What type of source is Edgar Online considered to be?

Edgar Online is primarily known as a source for financial data and filings of publicly traded companies in the United States. It aggregates data from EDGAR (the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system), which is maintained by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This allows users to access important documents that public companies are required to file, such as 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and other significant financial reports.

These filings provide crucial insights into a company's financial performance, governance, and overall health, making Edgar Online an essential resource for analysts and professionals looking to evaluate publicly traded businesses. Its role as a guideline source specifically pertains to other valuation assessments, as its data serves as a reference for industry comparisons and market analysis.

In contrast, other options don't specifically align with Edgar Online's primary function. For instance, private equity guideline sources would focus on data related to private equity investments, while a corporate financial statement database would imply a broader collection of company documents, which may include private entities too. An investment analysis tool suggests a focus on analytical capabilities rather than data sourcing. Therefore, the classification of Edgar Online as a publicly traded company guideline source accurately reflects its significance and application within the realm of financial analysis and business valuation.