Pacific Coast Banking School
Industry Intelligence For Bankers
Successful bankers use Vertical IQ to better understand a prospect’s or client’s business challenges before, during, and after engagement meetings. Covering more than 97% of the US Economy, Vertical IQ equips users with the confidence and credibility to make memorable first impressions and sustain enduring relationships.
Vertical IQ helps across many different departments and teams within the bank enterprise.
As a Pacific Coast Banking School student, new customers of Vertical IQ, will receive a 10% discount* on the following subscription offerings:
- Individual Profile Purchases
- Individual Annual Subscription Purchases
- Enterprise Annual Subscription Purchases
*To receive the 10% discount a contract must be signed by 12/31/2023.
Questions About Vertical IQ?
919 787 4600
info@verticaliq.com
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Sector Profiles
THE PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO OUR INDUSTRY PROFILES
Learn about the bigger picture of industry verticals in the U.S. with the robust macroeconomic insights found in our Sector Profiles.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC CHAPTERS
Get the big picture in chapters found only on our Sector Profiles.
SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE
Talk the talk with Executive Talking Points that get the conversation started.
INFORMED BUSINESS STRATEGIES
Explore the broader landscape of your own sector or one you sell to.
CUSTOM CHAPTERS FOR TAILORED ADVICE
Sector-Specific Chapters
We’re taking macro-analysis to the next level with our expertly researched and compiled sector-specific chapters.
- Geographic Breakdown provides a state-by-state look at the number of businesses operating within that sector, including an interactive map.
- Technology Investment offers a deeper dive into the technologies that are vital to the sector's success.
- Sector Indicators & Drivers uses API technology to feed in a host of relevant charts and data points on trends for orders, shipments, inventory, and more.
RELATE TO C-SUITE LEADERS
Speak Their Language
The Executive Talking Points chapter of each Sector Profile breaks down key talking points and questions by C-suite role.
- Review top-level sector-focused issues and corresponding insights, as well as questions tailored to each executive's role.
- Learn to speak knowledgeably when conversing with clients and prospects.
- Valuable to banks, tech firms, accountants, advisors, startups -- really any company that works in the B2B space.
UNDERSTAND THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inform Your Business Strategies
With Sector Profiles for Construction, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and more, you have access to the macro-level insights you need to make smarter decisions for your business.
- Get a handle on industry sectors that might be prime prospecting targets for your business based on their ordering, inventory, and shipping data.
- Quickly get up to speed with targeted conversation-starter questions for C-suite executives.
- Learn about the competitive landscape within your state (or one you're considering for expansion) for your own industry sector.
GET THE BROADER PERSPECTIVE YOU NEED
Sector Profiles provide you a helpful 40,000-foot vantage point of your client's or prospect's industry...or your own!
The robust information within our Sector Profiles takes Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence to a higher level. Use it to boost your knowledge of key drivers impacting U.S. industries at the macro-level.
Global Perspective
WIDEN THE LENS FOR A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Gain the knowledge to discuss global impacts within a business owner's industry, and advise them on the potential for international expansion.
EXPLORE THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
Learn critical information about industries with a large international presence.
PROVIDE SAGE GUIDANCE
Discuss global impacts within a business owner's industry to inform supply chain and expansion decisions.
INFORM BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
Examine industries ripe for international growth or headed for market contraction.
THE WORLD IS GETTING SMALLER
Explore the Global Landscape
Take a step onto the international stage. With Global Perspective from Vertical IQ, you can learn about how industries such as manufacturing, wholesale, and others are performing globally.
- Examine a list of major global companies impacting the industry.
- Review insights into worldwide demand through import/export trends over the past several years.
- Analyze a breakdown of total imports and exports between the U.S. and other countries.
BECOME A MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ADVISOR
Provide Sage Guidance to Clients
For most business owners, knowledge is power. Become their go-to source for data-driven advice on international growth, as well as the potential liabilities of a global footprint.
- Offer insights into potential expansion opportunities your client is considering.
- Share information on how global supply chains could impact a client's business.
- Enjoy the same easy-to-digest format you've come to expect from Vertical IQ.
AN EVER-CHANGING GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
Inform Your Business Development Strategies
Gaining an understanding of how certain industries are faring within the world’s economy can benefit your clients, but it also can be valuable for your own organization.
