International Business Machines Corporation&nbsp;Business Reports

Search, Detection, Navigation & Guidance System Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US search, detection, and navigation equipment manufacturing industry includes about 500 companies with combined annual revenue of about $50 billion. Major companies include FLIR Systems and the US operations of Japan's Furuno and the US operations of Switzerland's Garmin. Divisions of large integrated companies such as Boeing, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon also manufacture search, detection, and navigation equipment, primarily for national security and defense applications. The industry is highly concentrated: the largest eight companies account for about 75 percent of revenue; the largest 50 account for about 95 percent.

SIC: 3663, 3812

NAICS: 334511, 334220

Sample Questions & Answers

How dependent is the company on government contracts?

The Departments of Defense and Homeland Security use navigation, search, and detection systems extensively. Government purchases account for a large percentage of industry revenues. Major changes in agency budgets can significantly impact the...

How is the company driving product innovation?

Search, detection, and navigation equipment companies compete in both commercial and government markets based on product innovation. Some companies spend as much as 10 percent of revenue on new technology developments. The rapidity of innovation...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Search, Detection, Navigation & Guidance System Manufacturing Industry Report

Information Technology Services Industry Report

Overview

The US information technology (IT) services industry includes about 100,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $290 billion. Major companies include Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Unisys, and the technology consulting arms of IBM and Hewlett-Packard. The computer facilities management segment of the industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 80 percent of revenue. The rest of the industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 50 percent of revenue.

SIC: 7376, 7373, 7371, 7379

NAICS: 541511, 541512, 541513, 541519

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage shifts in corporate technology spending?

Because spending for IT services comes mainly from corporation upgrades, much of it can be postponed during economic downturns. A large percentage of annual US capital investment is computer-related, exposing IT spending to economic cycles

How vulnerable is the company to nontraditional competition?

As computer and communication hardware and software become commodity-type products with lower margins, their manufacturers are providing more integration and maintenance services, in competition with traditional IT companies. Often manufacturers,...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Information Technology Services Industry Report

Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US machinery manufacturing industry includes more than 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $315 billion. Major companies include Applied Materials, Baker Hughes, Carrier, Caterpillar, Deere, Kennametal, and divisions of General Electric. The industry, which is fragmented overall, is made up of numerous segments that are concentrated.

SIC: 3569, 3578, 3581, 3582, 3586, 3589, 3593, 3594, 3596, 3827, 3861, 3568, 3567, 3566, 3563, 3564, 3565, 3561, 3559, 3556, 3555, 3554, 3553, 3552, 3433, 3443, 3511, 3519, 3523, 3524, 3531, 3532, 3533, 3535, 3537, 3541, 3542, 3544, 3545, 3546, 3547, 3548, 3549

NAICS: 333298, 333311, 333312, 333313, 333314, 333315, 333319, 333411, 333412, 333414, 333415, 333511, 333512, 333513, 333514, 333515, 333516, 333518, 333611, 333612, 333613, 333618, 333911, 333912, 333913, 333921, 333922, 333923, 333924, 333991, 333992, 333993, 333994, 333995, 333996, 333997, 333999, 333295, 333294, 333293, 333220, 333291, 333292, 333210, 333132, 333131, 333120, 333112, 333111

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company respond to shifting demand?

Demand for machinery can drop rapidly during periods of slow or declining economic growth. Limited availability of credit tends to hinder machinery sales. Because of the large international trade in machinery, US producers are also affected by...

How successful is the company at differentiating its products from foreign competition?

Machinery imports account for about 40 percent of the US market. China, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Mexico are major sources of imports. Imports of machinery components such as pumps and compressors from China have grown significantly.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report

Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The computer peripheral equipment manufacturing industry in the US includes about 650 companies with combined annual revenue of about $9 billion. Major companies include Lexmark (printers), Logitech (based in Switzerland, producer of keyboards, mice, and peripherals), and divisions of larger manufacturers such as NCR and Diebold (point of sale equipment and ATMs). Peripheral equipment is also produced by large computer and electronics manufacturers such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 80 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3577

NAICS: 334119

Sample Questions & Answers

How do changes in technology impact the company?

The industry is characterized by rapid shifts in technology. The life cycle of new products can be very short, and existing products are continually updated and enhanced, which requires companies to operate in a perpetual state of R&D. As the market...

What are the key drivers of demand for the company's products?

