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Getting Started with Industry Research

This page lists databases and reputable news sources for finding industry information. The section below includes UD's subscription resources and recommended sites on the open internet where you can locate:

  • Industry Profiles
  • Industry Financial Ratios
  • Industry News & Journal Articles
  • and more

Looking for detailed industry financials? Check out the Financial Information page.

Preparing for Your Search 

Identify and clearly define the industry of interest. Many industries are made up of a blend of small and large companies, and some large companies operate in multiple industries. Begin by brainstorming keywords - and think about related terms. Databases may use different terms for the same or similar industry.

Look up industry designation codes. Many business databases can be searched by NAICS (rhymes with 'snakes') or SIC code. Searching with these codes can help narrow in on sources about a particular industry. To identify a NAICS code, search for an industry or company in one of these sources:

What is a NAICS Code?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal agencies in Canada, Mexico and the United States to classify businesses based on their type of economic activity. The system uses a hierarchical coding structure which becomes more specific with each additional digit. 

Image Source: IBISWorld

  • Sector: 2-digit code
  • Subsector: 3-digit code
  • Industry Group: 4-digit code
  • Industry: 5-digit code
  • National Industry: 6-digit code

NAICS codes are particularly useful for conducting business research, and several library resources can be searched by the code. 

Databases and Sources of Information for Industry Research

Industry Profiles

Industry profiles contain overviews and analysis of a category of business. Some industry profiles will be very broad and some may be more specific. For best results, search with an industry classification code (NAICS or SIC) or industry keywords rather than a company's name. 

SEARCH TIP: For industry information, search with a NAICS or SIC code, limit the Source Type to Industry Profiles, or limit by NAICS/Industry.
SEARCH TIP: For best results, search with a NAICS code
SEARCH TIP: Use the Category dropdown menu to browse reports on industries in that category.
SEARCH TIP: On the Industry Surveys page, select an industry from the dropdown menu.

Industry Financial Ratios

Compare a company's financial ratios with the industry ratios and/or company ratios available in these databases. More sources of financial information and data are available on the Financial Information page

SEARCH TIP: For best results, search with a NAICS code.
SEARCH TIP: For best results, search with a NAICS code. Find financial information in the Key Statistics section of an industry report.
SEARCH TIP: On the Industry Surveys page, select an industry from the dropdown menu. Find financial information in the Comparative Company Analysis section of an Industry Survey report.

Industry News and Journal Articles

News and scholarly articles can provide additional details on industry data or financial situations that you discover elsewhere. Set up news alerts for the industry you are researching to stay aware of new developments that might impact your research. 

SEARCH TIP: Search for an industry by name or NAICS/SIC code, then limit the Source Types to Newspapers, Magazines, and/or Trade Publications.

Industry Information on the Open Internet

While care needs to be taken when using resources on the open web, there are several sources of industry information that can be useful in industry research. 

Industry Insights

  • globalEDGE: globalEDGE is a web-based portal created by Michigan State University where you can find high-level resources, statistics, risk assessments, and events for 20 different industry sectors. 
  • Thomas Register: Thomas Register is an old standard for business reference, and is now freely available through its online service, ThomasNet. This site can be used to find and compare industrial manufacturers and services, but may require you to enter your contact information to view reports.

Industry Data and Statistics

  • BizStatsBizStats is a free online source of business statistics. It has features for drilling down into industry-specific data
    • Note: BizStats is a BizMiner product and uses the same data sources, but is less comprehensive. All UD students and faculty have access to BizMiner and, which has more data and reporting features and is likely a better choice for research.
  • Bureau of Economic Analysis Industry Articles: Data and reports published by the BEA using U.S. Department of Commerce research
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics Industries at a GlanceFind BLS data for over 100 industries, searchable by industry keyword or NAICS Code. Data includes workforce statistics, earnings & hours, workplace injuries, and workplace trends.
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