Research Guides: BBA 204 Prof. Doyran: Public or Private?

Public or Private; Ticker Symbol: Where to Find Out

A quick search in Hoover's database will give you information on whether a company is public or private, and the Ticker Symbol (which can help you search databases by entering Ticker Symbol.)

Hoover's Database
Enter Company Name in "Companies" dropdown option in the search bar at the top right of the landing page..

Start with these Questions

Public Company?

Traded on the exchanges
Required to provide ongoing detailed information in filings made with the Securities & Exchange CommissionPrivate Company

Private Company?

Owned by a closed group
Not required to release information and can be more challenging to research
Can range from small businesses to large well-known companies (Hallmark Cards and Mars Candy, for example).

Affiliated with Another Company?

Linked or related to larger firms
Several are household names but are difficult to research until one establishes its relationship to the larger company

Source: Baruch College, Newman Library, Subject Guide http://guides.newman.baruch.cuny.edu/content.php?pid=67719&sid=564563