What financial statement requires detailed annual reporting from companies to the SEC?

The Form 10-K is a comprehensive annual report that publicly traded companies must submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This document provides a detailed overview of a company's financial performance, including audited financial statements, management discussion and analysis (MD&A), and information about the company’s operations, risks, and future outlook.

The Form 10-K is significant because it not only offers stakeholders vital financial data but also includes extensive disclosures required by the SEC that aid investors in making informed decisions. This form is filed once a year and must adhere to a specific structure outlined by the SEC, ensuring consistency and reliability in the financial reporting process.

In contrast, other forms like the Form 10-Q are quarterly reports that provide a snapshot of financial performance for a specific quarter but do not require the same level of detail as a Form 10-K. The Form 8-K is used to notify shareholders of unscheduled events or corporate changes, while the Form S-1 pertains to the registration of securities before a public offering, making them less relevant to annual reporting requirements.