Form 8-K
SEC Form 8-K is a current report that companies must file to announce major events that shareholders should know about, including executive changes, acquisitions, earnings announcements, and other material corporate events.
The Trader's Take
The Signal
Form 8-K filings can trigger significant stock price movements, especially when they announce unexpected events like CEO departures, major acquisitions, or earnings surprises.
The Noise
Routine 8-K filings for minor corporate actions or standard disclosures may not impact stock price.
Actionable Insights
- 1Monitor 8-K filings for executive changes—CEO or CFO departures can signal trouble.
- 2Watch for 8-K filings announcing insider transactions or changes in beneficial ownership.
- 3Major acquisitions or divestitures announced via 8-K can create trading opportunities.
- 4Earnings announcements in 8-K filings often move markets immediately.
Regulatory Context & Context
| Timing / Deadline | Reporting Requirement |
|---|---|
| 4 Business Days | After the occurrence of a triggering event. |
Common Misconceptions
Not all corporate events require an 8-K—only those specified by SEC rules.
8-K filings can be filed voluntarily for events not required by regulation.
The timing of 8-K filings can be strategic—companies may delay filing negative news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly must Form 8-K be filed?
Form 8-K must be filed within four business days of the triggering event.
What types of events require Form 8-K filing?
Major events like executive changes, acquisitions, earnings announcements, auditor changes, and other material corporate events require Form 8-K filing.