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Business: Company Info

Overview of Company Information

When looking for information about a company, consider:

  1. Information from the company: Produced by the company (e.g., the company website, SEC filings, press releases, etc.)
  2. Information about the company: Written by others (e.g., newspaper articles, analyst reports, articles by professors, etc.).

Here are tips that will help you find information about companies:

  • Get an overview of the company, find out if it is public or private.
  • Explore the company website and review it carefully, particularly the sections for investors or media/press.
  • If the company is public, find relevant annual and quarterly reports and annual reports to shareholders.
  • Search for news, magazine and other periodical articles for information. This may be the only way to find information on private companies.
  • If the company is public, search for analyst and brokerage reports. These sometimes contain an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
  • Identify competitors.

Public vs. Private Compaines

Public Companies

Public companies are those that sell stock to shareholders. Shares of these companies are openly traded and widely distributed. Ownership of public companies is shared between the shareholders, and includes the board, management, and public shareholders. Public companies in the United States with more than $10 million in assets and 500 shareholders are required by law to file documents, including annual and quarterly reports, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, public companies issue an annual report to shareholders.

Private Companies

Private companies are those that are privately owned by an individual or group and do not sell stock to shareholders. Shares of stock for private companies are offered, owned and traded privately by interested investors. Because private companies are not required to disclose information to the SEC, it can be difficult to research these companies. 

Company Web Sites

Company web sites can provide a wealth of information, particularly for public companies. Look for press releases, investor information including presentations and events and filings such as SEC filings, annual reports or corporate social responsibility or "community" reports. Use information from the company carefully and watch for bias or an overly-optimistic interpretation of factual data.

Core Resources

Annual Reports - Selected Internet Sources

Subject Guide

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Matthew Pierce
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