Industry Research - What do you use?

Fellow Monkeys, what do you use for industry research? Free or not. IBIS, firstresearch, bloomberg, CapIQ, freedonia?

I've seen a few IBIS reports that were pretty well put together. I've heard a license for them can be expensive though. Anyone know what a typical corporate license would cost? The others mentioned never seem to have anything substantial.

Our group has had a few industry research providers that were garbage. Just wondering what else is out there and at what cost. Appreciate the insight.

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These news sources typically don't have a holistic view on an industry. They write more directly about what impacts the topic of the article, as in very specific facts and details. They never seem to have overarching views on an industry. I'm looking more for forward looking industry trends, KPI's to follow, major players, what affects various trends, etc.

 

Bloomberg at work or the hotel room (the latter of which is more likely than the former these days), CapIQ at home. Bloomberg is obviously provided by the firm but CapIQ runs me about $20k per annum.

Edit: not sure why this comment got posted where it did as opposed to a general reply in the thread

 

Thank you. There is one thing that really confuses me: if someone ER analysts don't know what the products are exactly, how are they going to contribute real research?

Persistency is Key
 

Honestly, read the newspaper every day. Even if you find nice and concise summaries somewhere, they will be someone's opinion.

If you just want a quick overview, you can read Market Insight S&P reports. I think they require paid subscription (nobody wants to give info for free).

 

Read as many industry reports as you can get your hands on - most of the BB's issue industry updates as a complement to their equity research. If you're still in school, most universities have subscriptions to databases such as IBISWorld or First Research - some even offer access to Thomson Banker, in which case you might be able to get your hands on some of those industry updates I mentioned above.

Another great way to learn about an industry is to know the industry's top players inside and out - read 10K's/Annual Reports. If you're interested in aerospace/transportation, start with large companies like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, as well as the major global airlines.

The absolute best way though, but unfortunately also the least accessible - network/meet with someone who works in the industry.

 

If you use the search function (see the WSO logo up top), you will find a wealth of information on energy and where to learn about energy AND where to learn about anything in general.

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