- Discern which industries might be prime prospecting targets based on import/export data.
- Study how supply chain issues negatively impact certain industries to make more educated prospecting decisions.
THE WORLD AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Add value, cultivate trust, and generate opportunities with Global Perspective.
Today, the world’s economies are more interconnected than ever. Use Global Perspective to understand imports and exports, as well as international supply chains, and be ready to add value before, during, and after prospect or client calls.
Industry News
NEWS YOU & YOUR CLIENT CAN USE
The articles in the News section are timely and relevant, keeping you and your client informed of important current events.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
Boost your understanding of the latest trends and events occurring within an industry.
MORE TIMELY PRESENTATIONS
Incorporate current events into your presentations to showcase your expertise.
SHARE WITH CLIENTS
Print and share relevant articles with clients and prospects to stay in touch.
HAVE YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE!
Stay Up-to-Date on Current Events
Having Industry Intelligence about a niche means seeking out information on the latest news and trends occurring across the country and around the world. Our curated News section keeps you in the know.
- Find inks to articles categorized by News, Analysis, Insights, or Regulatory topics.
- Includes articles from both national news organizations and local papers, as well as trade publications.
- Peruse the most recent news articles to learn about the latest happenings within the industry.
GRAB THEIR ATTENTION
Develop More Timely Presentations
A personalized presentation is a better presentation. Incorporate an industry-specific news article or hot topic into your pitch deck, connect it to your solutions, and you’re sure to not only grab their attention but keep it!
- Take a screenshot of a news article and embed it into your slide deck or copy/paste the text (with proper attribution).
- Start a conversation about how this industry news relates to the client's or prospect's business.
BECOME A TRUSTED SOURCE FOR INDUSTRY NEWS
Share Industry Articles with Clients & Prospects
Busy business owners don’t have time to cull through newspapers, magazines, or trade journals for news that is relevant to their industry. When you use the News section, this timely, shareable content is just a click away.
- Print a relevant article, highlight a pertinent point, staple your business card to it, and use it as a value-added leave-behind.
- Need a way to stay connected to a prospect or reconnect with a client? Print an article and drop it in the mail with a note that you'll follow up to discuss the topic.
- Share an article across your social media to be seen as a thought leader and engage with clients and prospects.
YOUR GO-TO SOURCE FOR INDUSTRY NEWS
Boost your Industry Intelligence by staying abreast of the latest industry news.
The News section of each Industry Profile makes it quick and simple! Use industry-specific articles as conversation-starters, touchpoints, and more to build your reputation as a value-added advisor.
Mobile App
YOUR SMARTPHONE JUST GOT SMARTER
When you download our mobile app, you gain easy access to all Industry Profiles, each complete with the most popular chapters and a Big Picture video.
GETTING STARTED IS EASY
Download from the iPhone App Store or Google Play Store in a snap.
QUICKLY FIND AN INDUSTRY
The app’s user-friendly interface makes finding an industry simple.
BECOME INDUSTRY SAVVY IN MINUTES
An ideal call prep solution for when you’re on the road or pressed for time.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
Getting started is easy.
You’re just three steps away from offering clients incredible industry advice by downloading our easy-to-use Vertical IQ mobile app.
- Open the camera app on your Apple or Android smartphone.
- Focus the camera on the appropriate QR code by gently tapping the code on your phone’s screen.
- Follow the instructions on your phone to complete the app download and sign in. Voila!
THE POWER OF VERTICAL IQ...ON YOUR PHONE
Quickly Find an Industry.
The Vertical IQ app gives you access to all of our Industry Profiles, plus easy-to-navigate search capabilities.
- Search by industry name, category, or NAICS/SIC code.
- Each Industry Profile features our most popular chapters plus a Big Picture video.
- Save your favorite industries for even quicker access.
THE IDEAL ON-THE-GO SOLUTION
Become Industry Savvy in Minutes.
We know that sometimes call preparation doesn’t happen until you’re in the client or prospect’s parking lot! With the Vertical IQ mobile app, you’ll sound like an industry expert even when you’re short on time.
- The Big Picture Video gives you a high-level overview of the industry in just 2 to 3 minutes.
- Be prepared with key facts and enhance your conversations using our popular Call Prep Questions.
- Learn about how firms operate, as well as important industry trends and risks.
- Get the latest details on working capital and capital financing.
INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE TO-GO
Your smartphone-based solution for on-the-fly meeting preparation when time is tight.
Vertical IQ’s mobile app is the anywhere, anytime way to access and consume Vertical IQ Industry Intelligence to win, grow, and retain more business.
Related Resources
Training Sessions
Training opportunities can now be found in our Resource Center under the "Training - Upcoming" section.
Industry Brief
ON-THE-GO INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE
The Industry Credit and Risk Brief is an easy-to-print resource that provides the information you need for call preparation and credit underwriting.
RISK RATING & METRICS
View the overall health of the industry with our proprietary Industry Risk Rating, then examine the latest metrics and underwriting.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Start a better conversation using Call Prep Questions and Industry Risks, plus get an overview of the niche in the Industry Summary.
A CREDIT UNDERWRITING TIME-SAVER
Industry Risk Rating, Key Metrics & Underwriting Considerations
Our team of seasoned credit experts does the heavy-lifting for you with our proprietary Industry Risk Rating, plus Key Metrics and Underwriting Considerations that can impact credit decisions. It’s like having an experienced commercial lender always at your side!
- Industry Risk Ratings are formulated using artificial intelligence and an advanced algorithm based on key “sub-category” ratings, factoring in financial risk, exit rates, industry performance during downturns, barriers to entry, and the industry’s outlook.
- Key Metrics shines a light on the industry’s position within the overall economy.
- Underwriting Considerations provides guidance on issues that may warrant additional scrutiny.
HAVE BETTER CONVERSATIONS
Call Preparation Questions, Industry Risk & Industry Summary
Get your client or prospect talking by initiating industry-focused conversations. Use the Call Prep Questions, and then discuss how Industry Risks and key issues from the Industry Summary are impacting their business.
- Three industry-specific Call Prep Questions will jump-start your tailored discussion.
- Industry Risks offers a look at common challenges in the industry, with links to more in-depth information if needed.
- The Industry Summary provides a concise overview of the size and structure of the niche.
AN OBJECTIVE LOOK
Financial Comparision Toolkit
Where does your client or prospect stand in relation to other businesses in their industry? Our Financial Comparison Toolkit, a custom analytics calculator, helps you weigh the data.
- Input the numbers to compare your client’s key financial metrics to industry averages.
- Explore metrics like gross and operating profit margins, current ratios, and leverage.
- Add in your own comments or analysis and then download the data with just a click.
“BRIEF” DOESN’T MEAN CHINTZY
Get robust Industry Intelligence in a concise package with our Industry Credit and Risk Brief.
Every Industry Profile includes an easy-to-print Industry Brief for when time is tight but you still need the very latest Industry Intelligence. It’s an efficient time-saver with the critical information you need at your fingertips to build trust and win deals.
Related Resources
Technology and Applications
INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE, YOUR WAY
Whether it’s quickly generating an industry-focused presentation, or accessing Industry Intelligence on the road, we have a technology solution to meet your needs.
API INTEGRATION
Our API makes it simple to seamlessly pull our Industry Intelligence into your company’s platforms or websites.
CUSTOMIZED CONTENT
Surface industry content into sales and marketing pieces, training materials, or credit documents with just a click.
MOBILE APPLICATION
Offers on-the-go access to all Industry Profiles, each with the 10 most popular chapters and a Big Picture video.
INTEGRATE VERTICAL IQ CONTENT WITH EASE
API Integration
Vertical IQ Data Access is an application programming interface (API) that makes it easy for customers to access specific content from Vertical IQ’s Industry Profiles directly within the systems where they already work.
- Pull Vertical IQ’s industry content into your company’s applications, such as Salesforce.com, or onto your intranet or website.
- Automate access to the most up-to-date content from Vertical IQ, and be assured of continuity of access as new industry content is available.
A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE
Customized Content
With just a click, take internal and external communication pieces to the next level when you incorporate Industry Intelligence.
- Effortlessly add the latest industry information into sales and marketing pieces for clients or prospects.
- Improve training materials for employees when you merge with industry-focused content.
- Boost the caliber of credit documents by incorporating current industry data.
ON-THE-GO INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE
Mobile Application
Offer clients industry-specific advice by downloading our easy-to-use Vertical IQ app today. You’ll gain access to condensed versions of all Vertical IQ Industry Profiles.
