Compiled by Anne Bradley and maintained by
Kevin Connor, Business Liaison Librarian
Updated: October 17, 2006
 

Find your company's industry

North American Industry Classification System
     Ref. HF 1042 .N62 on Index Table 1
     Available online at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html
NAICS was developed jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to provide new comparability in statistics about business activity across North America. Shows corresponding NAICS codes for SIC codes and vice versa. Government sources and major online business databases have begun to use NAICS codes.

Standard Industry Classification Manual 
     Ref. HF 1042 .A55 on Index Table 1
     Available online at http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sicsearch.html
The SIC code system was devised by the Office of Management and Budget as a guideline for reporting business statistics. Industries are classified in broad two- or three-digit groupings, as well as more specific four-digit codes. Each SIC code represents a type of business.  SIC codes are used extensively in directories, financial services, statistical publications and industry reports to classify industry data. Also, some online databases allow searching by SIC code. To use or search these sources, you will need to determine the SIC code of the company you are researching.

Basic Tools

Statistical Abstract of the United States
     Ref. HA 202 .A3 at reference desk
     Available online http://www.census.gov/statab/www/
A good starting place for locating statistics compiled by the U.S. Government, including industry data. The original source of the data is listed under each table, and can often provide further information.

Encyclopedia of Business Information Sources
     Ref. HF 5351 .E48
A guide to information sources on a wide range of industries and other subjects. Includes sources for statistics, financial ratios, price sources, directories, handbooks, bibliographies, online resources and indexes.

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Standard and Poor's Industry Surveys
     Ref. HC 106.6 .S74 at reference desk
A comprehensive source that provides a basic overview of 52 major industries and includes statistical tables, charts, current analysis, recent developments, and company comparisons.  Updated quarterly.

Encyclopedia of American Industries
     Ref. HC 102 E53 on Index Table 1
     Available online through Company and Business Resource Center database
Has narrative profiles of major industries. Each report describes industry organization and structure, current conditions, industry leaders, and trends in research and technology. Volume 1 covers the manufacturing sector and Volume 2 covers non-manufacturing sectors.

Encyclopedia of Global Industries
     Ref. HG 4009 .E539 on Index Table 1
      Available online through Company and Business Resource Center database
For each sector the following topics are covered: industry snapshot, organization & structure, background & development, R & D, industry leaders, and major countries.

European Business Facts and Figures
     Ref. HC 241.2 P313 on Index Table 1
Background on manufacturing and service industries of member EU nations, including statistics, reviews, and forecasts of industry sectors.

Wetfeet.com:  Industries
     http://www.wetfeet.com/asp/industries_atoz.asp
This is an A to Z list of industry profiles provided by Wetfeet.com.

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Manufacturing & Distribution U.S.A.
     Ref. HD 9721 .M3645 on Index Table 1
Contains information on manufacturing, wholesale trade, and the retail sector. Statistical data is presented on 614 industries. All data is presented by NAICS code.

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Business Statistics of the United States
     Ref. HC 101 .A13122 - Current year on Index Table 1
Contains about 3,000 economic and business time series, predominantly from federal government sources.

Standard and Poor's Statistical Service
     Ref. HG 4910 .S63
Contains data on S&P Stock Price Indexes as well as statistics on banking and finance, labor and earnings, cost of living, and numerous industries.

Statistical Abstract of the United States
     Ref. HA 202 .A3 at reference desk
     Available online at http://www.census.gov/statab/www/
A good starting place for locating statistics compiled by the U.S. Government, including industry data. The original source of the data is listed under each table, and can often provide further information.

Survey of Current Business
     http://www.bea.gov/bea/pubs.htm
From the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce. A comprehensive report on business activity and economic conditions. Contains articles on various aspects of commerce and the economy, as well as statistical tables highlighting national income and product accounts.

U.S. Economic Census
     http://www.census.gov/econ/census02
Census profiles the US economy every 5 years, from the national to the local level.  Reports are now available from the 1992, 1997, and 2002 economic census.

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Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Ratios
     Ref. HF 5681 .R25 A42 on Index Table 1
Data are grouped into 18 categories by size of assets for each industry. Corporate performance is profiled in two analytical tables for each industry. One table reports operating and financial information for all corporations (those with and without net income); the other table gives the same information but for only corporations with net income. This source uses the NAICS code numbers.

Industry Norms and Key Business Ratios
     Ref. HF 5681 .R25 I53 on Index Table 1
Industry norm statistics on 800+ lines of business used to compare a company's financial condition to peers, project future performance, determine standards of risk and performance, and create a model to measure how a company's financials should look based on industry performance. This source uses SIC code numbers.

RMA Annual Statement Studies
     Ref. HF 5681 .B2 R6 on Index Table 1
Composite financial data for 375+ industry groups. Arranged by broad category, then by industry group and line of business. This source is organized in SIC numeric fashion.

