Report: Evaluation of a company.

Choosing a Company

Establishing a good foundation

for papers 2, 3, and 4

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Paper #2 is a long paper, but it’s also the first of your major papers

Papers #2, 3, and 4 will all (potentially) draw on the same company

It’s not required, but it will make life easier…

First things first…

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The goal for paper #2: Choose a company for Tech-Shield to invest in

Tech-Shield’s industry isn’t specified, so go ahead and make one up

There’s a wide spectrum for investment

All positions are available—even a no position!

First things first…



The goal for paper #2: Choose a company for Tech-Shield to invest in

Tech-Shield’s industry isn’t specified, so go ahead and make one up

There’s a wide spectrum for investment

All positions are available—even a no position!

First things first…



The goal for paper #2: Choose a company for Tech-Shield to invest in

Tech-Shield’s industry isn’t specified, so go ahead and make one up

There’s a wide spectrum for investment

All positions are available—even a no position!

First things first…

Do NOT invest!

Yes, definitely invest

Invest with caution

Avoid for now, reevaluate later

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Large vs. small

Public vs. private

Domestic vs. international

Other options

Choosing a Company

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Large vs. Small

Pro: Large

Easier to find information

Greater public recognition

More independent data

Many avenues or approaches

Subsidiaries, etc.

Pro: Small

Unique avenues for investment

Companies you may find more of a connection to

Easier to work with a company you feel an affinity for

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Large vs. Small

Con: Large

Easier to become overwhelmed

Too much data

Too many options

Harder to navigate

Potentially harder to find reputable info

A glut of sources ≠ a glut of good sources

Con: Small

Potentially harder to find relevant info

Especially independent (not company-based) data

Potentially harder to find enough information

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Bottom line:

Choosing a large company means staying focused

Decide what’s essential, what isn’t, and how to quickly and effectively distinguish between the two

Choosing a small company means being persistent

Know what information you need and be resourceful in looking for it

Large vs. Small

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Needed information on public companies is far more accessible

What you consider “necessary” information for determining investment potential may vary, though

A private company may still prove manageable

It’s just going to take a little more resourcefulness

Public vs. Private

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Both US- and internationally-based companies are open for consideration

If you select an internationally-based company:

Provide USD equivalents for financial data

Provide an appendix with any materials that required translation

Be aware that available financial data may vary by region

Domestic vs. International

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Non-profit companies are open for discussion

It may take some additional steps or extra consideration, but they are absolutely open

Financial and insurance firms are also open

While perhaps not as glamorous, these firms do have a wealth of data available for your consideration

Other Options

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Dr. Beehler has provided a list of companies that are “no-go” companies

There are a few reasons why a company gets listed:

Restricted to workshop TAs

Problematic for one reason or another

TA fatigue

The current no-go list is on the next slide

No-go Companies

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No-go Companies

Course List

McDonald’s

RedBull

Apple

UnderArmour

Netflix

Google

Nike

Starbucks

Section List

Costco

Tesla

Use with Caution List

Disney

PepsiCo

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Beware biased sources

It is possible to be critical without being biased, but…

Make sure that your sources support claims made and don’t fall victim to logical fallacies

Cite diligently and thoroughly

Cite your supporting material in MLA format

Direct quotes, paraphrasings, and summaries

Material from your own papers (this class or others)

Pitfalls to Avoid

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Procrastination leads to disaster

It’s worth taking time to scout potential companies for availability of information early on

Waiting and choosing a company at the last minute can potentially prove disastrous

Don’t be afraid to change horses midstream, though

If your company is proving to be a disaster in terms of research potential, cut your losses

Come talk to me in office hours—we can talk about taking a new approach

Pitfalls to Avoid

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Never fear! There is still time to deliberate!

We’ve started a little early, so you have a little extra time to think.

Start by considering what surrounds you:

What companies do you admire?

Who would you like to work for?

What brands do you tend to use/wear/consume?

Begin with research and move from there

Feeling Stuck?

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