Invest Skeptically

The EDGAR company search tool on the US SEC website allows you to search SEC filings by company name or ticker symbol. This tool gives you access to all the basic information you need to start researching a company for investment. Here are some common filings and examples of what I like to use them for:

• 10-K: Annual report
• 10-Q: Quarterly report
• 8-K: Current report filing. Read these to keep up to date with any material changes in the business.
• DEF 14A: Definitive proxy statement. These are annual reports to shareholders with information that must be distributed prior to the annual general meeting. Interesting sections of this report include names of officers and directors, their shareholdings, and shareholders that control more than 5% of the company’s stock.
• 4: Form 4 Statement of changes in beneficial ownership of securities. Read these to see if insiders are buying/selling stock. These must be filed within 2 business days of the transaction. Some of this information is summarized at http://www.secform4.com/.
• SC 13 D: Schedule 13 D Statement of acquisition of beneficial ownership. Use these forms to see what the >5% shareholders are doing. These must be filed within 10 days of the transaction.