What is an 8-K? Current reports explained
An 8-K is a company's report of a major event: results, deals, executive changes, layoffs, hacks. What the item numbers mean and how fast it's filed.
What an 8-K is
An 8-K, or current report, is how a public company tells investors about a major event between its quarterly and annual reports. Most are due within four business days of the event.
Item numbers
Each 8-K lists the items it covers. Common ones: 2.02 results of operations (earnings), 1.01 a material agreement, 5.02 a director or officer leaving or joining, 2.01 a completed acquisition or sale, 7.01 and 8.01 other announcements.
Some items usually signal trouble: 1.03 bankruptcy, 1.05 a material cybersecurity incident, 2.05 layoffs or restructuring costs, 2.06 an impairment, 3.01 a delisting notice, 4.01 an auditor change, and 4.02 a warning that past financials shouldn't be relied on. Filing Radar labels these as red items.
Exhibits
The details are often in the exhibits, especially Exhibit 99.1, usually the press release. Filing Radar summarizes the filing in plain English and links to the original.
Quick answers
How soon is an 8-K filed?
Generally within four business days of the event it reports.
What is 8-K Item 2.02?
Results of operations and financial condition: usually an earnings release.
What is 8-K Item 5.02?
A director or officer departing, being appointed, or a change in their pay.
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