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Researching Companies - Management, Marketing ...
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All public companies are required to produce an annual report (10-K), among other reports, for the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). The reports are made public to help current and potential investors better understand a company's financial health. Private companies usually do not produce annual reports for the public. “On Corporate sites - Look for the "Investor Relations" or "About Us" link on a company's web site.” NOTE:Beware many companies also use the annual reports as a marketing tool. The narrative can be more public relations than analysis.
Their Website “Comb the company website for information.” Some websites have an About Usor Investor Relationstab where you might find some useful details about their financials or operations.
Check for press releases or a news section for information about company financials and activities. “Look for Annual Reports on the company website or contact the company to see if one is available.” Here are some other information sources for private companies.
Company Profiles “There are many places you can find information about a company and its history.” Company's website Websites often include an "about us" section that sometimes detail their history. Remember, the company will explain its history the way it wants to be seen.
Beyond the Basics “For those who are looking for fuzzier or more nebulous, information like marketing, strategy, competitive perspective, R&D, intellectual property, etc., there are a few suggested sources of information though what is included can vary company to company.” Item 1, the Business Description
Is it a parent or a subsidiary? “Think of the parent company as the umbrella.” What is the complete, official name of the company?
Is it a parent or a subsidiary? “Subsidiaries fall under the umbrella.” What is the complete, official name of the company?
Is it a parent or a subsidiary? “Very often you will find information about the subsidiary by researching the parent company.” What is the complete, official name of the company?
Is it a parent or a subsidiary? “In some cases, published information may be available only on the parent company.” What is the complete, official name of the company?
Is the company domestic or foreign? “Knowing whether or not the company is based in the U.S. or abroad will help you determine where to begin your research and what types of forms you might be able to find.” Is it a parent or a subsidiary?
Is the company public or private? “You will find much more information about public companies because they are required to file financial and other disclosures with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).” Is the company domestic or foreign?
Is the company public or private? “This same level of detail of information does not exist for private companies.” Is the company domestic or foreign?
Is the company public or private? “Many resources will only include public companies.” Is the company domestic or foreign?