- Each mobile app profile comes with 10 of our most popular chapters plus a Big Picture video.
- Great for on-the-fly meeting preparation when you are tight on time.
- Available for iPhone or Android.
INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE MEETS HIGH-TECH
With Vertical IQ, you’ll get access to the technology solutions your team needs to succeed.
Customization and convenience are at your fingertips. Save time and benefit from all of Vertical IQ’s capabilities by implementing our Vertical IQ Data Access API and downloading our handy mobile app. Contact us to learn more!
Related Resources
Industry Profile
ELEVATE YOUR EXPERTISE
Let us do the heavy-lifting. Each Industry Profile offers more than 30 pages of the latest industry-specific research.
AN INSIGHTFUL SUMMARY
Look at the basic set-up of the industry, as well as risks and opportunities, both now and into the future.
KEY FINANCIALS
Understand how cash flows into and out of the typical business, benchmarks, ratios, and more.
PREPARE FOR YOUR CALL
Maximize meetings with timely insights and incisive questions, plus learn about common banking solutions.
GET THE BIG PICTURE
Industry Overview
Our in-depth synopsis of the industry arms you with the knowledge you need to have an in-depth conversation about your client’s niche.
- Uncover the structure and competitive forces within the industry, then learn how firms earn revenue, manage their companies, and drive profits.
- Learn what factors negatively affect companies’ credit as well as the business failure and merger rates.
- Get graphs of eight years of historical growth and a five-year forecast provided by the Interindustry Economic Research Fund.
CRUNCH THE NUMBERS
Financial & Banking Insights
Become your client’s de facto CFO. Offer valuable guidance informed by data using the financial and banking insights available in every Industry Profile.
- Understand how cash flows through a typical firm in the industry, along with potential cash management challenges.
- View examples of the equipment and capital expenditures required within the industry.
- Provide clients with business valuation figures, plus financial benchmarks such as ratios, income statements, and balance sheets.
- Explore commonly used banking solutions, as well as the frequency with which certain bank products are used in that industry.
MORE VALUABLE MEETINGS
Prep Sheets
You’ll learn more about your client and their potential needs when you speak their language. Our call planning resources will help you sound like an expert in just minutes!
- Remain on top of recent changes affecting the industry with Quarterly Insight — also available via email subscription per industry.
- Be prepared with key facts and tailored questions to help enhance conversations using our popular Prep Sheet and Prep Questions.
- Learn the correct lingo and definitions commonly used as a part of industry, plus watch a brief video overview.
- Save time with links to industry associations and publications to gain further knowledge, and get quick access to other related Industry Profiles.
ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS
Time-saving Industry Profiles are your ticket to the Industry Intelligence you need to wow clients and prospects.
Whether you’re a seasoned contributor to one niche, a rookie generalist, or somewhere in the middle, Vertical IQ’s Industry Profiles are designed to give you the actionable content you need to close more deals and win more business. Let’s get started today!
Resource Center
TIPS & TOOLS YOU CAN USE
The Resource Center is your library for Vertical IQ reference materials and educational videos.
HELPFUL HOW TO’S
Our array of short quick-start videos and guides will help jumpstart your Vertical IQ access.
INSIGHTFUL INTERVIEWS
Hear directly from business owners in key niches to learn what matters most to them.
INFORMATIVE VIDEOS
Check out recordings of recent webinars, and learn about the latest best practices for using Vertical IQ.
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
Getting Started with Vertical IQ
Whether you’re brand new to Vertical IQ, or haven’t visited since we made recent enhancements, we have the information and tips you need to get up to speed quickly.
- Downloadable one-pagers offer frequently asked questions and answers, quick reference guides, tips for downloading the mobile app, and more.
- Short videos on the key features of Vertical IQ will get you up and running in a flash.
- Step-by-step user guides show you how to get even more out of your Vertical IQ subscription.
FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS
Business Owner Interviews
Our “Vertical Voice” interviews feature business owners from key niches. In these short videos, owners share issues that are likely top of mind for others operating in their space.
- Each easy-to-digest video is only around 5 minutes, but packed with useful insights.
- Owners discuss the issues keeping them up at night, how their business operates, and more.
PRESS PLAY TO LEARN MORE
Helpful Videos & Events
Vertical IQ frequently hosts educational webinars for our users. We always record these helpful sessions, and you can rewatch them in the Resource Center.
