Locating Industry (NAICS/SIC) Codes
This guide lists sources which provide information and access to industry codes. Industry codes are needed before using the sources listed in the industry and ratios topic guides.
The guide focuses on suggested strategies and best places to begin research efforts. For information & assistance in using any of the sources, please contact library staff:
Industry Codes:
Industry codes allow researchers & government agencies to classify businesses by the type of product or service they offer. 2 well-known codes are the Standard Industrial Classification Codes (SIC Codes) and the North American Industry Classification Codes (NAICS Code). NAICS has replaced the SIC System and was implemented with the 2002 Economic Census. Once you locate your company's SIC/NAICS codes, many article databases and industry reference sources can be searched by that code.
Note: Standard & Poor's does not use codes but has created descriptive classifications.
Begin by locating the SIC Code or NAICS number that identifies your industry [For basic industry/competitive research, use the Primary Code listed for the company]:
Mergent Online
- Do a 'Basic Search' for the company name or ticker symbol.
- Click on the company name on the next search screen.
- Click on the 'Company Details' tab across the top.
- Next, click on the 'Business' link under 'Company Details' for a listing of the company's Primary and Secondary NAICs and SIC Codes.
- If your company is not listed in the database, consider searching by another company in the same industry and using the primary code given.
LEXIS-NEXIS Academic Universe
- From L-N's front page, click on the 'Business' category on the left tool-bar.
- On the next screen, click on the link to 'Company Profiles'.
- Type your company name in the first dialogue box.
- Choose public or private companies from the source list pull-down menu.
- Choose a date or a year.
Many of the sources listed in 'Company Profiles' within the Lexis-Nexis database will give you your company's Primary SIC or NAICS Code. See Hoover's, Disclosure, & S&P Register.
You may also search for an industry code using the online manuals (searched by description versus company name):
Standard Industrial Classification System Search (OSHA)
North American Industry Classification System (U.S. Census Bureau)
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Last Updated: 7/12/07 DLH
