Information for privately- owned companies may be more challenging to find.
Articles published in leading business magazines and trade journals often provide insight into a company's operations, strategy and competition.
These internet sites are devoted to business news and provide access to a lot of free content: Use the search tool on each site.
Company websites are valuable sources of information and well worth exploring. Public company sites will include links for investors, global responsibility, corporate information, governance, and similar descriptions.
Public companies issue annual and quarterly reports including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Some sources for financial information allow it to be downloaded into a spreadsheet for analysis.
U.S. Public Companies usually state business strategies in PART I, Item 1. Business of Form 10-K (or annual report) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The business overview in the 10K includes a discussion of the company's strategy, products and services, operations, marketing, distribution, international business, suppliers and government regulation.
Financial institutions (banks, investment firms) produce research reports, written by analysts, that discuss a company's health, future plans, and much more, for public companies.
Companies are affected by industry conditions. Industry reports can help to identify the top competitors as well.
Use this online directory to locate basic company contact and organizational information.
Resources for contact, historical, financial, and operating information.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)Use these Dun & Bradstreet directories to locate basic information about Michigan businesses. Located in the library on the 3rd floor.
