How to Use the Edgar Online Search Engine
The Edgar Online Search Engine provides official filings by public companies doing business in the United States. All public companies reporting earnings in excess of $1 million must register with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If you want to check the financial solvency of a company, use Edgar Online.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Access the SEC's Internet homepage. Decide which company to search.
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Scroll down the page to "Filings and Forms (Edgar)." Choose, "Search for Company Filings." Review the page, "Search the Edgar Data Base."
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Select the first entry, "Companies and Other Filers." Click inside the box appearing at the top of the screen. Enter the name, state, country and ownership forms of the relevant company.
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4
Review the search results page that appears. Double-click on the "CIK" number to the left of the company's name.
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Read the latest filings page that opens. If too many results display, limit the search by entering either the form type or its date in the box to the screen's right.
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Access the desired form by clicking on the buttons for "html" or "text." A PDF form opens. Either print the document or save it to a hard drive or disk.
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Get certified copies of any SEC form identified on the Edgar Online Search Engine by selecting the page entitled, "Paper Filings." You also can request to receive hard copies of the forms by mail.
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Tips & Warnings
At first glance, the Edgar Online Search Engine is intimidating. Familiarize yourself with the various SEC forms to make it easier to use. You can find a list of the forms along with a detailed explanation of each by accessing, "Descriptions of SEC Forms" listed on the homepage of the SEC website.
