Glossary · Defined term
10-Q
A 10-Q is the quarterly SEC report U.S. public companies file for each of the first three fiscal quarters, with unaudited financials.
Last updated Oct 2, 2026
What it means
A 10-Q is the quarterly report U.S. public companies file with the SEC for each of the first three fiscal quarters (the fourth quarter is covered by the 10-K). It contains unaudited financial statements plus management's discussion of the quarter's results, giving investors a checkpoint between annual reports. Because the statements are not audited, the 10-Q is generally less detailed than the 10-K, but it still must disclose material events such as lawsuits, defaults, or changes in the business. Large filers must submit it within 40 days of quarter-end, smaller companies within 45 days. Analysts track 10-Qs to see whether a company's yearly story is holding up or breaking down.
An example
Imagine a company reports a strong first half in its earnings press release. Its second-quarter 10-Q might reveal that accounts receivable are growing faster than sales, a possible sign customers are paying more slowly. Spotting that detail in the filing is the kind of check investors use 10-Qs for.