How to Full-Text Search Company Files using SEC's EDGAR Database

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gets thousands of company reports every week...quarterly and annual reports, news of significant corporate events, insider trading information, etc. These are a gold mine of information. But until recently, it was not possible to search the text of these reports at the SEC website, as one might do a Google search on the internet. All that has now changed, with the introduction of EDGAR full-text searching at the SEC.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Introduction: All public companies (that is, firms that are traded on the stock exchange) have to file a ton of reports with the SEC. Even many private firms, foreign corporations and individuals are required to file, depending on their circumstances. If you're doing business research of almost any kind, these files are an indispensible resource.
2. The SEC's EDGAR database (their online electronic file system), recently introduced full-text searching. You can find it at www.sec.gov, or use the direct link in the Resources, below.
3. The Basic Search will find any text you enter, much like a Google search. Use quotes if you're looking for an exact phrase.
4. The Advanced Search has additional options to allow you to zero in on a specific company, a specific type of form like a 10-K (annual reports) or Schedule 14A (proxy and executive compensation).
5. You can also search on specific industry categories using SIC codes.
6. See the resource links directly below for more information on using EDGAR and understanding the results.

Tips & Warnings

• Even though it's a US reporting system, there's a lot in EDGAR from foreign companies, so keep it in mind if you're researching an overseas firm.