Usually, when talking about a Form 8-K, it may sound familiar to the companies rather than new investors. However, this form is essential because it can tell you the details of important information about the companies. Therefore, Finxpd has compiled all the details about a Form 8-K you should know in this article.
List of Contents
What Exactly Is a Form 8-K?
A Form 8K is a report used to provide public notification of any unanticipated events or changes that are significant to the operational performance or continued existence of a company. For this reason, both the company’s stockholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regard it as vital. These kinds of occurrences include things like the departure of corporate directors, the purchase of new property, the declaration of bankruptcy, and the modification of the fiscal year. Here is an example from General Motors company’ s Form 8-K.
Requirements for a Form 8-K
For most report events, a Form 8-K must be filed immediately, usually within four business days following the event. Depending on what is being shared, different information is needed. For instance, a company must report a bankruptcy or receivership before filing subsequent 8-Ks explaining the plan for reorganization or liquidation and the court’s approval of that plan. These 8-Ks will be accessible to investors via the SEC’s EDGAR website, which makes 8-Ks publicly available. Using the reports, investors can determine if their stock is likely to be canceled or if the company is expected to be released from receivership soon.
In addition, the completion of acquisition or disposition of assets is another instance found in the field of mergers and acquisitions. This covers acquisitions and corporate mergers. The corporation must thoroughly outline the terms of the transaction for this item.
How to Read a Form 8-K
The name and description of the significant event, as well as any exhibits that are relevant such as a financial statement, are the only sections of a Form 8-K. If you want to read it, all you have to do is browse through the form to find the trigger event and explanation, as well as any supporting documents and materials. The information that is included in Form 8-k is quite easy to read. This is because their primary purpose is to offer investors the data and context they need to make educated judgments in the aftermath of a significant event. The Investor Bulletin on How to Read an 8-K that is published by the SEC emphasizes a number of disclosures on an 8-K that investors could find to be useful.
Advantages of a Form 8-K
Form 8-K provides the effective and timely notification of important changes.
First of all, a Form 8-K provides investors with timely notification of material developments at publicly traded corporations. The SEC defines a number of these alterations in detail. In contrast, others are merely events that companies deem sufficiently significant. Regardless, the form allows companies to engage directly with investors. There is no filtering or alteration of the material by media organizations. In addition, investors do not need to watch television, subscribe to periodicals, or sift through financial news websites in order to obtain the 8-K.
Management of the company can avoid concerns of insider trading.
Form 8-K also provides significant benefits to publicly traded corporations. The company’s management can meet particular disclosure standards and prevent insider trading claims by timely filing an 8-K. Companies can also utilize Form 8-K to notify investors about any significant occurrences.
It is a useful record for economic researchers.
Lastly, Form 8-K serves as an important record for economic researchers. Academics, for example, may be curious about the impact of various events on stock values. Regressions can be used to evaluate the influence of these occurrences, but researchers need credible data. Since 8-K disclosures are required by law, they give a complete record and help to avoid sample selection bias.
Disadvantages of a Form 8-K
Companies have to pay for a Form 8-K.
Form 8-K, like other legally mandated forms, imposes costs on businesses. There is the cost of preparing and submitting the paperwork, as well as the possibility of fines for late filing. Although it is only a minor portion of the issue, the requirement to submit Form 8-K discourages small businesses from going public in the first place. Requiring corporations to share information assists investors in making better decisions. However, when the burden on enterprises gets too great, it might limit their investment possibilities.
Conclusion
The Form-8K report is essential for investors and shareholders to stay up to date on substantial or material events and transactions carried out by a company. Such incidents are often capable of influencing the company’s stock price. As a result, investors utilize such information to update their investment decisions such as whether to purchase, sell, or keep the stock. The SEC requires the Form 8-K report to provide timely and relevant information that is not included in yearly or quarterly filings.
Read more: Regulations
Source: Investopedia