How do I analyze a company's value chain?
Answer
In IBISWorld the "About this Industry" tab presents "The Supply Chain" which links to other IBISWorld reports listing Key Economic Drivers, Supply Industries and Demand Industries. These provide information about the various inputs and outputs of the value chain.
Each S&P Industry Survey has a section "How the Industry Operates". This provides some information about the value chain for the industry as well. Once you have an understanding of the value chain for the industry as a whole, you can then look at the ways in which a specific company approaches the value chain.
The company's 10-K will open with a detailed description of the business. There is also a section, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in which components of the value chain may be discussed. Some of this may also be discussed in the company's annual report to shareholders. In order to find the Annual Report to Shareholders, go to the company's investor relations section of their website. ( Google [Company Name] Investor Relations and it should be the top result.)
For specific aspects of a company's value chain, article databases such as ABI/Inform and Business Source Elite may be consulted for specific components you identify in the company's value chain.
If you need further help, contact a librarian.