Research Guides: Industry Research: Step 4: Finding Lists of Companies within an Industry

Why are Lists of Companies Important?

A list of companies within a particular industry can be helpful for a variety of reasons: you may use the list to find the biggest/most impactful companies in a market/industry, to find a list of competitors, to pitch a product or service, or to network with/apply to.

Tip: Be sure to understand how any rankings or lists are compiled, and what companies are included. For instance, Mergent Online defaults to showing only public US companies as competitors.

Competitor Lists in Industry Databases

IBISWorld
1. Search for the industry by keyword or NAICS code.
2. When in the report, go to the Major Companies tab.
Note: IBISWorld only includes the four largest companies in each industry.

Competitor Lists in Company Databases

Mergent Online
1. Search for a company in the search box on the left of the homepage (pick a large player in the industry).
2. Select the blue Competitors tab.
Note: Mergent Online defaults to showing only public U.S. companies as competitors. Click "Public Global" or "Private" at the top of the list to see competitors in those categories.
Nexis Uni Company Dossier
1. Search for a company by name or ticker using the search bar at the top of the page.
2. Select the correct company, and once in the dossier, navigate throughout using the menu on the left. Look for Competitors.

Source: Mergent Online database