- Find insights about timely topics surrounding industry-specific Current Conditions .
- Learn about recent enhancements that have been made to Vertical IQ.
- Get tips and best practices on using Vertical IQ’s Industry Intelligence.
THE GUIDANCE YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
The Resource Center offers tips and tricks on maximizing your access to our Industry Intelligence.
Check out all of the tools, videos, and reference guides available with just a click in our Resource Center. And if you can’t find an answer to your question, just let us know. We’re here to help!
Sort & Target
STAY FOCUSED
The Sort & Target feature lets you identify industries best-suited for your unique prospecting efforts.
CUSTOM REPORTS
Generate reports based on your chosen criteria and rank or filter your results.
OBJECTIVE RANKING
Make sales and marketing decisions based on the facts using our unbiased data.
NICHE PROSPECTING
Choose a niche based on data-driven prospecting and watch sales numbers rise.
LET THE NUMBERS TELL THE TALE
Custom Industry Ranking Reports
Select your criteria, and then with the click of a button, create the customized report you need to inform your sales, marketing, and business development decisions. Easy to print or export.
- Choose your preferred report: Banking Product Usage Data, Financial Benchmark Data, Industry Forecast Data, Industry Demographics, or Industry Risk Rating.
- Display results in ascending or descending order, or use filters to fine-tune results.
- Select the number of results you want to display in your custom report.
APPLES-TO-APPLES COMPARISONS
Informed Decisions
With budgets getting tighter and tighter, you need to know where your time and efforts are best spent. Get the objective data you need to ensure you are a good steward of your resources.
- Allocate company resources more effectively based on objective data, not hunches.
- Determine which industries are your top prospects, as well as which may be higher risk.
- Identify the industries that are the best fit for your unique products and solutions.
EXPLORE TOP OPPORTUNITIES
Prospecting in your Niche
Intuition isn’t a safe prospecting strategy. Use the Sort & Target feature to identity high-potential industries based on your product offerings.
- Save time. Use artificial intelligence to automatically sort relevant data points on hundreds of industries.
- No more surprises. With quantifiable data, you will know your prospect’s industry outlook.
- Apply your Sort & Target report results. Offer prospects the solutions-focused advice that business owners crave.
STAY FOCUSED
When you create custom reports with our Sort & Target feature, you ensure your time and budget dollars are being well-spent.
Time is money, so be certain that your resources are focused on the right prospects. With Sort & Target, you can generate the customized reports you need to objectively inform decisions about where to focus your sales and marketing efforts. Hit your targets with Sort & Target!
Local Economies
KNOW THE ECONOMIC DRIVERS
Local Economies help you monitor and understand the economic forces affecting small to medium-sized businesses’ success.
OWNERS WANT TO KNOW
Share valuable insights, whether they’re pondering expansion or preparing for potential hurdles down the road.
FOCUSED COMMUNICATIONS
Incorporate data into conversations, presentations, or loan requests to create a customized message that resonates.
INFORMED PROSPECTING
Leave generalists in your dust when you choose a niche, informed by local economic expertise.
A USEFUL VALUE-ADD
Economic Data Business Owners Need
Help clients make more informed decisions. Become their economic expert with data on more than 300 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), plus more than 3,100 counties across the U.S.
- The Quarterly National Economic Outlook provides insights from local economy experts Local Market Monitor.
- Map view lets you easily see the relevant city/county, as well as surrounding areas, or choose by state.
- Each Local Economy Profile includes an Overview, plus chapters on Population & Income, Employment, Residential Real Estate, Home & Rent Price Forecast, Local Business Dynamics and Web Links.
- Print and share an individual chapter or the complete report on an MSA or county.
GET TO KNOW THE LOCALS
Targeted Meetings & Proposals
Incorporate Local Economies data into your conversations to get a handle on a client’s unique business environment, enabling you to create a highly customized sales pitch. Also, strengthen the validity of credit documents.
- Print and share Local Economies reports with clients considering new locations in other geographies to hone your conversations.
- Incorporate Local Economies content into presentations, newsletters, and blog posts.
- Boost your case for creditworthiness in loan requests and business valuations.
PURSUE LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES
Differentiated Niche Prospecting
Make the most of your prospecting efforts by selecting a high-potential niche based on your geography. Then, showcase your knowledge of Local Economies to win them over.
