Company Research Frequently Asked Questions
From Biz Wiki
Many business researchers often run into the same problems when looking for company information. This guide provides quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. This guide is updated on a regular basis, as the questions and answers change regularly. Click on a question in the Contents section below to see the answer to the question. Form more in-depth help about company research, please visit the Company Research Basics Guide. If you do not see your question below, please do not hesitate to contact Chad Boeninger for help.
Where can I find a SWOT analysis?
- For tips on finding a SWOT analysis, take a look at the SWOT Analysis page.
Where can I find a company's annual report?
- Take a look at the Biz Wiki article on finding annual reports.
Where can I find historical financial information for a company?
- Try Hoover's Online first, as that database will give you 10 years of financial data.
- Mergent Online provides 15 years of historical data, and can be downloaded to Excel.
Where can I find a company's subsidiaries?
- Try looking at the profile of the company in Hoover's Online.
- Mergent Online will aslo give a very extensive list of subsidiaries, and includes percentage of ownership as well.
Where can I find extensive company histories?
- An excellent resource for this information is the International Directory of Company Histories.
Where can I find a list of a company's competitors?
- Try Hoover's Online first. Search for the company, open the company record, then click on "Competitors."
- Try Mergent Online, search for your company, then click on the "Competitors" link in the company details.
- For smaller companies or private companies try Reference USA. This database will allow you to search for similar companies in the same state, county, city, or at the national level. You'll need to do a Custom Search in the database for your company's yellow page or NAICs heading to find companies in the same industry. You can then limit by location, total revenues, size, etc.
Where can I use a Bloomberg Terminal?
A Bloomberg Terminal can be found in Lasher Learning Center, located in Scripps Hall 210. The Learning Center is open 8-5 Monday through Friday. Non-journalism students can use the Bloomberg Terminal. The phone number for the Learning Center is 740-593-4142.
