Identify the following:

a. Trends and issues in the industry

b. Opportunities and/or problems that might arise in the industry in the next five years

c. Major competitors within the industry (These companies are your potential employers.)

Standard & Poor’s Industry Surveys, designed for investors, provides insight into various industries and the companies that compete within those industries. The “Basic Analysis”
section gives overviews of industry trends and issues. The other sections define some basic industry terms, report the latest revenues and earnings of more than 1,000 companies, and occasionally list major reference books and trade associations.