- Focus your business development efforts by selecting a niche that has growth potential based on the economic currents in your area.
- Print or email the latest economic insights to keep prospects up-to-date on the latest conditions.
- Offer the solutions-focused advice that business owners crave, tailored to their industry as well as their region.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Some neighborly advice: With Local Economies from Vertical IQ, you’ll gain access to the latest trends impacting businesses in your area.
While awareness of the nation’s economy is helpful, business owners need to understand the undercurrents at play closer to home. Provide them with the latest Local Economies data from Vertical IQ, and arm them with the knowledge they need to make more informed business decisions.
Related Resources
SalesKit
INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE FOR YOUR SALES & MARKETING
The SalesKit, available on every Industry Profile, enables you to quickly produce industry-focused communications that will speak to your prospect or client.
GET IN THE DOOR
Grab your prospect’s attention with letters or emails tailored to their business’s unique industry issues.
NURTURE THE RELATIONSHIP
Share valuable industry-specific content on calls and in touchpoints, and incorporate customized advice into presentations.
STAY IN TOUCH
Continue to pass along the latest industry insights in person or via email, boosting your value-added advisor status.
GRAB THEIR ATTENTION
Speak your Prospect's Language
If your sales objective is to get in the prospect’s door, create tailored prospecting materials that incorporate Industry Intelligence. You’re sure to stand out amid the sea of salespeople!
- Review a brief video with advice from sales experts who share proven techniques for opening prospects’ doors.
- Download an industry-specific sample call script, or use the prospecting letter/email template to showcase your industry expertise.
- Select a timely news article to print and share by mail or as a value-added leave-behind.
MORE EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS
Better Meetings & Proposals
As you progress to meeting with your prospect, ensure your conversations incorporate Industry Intelligence to learn more about their business’s unique needs, enabling you to create a highly customized sales pitch.
- Get video advice from sales experts on having more effective meetings and boosting sales conversions.
- Print and share the Industry Snapshot, which includes relevant infographics and an overview, the Industry Profile, or the Financial Benchmark Summary with its key industry statistics. Each makes an engaging conversation piece or useful leave-behind.
- Use the industry-specific presentation templates to ensure your next pitch or proposal is focused on the prospect’s niche.
SHARING IS CARING
Maintain Ongoing Contact
Stay top-of-mind with your prospect or client by continuing to provide them with valuable Industry Intelligence touchpoints on a regular basis. When you spotlight your expertise in their industry, they will naturally look to you for advice and solutions.
- Learn from our sales experts videos about ways to nurture relationships using Industry Intelligence.
- Print or email the latest industry insights via our Quarterly Emails or Financial Benchmark Summary.
- Select a relevant news article to print and share with a note that you will call to discuss.
UP YOUR SALES & MARKETING GAME
Attention-grabbing prospect letters, engaging conversations, pitch-perfect proposals — using Industry Intelligence from Vertical IQ.
Choose your sales objective, and you’re off to the races! Build trust and win deals with our SalesKits’ expert videos, industry-focused communication templates, and value-added industry insights. Closing that next deal will be a cinch!
Related Resources
Financial Comparison Toolkit
MAKE MORE “CALCULATED” DECISIONS
The Financial Comparison Toolkit gives you and your client an objective look at their finances in relation to industry peers.
CUSTOM FIGURES
The interactive calculator allows you to input your client’s financials in five key areas.
UNBIASED INSIGHT
Clearly present a client’s standing against others in their industry, removing partiality concerns.
COMMENT, PRINT & SHARE
Add in your own custom analysis points, then print and share with just one click.
LET US DO THE MATH
Compare Clients to Industry Averages
Weigh key financial metrics for your client against industry averages by entering values into the Financial Comparison Toolkit’s interactive calculator.
- Available on every Industry Profile under the Credit Underwriting and Risks chapter
- Review industry averages for margins, ratios, and leverage.
- Input your client’s financial figures to clearly lay out how they stack up.
HOW DOES YOUR CLIENT STACK UP?
Get Objective Insights
Not only do you want to know where your client stands in relation to others within their vertical, they likely want to know too! Provide them with impartial calculations based on their financials.
- How are they performing financially as compared to their competition?
- Are they taking advantage of opportunities based on their financial standing?
- Are there areas of concern where they may need to adjust assets, liabilities, or processes?
