Final answer:
A comparables analysis is a type of secondary research that involves examining existing data and information from companies similar to the one being analyzed, to assess valuation and industry standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
A comparables analysis is a type of secondary research. This analysis involves examining data and information that has already been collected by others. Researchers may analyze financial statements, stock performance, and other metrics of companies that are similar, or 'comparable', to the company under study. This method does not involve collecting original data firsthand, which is a characteristic of primary research. Instead, it leverages already existing data to gauge valuation metrics and industry standards. Secondary research, which comparables analysis is a part of, saves time and resources and can add depth to an analysis by utilizing authoritative works completed by other researchers, historical data, and peer-reviewed publications.