What annual report is required by the SEC, containing vital company information, including financial statements?

The annual report required by the SEC that contains vital company information, including comprehensive financial statements, is indeed the Form 10-K. This document provides a thorough overview of a company's financial performance over the past fiscal year and includes detailed information about the company’s operations, risk factors, management discussions, and audited financial statements. The 10-K is essential for investors as it offers a standardized and detailed snapshot of a company’s financial health and business strategies, enabling informed investment decisions.

While the Annual Report may also include financial information and is often more polished for shareholders, it is not a specific SEC filing that meets the rigorous requirements set forth for disclosures. Form 10-Q relates to quarterly financial performance and is not as comprehensive as the 10-K, since it only provides a summary of what has occurred during the quarter. A Securities Prospectus is used primarily for offering securities to the public, providing details about the investment opportunity rather than annual performance data.