Introduction
Financial statements are documents prepared by a company to provide information about its financial performance to investors, creditors, and other stakeholders. The four primary types of financial statements are the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flows, and statement of changes in equity. All of these documents are essential for assessing the financial health of a company.
The purpose of this article is to explore where to find financial statements of public companies. Through an overview of online resources, financial databases, company websites, investor relations, and public libraries, readers will gain a better understanding of how to access financial statements.
Utilize Online Resources
One of the most useful online sources for finding financial statements is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC is a government agency that regulates the securities industry in the United States and is responsible for protecting investors by ensuring that public companies provide accurate and timely disclosure of financial information.
Accessing financial statements on the SEC website is easy. First, visit the EDGAR search page and enter the company name. This will return a list of all the company’s filings with the SEC. Next, select the “10-K” filing from the list. A 10-K is an annual report that public companies must file with the SEC and includes financial statements. Finally, click on the “Documents” tab to view the financial statements.
Use Financial Databases
Another popular method for finding financial statements is to use financial databases. There are numerous financial databases available, such as Bloomberg, S&P Global Market Intelligence, and Morningstar. These databases provide comprehensive financial information, including financial statements, for public companies.
To access financial statements from a financial database, first create an account and log in. Next, search for the company you are interested in and select the “Financials” tab. This will bring up the company’s financial statements, which can be viewed or downloaded.
Check Company Websites
Another option for finding financial statements is to check the company’s website. Most public companies post their financial statements on their websites. This is a great way to access up-to-date information about a company’s financial performance.
Finding financial statements on a company’s website is straightforward. First, navigate to the company’s website and look for a “Financials” or “Investor Relations” section. Then, select the “Financial Statements” link to view the company’s financial documents. Some companies also provide quarterly financial reports, which can be found in the same section.
Contact Investor Relations
If you cannot find the financial statements you need online, you can contact the company’s investor relations department. Investor relations departments are responsible for providing accurate and timely information about a company’s financial performance to investors and other stakeholders. They typically have access to detailed financial documents, including financial statements.
To request financial statements from investor relations, contact the department via phone or email. Be sure to include your name, company name, and the type of financial documents you are requesting. Once your request is received, the investor relations department will provide you with the financial statements you need.
Visit Public Libraries
Public libraries are another great source for finding financial statements. Many public libraries have copies of financial documents, such as annual reports, prospectuses, and 10-K filings. These documents usually include financial statements.
To access financial statements from a public library, first contact your local library to inquire about the availability of financial documents. Most libraries will have a reference librarian who can help you locate the documents you need. Once you have identified the documents, you can visit the library and view or print them.
Conclusion
Financial statements are important documents for assessing the financial health of a company. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to access financial statements of public companies, including online resources, financial databases, company websites, investor relations, and public libraries. By utilizing these sources, you can easily find the financial information you need.
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