SEC EDGAR§
Definition§
The Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (EDGAR) is an online public database created and operated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The primary purpose of EDGAR is to increase efficiency, transparency, and access to a large volume of financial and other information from publicly traded companies, mutual funds, and other entities required to file with the SEC.
Examples§
- 10-K Annual Report: A comprehensive summary of a company’s financial performance, which includes financial statements and other key metrics. Corporations file this report annually through EDGAR.
- 8-K Current Report: A form used to notify investors of specific events, such as financial restatements, acquisitions, or executive changes, that could impact the company’s stock price.
- S-1 Registration Statement: Used by companies planning to go public to provide detailed information about their business operations, financial conditions, and risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions§
What is the purpose of EDGAR?§
EDGAR is designed to ensure that the investing public has quick and efficient access to time-sensitive corporate information required by law to be disclosed.
Who is required to file with EDGAR?§
Publicly traded companies, mutual funds, and other entities regulated by the SEC are required to file regular reports and other information via EDGAR. This includes U.S. and foreign companies that have securities registered in the U.S.
Is EDGAR information free to access?§
Yes, EDGAR provides free access to public financial filings, which helps investors, analysts, and other stakeholders make informed decisions.
How can I search for specific documents on EDGAR?§
Users can search EDGAR’s public database by company name, ticker symbol, filing type, date range, and other criteria through the SEC’s EDGAR website.
What are some commonly filed forms on EDGAR?§
Some commonly filed forms include the 10-K (annual report), 10-Q (quarterly report), 8-K (current report), and S-1 (registration statement).
Related Terms§
- SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission): The U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the securities industry and enforcing securities laws.
- Form 10-K: An annual report filed by publicly traded companies, detailing their financial performance.
- Form 8-K: A form filed to announce major events that shareholders should know about.
- Prospectus: A formal document provided by companies when offering securities for sale, detailing important information about the investment.
- Form S-1: A registration statement filed prior to an initial public offering (IPO) containing key business and financial details.
Online References§
- EDGAR Database: SEC EDGAR Database
- SEC Homepage: SEC.gov
- Investor.gov: Investor.gov
Suggested Books§
- “SEC Reporting Handbook” by Michael Young
- “Understanding Financial Statements” by Benjamin Graham and Hugo G. Hart - Contact
- “The Interpretation of Financial Statements” by Benjamin Graham and Spencer B. Meredith
Fundamentals of SEC EDGAR: Finance Basics Quiz§
Thank you for exploring our deep dive into SEC EDGAR. Continue to use EDGAR for informed investment research and ensure adherence to SEC regulations!
