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MGT 490

Getting Started With Industry Research

Identify the company's primary NAICS code. NAICS codes are used in the United States to classify businesses based on their primary economic activity. They are used to retrieve information from the US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other major federal government entities, as well as many professional and academic research databases.

  • NAICS Search: Search for an industry using a keyword or 2-6 digit code
  • Company Profiles: NAICS codes are listed on company profiles in Mergent Online

Industry Profiles & Market Data

Industry profiles contain overviews and analysis of of activities within and external to an industry that impact companies' finances and operations.

Industry Benchmarking & Financial Analysis

Compare a company's financial ratios with the industry ratios and/or company ratios available in these databases. 

Trade & Industry Association Websites

Trade and industry associations are organizations made up of businesses from specific industries or sectors. Many trade and industry associations conduct research, publish educational materials, and engage in a variety of public relations and political activities. Their websites can be sources of data and information useful for industry research.

A simple Google search for an industry term + "trade association" can help you find trade associations relevant to an industry.

Examples:

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