Standard and Poor's Analysts' Handbook
     Ref. HG 4905 .A66 on Index Table 1
Selected income, accounting and balance sheet items, and ratios, as applied to over 100 industrial, transportation, utilities, and financial group stock prices. This source is organized using the Standard and Poor's GICS structure.

Reuters
     http://www.investor.reuters.com
After searching for a company click the "Ratios" link in the left column to see how the company's ratios compare to the industry's, sector's, and S&P 500's ratios. Registration is necessary for accessing some information. Site provided by Reuters.

Valuation Resources.com
     http://valuationresources.com/IndustryReport.htm
Industry Resources Reports list resources available from trade associations, industry publications, and research firms which address subjects such as industry overview, issues, trends, industry outlook, financial benchmarking, compensation surveys, and valuation resources. Some sources require a fee for access. This source is organized in SIC numeric fashion.

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Associations are frequently a good source of information on a particular industry.

Encyclopedia of Associations
     Ref. AS 22 .E5 at reference desk
A guide to more than 22,000 associations, including trade, business and industry. Entries include name, address, chief officials, a description, list of publications, etc. A good source for locating publications covering particular trades and industries. Organized in separate U.S., international and regional/state/local volumes.

National Trade and Professional Associations of the United States
     Ref. HD 2425 .D53
Lists over 7,500 trade associations, professional societies, labor unions and similar national groups.

World Guide to Trade Associations
     Ref. HD 2421 .W67
Volume 1 contains listings of associations from industry, trade, crafts, services, and trade unions from 185 countries. Volume 2 lists chambers of industry and commerce.

Associations on the Net
     http://www.ipl.org/div/aon
The Internet Public Library has compiled this list of Internet sites providing information about a wide variety of professional and trade associations, cultural and art organizations, political parties and advocacy groups, labor unions, academic societies, and research institutions.

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D&B Million Dollar Directory
     Ref. HF 5035 .M54 on Index Table 1
Lists over 160,000 American public and private companies with a net worth of over $500,000, 250+ employees at the location, or $25+ million in sales volume. Each entry includes company address, company officers, SIC codes, line of business, approximate sales, and number of employees.

Hoover's Handbooks
Each volume provides concise profiles of major companies, including a current overview, brief history, key competitors, senior executive officers, subsidiaries and affiliates, and 10-year comparative financial information. Each volume also contains lists of companies ranked by various categories and is indexed by industry, location, brands, companies, and people.

Mergent Manuals
Available online through Mergent Online
These manuals contain summary financial information, capital structure, business and properties, corporate descriptions, subsidiaries, and corporate officers. Current edition shelved in reference until the microfiche for the edition arrives.

Standard and Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors and Executive
     Ref. HG 4057 .A4
Volume 1 is a basic directory listing of companies which includes principal officers, description of and the NAICS codes for the companies major products or services and when available annual sales and number of employees. Volume 2 is a biographical directory of the companies listed principal officers. Volume 3 lists companies by NAICS codes and geographical location.

Standard and Poor's Stock Reports
     Ref. HG 4907 .S72
A two-volume set issued quarterly with one page summaries of companies. Information includes business profiles and various financial statistics for each company.

Value Line Investment Survey
      Available online through Value Line Research Center
Comprehensive source of information and advice on over 1,700 stocks, more than 90 industries, the stock market, and the economy. Information on mutual funds, daily options, convertibles and exchange traded funds is also included.

Ward's Business Directory of U.S. Private and Public Companies
     Ref HG 4057 .A56
Eight volumes.  Basic business information on 114,500 private and public companies, with a geographic cross-reference.  Special features:  Vol. 5 offers national rankings by sales within SIC codes.  Vols. 6 and 7 cover state rankings, including evaluations of industry ranking and other business statistical information.

Annual Report Gallery
     http://www.reportgallery.com/
Provides links to annual reports published on the World Wide Web.

Hoovers Online 
     http://www.hoovers.com
Very reliable site offering information for private and public companies. More in-depth information requires paid subscription.

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Chicago Area Business Directory
     Ref. HF 5068 .C4 C47 on Index Table 1
Provides very brief company information including information on number of employees, sales figures and the year the company was founded. This directory is useful for finding information on smaller local companies. This source uses SIC codes.

D&B Regional Business Directory - St. Louis Area
     Ref. HG 4058 .S24 D86 on Index Table 1
Another local business directory useful for finding information on smaller local companies. This directory contains brief information on companies in the St. Louis area including sales figures, number of employees, and key executives. This source uses SIC codes.

Downstate Illinois Business Directory
     Ref. HF 5065 .I3 D68 on Index Table 1
Provides very brief company information including information on number of employees, sales figures and the year the company was founded. This source uses SIC codes.

