Library Databases
- Business Source Complete This link opens in a new windowSelect company information in the top menu bar.
- Mergent Intellect This link opens in a new windowPublic company information, some private company information, consumer data, industry reports from First Research, and a robust search function for searching for business meeting your criteria. Includes Key Business Ratios on the Web.
Recommended Websites
- World Industrial ReporterArticles on "product introductions, new materials & technologies, plant openings, enhanced manufacturing processes, and much more."
- Thomas Register of American ManufacturersManufacturers in the US and Canada. Can be helpful for tracing a brand.
- Official Company RegistersKaren Blakeman, trainer and consultant, maintains this list of worldwide company registers.
Tips
- Be sure you are researching the official name of the company. Many companies have popular names that may not be listed anywhere. For example, 3M is really Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing.
- If the company is a personal name or includes initials, e.g. Walt Disney or H. J. Heinz, look under each part of the name. Various sources are not consistent in how names are treated.
- If you are researching a subsidiary, expand your research to include the parent corporation.
- Very small or very new companies may not appear in the standard sources, particularly print sources. Look for news articles and a company website. Use any regional or specialized industry directories which may be available.
From BRASS Business Guide - COMPANY AND INDUSTRY RESEARCH: Trouble Finding Info?​
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
©2000-2014 ALA RUSA BRASS.
Finding annual reports
If it is a public company, go to the annual report to shareholders. The annual report is perhaps the best single source of information on a company, but keep in mind that it is written partially as a promotional tool by the company itself and is not an entirely unbiased source. Annual reports appear as parts of various database services, and many companies provide annual reports on their websites or will send out paper copies on request. When you are on a company’s website, look for a link labeled, Investor Relations.
Private companies are not required to file annual reports, although some will publish reports as a promotional tool. These private company annual reports are virtually impossible to obtain except from the company itself, and all information in such a report must be treated cautiously. Business directories provide basic information on private companies, such as number of employees and annual sales estimates. Lastly, search local or regional newspapers for information on local and private companies.
- EDGARFinancial reports, of U.S. corporations from reports submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Includes annual reports, quarterly reports, balance sheet, income statement, security activity and analysis and much more.
- The Public Register OnlineRegistration required. Free access to 5,000 online annual reports or 10-K presentations.
From BRASS Business Guide - COMPANY AND INDUSTRY RESEARCH: Annual Reports​
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
©2000-2014 ALA RUSA BRASS.
Additional links for finding annual reports
- Public Register's Annual Report ServiceFree annual reports. Access as guest and you will not need to create an account.
- SEDARAnnual reports for Candian companies