How The Inc. 100 Are Selected

 

The 1987 INC. 100 is the ninth annual ranking of the 100 fastest-growing publicly held smaller companies in the United States. Companies are ranked by the percentage increase in net sales (or total revenues) between 1982 and 1986.

* To be considered for the INC. 100, each company must meet the following criteria:

1. The company is an independent corporation, not a subsidiary or division of another company. Regulated banks and utilities and holding companies are excluded.

2. The company was publicly held as of December 31, 1986.

3. The company shows an operating/sales history of at least five years.

4. The company's 1986 sales exceeded its 1985 sales. Companies showing growth over the five-year period, but a decline in 1986 sales are excluded.

5. The company's 1982 sales were at least $100,000, but no more than $25 million.

* The INC. 100 research staff used company prospectuses, 10-Ks, annual reports, and various directories to maintain the in-house database of publicly held smaller companies. Using audited financial statements, researchers then ranked the top 100 companies.

* An editorial team led by special projects editor Sara Baer-Sinnott and research assistant Deborah L. Weeks selected the 1987 INC. 100. The research was conducted by Judy Angelicola, Laura Ashe, David Coles, Elizabeth Kaplan, Teri Lammers, Lisa Pabich, Jodie Slothower, Ann Sussman, and Elizabeth Waters.