Flock

Dataroma vs WhaleWisdom: a factual comparison

By Flock Research · Filings research desk

On Dataroma vs WhaleWisdom: both are trackers built on the same public source, the SEC 13F filing, but they take different approaches to it. Dataroma focuses on a curated list of well-known value investors and keeps the presentation simple. WhaleWisdom covers a far broader universe of 13F filers and layers on more analytics and screening. Because the underlying data is identical, the honest way to compare them is on coverage, depth, and how each one dates and sources its holdings.

Definition

Dataroma and WhaleWisdom

are both websites that read SEC 13F filings and present managers' disclosed US holdings. Dataroma curates a set of well-known value investors; WhaleWisdom covers a broader universe of filers with more analytics. They draw on the same quarterly filings. Source: SEC EDGAR.

What they share

Every 13F tracker, both of these included, is built on the 13F-HR filing that US managers over a size threshold submit each quarter, listing their long US holdings. The tool decodes that filing into named positions and, in most cases, shows what changed quarter over quarter. If you want the background, read what a 13F filing is and what a 13F tracker does.

How they differ

What to checkDataromaWhaleWisdom
Manager coverageCurated well-known value investorsBroad universe of 13F filers
Depth of analyticsLighter, portfolio-focusedMore screening and history
PresentationSimple, readableDenser, data-heavy
Underlying sourceSEC 13FSEC 13F

Which one fits depends on your job. A short list of famous investors reads faster on a curated tool. A wide search across many filers needs broader coverage.

The limit they both share

No 13F tracker escapes the lag. A 13F reports holdings as of quarter-end and can be filed up to 45 days later, so the data is already weeks old when it publishes.

45 days

Maximum lag between quarter-end and a 13F filing, shared by every 13F tracker

Source: SEC, Section 13(f) rules

Where overlap adds something

The most useful layer on top of raw portfolios is overlap: seeing where several independent managers disclose the same holding. That ownership overlap across independent filers is a fact you can verify in the filings, and it is hard to see one portfolio at a time. If you are weighing either tool, our Dataroma alternative and WhaleWisdom alternative guides cover what to look for.

Flock decodes 13F filings into dated, source-linked holdings, covers both US and Indian filings, and shows where independent investors overlap. What any of it means for you is your call to make.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Dataroma and WhaleWisdom?

Both read SEC 13F filings. Dataroma focuses on a curated set of well-known value investors and keeps the view simple. WhaleWisdom covers a much broader universe of 13F filers and adds more analytics. Same source, different breadth. Source: SEC EDGAR.

Do Dataroma and WhaleWisdom use the same data?

Yes, at the core. Both are built on the 13F-HR filings that large US managers submit to the SEC each quarter. The differences are in which managers they cover, how they present changes, and what analytics they layer on top. Source: SEC EDGAR.

Is Dataroma or WhaleWisdom more up to date?

Neither escapes the 13F lag. Both show holdings as of quarter-end, filed up to 45 days later. On the day either publishes a filing, the positions can already be weeks old and the manager may have traded since. Source: SEC, Section 13(f) rules.

How should I compare 13F trackers?

Compare the breadth of managers covered, whether every holding is dated and links to the original SEC filing, how clearly quarter-over-quarter changes are shown, and whether the tool surfaces overlap across independent filers. Source: SEC EDGAR.

Flock tracks these filings, sourced, dated, and linked back to the original. See what smart-money entities disclosed, without the guesswork about what it means.

Disclosures shown are public regulatory filings. Data may be delayed or incomplete. Smart-money entities may no longer hold positions shown. Not investment advice.

The Smart Money Digest

A free weekly email of notable disclosure activity — every line with its filing date and source link. No advice, just filings. Unsubscribe anytime.