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MGMT 9180: Accounting Practice for Managers (Baker)

Suggested Sources for Financial Analysis Project

When looking at the financial numbers for a company and its competitors, it is often helpful to identify sources that help explain why a ratio or items in the financial statements have changed over a period of time or why one company is performing better than the other. Below are some suggestions for resources that can be used to help provide justification for your analysis. 

IBISWorld

IBISWorld is a database of industry reports. When conducting a financial analysis, it is useful to understand how the company is performing in relation to the industry. An industry report will provide the following:

  • Industry Performance - Looks at key external drivers, current and historical performance
  • Industry Outlook - Provides a narrative re: factors that may impact an industry’s future performance. It also include the Industry life cycle
  • Products & Markets - Includes information on supply chain, products & services, demand determinants, major markets, and int'l trade
  • Competitive Landscape - Covers market share concentration, cost structure benchmarks, competition, and barriers to entry 
  • Major Companies - Contains a list of companies predominant in the industry.  Includes market share and financial data
  • Operating Conditions - Includes information about capital intensity, technology, revenue volatility, regulation and industry assistance

Handout on how to search IBISWorld:  Training Document

Business Source Complete

Business Source Complete is a database that contains a wealth of information.  For the purposes of a company financial analysis, Business Source Complete provides SWOT analysis and company profiles for many companies.  You can also locate trade publications, magazine articles and newspaper articles related to your company.  You typically won't incorporate scholarly articles in a financial analysis because the information is not always current enough to address what is currently happening within your company. 

Tutorials:  How to locate a SWOT Analysis                How to locate articles in Business Source Complete

Management Discussion & Analysis (MDA) in Company's Annual Report

Section 7 of a publicly traded company's annual report or 10-K contains the Management's Discussion and Analysis  of Financial Condition and Results of Operation (MDA).  It provides the leadership of the company the opportunity to explain the financial numbers and discuss trends that have either impacted the company during the reporting year or may impact the company in the future. 

To locate a company's annual report:

  • Go to their website and look for a investor relations link (it is sometimes in the footer of the website.  It may also have a different name).
  • From the investor relations page, locate the current annual report