The 10-K is annual, but the SEC requires public companies to file two other categories of report continuously: the 10-Q (quarterly) and the 8-K (event-driven). Together with the 10-K, these three filings create a structured flow of official corporate disclosure that runs year-round. Knowing which filing covers what — and when each is due — lets you stay current on a company's evolving picture without surprise.

The 10-Q is filed within 40 days of each fiscal quarter end (45 days for smaller companies). It covers Q1, Q2, and Q3 — fiscal Q4 is rolled into the annual 10-K. The 10-Q contains unaudited financial statements (auditors don't sign quarterlies, only annuals), updated MD&A reflecting that quarter's results, and disclosure of any material changes since the last 10-K.

It's shorter than a 10-K (typically 30-80 pages) but is the most current view of the business between annual reports.