We source US industry data from the US Census Bureau and industry-specific sources. When our team of analysts updates a report, we use the latest available data from each source.

Data from the US Census Bureau provides a foundation on which analysts can build their research.

The primary survey from the US Census Bureau is the Economic Census, which occurs once every five years (in years ending in 2 and 7). Analysts start their research with economic census data on an industry’s revenue, wages, and the number of firms and employees. You can find this data in the Industry Data table in the Key Statistics chapter of Industry Reports. The Industry Data table is the basis for many charts found throughout reports, including Performance Snapshots, Business Concentration, Cost Structure Benchmarks and International Trade charts.

We forecast the figures after the current year in the Industry Data table and related charts using our proprietary Forecasting Methodology.

Analysts also use the following catch-all US Census Bureau surveys to cover data not included in the Economic Census.

We use sector- and industry-specific sources for data not covered by catch-all sources.

We source data for the Key Statistics and Industry Performance chapters from the following sources:

We source revenue/sales and financial data from the following sources:

Starting in 2024, these surveys (ASM, AWTS, ARTS and SAS) will be integrated into the Annual Integrated Economic Survey (AIES), with the new survey becoming available in 2025.

Aside from the US Census Bureau, we use industry and trade associations for insights on current issues and trends (e.g., regulation and taxation), collecting statistics on production values, and market and product segmentation.

Additionally, we use the following sources for more granular annual data and industry-specific information:

To enhance the depth and relevance of our reports, we analyze financial statements and media releases from major companies operating within the industries we cover. This data provides valuable real-time perspectives on company strategies, market dynamics and industry trends.

The US Census Bureau’s Economic Census occurs once every five years. To estimate the data in the years not covered by the Census, we employ a variety of methods depending on the industry, type of data and availability of data.

Some methods used by our analysts rely on Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR), Business Environment Driver (BED) growth rates, growth rates of sub-industries, growth rates of major companies and industry ratios.

Unreported Key Statistics data such as revenue, establishments, enterprises, employment and wages can be estimated in several ways, including using Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR).

The US Census Bureau only provides revenue data for this industry for Census years (i.e., 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017). To estimate revenue for the years not covered by the Census, we calculate the percentage of revenue that accrues to wages during the Census years. Then, we apply a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to estimate how this wage percentage changes over time. Once we have this estimated wage share, we can use the actual wage expenses each year (sourced from the Statistics of U.S. Businesses [SUSB]) to calculate total industry revenue by dividing wage expenses by the estimated wage share. This approach is commonly used across the construction sector.

Our analysts apply BED growth rates to the latest reported data to estimate recent unreported figures. Business Environment Drivers are external factors that influence the performance, growth and profitability of industries. These drivers can include economic indicators, demographic trends and market-specific variables that provide valuable insight for forecasting industry trends.

The US Census provides market segmentation data for the construction industry for the years 2002, 2007 and 2012. To estimate more recent trends, analysts use various Business Environment Driver (BED) growth rates specific to different market segments within the Construction sector.

For residential construction markets, analysts apply the growth rates of the Value of Residential Construction (b221) to the 2012 data to estimate more current figures. In the industrial construction market, the Industrial Production Index (b106) is used to project growth. The municipal construction market is estimated using the growth rates of Local and State Government Investment (b222). For nonbuilding construction markets, analysts apply the growth rates of the Value of Private Nonresidential Construction (b223).

This meticulous approach ensures that each sub-market within the construction industry is analyzed using the most relevant economic indicators, providing more accurate and granular forecasts. By leveraging these targeted BED growth rates, analysts can generate robust and well-founded estimates, even in the absence of more recent Census data.

When estimating unreported data with this method, IBISWorld analysts use the 6-digit NAICs codes, or sub-industries, that the broader 5-digit NAICS code is comprised of. Analysts apply the growth rates of the 6-digit NAICS codes to granular segments (e.g., product lines) to estimate data for the broader 5-digit NAICS code.

The US Census provides annual product segmentation data for this industry until 2017. To estimate product-level data post-2017, we use the product segmentation data for the two 6-digit NAICS codes that this industry is comprised of: 333111 and 333112. We apply the growth rates of the 6-digit NAICS codes to their respective product lines to estimate the product segmentation data of the overarching 5-digit NAICS code (33311).

Analysts sometimes use the revenue growth rates of major companies to estimate unreported data, particularly in industries where a few companies dominate the market. By examining the performance of these key players, analysts can make educated assumptions about the industry's overall growth. This method can be especially useful when up-to-date or detailed data for the entire industry is not available.

In the Video Conferencing Software industry, the top 5 companies account for more than 80.0% of the market. Due to this concentration, the financial performance of these major players significantly influences the industry as a whole. By analyzing the recent annual and quarterly reports of these leading companies, analysts can gain insight into the overall market dynamics.

For instance, if these top companies reported an average revenue growth of 5% over the past year, analysts might extrapolate this growth rate to estimate the industry's performance. This approach allows analysts to produce more accurate and timely estimates, even when comprehensive industry-wide data is not readily available.

Such an estimation method provides a pragmatic way to understand market trends, making it a valuable tool in the absence of complete data sets. However, analysts must consider any significant anomalies or external factors affecting the major companies to ensure their estimates are as accurate as possible.

Analysts apply industry ratios of parent industries to estimate specific Key Statistics figures.

For any additional questions regarding IBISWorld’s US data sources, please reach out to your Client Relationship Manager. If you’re not an IBISWorld member, please contact us to learn more about our membership options.