AN EASY-TO-SHARE VALUE-ADD
Print & Share Customized Analysis
Get a conversation going! By enumerating challenges and opportunities that are specific to your client’s business, you provide them with the tailored advice they need to succeed.
- Add in your own comments or analysis based on the industry-specific custom calculations.
- Download the data with just a click. Print or incorporate into your client presentation.
- Integrate your findings into client conversations or annual portfolio reviews.
A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TOOLKIT
Better client advice. Better lending decisions.
Available on every Industry Profile, the Financial Comparison Toolkit makes you a more informed expert on both your client’s niche and their unique financial situation. From business development and relationship management, to structuring deals and making lending decisions, this is a tool you need in your arsenal!
Related Resources
Credit Underwriting & Risks
NOT JUST FOR CREDIT ANALYSTS
Use Credit Underwriting & Risks data for structuring deals and making lending decisions, as well as for business development, portfolio management, and more.
RISK RATING & METRICS
Our proprietary Industry Risk Rating shows the overall health of the industry, while the latest metrics and ratios guide your credit decisions.
CREDIT TOOLKIT
How does your client stack up? Compare them to industry peers with our interactive Financial Comparison Toolkit.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Learn about the top challenges impacting your client’s industry — issues that could hit their bottom line.
IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS BY CREDIT EXPERTS
Industry Risk Ratings & Key Metrics
Our team of seasoned credit experts does the heavy-lifting for you with our proprietary Industry Risk Rating, plus Key Metrics data that can impact credit decisions. It’s like having an experienced commercial lender always at your side!
- Industry Risk Ratings are formulated using artificial intelligence and an advanced algorithm based on key “sub-category” ratings.
- The rating factors in financial risks, exit rates, industry performance during downturns, barriers to entry, and the industry’s outlook.
- Key performance metrics and financial ratios shine a light on the industry’s position within the overall economy.
CRUNCH THE NUMBERS
Financial Comparison Toolkit
Where does your client or prospect stand in relation to other businesses in their industry? Our Financial Comparison Toolkit, a custom analytics calculator, helps you weigh the data.
- Input the numbers to compare your client’s key financial metrics to industry averages.
- Explore metrics like gross and operating profit margins, current ratios, and leverage.
- Add in your own comments or analysis and then download the data with just a click.
KNOW THE ISSUES
Underwriting Considerations & Risks
Every vertical has its own unique set of challenges. Know the important issues you should consider to make an informed credit decision or offer sound financial guidance.
- Underwriting Considerations examines distinct aspects of the niche that may warrant additional scrutiny.
- Get a big-picture look at the latest challenges that are impacting the vertical by reviewing the Industry Risks.
- In Company Risks, explore the hurdles that specific businesses within the industry must confront.
THE VALUE OF CREDIT INSIGHTS
Credit expertise is useful for more than just making loans.
Save time when making credit decisions, yes, but also gain in-depth analysis and crucial risk information to provide the tailored financial advice your clients need to succeed.
Prep Sheets
5 MINUTES WELL-SPENT
When time is tight, get the high-level Industry Intelligence you need to shine in your next client or prospect meeting.
UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION
Quickly learn about working capital management for the industry, as well as how the niche is structured.
GET KEY INSIGHTS
Read a quarterly summary of the industry’s latest updates, and understand the outlook for the coming years.
ASK BETTER QUESTIONS
Get them talking! Discover three relevant questions that will kick your client conversation into high gear.
UNDERSTAND THEIR CASH FLOW & STRUCTURE
Working Capital Management & Industry Structure
Provide tailored guidance to your prospect or client on how to maximize profits by understanding how a typical business within their industry operates.
- Learn how businesses in their niche commonly sell and invoice to generate revenue, as well as about typical collection and payment processes.
- Get examples of common cash management challenges that your client may face.
- Gain clarity on how the industry is structured including the number of businesses in the vertical, key players, and average revenue.
GET THE LATEST SCOOP
Quarterly Insight & Industry Forecast
Stay on top of the latest happenings within your client’s or prospect’s industry by reviewing the Quarterly Insight and Industry Forecast.
- Higher, lower, or flat: Learn how sales are trending within the industry and why.
- Get a brief overview of key trends and challenges occurring within the niche and discuss with your client how these shifts impact them.
- Understand the outlook for the industry and determine how your client can capitalize (or hedge against losses) in the years to come.
