Public Company 101

An 8-K is the SEC's "current report" — it tells investors about a material event between your quarterly filings, usually within four business days. Common triggers: signing or ending a material agreement (Item 1.01/1.02), earnings (2.02), selling unregistered shares (3.02), a director or officer change (5.02), and Reg FD disclosures (7.01). The rule of thumb: if a reasonable investor would want to know before they trade, it's probably 8-K territory. When in doubt, the Disclosure Helper drafts starter language and you confirm with counsel.