Quick Definition

A quarterly report filed with the SEC that provides unaudited financial statements and updates on a public company's operations.

Key Takeaways

  • Filed for the first three quarters of a company's fiscal year
  • Contains unaudited financial statements and MD&A updates
  • Less comprehensive than the annual 10-K but provides timely information
  • Large accelerated filers must submit within 40 days of quarter-end
  • Important for tracking interim changes in business operations and risks

What Is Form 10-Q?

Form 10-Q is the quarterly report that publicly traded companies must file with the SEC for each of the first three quarters of their fiscal year (the fourth quarter is covered by the annual 10-K). The 10-Q includes unaudited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, and disclosures about market risk. While less comprehensive than the 10-K, the 10-Q provides timely updates on a company's financial performance, material changes in business operations, and any significant legal or risk developments. Large accelerated filers must submit their 10-Q within 40 days of the quarter's end, while smaller companies have 45 days.

Form 10-Q Example

  • 1Amazon's Q3 10-Q revealed a 12% increase in AWS revenue, prompting analysts to raise their price targets.
  • 2Investors noticed a new risk factor in the company's 10-Q regarding pending antitrust litigation that was not disclosed in the previous quarter.