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and includes crucial data such as executive compensation, equity ownership, and specific financial metrics that can be pertinent for benchmarking against other companies in the same industry.

Comparables analysis, which involves assessing a company's valuation relative to similar businesses, necessitates reliable financial data to ensure an accurate comparison. The annual proxy statement serves as a primary source for gathering this type of information, which is why it is fundamental in this context. It helps analysts understand not only the financial health of the company but also its strategic decisions and how these might impact its competitive positioning in the marketplace.