BA 301 Research & Analysis of Business Problems: Company Info / SWOT

Research Tips

  1. Company's website: mission, vision, values (as available), 10-K/Annual Report (public companies only), media/news/press releases.
    • Not all companies have a "mission/vision/value statement". They may only have one or only two of them. They may call them by other names (Purpose, Goal, etc.). Search the company website thoroughly and/or read their 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy statement (if public) to get a general idea about what they do/who they are, where they want to go, and what they stand for.
  2. Find readily available SWOT analysis.
  3. ​Information on public companies is much more readily available than info on private companies or subsidiaries. Tips on researching private companies. 
  4. Finding a list of stakeholders: not available in library databases. Here are some tips to help you create your own.

Annual Report & 10-K

While the term "annual report" is often used to describe either a Form 10-K or an Annual Report to Shareholders (or ARS), there is a difference.

A public company's 10-K (or 20-F for certain foreign companies) is an excellent source of information on its business, strategies, risks, financials, and more. It presents the company's point of view on its current condition and future direction. Other SEC filings reveal important information as well. ** Private companies or subsidiaries are not required to release detailed financials, and therefore don't need to file 10-K (annual report), 10-Q (quarterly report), etc.  

Earnings Conference Calls - Transcripts

Earnings Conference Calls provide insights on a public company's strategies, responses to issues, as well as industry environment and competition. Transcripts may be freely available on company website along with audio and presentations, or through a Google search. Main sources for transcripts:

Company Profiles

SWOT Analysis in Library Databases

Library databases below may have a readily available SWOT report on select companies. Not all companies have a such a report, and even when there are SWOT reports, they are other people's opinions that you can consult and cite. You should, however, always create your own analysis.