What Is EDGAR?
EDGAR is an online public database that allows individuals to research, view, and download the filings of public companies. EDGAR was developed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1994.
EDGAR does not depend on a company's stock exchange listing or membership with the SEC to provide its filings online. EDGAR is the largest electronic store of corporate information in the world.
The system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and receives filings from over 23,000 companies and 2,000 other entities.
How EDGAR Works
There are two ways to use EDGAR:
The EDGAR Online System
This is the system most people use to research public company filings. The EDGAR Online System allows you to search for information by company name, symbol, or ticker. You can also view and download filings made by a company since 1994.
The EDGAR Filer Manual
Filers use this system to submit filings to the SEC. The EDGAR Filer Manual explains how to file documents with the EDGAR system.
Files Available in EDGAR
Every quarter, public companies file their financial statements with EDGAR. It also stores other types of documents, such as:
Proxy Statements
These are reports that companies file to shareholders to get their approval for things such as electing directors or selling company assets.
Form 10-KSB
This is the annual report that companies are required to file with the SEC. It includes a description of the company's business, financial statements, and other information.
Form 8-K
This is a report that companies file when they have important news to share with their investors.
Form10-QSB
This is a report that companies file quarterly with the SEC. It includes financial statements, a management discussion, and an analysis of the company's financial condition.
Why Use EDGAR
When you use EDGAR, you have access to the world's most current and complete corporate information.
EDGAR is also:
Fast
Filings are available online within minutes of being submitted to the SEC.
Accurate
A company's auditors and attorneys review every filing submitted through EDGAR before it's filed. The EDGAR system also ensures filings are complete and formatted correctly.
Easy to Use
Filings can be searched using the EDGAR Online System or EDGAR Filer Manual. Users can limit their searches by date, type of document, and company.
Comprehensive
EDGAR contains filings from over 23,000 companies and 2,000 other entities.
Operation Hours of EDGAR
For file submissions, the EDGAR system operates weekdays every 6:00 am to 10:00 pm Eastern Time, excluding Federal Holidays.
They will receive the same-day filing date for filings submitted on or before 5:30 pm ET (when the SEC officially ends its business day). On the other hand, filings submitted beyond 5:30 pm will receive the next business day’s date.
Three categories of filings are exempt from the 5:30 p.m. deadline up to 10 p.m. and will get a filing date similar to the date received. These are the exceptions:
- Forms 3, 4, and 5; Section 16 Beneficial Ownership Reports; and
- Filings of correspondence (e.g., comment response letters and requests for the acceleration of effectiveness).
Who Can Use EDGAR
The EDGAR system is open to anyone from individual investors or Fortune 500 companies.
Companies
This includes small and large companies, investor relations firms, research analysts, and law firms. The EDGAR Filer Manual is available to these parties for filings through EDGAR.
Individual Investors
Individuals can search EDGAR Online to research companies, view their past filings, and more. EDGAR does not allow individuals to download information.
EDGAR Administrator
The EDGAR Business Office is responsible for EDGAR filings and EDGAR Online. EDGAR was developed by the EDGAR Administration Corp., a private nonprofit company owned by member organizations of the Securities Industry Automation Corporation.
It is responsible for the following:
- Governance and administration of EDGAR;
- Strategic planning for EDGAR;
- EDGAR filer support; and
- Support for SEC staff with rulemaking and other development in EDGAR
EDGAR Location
The EDGAR system is operated by the SEC's Office of Electronic Filing. It contains corporate filing data from all public companies that must file with EDGAR. EDGAR can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
Benefits of Using EDGAR
There are several benefits to using EDGAR.
- EDGAR is fast, accurate, and easy to use.
- It contains filings from over 23,000 companies.
- It is comprehensive and includes information from all public companies required to file with EDGAR.
- It can be accessed through the SEC's website.
Problems With EDGAR
Although EDGAR is a great resource, there are some problems with it.
One problem is that not all information is available in EDGAR.
The next problem is that EDGAR can be difficult to use. The system can be confusing, and finding the information you're looking for can be challenging.
Another problem is that EDGAR is often slow due to a large amount of traffic it receives. It can take a long time for filings to be available online.
Things to Know Before You Start Searching EDGAR
Before you start searching EDGAR, there are a few things you need to know.
EDGAR Is Not a Full-Text Search Engine
This means that you cannot search for keywords or phrases in filings. You can only search by company name, document type, and filing date.
Filings Are Not Always Available Online
Not all filings are available online. You can only view filings that have been submitted through EDGAR.
Document Types Vary
The types of documents that are filed with EDGAR vary by company. The most common document types are financial statements, registration statements, and periodic reports.
Filing Dates Are Limited to the Past Seven Years
The filing date range is limited to the past seven years. You can only view filings submitted through EDGAR during this period.
Key Takeaways
EDGAR is a fast, accurate, and easy-to-use system that contains filings from over 23,000 companies. It can be accessed through the SEC's website and is comprehensive in its coverage.
However, EDGAR has some problems, including that not all filings are available online and can be challenging to use. Additionally, the filing date range is limited to the past seven years.
Before searching EDGAR, make sure you are aware of these limitations. With this information in mind, you can maximize your use of EDGAR and get the most out of this valuable resource.
FAQs
1. What is EDGAR?
EDGAR stands for Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System. EDGAR has been part of the SEC since 1973 and was developed to keep pace with the burgeoning volume of EDI filings made by public companies.
2. How does EDGAR work?
EDGAR is a web-based system that allows users to download information from the SEC's database. The system is operated by the SEC's Office of Electronic Filing and contains corporate filing data from all public companies that must file with EDGAR.
3. Why should I use EDGAR?
EDGAR is fast, accurate, and easy to use. It can be used to research many companies in various industries, as EDGAR contains filings from over 23,000 companies. Additionally, EDGAR is comprehensive in its coverage.
4. Who can use EDGAR?
Anyone with internet access and a web browser can access EDGAR. There is no fee for using EDGAR.
5. Where is the information on EDGAR organized?
The information on EDGAR is organized by company name, document type, and filing date. You can access this information through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
