Before gathering industry ratios and conducting analysis, identify the appropriate NAICS code(s) for your research. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. This website will introduce you to NAICS and help you identify the relevant codes for your research.
Search by industry keywords or NAICS codes to find a report on US, China, or world industries, and then select the Financial Benchmark section of the report to find financial and other key ratios.
Of industry ratio databases, IBISWorld Includes the most extensive range of liquidity, coverage, leverage, operating and cash flow ratios.
IBISWorld provides over 700 full-text industry reports, 700 US industry risk rating reports, and information on over 8000 Publicly Traded US Companies as well as hundreds of economic and demographic profiles. Subscription includes access to the US Industry State Reports module.
Features ratios for hundreds of industries. Browse by line of business or SIC code or search by NAICS code to locate solvency, efficiency, and profitability ratios relevant to the industry you are researching.
Industry ratios in Key Business Ratios include Quick Ratio, Current Ratio, Current Liabilities/Net Worth, Current Liabilities/Inventory, Total Liabilities/Net Worth, Fixed Assets/Net Worth, Collection Period, Sales/Inventory, Assets/Sales, Sales/Net Working Capital, Accounts Payable/Sales, Return on Sales, Return on Assets, Return on Net Worth.
Key Business Ratios on the Web provides access to industry financial norms and ratios. These industry benchmarks are compiled from Dun & Bradstreet's database of public and private companies.
In addition to company profiles and financials, Mergent Online features an Industry Analysis section with industry reports on over 20 industries. Reports include key industry statistics such as gross margin, operating margin, price/earnings, long term debt/capital, and more.
MergentOnline (formerly FISonline) is a subscription-based service offering information on over 15,000 U.S. public companies and 30,000 non-U.S. public companies. MergentOnline is produced by Mergent, Inc., formerly known as Moody's). Mergent/Moody's is a publisher of detailed business descriptions, corporate histories and financial statements since 1900. The database also includes the Country Report module, a module that consists of the following resources: DnB Country Risk Profile, DnB Country RiskLine Report, and Mergent Country Profile. In addition, the Investext Database is available via Mergent Online.
Value Line feature reports on companies and industries. For industry ratios and analysis, look for "Value Line Featured Lists" in the middle of the screen and choose an industry from the drop down menu under "Industry Screens".
Value Line is the standard investment advisory service. The Web research center provides access to the standard Value Line Investment Survey and to its related resources. For historical Value Line Investment Surveys back to 1997, select "VLIS & SMC - Historical Archives" from the Dashboard.
Industry Ratio Books
The major print sources for industry ratios are the following titles: