Databases
Contain prepared reports which have industry information and analysis. The reports may be written by independent firms, consultants, industry experts, or investment services. Use them to find industry trends, ratios, norms, SWOT, Porter's Five Forces, key statistics, and competitors. Well established industries will have more available research and information than start-up ideas or new concepts. You may need to benchmark against a larger company (typewriter replaced by the computer) or consult local news stories. Consult with your librarian for help when needed.
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowLarge collection of industry reports; market size, competitors, drafting business plans, pitch books, benchmarking, forecasting, business valuations, litigation support, due diligence and more.
- First Research (Intellect) This link opens in a new windowIndustry Profiles: overviews, challenges, trends, executive insight, call prep questions, financials, forecasts, growth rating, and industry drivers. Industries by economic metrics: financial, HR, industry drivers, forecasts.
- Statista This link opens in a new windowQuantitative data, statistics, infographics, and related information compiled from market research institutes, trade publications, scientific journals, and government databases.
- Passport Euromonitor This link opens in a new windowEuromonitor International's global market analysis software platform, providing industry information, consumer statistics and analysis, historical and forecast data, consumer trends and lifestyles, articles, company profiles, and global reports.
- BCC Research This link opens in a new windowMarket research on major economic, scientific, and technological developments in industrial, pharmaceutical, and high technology organizations. Industry analysis and market forecasts for advanced materials, high-tech systems and components, nanotechnology and novel processing methods.
- Hoovers This link opens in a new windowFind information on over 100 major industries, reports include market research, competitors, market share, industry norms, and analyst reports. You can either use the Industry tab, or follow the industry links from a company profile.
Industry Specific Databases
- e-Marketer This link opens in a new windowMarket research reports that focus on how e-commerce and the Internet affect business and industry. eStat section has statistics and graphs.
- ForresterAnalyzes the future of technology change and its impact on businesses, consumers and society. This includes the Internet economy as it impacts Internet commerce, corporate technology, and consumer behavior. Our license does not include direct access to Forrester analysts for research inquiries, please do not phone, write, or send e-mail inquiries.
Trade Associations
When you need additional industry information, trade and professional societies often compile and freely share industry data and reports. Use these resources to identify relevant organizations:
Regulatory & Government
Many industries have government regulation; most government agencies provide reports and information on those regulated activities.
- Nexis Uni (formerly LexisNexis Academic) This link opens in a new windowOnce you pull up a company report, click on LEGAL for recent court cases. This is not a complete list.
Benchmarks & Ratios
Industry Ratios provide analysis of diverse financial data for an industry. They can be used to compare a company against its peers.
- HooversOn a COMPANIES profile page, scroll down the left hand menu and select ANNUAL RATIOS under the Financials section.
Books
Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial RatiosCall Number: Reference HF5681 .R25 T68
RMA Annual Statement StudiesCall Number: Walker Management Library; Reference HF5681.B2 R6
