What is 'SEC Form S-1'

SEC Form S-1 is the initial registration form for new securities issued. It is required by the SEC for public companies. Any security that meets the criteria must have an S-1 filing before any shares can be listed on a national exchange. Form S-1 requires companies to provide information on things such as details of the current and planned strategy,  as planned use of capital proceeds, a brief prospectus is also required  of the planned security itself, offering price methodology and must also disclose any dilution that is planned over a particular time period. 

What does the S1 comprise 'SEC Form S-1'

SEC Form S-1 is otherwise known as the registration statement that comes under Securities Exchange Act of 1933. The SEC often requires the disclosure of any material business dealings between the company and its directors and outside counsel. These documents are available to veiw online as a way to research companies on new offerings. 

 Filing SEC Form S-1

Part I - is a legal document and known as the prospectus. This section is required to have certain information,such as the financial condition of the company,  total proceeds and price per share, a description of managment,  including the business operations, the use of proceeds, the total being amount being sold by individual holders, plus information on the underwriters.

Part II - This part includes recent sales of unregistered securities, financial statement schedules and diagrams. This part is not legally required in the prospectus

 The issuer will ultimatly liability if there are material misrepresentations or omissions.

 Changing or Amending the Form

The Securities Exchange Act of 1933, otherwise known as the truth in securities law, requires the registration form are filed disclosing important information on the companies securities. However, the he form is sometimes changed or amended  as material information changes such general market conditions cause a delay in the offering or new information will affect the filing. In this situation, the issuer would file a Form S-1/A.This helps the SEC achieve the objectives of this act: requiring investors to receive significant information regarding securities offered and prevent fraud in the sale of the offered securities.

A less detailed rigid registration form known as S-3, which is for companies that don't have the same ongoing reporting requirements.