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