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Marketing Research Guide

What will I find on this page?

The databases on this page are your best source for quantitative company information such as annual sales, assets and liabilities, number of employees, market performance, net worth, and SEC filings.

Company Performance and Competitors

Information about company and brand performance can be found in numerous locations. It is best to search multiple resources in order to compile a reliable overview.

Private Company Information

Private company information is difficult to locate and usually requires multiple methods and sources.

Tips!:

  • A limited amount of private company information can be found on state government websites, usually within the secretary of state's web domain. Although limited, information found there may help to form a more complete private company profile. Use a search engine and keywords, such as "Michigan Secretary of State" to locate state websites, and then look for tabs associated with operating a business in that state.
  • Search the Web for a given company's website where you will find at least some information. Use the website's "Contact Us" link to request needed information, as private companies will often send you information.
  • Search the following for SWOT analysis, news, and articles in popular, trade, and professional publications:

Market Share

Market share is often reported in news releases and articles that can be found in subject databases or through a search engine such as Google. Search the company or industry name and "market share".

SWOT Analyses

SWOT analyses of varying quality can also be located through any search engine, such as Google. Search for the company name and SWOT.

Financial Ratios and other Data

Financial Ratios can be found in Factiva by opening the "Companies/Markets" drop down menu from the navigation bar at the top of any Factiva page

1. Follow the "Company" link.

2. Enter your company name in the Smart Lookup search box. The company report will display.

3. Select "Financial Results" from the list of links on the left side of the page. The Financial Results page will display.

4. Click on the arrow in the "Statement Type" search box and select "Key Ratios" from the drop down list.

5. Click "Go". A list of ratios will display!