Understand the full business
Start with the annual report for business structure, risk factors, audited statements, and accounting notes.
How to read a 10-KSEC filing references
Find the report that answers your question.
Choose the form first. Check the reporting period before comparing numbers.
Check the period's changes
Use the quarterly report to update your baseline. Remember that cash-flow figures may cover the year to date.
Understand the quarterly reportInvestigate an event
Read the item number and exhibits to understand the event being disclosed. An earnings release is not the same document as a 10-Q.
Read an 8-KReproduce a real calculation
Follow a fixed annual filing from the cash-flow reconciliation to the source statement.
Meta FY2024 notebookTake the source with you
Record the accession number and exact document URL in your research worksheet. That keeps the evidence stable even when the company publishes another filing. Learn how to navigate EDGAR, or open official SEC search.