Reports to the government are more extensive than the glossy reports sent to shareholders. Although many different types of forms must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, you can get most of the juicy information from just a few:
10-K: Annual report that provides a comprehensive overview of the corporation’s business
10-Q: Quarterly report that describes key financial information about the prior three months
8-K: Shows any major events that could impact the financial position of the company
Forms 3 to 5: Reflect changes in ownership of stock by directors, officers, and major stockholders, giving you an idea of the view from the inside