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D&B Ratios - Business Library - UWO

Dun and Bradstreet's Industry Norms and Ratios

Dun & Bradstreet's Industry Norms and Ratios database provides financial information and ratios for industries in Canada. The data are based on the compilation and analysis of more than 55,000 public and private companies from approximately  800 different lines of business.

The Business Library has copies of 3 editions of this database. Please read the list below for the dates of coverage, points of access, and help guides for using the products.

An online version is accessible through our connection with the University of Toronto CHASS Data Centre. The latest data available are from 2002 to 2006. For access click here. UWO proxy access is required.

2002-2007 data are also available on CD-Rom. Patrons can borrow the CD-Rom to use on one of the designated workstations in the Business Library. A guide to using this software is available here and a paper copy can be requested along with the CD-Rom.

1995-1999 data are also available on one of the stand-alone workstations in the Business Library. An older version of software was used for that date range. Click here for a copy of the guide to using the product.

1989-1993 data are available on microfiche.  HF5691.B73 2002.

1964 to 1990 data are in paper format.  HD2809.K48 (2 vols.)

1948 to 1964 data for these years are available from another source: Manual of performance ratios for business analysis and profit evaluation by Leo Troy.
HF5681.R25T76

Dun & Bradstreet
Canadian Industry Norms & Key Business Ratios
(1995-1999)

This guide is meant to assist first time users of the product. Although the programme is user friendly please note that not all SIC categories are available. As well, the product is not properly configured to print to the printer attached to the computer, so users have to export to disk.

Getting Started:

  • The programme is loaded on the Compustat machine. Users may have to reserve a time to use this computer. Please ask staff where this station is located.
  • Double click on the "D&B Ratios 1995 to 1999" icon.
  • Press any key to continue.
Searching:
  • Enter the SIC code at the top of the first screen or press F3 to retrieve a list of codes.
  • Scroll through the list and choose the appropriate industry classification.
Viewing Search Results:
  • Choose from the list of company groupings - by asset range.
  • The "Data Output Selection" screen appears.
  • To view results choose (1)  Display screen.
  • A list of commands/options appears across the bottom of the screen:
- view other industry data (press F4 for Liabilities, F5 for ratios)
- change asset range (F8)
- select another SIC (F2)
- export (F6 print, F7 electronic spreadsheet)
- end (F10)

Exporting Data:

  • Users can either export from the "Data Output Selection" screen or from the "Display Screen".
  • The report generated will include all data for the chosen industry and asset category --- assets, liabilities, ratios.
  • To print to disk (F6 from the Display Screen or (2) from the Data Output Selection Screen.)
- Type A. Since this product does not print properly, users must print to a file.
- Insert a filename (ex. A:\inrpc). The file created is a text file that can be read in Word or
WordPerfect. The data will appear in the same table format as the screen display.
  • Press F7 or choose (3) from the Display Screen to create a Lotus 1-2-3 electronic spreadsheet.
Exiting the Programme:
  • Press F10 to exit.