Knowledge Hub

Understand the tools
behind the edge

A plain-English guide to SEC filings, analysis modules, and how MainStreetAlpha turns raw data into actionable signals.

How it works

1

Pick an asset

Enter any publicly traded US stock ticker — equities, ETFs, REITs.

2

Choose an analysis

Select from 8 AI-powered analysis modules depending on what you need.

3

Get your report

AI agents fetch live data, process SEC filings, and return a structured report in minutes.

SEC Filings Decoded

AI agents auto-fetch these filings for any public company. Here's what each form means and why it matters.

10-K

Annual Report

Once / year

The most comprehensive document — full financial statements, business overview, risk factors, and management commentary for the full year.

10-Q

Quarterly Report

3× / year

Quarterly financials and management discussion — a lighter version of the 10-K filed three times per year.

8-K

Current Report

As needed

Material events disclosed as they happen — earnings releases, executive changes, mergers, acquisitions, and major corporate actions.

13-F

Institutional Holdings

Quarterly

Quarterly snapshot of what institutional investors (hedge funds, asset managers) own. A window into smart-money positioning.

Form 4

Insider Transactions

Within 2 days

Insiders (executives and directors) must report purchases or sales of company stock within two business days. A strong sentiment signal.

SC 13G/A

Large Shareholder Update

Annually / on change

Filed when a shareholder acquires or adjusts ownership above 5%. Reveals significant ownership changes that can move share prices.

DEF 14A

Proxy Statement

Annually

Pre-shareholder-vote document detailing board elections, executive compensation packages, and major governance proposals.

ARS

Annual Report to Shareholders

Annually

Narrative-driven annual report sent directly to shareholders — less technical than the 10-K, more strategic in tone.

Analysis Modules Explained

Eight distinct AI-powered modules — each designed for a specific research question an investor might have.

Stock Pitch

A full investment thesis — business overview, moat, growth catalysts, valuation, risks, and a BUY/HOLD/SELL recommendation with price target.

DCF Valuation

Discounted cash flow model built from SEC data. Intrinsic value estimate with bear, base, and bull scenarios based on different growth assumptions.

Earnings Analysis

Breaks down the latest earnings — revenue vs. expectations, margins, guidance, and management commentary extracted straight from the earnings call.

Risk Report

Identifies and scores key risk factors: macro headwinds, competitive threats, regulatory exposure, and balance sheet vulnerabilities.

Portfolio Review

Holistic view of your holdings — sector concentration, risk exposure, correlation heatmap, and rebalancing suggestions.

Competitor Matrix

Side-by-side comparison of valuation multiples, growth rates, margins, and competitive moat across a peer group.

Dividend Analysis

Evaluates dividend sustainability via payout ratio, free cash flow coverage, yield vs. peers, and 5-year growth trajectory.

Sector Report

Macro and micro breakdown of an industry — trends, tailwinds, headwinds, key players, and a forward-looking outlook.

Disclaimer: All content on this page is for educational and research purposes only. Nothing here constitutes financial advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions.

Free to start

Put the knowledge to work

1,000 free credits on sign-up. No credit card required.