Subject Guides: Business Research: Industry Profiles & Ratios

NAICS

It can be helpful to determine the six-digit NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code and name for the industry or company you are researching. This code can be used to search databases and limit results.

Note: NAICS is a sector based, classification system developed by the federal government for reporting purposes. NAICS is preferred over the previous SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code.

Library Databases

Industry reports or profiles can be found in a number of library databases.

Financial ratios are usually industry-specific and will be found with industry reports. You can often refine ratios according to company size.

Best Bet

IBISWorld This link opens in a new window Search by industry name, NAICS code, major company, or keywords. Results can be filtered by country. Ratios can be found under the Key Statistics report section.

Other Options

Mergent Intellect This link opens in a new window 1) Go to First Research icon, 2) login with your Auburn email, and 3) search by industry name, NAICS code, major company, or keyword(s). Ratios can be found under the Financial Information section of the report. Alternatively, you can use the Key Business Ratios (KBR) tool on the Mergent Intellect homepage.
ProQuest One Business This link opens in a new window 1) Click on ProQuest One Business hyperlink at top of page, 2) go to Industry Overviews box, 3) choose Browse all Industry Reports, and 3) search by industry name or keyword(s)
Statista This link opens in a new window 1) Use Statistics drop-down menu, 2) Click All Industries hyperlink, 3) Browse or search the Industry Overview

Help Guides

IBISWorld: Help on Industry Research Reports and Help on Financial Ratios

Dun & Bradstreet First Research: FAQ on Industry Profiles

Dun & Bradstreet Key Business Ratios: Quick Reference Guide

ProQuest One Business: Help on Industry Reports

Reference Book

RMA (Risk Management Association) Annual Statement Studies
Call Number: HF 5681 .B2 R6
Publication Date: Current two years in Reference Collection (2nd Floor)
Two volume set. Includes 19 ratios along with balance sheet and income statement information for a four-year period, broken down by industry and company size. Introduction shows ratios calculations. Also includes a comprehensive bibliography of financial ratio sources. Older years are located on the 3rd Floor.

Government Source

US Census Bureau: Business & Economy The Business & Economy topic is your portal to comprehensive information about the number, activity, characteristics, and locations of American businesses. The Census Bureau has been collecting information about American businesses for over 200 years. Today, statistics on almost 27 million business locations are among the Nation’s most important. Business statistics are used to help start a business, compare industries and locations, assess the economic health of local communities, or just to make informed decisions.

Business Research

Need Help?

Jennilyn Wiley, PhD

How to Do Business Research Blog