Resources for Business 304: Finance

Below is a list of free internet resources, databases the library subscribes to, and print resources to assist you in gaining information on market research.  The * indicates the web site is free. 

Process:

a) Select your company
b) Find the financial statements for your company
c) Review using SIC/NAICS codes for finding competitors
d) Locating the ratios

A) Select your company

• Find their web page
• Check Yahoo Finance http://finance.yahoo.com  

B) Find the financial statements for your company

• SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html
•  LexisNexis Business - Go to Financial Reports and chose Disclosure reports and any available date.  http://0-www.lexisnexis.com.piocat.cc.edu/us/lnacademic/

C) Review using SIC / NAICS codes for finding competitors.

• Reference books:
                     NAICS Directory - Ref HF1042 .N6 2002
                     Standard Industrial Classification Manual - Ref HF1042 .A55 1987     

• Online Government Web sites:

  • U. S Department of Labor - SIC Codes: http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html
  • U. S. Census SIC to NAICS Comparison Table: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html 
    
• What other fields should you look at?
  • May have to look at the broader section and make sure it matches your industry.
    
• Other sources of company information

  Reference books:
                     The Value Line Investment Survey - Ref HG4501 .V26   
                      Industry Survey (Standard and Poor's) - Ref  HC106.7 .S71
            
              Library Databases:
                      Business Source Elite:
                           - Find Company Profiles
                           - Find Business News

                      LexisNexis Business:
                           - Find Company Profiles
                           - Find Business News
                           - Find SEC Filings for privately held companies
                           - Find company financial information

D) Finding Ratios:

• Dun & Bradstreet Industry Norms and Key Business Ratios  - Ref HF5681.R25 I53 
• RMA Annual Statements Book - Ref HF5681.B2 R6 
• Things to remember:
  • Always check to see how the book derived the ratios.  Some may not include a when factoring b.
  • Make sure your dates match up with the financial statement.
  • May have to use broader area if original is not listed or pick other company.

Please contact Librarian Katie Sanders with questions.
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