Missouri Business Directory
     Ref. HF 5065 .M8 M57 on Index Table 1
Provides very brief company information including information on the number of employees, sales figures and the year the company was founded. This directory is useful for finding information on smaller local companies. This source uses SIC codes.

Missouri Manufacturers Register
     Ref. HD 9727 .M8 M59 on Index Table 1
A list of the leading manufacturers in the state, this directory provides basic company data such as company address, telephone number, products, number of employees, sales figures, and top executives. This source uses SIC codes.

Sorkins' Directory of Business and Government - St. Louis Edition
     Ref. HF 5038 .S2 W47on Index Table 1
A multi-volume directory that attempts to cover every business in the St. Louis area, this directory also contains information on federal, state, county and municipal governments, and non-profit organizations. Some listings are brief with simple directory information while others provide detailed information on the organization along with multiple levels of personnel.

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D&B Principal International Businesses
     Ref. HF 54 .U5 P74
An annual Dun and Bradstreet directory listing 50,000 leading enterprises throughout the world. Contact information, ownership date, estimated sales, SIC code, number of employees, and the name of the company president are provided.

Directory of Multinationals
     Ref. HD 2755.5 .S78
Covers the world's largest corporations, providing information about directors, products, background and current situation, major shareholders, and principal subsidiaries and affiliates.

Europages
     http://www.europages.com/en/
A searchable directory of European companies.

Europe's 15,000 Largest Companies
     Ref. HD 2356 .E9 E93
Lists of the largest industries, trading companies, and service companies in Europe, and lists of the 100 largest companies by country. Summary financial information is provided for each company.

Hoover's Handbook of World Business
     Ref. HG 4009 .H66
Provides concise profiles of major companies, including a current overview, brief history, key competitors, senior executive officers, subsidiaries and affiliates, and 10-year comparative financial information.

Major Companies of Europe
     Ref. HC 241.2 .P667
Six volumes listing over 38,000 companies in Western Europe. Companies are listed by country. Summary financial information is included for most companies.

Mergent International Manual
     Ref. HG 4009 .M66
      Available online through Mergent Online
Contains summary financial information, capital structure, business and properties, corporate descriptions, subsidiaries, and corporate officers.

World Business Directory
     Ref. HF 54 .U5 W667
Lists over 134,000 businesses involved in international trade.

Worldwide Yellow Pages
     http://www.infobel.com/World/
Provides links to online yellow pages, white pages, and business to business finder from over 184 countries.

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American Manufacturers Directory
     Ref. HD 9723 .U27 on Index Table 1
Over 167,000 American companies with 20+ employees are included in this directory.

American Wholesalers and Distributors Directory
     Ref. HF 5421 .A615
A comprehensive guide offering industry details on more than 27,000 wholesalers and distributors in the United States. This source uses the SIC codes.

Consultants and Consulting Organizations Directory
     Ref. HD 69 .C6 C647
Contains directory information on more than 25,000 consultants and contract professionals engaged in consulting work for businesses, government, and institutions.

D&B Directory of Service Companies
     Ref. HD 9981.3 .D86
Basic facts on over 50,000 public and private U.S. companies in the service sector. This source uses SIC codes.

LexisNexis The Advertising Red Books Agencies
     Ref. HF 5805 .S72  on Index Table 1
This guide lists the top ad agencies in the country and provides basic directory information including a listing of each agency's major accounts.

Thomas Register of American Manufacturers
     http://www.thomasregister.com/
Most comprehensive online resource for finding companies and products manufactured in North America. To search this directory by Company Name, Product/Service, or Brand Name you must register for a username and password.

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America's Corporate Families, the Billion Dollar Directory
     Ref. HG 4057 .A147
Over 13,000 parent company listings with information covering 72,000 of their subsidiaries and major branches.  Volume 2 includes cross-reference, geographic, and SIC code indices.

Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries
     Ref. HG 4538 .A1 D5
Listing of American firms with affiliates or subsidiaries outside the U.S.  Three volumes:  volume 1 lists alphabetically all US firms with operations abroad, volumes 2 & 3 contain listings by country.

LexisNexis Corporate Affiliations
     Lists over 63,300 parent companies along with their divisions, subsidiaries, and affiliates. Entries include number of employees, type of business, top corporate officers, and stock exchange. An alphabetical index at the beginning cross references subsidiaries, affiliates and divisions with their parent company.

Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the United States
     Ref. HG 4057 .A21943
This directory has three sections:  the first groups foreign firms by country, the second section is an alphabetical list of all foreign firms, and the third is a list of American affiliates and the locations of their foreign parents or investors.

Who Owns Whom. Australasia, Asia, Middle East & Africa
     Ref. HG 4009 .W464
This publication provides the corporate family trees of parent companies registered in Australasia, Asia, Middle East, and Africa, as well as an alphabetical index of all subsidiaries located in these areas linked to the ultimate parent. This source uses SIC codes.

