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Reading a 10-Q calls for patience—and a highlighter. ("Pens at Work" image by "Jenny" via Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Beginner’s guide to 10-Q

Like all corporate filings, the 10-Q tends to present company information in the best light possible. It is written by accountants and lawyers, which means

Knowing how to read a financial report is the first step in reporting on a business's health. ("Magnifying Glass" by John Lester via Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

Dissecting a financial statement

The first stop for a reporter looking at a public company’s financial health is its financial statement, easily found in its annual report. The three main components

Journalists head to a pair of primary online sources for information on company finances. (Image by Coyot via Pixabay)

Where to find company finances online

There are two main places to look for public companies’ financial reports and related information on the internet: the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website and,

Don't miss these red flags when read a company's financial reports. ("Red Flags" image by Rutger van Waveren via flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Four common 10-K red flags

Public companies have many ways of making themselves look more stable and successful than might be the case. Pro-forma financial reports are one tactic that present a

Options are one type of derivative, allowing investors to bet on the short-term movement of a stock. ("Alt Option Apple" image by "CJ SOrg" via flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Financial market reporting, part 6: Derivatives

Defining derivatives and options Now we are going to discuss investment vehicles that are derived from others, appropriately called derivatives. Investors do not own the underlying

Watch out! Pro-Forma financial reports

Financial statements and documents are a primary tool for the business reporter. Public companies registered in the U.S. must report all manners of their operations

How to Cover Money logo

An introduction to financial statements

The How to Cover Money podcast is back! W.P. Carey School of Business professor Philip Drake and Bloomberg’s Tom Contiliano introduce business reporters to the art of reading financial

Many Americans make savings one of their New Year's resolutions. This data should jump-start a business story. ("Attack of the Piggy banks" image by "Low Jianwei" via flickr, CC B Y 2.0)

Story jump-start: Big data on savings

For many Americans, New Year’s brings a recurring resolution: Save more money. That can mean coming up with a retirement strategy, strategizing about college debt, paying off

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