Introduction to Company and Industry Research

Understanding a company's organizational structure can help guide your expectations about the types and availability of information you'll find. Here’s a brief overview:

• Public: Owned by shareholders and listed on stock exchanges. Required to disclose financial and operational details to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

• Private: Owned by individuals or small groups. No public financial disclosure requirements.

• International: Operate globally but may not have physical operations in every country.

• Subsidiaries: Controlled by a parent company.

• Nonprofits: Focus on mission-driven goals rather than profit.

Let's dive into how to begin your research!

• Start with the Company's Website: Begin by exploring the company's official site. Focus on their mission statement, core values, and financial health, typically found in sections like "About Us," "Investor Relations," or "Corporate Responsibility."

• Understand the Company's Perspective: Remember that company websites are designed to showcase their strengths and may present a positive bias.

• Verify with Independent Sources: For a balanced perspective, cross-check the website information with reputable sources. Use library resources to confirm details and gain deeper insights.

• Determine Company Structure: Try to identify if the company is public, private, a subsidiary, international, or nonprofit by looking for stock information or references to parent companies.

When researching public companies:

• Stock Information: If a company mentions its stock on its website, it's likely public.

• SEC Filings: Public companies are required to regularly disclose financial information to the SEC. Use the SEC's EDGAR database to confirm a company’s status.

• Databases: Utilize the following resources for detailed information:

*Pro Tip: For extra help with navigating Mergent Online, check out the Mergent Business Tutorial for step-by-step guidance.

For more resources, see the Company Information Sources guide.

For private companies:

• Disclosure: Private companies don’t file regular reports with the SEC, making them more difficult to research.

• Website Insights: Start with the company’s website to understand its private status.

• Databases: Use these tools for more information

*Pro Tip: For additional assistance with navigating Data Axle Reference Solutions, be sure to check out the Data Axle tutorial,  which provides step-by-step guidance.

Visit the Private Company Information section of the Company Information Sources guide for additional resources.

When researching international companies:

• Disclosure Limitations: International companies may not file disclosures with the SEC, making information more difficult to find.

• Website and Databases: Begin with the company’s website for global operations information. Use these databases for more details:

*Pro Tip: For extra help navigating Factiva, be sure to check out the Factiva tutorial which offers step-by-step guidance.

Check out the Company Information Sources guide for additional resources.

For subsidiaries:

• Ownership Structure: Subsidiaries might be part of public, private, or international companies.

• Website and Databases: Look at the company’s website for ownership details. Use these databases to verify subsidiary status:

Explore the Company Information Sources guide for more resources.

When researching nonprofits:

• Identification: Ensure you are looking at the correct organization, as names can be similar.

• Website and Reports: Check the nonprofit’s website and annual reports for mission and financial details.

• Resources: Use these tools for in-depth information:

See the Nonprofit & Public Sector research guide for additional resources.