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MSMG 60415 - Strategic Communication (Harms)

Company Profiles

What is a Company Profile?

A company profile provides background history on a company's history, ownership, finances, competition, and industry. Company profiles generally provide information such as financial statements and organizational charts. Most also provide direct access to annual reports, 10-K, and 10-Q forms if they are available. Availability of these forms generally depends on the status of a company as private or public.

Public Company Search Tips

Helpful information to consider when searching for public company profiles. Does the company have alternate names or abbreviations? Is the company a subsidiary of a larger company? Another helpful tip is to search the name of your company in Google with the term "investor relations" (e.g. Starbucks investor relations). This will generally take you to a separate website for the company including news, annual reports, earnings call transcripts, and many other resources that can be helpful for an analysis.

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What is a Company Profile?

A company profile provides background history on a company's history, ownership, finances, competition, and industry. Company profiles generally provide information such as financial statements and organizational charts. Most also provide direct access to annual reports, 10-K, and 10-Q forms if they are available. Availability of these forms generally depends on the status of a company as private or public.

Private Company Search Tips

Private companies can be more difficult to find information on. In the absence of a company profile, consider checking recommended news/media sources, the official company website, or finding an equivalent public company from which to draw conclusions.

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What is a Company Profile?

A company profile provides background history on a company's history, ownership, finances, competition, and industry. Company profiles generally provide information such as financial statements and organizational charts. Most also provide direct access to annual reports, 10-K, and 10-Q forms if they are available. Availability of these forms generally depends on the status of a company as private or public.

Nonprofit Search Tips

Nonprofits generally maintain a tax exemption status by fulfilling a set of criteria outlined by the IRS. They do not generally turn a profit, but they do provide information with regard to their operating costs and cash flow relating their organization. Certain industries, such as hospitals, have greater representation in the nonprofit industry. 

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