Company Research

A company profile will provide an overview of the company being researched. A company profile will usually include:

• what the company produces
• whether the company is public or private
• the company's goals and objectives
• a short history of the company, including major milestones
• key contact data
• key financial data

A company profile should also tell you whether or not the company is a parent or holding company which controls or owns one or more other companies, or whether it is a subsidiary which has more than half of its stock owned by another company.

A company's own website can offer a wealth of information regarding the history, goals and objectives of the company. Usually found in the About, or Contact US sections the profile will not necessarily be labeled "company profile" and may or may not offer financial information.  Remember however, that a company wants to be seen in the best light possible, so they will highlight the positives, and ignore any negative information.