What is a 10-K Report?
10-K reports are detailed financial reports and management disclosures about a business. The financial statements in 10-K reports are generally audited and prepared in accordance with the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The disclosures must not be misleading or omit important information that investors need to make informed decisions. Both the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer must sign the 10-K report and attest to its accuracy. The 10-K report is reviewed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and staff may comment on the disclosures in a separate letter.
What Can a 10-K Report Tell You?
The 10-K report is divided into four parts that contain a narrative about business operations, financial data, and management’s view of results and future prospects.
Part One of the 10-K Report
Part One and Part 1A provide investors with an overview of the company, its business, and potential risk factors. It is a general discussion of key business segments, markets, activities, competition, and the regulatory landscape, along with the risks and legal issues facing the company.
Part Two of the 10-K Report
Part Two reveals details about stock and the number of investors who own it, private equity buyouts, and financial statements and consolidated financial data. In this section, investors can learn about specific business risks, as well as exposure resulting from changes in interest rates, currencies, and other financial market conditions.
Part Three of the 10-K Report
Part Three introduces the board of directors and management team, their experiences, qualifications, and compensations. Part Three also includes details about stock ownership and transactions between the company and directors, officers, and their family members.
Part Four of the 10-K Report
Part Four is a list of all tables and exhibits that must be included in the 10-K report. It also contains consolidated financial statements and notes, along with an independent auditor’s report.
How to Use 10-K Report Information for Stock Analysis
The company’s 10-K report contains a wealth of information that helps investors make informed decisions. It also provides hints about issues that may require further research. This begins with Part Two, which is the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).
What a 10-K Report Doesn’t Tell You
Although the 10-K report provides detailed information, it doesn’t indicate how the company’s performance compares to its peers. If the company’s sales grew by 15% in a year, how does that compare to other companies? The 10-K can provide important insights into industry and sector trends and risks, but it does not offer much perspective on how competitors are managing these issues.
10-K Reports and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure
Currently, there are no requirements for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures in 10-K reports. However, investors continue to demand greater transparency from companies regarding their ESG policies and practices. SEC Chair Gary Gensler has asked staff to develop a mandatory climate risk disclosure proposal by the end of 2021.
Conclusion
The 10-K report aims to provide standardized and meaningful information that aids in making investment decisions about the company. It is highly detailed and provides more information than the typical annual report. The 10-K can provide valuable insights about investing in the company’s stock or bonds, as well as identifying red flags. However, the 10-K report does not provide information about how the company performs relative to its competitors – an important consideration when looking to invest in a stock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I find a 10-K report? A 10-K report can be found by searching the EDGAR system on the SEC.gov website. Companies also typically publish their 10-K reports on the investor relations page of their websites.
What
What are the most important elements in a 10-K report? The Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section, located in the second part of the report, contains a lot of information about the company’s financial performance, management plans and expectations, and potential red flags. The notes accompanying the consolidated financial statements and the auditor’s report can also highlight potential issues.
When should a 10-K report be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)? It must be submitted within sixty, 75, or 90 days after the end of the fiscal year, depending on the company’s filing status.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-read-a-company-10-k-5213487
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