Industry Analyses
Industry Surveys
Research those good ideas and make sure they'll work!
Industry surveys break down current trends, profitability, costs, competition and consumer preferences in an industry. Sometimes called market research.
- MarketLine Advantage This link opens in a new windowFeatures detailed, comprehensive industry research reports
- Passport This link opens in a new windowIndustry analysis, SWOTs, consumer analysis, market share and statistics
Standard and Poor's
Industry Analysis Databases
SWOTs and Business Plans
- Business Source Complete This link opens in a new windowfrom the main page, scroll down and choose SWOT analyses on the right side and search your company
- MarketLine Advantage This link opens in a new windowType in your company name, get results and then select SWOT on the right side of the screen.
BONUS IDEA:
Looking for a summary of a company's business strategy? The 10-K annual report form is one possible source (available on the company's internet site, through the SEC's Edgar database
This material usually comes in their business description, which is Part 1 of a standard 10-K format and early in the doc. You may also do a CTRL-F word find for keywords.
Understanding Company Financials
Sure, you know how to find raw financial numbers but what if you need help figuring out what they actually mean?
There are a lot of helpful books for that.
They are located on the fifth floor:
Browse the HG4028.B area here (includes e-books)
Also helpful: Corporations - valuation
There are also a lot of books on recognizing fraud, such as the wonderfully named Financial Shenigans (e book included in link)
Bonus: You can keyword search for books that address specific issues to an industry, such as how to analyze oil companies.