The information you will find on a company depends upon several factors. Before you begin your research, ask yourself these questions:
1. Are there variations of the company name?
Different research resources may use alternative spellings or abbreviations of a company name. Some databases require a ticker symbol to find company information.
2. Is the company public or private?
It is usually easier to find information on public companies. For tips on finding information on private companies, go to the related tab at the top of this page.
3. What about the company's "family tree"?
Is it a parent company? Division of another? Foreign-owned? Family-owned?
4. Is the company newsworthy?
Companies tend to be in the news when they want the PR, when they are performing extremely well, or when they are having problems. Even a small private company may be considered newsworthy by local press.
To get help with these questions, start with a directory listing or company profile. Go to the “Databases” tab at the top of the page, and look for the link to "Company Profiles."
A company profile may be a brief directory listing or a detailed report, with information ranging from a headquarters address to lengthy descriptions of the company's operations and financial performance.
Note: Profiles for private companies are usually limited in content, and the financials included in the profile may be "estimated."
Financials for companies may be found in a variety of sources, including directories, databases and government or commercial websites.
Tip: If the company is public, a likely source is the company's website. To find financial statements on a company website, look for headings such as "Investor Relations," "About Us," or "SEC Filings."
When you find company financials, look for:
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