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS
Call Prep Questions
Generic questions like, “How’s business?” don’t give you useful information about your client or their business. Our three industry-specific questions invite more in-depth, insightful client conversations.
- Tailor your conversation to show your client that you have taken the time to learn about their industry.
- Get to the heart of the matter by examining industry-specific challenges and trends the client may be facing.
- Become a consultative partner by offering solutions customized to their unique needs.
INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE IN JUST 5 MINUTES!
Don’t have hours to spend researching your client’s industry? Our Prep Sheets help you sound like an industry insider in as little as 5 minutes.
Capabilities
THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
Gain access to Vertical IQ’s complete array of Industry Intelligence capabilities.
INDUSTRY PROFILE
Our signature product, we have hundreds of Industry Profiles covering more than 97 percent of the businesses that comprise the U.S. economy. Each one contains over 30 pages of the latest Industry Intelligence.
Credit and risk brief
Get the high-value information needed for call preparation and credit underwriting situations in a concise format.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Stay in the know! Get curated, shareable, industry-specific news content from reputable news organizations and trade publications.
SALESKIT
Integrate Industry Intelligence into your sales and marketing strategy by sharing tailored deliverables with business owners.
PREP SHEET
Only have five minutes to prepare before your meeting? Our popular one-page Prep Sheets get you up to speed quickly.
CREDIT UNDERWRITING & RISKs
Whether you’re structuring deals, making lending decisions, managing portfolios, or focusing on business development, our underwriting and risk data will apprise you of the credit landscape.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Get critical information about industries with a large international presence to inform conversations about global impacts or international expansion.
SECTOR PROFILES
Widen the lens and get a broad, macroeconomic look at the major segments of the U.S. economy with our Sector Profiles.
LOCAL ECONOMIES
Track local economic data and industry statistics in more than 300 MSAs and 3,100+ counties to focus business development efforts and better serve your customers.
SORT & TARGET
Rank and organize industries based on your chosen criteria to develop marketing plans, hone prospect lists, and target markets.
FINANCIAL COMPARISON TOOLKIT
Compare apples to apples. Get an objective perspective on your client’s finances as compared to peers in their industry.
RESOURCE CENTER
Have a question or want additional information? Check out our library of reference materials and educational videos.
TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Get even more out of Vertical IQ's Industry Intelligence with these additional capabilities.
MOBILE APP
Download our mobile app for access to all Industry Profiles, each with the 10 most popular chapters and a Big Picture video.
PERSONALIZATION
Save your favorite Industry Profiles to quick access, and make notes for future reference.
TRAINING & SERVICE
In addition to our online learning tools, our team of trainers and customer service experts will help you every step of the way.
QUARTERLY EMAILS
Select as many industries as you wish to have focused quarterly updates and news sent directly to your inbox.
CUSTOM INTEGRATION
Our robust API can populate your customer relationship management system, Intranet, marketing documents, or your website.
SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE
Become an industry insider with Vertical IQ's comprehensive Industry Intelligence tools.
Take advantage of our Industry Profiles, Local Economies, and other helpful resources to gain the insights you need to close more deals and win more business. Let’s get started today!
Products
Get Ahead of the Pack with Vertical IQ
Whether you’re a seasoned professional dedicated to one niche, a rookie generalist, or somewhere in the middle, Vertical IQ has an Industry Intelligence solution designed specifically for your needs.
Capabilities
From comprehensive Industry Profiles to 5-minute Prep Sheets, Local Economies data, and more — our Industry Intelligence tools arm you with the expertise you need to close more deals and win more business.
Industry List
With hundreds of Industry Profiles, we cover more than 97 percent of the businesses that comprise the U.S. economy. Each Industry Profile contains over 30 pages of the latest Industry Intelligence.
Technology/Applications
Our mobile app gives you Vertical IQ access on the go, and our robust API can populate your customer relationship management system, Intranet, marketing documents, or your website.
Pricing
Choose from our “Freemium” version, individual Industry Profile purchase, or a Vertical IQ full subscription. We have an option to fit your budget.
SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY.
Add value to clients by incorporating Vertical IQ into your sales, marketing, and relationship management processes.
Let us do the heavy lifting of research, and elevate your industry expertise with access to our no-frills industry platform. Contact us today to learn more, or get started for free!