Company Information
Company Information Library Guide
Welcome to the Company Information Library Guide! Here you will find information and resources to support you as your research the various aspects of a company, including company history, financial statements, competitors and industries, and more!
Explore the blue tabs on the left side to find the resources you need, and if you need additional support, reach out to the library's Research Support team using the "24/7 Library Chat" button in the upper right corner of the page, or email a librarian at ask@snhu.libanswers.com.
Company Identification
The Company Identification Information below can help you think through the different categories, codes, and symbols related to your company that will help you as you move forward with your research.
Types of Companies
Public
A public company is one that trades stocks or securities on an exchange. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates the sale of securities in the United States therefore a great deal of information, especially financial information, is available for publicly traded companies on a company's website, on free investment sites and on library subscription sites.
Private
A private company is usually owned by an individual or a group of individuals in a partnership or closely held corporation. Minimal information is available for private companies on the web, in directories, and in newspapers.
Subsidiary
A company that is owned by another company (parent company). Financial information on a subsidiary is seldom available and it is necessary to read the reports of the parent company. Newspaper and magazine articles often provide useful information.
Multinational Company (MNC) or Multinational Enterprise (MEC)
A company that has operations in a number of countries. MNCs based in other countries and sell securities in the United States are regulated by the SEC
International
A company that is based in a foreign country and is regulated by the governing body of the home country.
Non-Profit or Not-for-Profit Company or Organization
A company or organization that is not allowed by law to make a profit, such as a charity, association, or educational institution.
Ticker Symbols
A ticker symbol is a unique identification, made of letters and numbers, that is used to identify stocks or shares of a publicly-traded company. The following resources can help you identify a company by its ticker symbol, and vice versa.