Who Owns Whom. Continental Europe
     Ref. HG 4132 .Z5 W52
Corporate family trees of all parent companies registered in Continental Europe are provided in the first two volumes. Volume three is an alphabetical index of all subsidiaries located within continental Europe linked to their ultimate parent. This source uses SIC codes.

Who Owns Whom. North and South America
     Ref. HG 4081 .Z65 W48
Business information on company ownership throughout North and South America. Volume two is an alphabetical index of subsidiaries located within North and South America linked to their ultimate parent. This source uses SIC codes.

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More industry resources

ASEA Gateway to Associations
     http://www.asaecenter.org/Directories/AssociationSearch.cfm
The American Society of Association Executives provides this searchable directory of associations currently operating on the Web.

Baker Library Industry Guide
     http://library.hbs.edu
Baker Library Industry Guides have been prepared by Baker Library staff to support the academic and career research needs of the Harvard Business School community. Use the links listed under Research Guides.

BizStats.com
     http://www.bizstats.com/
This site provides instant access to useful financial ratios, business statistics, and benchmarks as well as an understandable analysis of business and industries. Special attention is given to small business statistics.

Bpubs.com Industry Publications
     http://www.bpubs.com/Industry_Publications/
Bpubs.com collects business-related articles.  The Industry Publications section offers annotated links to articles arranged by industry.  Some of the content is fee-based.

FT.com Industries
     http://news.ft.com/industries
Industry news and analysis provided by Financial Times of London.

IndustryLink
     http://www.industrylink.com/
Use the links provided to find information on various industries.

ITA Basic Industries
     http://www.ita.doc.gov/td/bi/
This site, provided by the International Trade Administration, covers Basic Industries (BI) encompassing a "broad range of U.S. industries that include motor vehicles, automotive parts and accessories, machine tools, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, construction and mining equipment, forest products, metals and materials, energy (including equipment) and biotechnology." (Text from site 7/21/04)

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ABI/INFORM Complete. 1971- .  ProQuest. In-library and remote access.
Indexes and abstracts more than 2,500 journals and trade publications in all areas of business and management, many with an international focus.  Full text is available for more than 2,000 of the publications.

Business Source Premier. 1965-   EbscoHOST. In-library and remote access.
Updated daily. Indexes and abstracts 350 of the most important scholarly business journals. In addition, it includes indexing, abstracting and full text for 1,103 peer-reviewed journals, 2,364 trade journals and business magazines, 1,217 country economic reports, 3,146 industry reports and yearbooks, and 528 market research reports.

LexisNexis Academic .  Dates vary. LexisNexis. In-library and remote access.
Updated continuously. Covers news, business, and legal information.  Excellent for news and company information.

Business & Company Resource Center.  1980- .  Gale. In-library and remote access.
Updated daily except Sunday. Indexes approximately 1,000 business journals and trade/industry publications as well as 200,000 full-text company directory profiles and more than 50,000 full-text investment reports.  Approximately half of the journals and trade/industry publications are full text.  Also includes brief industry profiles, company histories, company financial statements, performance ratings, rankings, product and brand listings and association listings.

Business Periodicals Index.  1958 - 2001.
      Z 7167 .C81 B983
Updated monthly, with annual cumulations.  A print subject index to approximately 350 periodicals in all areas of business.

EconLit.  1969- .  EBSCOhost.  In-library and remote access.
Updated monthly. Produced by the American Economic Association, this is the major index for locating literature in economics.  It is the electronic equivalent of Journal of Economic Literature, Index of Economic Articles in Journals & Collections and Cambridge University Press Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics.  Indexes worldwide literature on economics from books, working papers, collective volumes and more than 300 major economics journals.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  1988- ,NewsBank. In-library and remote access.
Updated daily.  Access to archival articles back to 1988.  Go to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Web site for late-breaking news and articles available only on their Web site. Another point of access for this newspaper is LexisNexis Academic. For articles between 1975 and 1987, use St. Louis Post-Dispatch Index (East Index wall).

The Wall Street Journal (Eastern edition).  1984- .  ProQuest. In-library and remote access.
Updated daily. This U.S. newspaper "is the financial newspaper of record. It offers in-depth coverage of national and international finance as well as first-rate coverage of hard news" (text from site).  Indexing, abstracting and full text is available from 1984 forward.  

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Search the Saint Louis University Libraries Catalog, the SLU electronic library catalog, and MOBIUS, the Missouri Union Catalog, by author, title, keywords, author-title, subject, etc.  Use in the library or by remote access.  The Saint Louis University Libraries Catalog is available from the Saint Louis University Libraries Home Page.  Tip:  Always search Saint Louis University first.  If needed item(s) is/are not found, extend the search to MOBIUS.

Note: Keywords searches are the best way to find books on most companies.  A keywords search will find books with chapters about a particular company.

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