Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is an information service company that specializes in providing business and credit information gathered from commercial firms and their creditors. The company amalgamates this data to create comprehensive reports and directories that help subscribers make informed business decisions. Beyond credit information services, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) also engages in publishing, television audience measurement, and magazine-subscription fulfillment.
Services Provided by D&B
Credit Information Services
D&B collects and synthesizes credit data directly from businesses and their creditors. This information is packaged into reports that include critical insights like credit scores, payment histories, and financial stability. These reports help businesses assess the risk of engaging with potential clients or partners.
Key Features
- Risk Assessment: D&B’s reports offer a detailed analysis of a company’s financial health.
- Credit Ratings: Subscribers receive credit ratings that provide a quick snapshot of a company’s creditworthiness.
- Payment Histories: Detailed records of payment behaviors enhance the reliability of the assessment.
Business Reports and Ratings Directory
Subscribers have access to an extensive ratings directory, which includes a variety of business reports. These tools are essential for due diligence, facilitating informed decision-making.
Rating Categories
- PAYDEX Score: Measures a company’s payment history based on their accounts payable data.
- D&B Rating: Assesses the business’s financial strength and risk level.
Additional Ventures
Besides credit information services, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) also ventures into several other fields:
- Publishing: Offering a range of business publications.
- Television Audience Measurement: Collecting and analyzing viewership data.
- Magazine-Subscription Fulfillment: Managing subscriptions for various magazine publishers.
Historical Context
Foundation and Evolution
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) has its roots in the 19th century, being founded in 1841. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the business world, leveraging advancements in technology to provide more accurate and timely data.
Milestones
- 1841: Founding of the company.
- 1933: Merger to become Dun & Bradstreet, Inc.
- 2006: Launch of D&B’s global data cloud strategy, enhancing data accessibility.
Applicability and Value
D&B’s data services are invaluable across various sectors:
- Finance: Reducing the risk in lending and investment decisions.
- Supply Chain: Ensuring reliable partnerships by vetting suppliers.
- Sales and Marketing: Identifying creditworthy prospects.
- Government: Utilizing data for economic analysis and policy-making.
Related Terms
- Credit Score: A numerical representation of an individual’s or business’s creditworthiness.
- Due Diligence: A comprehensive appraisal of a business undertaken by a prospective buyer.
- Financial Stability: The ability of a company to sustain its business and operations over time.
FAQs
1. How can I access a D&B report?
- You can access D&B reports by subscribing to their services through their official website or authorized partners.
2. What is the PAYDEX score?
- The PAYDEX score is D&B’s proprietary credit score that measures a company’s payment history.
3. Can D&B help with international business decisions?
- Yes, D&B provides global business data, aiding international business decisions.
References
- Dun & Bradstreet Official Website: dnb.com
- “Dun & Bradstreet’s Guide to Doing Business Around the World,” Dun & Bradstreet.
Summary
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) plays a crucial role in the business world by providing reliable credit and business information services. From risk assessment to market insights, D&B empowers businesses to make informed decisions, reducing risks and fostering growth. Their extensive history and continuous innovation solidify their position as a leader in business information services.
