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Business Writing
Company Research
You can start with exploring a company's website. Often scrolling to the bottom and clicking on "About Us" or "Investor Relations" is a good starting point. Keep in mind that the company publishes this information so there is a potential for bias. Meaning that unfavorable news might not be reported or reported with a positive spin. To get a more comprehensive viewpoint it is important to consult several sources, including the databases below.
Tips & Tricks:
If a company is owned by another company, check the parent company's website.
Examples:
- Google and YouTube are owned by Alphabet
- Audi is part of Volkswagen Group
International companies might have regional websites:
Example:
- Volkswagen has an Americas website
- Business Insights: Global (Gale) This link opens in a new window
- Statista: Insights and facts across 170 industries and 150+ countries This link opens in a new windowTo search for company reports:
Click on the Reports drop-down and choose Companies & Products reports. - Business Market Research Collection (1986 - current) (ProQuest Central) This link opens in a new windowTo search Hoover's Company Reports use the following in the main search box:
publication("Hoover's Company Records") and "insert company" - Business Source Elite This link opens in a new windowHow to search for Marketline Company Profile use the following in the main search box:
SO "marketline company profile" AND "insert company"
- SEC’s Edgar OnlineThe Security & Exchange Commission's database, EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval), provides free access to 10-Ks, 10-Qs, proxies, prospectuses and other documents.