Company & Industry Information   Tags: business, company, financial_statements, industry, ratios  

This research guide is for students looking for company or industry information.

The tabs above this box contain links to the various resource types that may assist you.

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Company research is an iterative process, not a linear one.  Having said that, here are the steps I recommend, keeping in mind that questions may arise at any step that will drive you to an earlier source to find explanations.

Step 1. Review the company’s web site

Step 2. Read at least one company profile or report
            Sources: Datamonitor, Hoover’s Online, Business Source Complete

Step 3. Review the company’s financial statements 
            Sources: Company website, Thomson OneBanker, SEC.gov

Step 4. Compare your company's financial performance to its industry average and/or its key competitors
           Sources: RMA, Troy, Thomson One Banker, Forbes.com

Step 5. Read at least one analysts’ report
            Sources: Morningstar, Thomson OneBanker, ValueLine

Step 6. Review recent articles in the business press
            Sources: Business Source Complete, LexisNexis

Step 7. Read an industry report for the company’s primary industry
            Sources; IBISWorld, Datamonitor, Euromonitor

Step 8. Read a market research report on the products your company sells
            Sources: Mintel, Business Source Complete, Euromonitor

Step 9. Evaluate the company’s use of social media
            Sources: Facebook, Twitter, blogs