Research Guides: Tax & Accounting: Industry Ratios

Industry Codes

NAICS
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 US business economy. Used by businesses too
SIC
Standard Industry Classification (SIC) is an older system still used by the SEC and some publishers.

Overview of Industry Ratios

Industry ratios are commonly used to evaluate the operating efficiency and profitability of a industry (or company). The resources listed to the right are good places to begin. Try to be consistent when obtaining ratios, for example, use ratios from the same year. In doubt, ask your professor!

Industry Ratios

Key Business Ratios (D&B) This link opens in a new window
Industry financial ratios from Dun & Bradstreet that provide industry benchmarks. Data is aggregated from public and private companies. Coverage: last five years.
IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
Detailed national and global industry reports that provides a narrative of the industries, performance, outlook, along with infographics, industry financial ratios, stats, etc. Reports are updated every 6-12 months.

Print resource for Industry Ratios

S&P Industry Surveys
Call Number: PML Ref Area: HG 4661. S769
Standard & Poor's track more than 50 North American industries and 10 global industries. Each report is authored by a S&P's industry research analyst and includes the following sections: Current Environment, Industry Trends, How the Industry Operates, Key Industry Ratios and Statistics, etc.
Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Ratios
Call Number: HF5681 R25 A45
PRINT resource provides standard financial ratios computed from the IRS's statistical sampling of the tax returns of all corporations. The reference book is arranged by NAICS code.

Business Ratios

Key Business Ratios Archives This link opens in a new window
Archival industry financial ratios from Dun & Bradstreet that provide industry benchmarks. Data is aggregated from public and private companies. Coverage: 1979-two years ago.

Free Resources for Industry Ratios

Yahoo! Industry Center
Site organizes resources, news, calendars, market info, and additional info by industry. You'll find lists of the Top 10 Companies in each industry ranked by market cap. Overviews for each industry are provided and feature content from Hoover's.
Virtual Pet: Industry Hubs
Polson Enterprises' site lists a wide variety of industries with links to specific industry home pages. The site also includes useful "how to" guides on industry and company research.