Analysts frequently use financial ratios to benchmark a company within an industry.
IBISWorld has a tool for this in most reports, called Segment Benchmarking
RMA Annual Statement Studies is a print source that provides ratios based on segments as well. The Library has this from 1968 - the present.
Trade associations can be very good sources of information on an industry. Many have data and research reports freely available while others limit access to their members. These sources are good for locating relevant trade associations.