Business & Economics Research Guide: Company Research

Full Screen Video Available Here

Company Research Tips:

• Publicly-traded companies will be easier to research than private companies.
• You will use a mix of library resources (Mergent, Business Source Complete) and Web resources.
• Company research invovles using both company and industry resources.
• Some companies are easier to research than others. Companies and brands are merged and absorbed regularly, and this can make finding even recent information difficult.
• Just because you want a certain piece of information doesn't mean it is available.
• Industry information goes hand-in-hand with company information. See the Industry Research page for more details.
• Sometimes you will have to make an educated guess.

Remember: Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it!

In addition to the sources listed below, check company website. Most public companies post their annual reports and a company history on their pages. However, some will make it difficult to find. Look for a link titled "Investment information" or "Information for Investors.

Financial information can include: annual revenue, net income, ratios, dividends per share and more.

Publicly-traded companies are required to file financial reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission several times a year. Use the source below to find current and historical financials and to help interpret the numbers. 

Helpful Resources:

Private companies are not required to file financial information and do not have to make this information available to the public, making it difficult to find in-depth and historical financial information and analysis.  

Helpful Resources: