The US government gives investors the ability to assess a company's history and progress, as well as make reasonable assumptions about its future through a set of required filings. These filings are registration statements, formal and periodic reports and other forms that are provided to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

• Investors can assess the health of a company and make assumptions about its future by reviewing its required SEC filings.
• Registration statements provide details about security offerings and a company's profitability.
• A 10-K report provides a comprehensive annual summary of a company's financial performance.
• Proxy statements are required before soliciting investors and include voting procedures, directors' background information, managers' salaries, and other information not readily accessible in other statements.