What is an 8-K? What does 8-K mean? Why would a company file an 8-K form? As defined by the SEC, the Form 8-K is a filing that companies make to "announce major events that shareholders should know about." Generally speaking, a Form 8-K is filed with the SEC by a publicly traded company when an "unscheduled" material event takes place. -- what is form 8K - financial term definition --Some of the situations in which a company would file an 8-K include: -bankruptcy -departure of a key executive (such as the CEO) -notice of delisting -change in accountant -announcement of a new deal All of these would require a company to file an 8-K with the SEC within four business days of the occurrence of the event. Example: The CEO of XYZ resigns from the company, citing "personal reasons". The company would have to file an 8-K with the SEC within 4 business days of this resignation taking place.