Final answer:
A Form 10-K is a report submitted yearly to the SEC, containing detailed information about a company's financial performance, organizational structure, and other key data, mandated by federal regulations for transparency to investors and the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Form 10-K is a crucial and comprehensive annual report that publicly traded companies must submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as stipulated by federal regulations like the Federal Securities Act. It serves as a detailed disclosure document, providing a thorough overview of a company's performance and financial health. This document goes beyond the standard annual report, offering in-depth insights into various aspects such as company history, organizational structure, equity, holdings, earnings per share, subsidiaries, and more.
The Form 10-K plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in the financial markets, ensuring that businesses furnish accurate and detailed information to investors, analysts, and regulatory authorities. By mandating the submission of the 10-K, federal regulations aim to uphold the principles of disclosure and integrity in the corporate reporting practices of publicly traded companies.