Quarterly Reporting

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IPO Process Library · 08 Post-IPO Life

Last Updated | November 11, 2026

Quarterly Reporting After an IPO

Public companies file periodic reports with the SEC: the 10-K annually, the 10-Q for each of the first three quarters, and 8-Ks for material events. Each has defined content and deadlines that depend on the company's filer status.

Key Takeaways

• The 10-K is annual and audited; the 10-Q is quarterly and unaudited but reviewed by the auditor.
• Deadlines are shorter for larger public floats; new public companies start in the slowest group.
• Earnings releases are furnished on Form 8-K, and non-GAAP measures must be reconciled.
• CEO and CFO certify the accuracy of periodic reports.

FormsFiler statusEarningsControlsFAQRelated

The main reports

Report	Content	General timing
10-K	Annual report: business, risk factors, MD&A, audited financials, governance	60, 75, or 90 days after year-end, by filer status
10-Q	Quarterly financials and MD&A for quarters one to three	40 or 45 days after quarter-end, by filer status
8-K	Material events: earnings, agreements, executive changes, and other triggers	Generally four business days after the event
Proxy statement	Annual meeting, director elections, executive pay	Ahead of the annual meeting

How filer status affects deadlines

Filer status depends on public float and other tests. Large accelerated filers have the shortest deadlines, accelerated filers are next, and non-accelerated filers have the longest. A newly public company usually starts as a non-accelerated filer until it meets the tests, and a first 10-Q has special timing tied to the effective date. Check current SEC rules for thresholds.

Earnings releases and non-GAAP

• Earnings press releases are furnished on Form 8-K, typically with a conference call.
• Non-GAAP measures must be reconciled to the closest GAAP measure and not given undue prominence.
• Guidance is optional but widely used, and misses can move the stock.
• Regulation FD requires that material information be disclosed broadly, not selectively.

Certifications and controls

• CEO and CFO certify reports under Sarbanes-Oxley.
• Disclosure controls and procedures must be maintained and evaluated.
• Management reports on internal control over financial reporting starting with the second annual report; auditor attestation depends on status.
• Restatements and control failures must be disclosed.

Common questions

Is there a 10-Q for the fourth quarter?

No. Fourth-quarter results are covered in the 10-K.

Where can I read these filings?

On the SEC's EDGAR database and usually on the company's investor relations site.

Keep Reading

What Happens After IPO?10-K, 10-Q, earnings, IR.Investor RelationsBuilding IR and earnings calls.Life as Public CompanySOX, scrutiny, and daily valuation.Lock-Up ExpirationWhat happens when the lock-up expires.Analyst CoverageBuy/Sell ratings and price targets.How to Read an S-1Business, risk factors, MD&A, financials.

Methodology & Sources
Synthesizes SEC rules and guidance (Securities Act of 1933, Exchange Act of 1934, Regulation S-K), NYSE/Nasdaq listing standards, FINRA rules, and public S-1 filings. Cross-checked against primary documents. Rules, thresholds, and timelines change; confirm current requirements with counsel before acting. General education, not legal or investment advice.

Author: Erwin Castro