Canadian Industry Statistics: How do I Compare?

The Government of Canada provides analysis and detailed information on economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada on the website, www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sis-sic.nsf/eng/home.  This website can help small to medium sized businesses understand the dynamics of their industries.  Users can focus on a single industry over time or compare one industry against another.

Data is segregated based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.  Within each specific NAICS code is detailed financial performance data.  Such data includes, for example, average gross margins, detailed breakdowns of expenses (e.g. repairs and maintenance, labour, professional and business fees) as a percentage of revenues, and certain financial ratios (e.g. current ratio, return on total assets).

Consider using this site to compare your costs as a percentage of revenues to other Canadian companies in your industry.

*** As published in the 2016 Fourth Quarter edition of Tax, Tips & Traps***