Frequently Asked Questions
Who writes First Research content?
First Research industry profiles are written and updated by a team of Industry Specialists. Many have advanced degrees and 10-15 years experience writing about companies and industries, with deep knowledge in specific areas such as banking and finance, computers and telecommunication, manufacturing, media, retail, and real estate.
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How does First Research create its content?
First Research Industry Specialists study a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including trade publications, company annual reports and SEC filings such as 10Ks, government Web sites and resources (such as the Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics), news articles, business publications and in-depth industry reports. The Industry Specialists then write intelligent, concise yet comprehensive summaries of the industries that are easy to read and understand, and geared specifically to sales and marketing professionals.
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How often is the content updated?
Industry profiles are updated quarterly and comprehensively reviewed once a year. News articles and most statistical data are updated monthly.
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How do I find an industry profile?
Use the centralized search box to search industry intelligence by keyword, SIC code, or NAICS code. The keyword search method is recommended if you are unfamiliar with industry codes. The whole profile library will be searched for the keyword.
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How does First Research create its industry forecast numbers?
Each number comes from the INFORUM modeling data base, which is built on historic data derived from official government figures. For example, personal consumption expenditure is derived data published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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What does the Industry Growth Rating indicate?
The graphic indicates the growth of industry revenue, value, or other drivers such as consumer spending (depending on Inforum indicator), relative to other US industries covered by First Research. The bullet sentences outline a few of the basic demand and risk factors influencing the industry.
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What are SIC and NAICS codes?
SIC stands for Standard Industry Classification, and NAICS mean North American Industry Classification System. Both code systems were created by the government to classify businesses into industries. Hence, you can input either type of code and it will map you to an Industry Profile. The SIC & NAICS codes are listed at the top of every Industry Profile.
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How do I find regional information?
Click on the State and Province Profiles tab and you’ll be directed to a click-through graphic map of the US and Canada. Simply click on the state or province for which you need regional information.
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Does First Research provide analysis on companies?
No, First Research focuses on Industry Intelligence, which reveals the trends, challenges, and opportunities within businesses in selected fields. Though there will be business specific information found in the Recent Developments section of a profile, the tool’s scope is focused on industry data.
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How are the Industry Growth Ratings calculated?
The Rating designation is derived from the INFORUM modeling data base, which is built on historic data derived from official government figures. INFORUM uses two software programs to compute economic forecasts: one to calculate broad sector data using the parameters of revenue and production, consumption and government demand, capital investment and profits, employment and wages, and exports and imports; the second to disseminate these broad data sets into industries.
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How do I contact customer service?
Call toll-free 866.788.9389 or email customerservice@firstresearch.com.
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How do I provide feedback for industry profiles and other First Research tools?
Call toll-free 866.788.9389 or email customerservice@firstresearch.com.
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