To check a U.S. public company, first confirm its ticker and share class, then review its stock chart over a defined period and examine its latest reports in the SEC’s free EDGAR database. Use the chart to understand market-price movement and the filings to understand what the company reported; neither alone tells the whole story.
1. Confirm the company and ticker
Look up the company’s full name, ticker symbol, and exchange on its investor relations site or a financial quote page before searching. Similar company names and multiple share classes can lead to the wrong quote or filings, so make sure the ticker belongs to the issuer and shares you mean to examine.
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2. Check stock performance over a defined period
Open a quote page or chart and select a period—such as one month, one year, or five years. Record the start and end dates, and check whether the displayed performance is price return or includes dividends. A quote page may also bring together a current quote, chart, news, and company statistics; Fidelity’s stock-research guide describes these types of snapshot information.
Price return measures the change in a share’s price. Total return also accounts for distributions such as dividends. If dividends are excluded, do not describe a price-only change as total return. Share prices can move because of company-specific developments as well as broader market factors, and past performance does not predict future results. Investor.gov’s stock FAQ explains these sources of return and price movement.
3. Find the company’s filings in EDGAR
The SEC’s EDGAR database provides free public access to company filings. Search by company name or ticker, then use the filing list’s form type and filing date to locate the reports you need. Check for filings ending in “/A”: that notation identifies an amendment, which may change or supplement an earlier filing. See Investor.gov’s EDGAR guide for search and form-type guidance.
| Form | What it covers | When it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| 10-K | Annual report, including audited annual financial statements, risk factors, and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A). | For the company’s full-year report and a broad view of its business and risks. |
| 10-Q | Quarterly report with unaudited financial statements and updated discussion of the business and risks. | For interim results and updates during the fiscal year. |
| 8-K | Current report on significant events that may arise between periodic reports; it can also include an earnings release or preliminary earnings information. | Around a major announcement, acquisition, leadership change, or other significant event. |
These descriptions apply to U.S. public-company reporting; foreign issuers and companies subject to different reporting obligations may use different forms. U.S.-based public companies generally file three 10-Qs for the first three fiscal quarters and a 10-K after the fourth quarter. For an overview of these reporting obligations, see Investor.gov’s public-company guide.
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4. Read earnings in context
For the detailed results, open the latest 10-K or 10-Q and review its financial statements alongside the MD&A and risk factors. The core statements are the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and statement of stockholders’ equity. Revenue or earnings per share by itself does not show cash generation, debt, or how the company’s risks may have changed. Investor.gov explains how to read these reports in its 10-K/10-Q guide.
- Compare a quarter with the same fiscal quarter in the previous year; use year-to-date figures as an additional view when helpful.
- Check the company’s fiscal calendar. Fiscal quarters do not necessarily match calendar quarters.
- Distinguish results for the quarter alone from figures covering the year to date.
For a quick announcement, the company’s investor relations site may publish an earnings release. Treat it as a summary, then check whether it was furnished or filed with an 8-K and consult the periodic report for fuller statements and discussion. An earnings announcement may be available before the related 10-Q or 10-K.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Make comparisons consistent
- When comparing share performance, use the same date range and establish whether dividends are included.
- When comparing earnings, use matching fiscal periods and distinguish quarter-only from year-to-date results.
- When comparing disclosures, note the form type, filing date, and any amendment.
- Consider company disclosures alongside price movement. Market prices can also reflect broader forces, so a filing does not by itself explain every price change.
This process helps you understand reported information; it does not predict how a stock will perform or provide individualized buy, sell, or hold advice. Investor.gov’s guide to investing on your own advises investors to do their own research and not rely solely on stock tips.
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