That’s correct! As the name suggests, they’re intended for disclosing timely information. 

Correct!

That’s right!

Correct! There are instances where an 8-K is required to be filed within four days, however the rules aren’t always so straightforward. Learn more on page 211.

Correct! This item is triggered if a company reduces the rights of its shareholders (or debtholders). One common way companies do this is through a so-called poison pill measure, designed to make hostile takeovers more difficult. Simply adopting a “shareholder rights plan” generally triggers Item 1.01, not this item.

Correct! Exhibits, amendments, and changes between filings can all be invaluable sources of information for stories.

Correct! This item is used when a company has been bought or taken over. There’s usually some warning before one of these is filed, whether it is triggered by a hostile takeover, planned merger, or an investor buying up just over 50% of the company’s shares. Still, there may be some interesting details in it to include in a story.

Correct!

Correct! New or modified pay details for top executives are filed with the same code as the appointment or departure of directors and officers. Here, companies have some leeway in describing the new or changed pay, but they can choose whether to include the actual employment agreement or another contract.

Correct! Item 2.05 in 8-Ks can include announcements of big layoffs or the dollar amounts associated with restructuring.