Form 8-K requires public companies to make prompt disclosures about a large number of specified events. Although Form 8-K does not mandate current reporting of all material events, it goes a long way toward requiring public companies to keep the markets informed of material developments on a day-to-day basis.

Public companies need to ensure that they have in place disclosure controls and procedures that will permit them to monitor developments that could trigger a Form 8-K filing requirement. In addition, some of the Form 8-K disclosure requirements are triggered by a decision of the board of directors, so it is important to plan board actions with these requirements in mind.