Business - Researching a Company
- Choose your company.
- Verify company data (name, address, SIC/NAICS) using standard business directories (Mergent Online, Corporate Affiliations, Million Dollar, ThomasRegister.com).
- Determine the organizational structure. Is this the "parent company" or a subsidiary or division of the parent company? Use the ultimate parent name when locating financials.
- Is parent publicly traded or privately held?
- If it is a Publicly Traded Company -- financials will be easily obtainable from SEC (Edgar), Mergent Online, etc.
- If it is a Privately Held Company -- financials will generally not available. Check company web site, Mergent Online for selected private companies, ThomasRegister.com for manufacturers.
- Whether public or private...you may find articles, books, or web sites.
- Use COAST to search by subject for company name to find books. A word on COAST! Not all companies will have books written about them.
- Use Research Databases to find articles, investment analysis, company brochures. A word on Research Databases! These are the most reliable sources of information, but not all companies, especially private ones, will have articles written about them.
- Surf. You may be surprised what you find about a company this way! A word on surfing! Keep in mind--who is producing the web site you discover. Do not use sites discovered while surfing as your principle resource. Try to verify any information you find this way through articles and books.
- Contact me if you need assistance. Susan Jackson Business Librarian.
Content maintained by Susan Jackson, Business Librarian
