Why 13F Data Is Always 45 Days Old: The Filing Delay Explained

Every 13F filing on 13F Insight describes what an institutional investor held at the end of the previous quarter. By the time you see it, the data is always at least 45 days old.

TL;DR

• 13F filings are due 45 calendar days after each quarter ends.
• Q4 filings (December 31 positions) are due by February 14.
• Many filers submit on deadline day, so you see December positions in mid-February at earliest.
• Positions may have changed significantly during the 45-day gap.

The Filing Calendar

Why the Delay Matters

A lot happens in 45 days. If a stock drops 30%, the holder may have already sold. The filing is a frozen snapshot, not a live feed. This is why 13F data works best for understanding long-term positioning from low-turnover filers like Berkshire Hathaway or Dodge & Cox.

Amendments Add Delay

Filers can submit 13F-HR/A amendments that restate prior holdings. Goldman Sachs filed its Q4 2025 13F as an amendment. These can appear weeks after the original, making data even older.

How to Compensate

1. Focus on conviction, not timing: Large positions held across multiple quarters signal genuine conviction.
2. Cross-reference with real-time data: Use earnings calls and stock pages to check if conditions changed.
3. Watch 13D/G filings: Filed within 10 days, much more timely.
4. Track QoQ trends: Changes across 2-3 quarters reveal directional intent.

FAQ