Private Company Financial Data
If the company is private, little or no specific financial information beyond sales figures may be available about the company. Try to find articles via Factiva or LexisNexis. Both contain thousands of full-text newspapers and business periodicals; you may be able to locate articles which quote company officials discussing the firm's finances.
Also, consider using ratio books. They will allow you to create your financials using industry averages. Several Cornell libraries have the print copies of these recommended books:
- Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial RatiosCall Number: ILR HF5681.R25 T861Provides financial ratios for companies in various asset ranges by SIC code. Data reported are based on aggregate numbers from IRS records.
- Industry Norms and Key Business Ratios byCall Number: ILR HF5681.R25 D89
- RMA Annual Statement StudiesCall Number: ILR Reference HF5681.B2 R63Contains composite financial data on manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, service, and contracting lines of business.
- BizminerBizMiner, also an online resource, produces granular industry statistical reports that provide industry financial analysis benchmarks for more than 5,000 lines of business and industry market trends on thousands more. Market analysis reports are available at the national and local levels down to the zip code. Micro Firm Profit-Loss Reports cover sole proprietorships and start-ups.
Public Company Financial Data
Public companies are required to file detailed reports of financial activity. In the US, these filings are available directly from the SEC (the Securities and Exchange Commission), or via the selected databases listed below.
- Capital IQA unique platform combing detailed information on investment banking, private equity, corporations, investment management, professional services, and brokerage.
How to...
Are you new to looking at company filings?
Are you just starting to become familiar with the term "balance sheet"? If yes, you might want to read Merrill Lynch's excellent "How to Read a Financial Report"