How to Find an S-1?

You can find an S-1 form by accessing the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) online database, known as the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system, or EDGAR. This system serves as the primary repository for filings from all U.S. companies that are publicly traded or in the process of becoming public.

What is an S-1 Form?

An S-1 form is a registration statement filed with the SEC by U.S. companies planning to go public. It's a crucial document that provides comprehensive information about the company, its business operations, financial condition, management, and the securities being offered, helping potential investors make informed decisions.

Locating S-1 Forms on EDGAR

The EDGAR database offers a robust search functionality that allows users to easily locate S-1 filings. Here's how you can navigate the system:

1. Access the EDGAR Database: Begin by visiting the official SEC EDGAR database. You can find it at www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.

2. Initiate Your Search: Once on the EDGAR search page, you'll find various fields to refine your query. To find an S-1, you will typically search for a specific company.

3. Refine Your Search Parameters: The EDGAR system allows you to search using several criteria:

   Search Parameter	Description	Example
   Company Name	The full legal name of the company.	Acme Corporation
   Ticker Symbol	The unique stock symbol used to identify the company's shares.	ACME
   File Number	A unique identification number assigned by the SEC to each filing.	333-12345
   State	The state where the company is incorporated or headquartered.	Delaware
   Form Type	You can specify "S-1" directly to filter results specifically for S-1 forms.	S-1

   It is often most effective to use the company name or ticker symbol for a direct search.

4. Browse Filings: After entering your search criteria, the system will display a list of the company's SEC filings. Look for filings with "S-1" in the "Form Type" column. There might be different variations like S-1/A (an amendment to an S-1).

5. View the Document: Click on the "Documents" link next to the S-1 filing to access the full text of the form. The document will typically be available in HTML or PDF format.

By utilizing these search capabilities on the SEC's EDGAR database, you can efficiently locate and review S-1 forms for various U.S. companies.