By Edward S. Best, Michael T. Blair, Robert E. Curley, James B. Carlson, Michael L. Hermsen, Philip J. Niehoff, Laura D. Richman and James D. Walther
Originally published on September 12, 2002
On August 27, 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules that shorten the time periods within which registrants with a specified public float and reporting history must file their annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (SEC Release No. 33-8128; 34-46464; FR-63). The new accelerated filing periods are being phased in over a four-year period. The SEC has adopted the accelerated filing schedule in order to improve the usefulness of periodic reports to investors by providing more timely disclosure. The new rules also require disclosures concerning a registrant's website and the ability to timely access filings on a website or otherwise obtain copies of those filings.
