Industry

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Industry'

A classification that refers to a group of companies that are related in terms of their primary business activities. In modern economies, there are dozens of different industry classifications, which are typically grouped into larger categories called sectors.  

Individual companies are generally classified into industries based on their largest sources of revenue. For example, an automobile manufacturer might have a small financing division that contributes 10% to overall revenues, but the company will still be universally classified as an auto maker for attribution purposes.  
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Industry'

Industries are often studied by investors and economists to better understand the factors and limitations to corporate profit growth. Companies operating in the same industry can also be compared to each other to evaluate the relative attractiveness of a company within that industry. Stocks within the same industry often rise and fall as a group because the same overlying factors exist for all members.  

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (developed by the United States, Canada and Mexico) is widely used by investors to classify companies. In the NAICS hierarchy, companies that use similar production processes are categorized in the same industry.

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Articles Of Interest

  1. Industry Handbook

    In this feature, we take an in-depth look at the various techniques that determine the value and investment quality of companies from an industry perspective.
  2. Giants of Finance: Charles Dow

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  3. ETFs For Sector Rotation Strategies

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  4. GICS Vs. ICB: Competing Systems For Classifying Stocks

    Global Industry Classification Standards and the Industrial Classification Benchmark separate stocks into sectors.
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    Find out how this method can be applied strategically to increase profit.
  6. Where Top Down Meets Bottoms Up

    Find the investing "sweet spot" by combining these two styles.
  7. Introduction To Fundamental Analysis

    Learn this easy-to-understand technique of analyzing a company's financial statements and reports.
  8. P/E Ratio: Using The P/E Ratio

    Find out what the "multiple" of your stock is.
  9. What is the difference between an industry and a sector?

  10. Should You Invest Your Entire Portfolio In Stocks?

    It is true that stocks outperform bonds and cash in the long run, but that statistic doesn't tell the whole story.

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