Clean up messy spreadsheet data — trim whitespace, fix inconsistent casing, convert numbers-stored-as-text, standardize dates, remove duplicates, and flag mixed-type columns. Use when data is messy, inconsistent, or needs prep before analysis. Triggers on "clean this data", "clean up this sheet", "normalize this data", "fix formatting", "dedupe", "standardize this column", "this data is messy".
Copy the install command and let the AI configure it · recommended for beginners
Please install the "clean-data-xls" skill from askskill: 1. Download https://raw.githubusercontent.com/anthropics/financial-services/main/plugins/vertical-plugins/financial-analysis/skills/clean-data-xls/SKILL.md 2. Save it as ~/.claude/skills/clean-data-xls/SKILL.md 3. Reload skills and tell me it's ready
Clean messy data in the active sheet or a specified range.
Excel.run(async (context) => {...})). Read via range.values, write helper-column formulas via range.formulas = [["=TRIM(A2)"]]. The in-place vs helper-column decision still applies.A1:F200), use it| Issue | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Whitespace | leading/trailing spaces, double spaces |
| Casing | inconsistent casing in categorical columns (usa / USA / Usa) |
| Number-as-text | numeric values stored as text; stray $, ,, % in number cells |
| Dates | mixed formats in the same column (3/8/26, 2026-03-08, March 8 2026) |
| Duplicates | exact-duplicate rows and near-duplicates (case/whitespace differences) |
| Blanks | empty cells in otherwise-populated columns |
| Mixed types | a column that's 98% numbers but has 3 text entries |
| Encoding | mojibake (é, ’), non-printing characters |
| Errors | #REF!, #N/A, #VALUE!, #DIV/0! |
Show a summary table before changing anything:
| Column | Issue | Count | Proposed Fix |
|---|
=TRIM(A2), =VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(B2,"$","")), =UPPER(C2), =DATEVALUE(D2)), write the formula in an adjacent helper column rather than computing the result in Python and overwriting the original. This keeps the transformation transparent and auditable.Create professional equity research earnings update reports (8-12 pages, 3,000-5,000 words) analyzing quarterly results for companies already under coverage. Fast-turnaround format focusing on beat/miss analysis, key metrics, updated estimates, and revised thesis. Includes 1-3 summary tables and 8-12 charts. Use when user requests "earnings update", "quarterly update", "earnings analysis", "Q1/Q2/Q3/Q4 results", or post-earnings report.
Build pre-earnings analysis with estimate models, scenario frameworks, and key metrics to watch. Use before a company reports quarterly earnings to prepare positioning notes, set up bull/bear scenarios, and identify what will move the stock. Triggers on "earnings preview", "what to watch for [company] earnings", "pre-earnings", "earnings setup", or "preview Q[X] for [company]".
Root-cause a reconciliation break to its source transaction or posting — follow the audit trail from the break row back to the originating entry on each side and state what differs and why. Use after gl-recon has classified a break.
Audit a spreadsheet for formula accuracy, errors, and common mistakes. Scopes to a selected range, a single sheet, or the entire model (including financial-model integrity checks like BS balance, cash tie-out, and logic sanity). Triggers on "audit this sheet", "check my formulas", "find formula errors", "QA this spreadsheet", "sanity check this", "debug model", "model check", "model won't balance", "something's off in my model", "model review".
Build institutional-grade comparable company analyses with operating metrics, valuation multiples, and statistical benchmarking in Excel/spreadsheet format. **Perfect for:** - Public company valuation (M&A, investment analysis) - Benchmarking performance vs. industry peers - Pricing IPOs or funding rounds - Identifying valuation outliers (over/under-valued) - Supporting investment committee presentations - Creating sector overview reports **Not ideal for:** - Private companies without comparable public peers - Highly diversified conglomerates - Distressed/bankrupt companies - Pre-revenue startups - Companies with unique business models
Build accretion/dilution analysis for M&A transactions. Models pro forma EPS impact, synergy sensitivities, and purchase price allocation. Use when evaluating a potential acquisition, preparing merger consequences analysis for a pitch, or advising on deal terms. Triggers on "merger model", "accretion dilution", "M&A model", "pro forma EPS", "merger consequences", or "deal impact analysis".