Skip to Main Content

EE / CPE 322: Design VI

Researching a Company

When looking for information for a specific company, ask yourself these questions:

  • Is the company publicly traded or privately held?
    • Does a company file documents with the SEC? Is their stock traded in a public stock exchange? Then it is public.
    • Is a company owned by its founders or other individuals or groups? Is the stock unavailable for public purchase? Then it is private.
  • Is it a subsidiary of a larger company? If so, is that company public or private?
  • Is the company based in the US?

The Library has a number of useful databases and you can also find good information on some reliable web resources.

Company Research: Databases & Web

Databases that include company profiles, and cover public, private, and/or international for-profit companies.

If you are off-campus, on clicking a link you will be asked to log in using your myStevens username and password.

Freely available websites that have basic company info but also ads. Good for quick reference.

Don't forget to check the company's website for corporate info. Look for sections labeled "Corporate" or "Stockholders" for financial and governance data.

Government filings: search the SEC directly for company info. PUBLIC AND AMERICAN ONLY.

Company Statistics

Company Finance

Nonprofit Company Research

Nonprofit companies, other than private foundations, must file Form 990 with the IRS. The following resources will provide company info for this type of organization.

NAICS and SIC codes

Finding a specific company's code:
To find a company's SIC and NAICS codes, use the Lexis Nexis Academic database, and search for the company's name in the "Get Company Info" search box at far right.  When you find your desired company, look in the "Industry Classification" box, and you will find the SIC and NAICS codes that are associated with the company.