Industry Analyses
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.