The industry is dependent on the health of the overall economy because demand is driven by business capital spending, consumer spending, and sales to computer manufacturers. Tight credit markets, like those experienced in the late-2000s recession,...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Computer Software Industry Report

Overview

The US computer software industry involves about 60,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $240 billion. About 60 percent of industry revenue comes from software publishing; custom programming accounts for the remainder. Large companies include Adobe Systems, CA, Microsoft, Oracle, and Symantec. The US packaged software segment is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 70 percent of revenue. The US custom programming segment is highly fragmented.

SIC: 7372

NAICS: 511210

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage shifts in customer technology spending?

Demand for specific types of software depends on different end-user trends, but overall demand follows corporate and consumer spending on computers. Recessionary trends such as budget cuts and reduced access to credit result in declining computer...

How is the company addressing the shortened shelf-life of products?

Because of the rapid development of new products and technologies, software has a relatively short shelf-life. Although software may be in general use for many years, the effective sales period is short. Failure to develop new products or delays in...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Computer Software Industry Report

Computer Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US computer manufacturing industry includes about 1,200 companies with combined annual revenue of about $75 billion. Major companies include Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM. The industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 companies generate about 90 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3575, 3572, 3571

NAICS: 334111, 334113, 334112

Sample Questions & Answers

What level of US and global demand does the company expect for its products in the next year?

Sales of computer equipment depend on rising consumer income and corporate profits. Although consumers and businesses typically replace computers every few years, they can easily delay doing so if finances are weak. While sales of computers tend to...

What product price changes does the company anticipate in the next year?

Demand for computers and peripheral equipment is related to steadily lower prices. Without continuing price declines, the market would probably shrink. In the last decade, manufacturer prices have dropped 50 percent overall.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Computer Manufacturing Industry Report

Printing Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Overview

The US printing machinery and equipment manufacturing industry includes about 400 companies with combined annual revenue of about $3 billion. Major companies include Canon USA, Goss International, Hewlett-Packard, Presstek, and Xerox. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 70 percent of revenue.

SIC: 3555

NAICS: 333293

Sample Questions & Answers

What digital products does the company offer?

Digital technologies are changing the printing industry. Digital printers continue to increase in speed and print quality and are replacing traditional printing equipment in many applications. Digital printers provide print shops greater flexibility...

How has online advertising affected demand for the company's products?

Advertising represents the single largest source of print business, so printing equipment manufacturers are directly impacted by changes in advertising. The print sector of the ad industry has been steadily losing market share to online advertising.

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Printing Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing Industry Report

Professional Services Sector Industry Report

Overview

The US professional services industry includes about 770,000 firms with combined annual revenue of more than $1 trillion. Major firms include Booz Allen Hamilton, Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Gensler, IBM, Jacobs Engineering Group, Omnicom, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest firms account for less than 20 percent of revenue.

SIC: 8743, 8999, 0781, 0741, 7335, 4731, 5199, 6541, 7221, 7291, 7311, 7312, 7313, 7319, 7331, 8742, 7336, 7361, 7371, 7373, 7376, 7379, 7389, 7819, 8111, 8711, 8712, 8713, 8721, 8731, 8732, 8734, 8741

NAICS: 541940, 541990, 541110, 541120, 541191, 541199, 541211, 541213, 541214, 541219, 541310, 541430, 541490, 541511, 541512, 541513, 541519, 541611, 541612, 541613, 541614, 541618, 541620, 541690, 541711, 541712, 541720, 541810, 541820, 541830, 541840, 541850, 541860, 541870, 541890, 541910, 541921, 541922, 541930, 541320, 541330, 541340, 541350, 541360, 541370, 541380, 541410, 541420

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the firm adapt to lower demand during economic slowdowns?

Many corporate customers cut outside expenses or delay major projects when profits are low. The revenue of many professional firms dropped during the late 2000s recession; particularly hard-hit were advertising, engineering, and IT services firms.

How does the firm mitigate the risk that customers will sue?

Because of the greater involvement of professional firms in the operations of corporate customers, firms face greater risk of blame or liability if their advice proves faulty. Customers are quicker to blame advisers, and regulators are more likely to...

To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.

General Report Description

Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.

Sections Included in Report

Industry Overview
Quarterly Industry Update
Business Challenges
Trends and Opportunities
Call Preparation Questions
Financial Information
Industry Forecast
Website and Media Links
Glossary of Acronyms

Industry Report Highlights:

Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.
Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.

Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.
Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.
Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.
Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.

Professional Services Sector Industry Report