What is Form 20-F?

Form 20-F is the annual report filed with the SEC by most foreign private issuers—non-US companies with securities listed or registered in the United States, including many companies with exchange-listed ADRs.

How it compares with a 10-K

A 20-F covers similar ground to a US company’s 10-K: business description, risk factors, operating and financial review, and audited financial statements. Differences include:

• Financial statements may follow IFRS rather than US GAAP.
• The deadline is later—generally four months after the fiscal year end.
• Foreign private issuers are not required to file quarterly 10-Qs.

Form 6-K

Between annual reports, foreign private issuers furnish Form 6-K to share information they publish at home or send to shareholders—for example, quarterly results or material announcements. For Korean companies with US listings, a 6-K often mirrors a disclosure first filed on DART.

Why it matters

For a foreign company, the 20-F is often the most complete English-language description of its business, risks, and ownership structure, and it is filed under US securities law.

This glossary entry is general information, not investment advice.