Hint: Read the Oldest 10-K

by Geoff Gannon

I recently mentioned something in an email that I'm not sure I've said before on this blog. I always read the newest and oldest 10-K for a company when I start analyzing it. Reading the oldest 10-K gives you perspective.

\u200BThis little habit will make you a better investor.

EDGAR has 10-Ks going back to the mid 1990s. So, you'll have the experience of reading a 2012 annual report and something like a 1996 annual report. \u200B

This always gives me added perspective on the business. And it gets my thinking about how the business has changed over time and how it will change in the future. \u200B

Talk to Geoff

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I recently mentioned something in an email that I'm not sure I've said before on this blog. I always read the newest and oldest 10-K for a company when I start analyzing it. Reading the oldest 10-K gives you perspective.

This little habit will make you a better investor.

EDGAR has 10-Ks going back to the mid 1990s. So, you'll have the experience of reading a 2012 annual report and something like a 1996 annual report.

This always gives me added perspective on the business. And it gets my thinking about how the business has changed over time and how it will change in the future.