The easiest way to get financial information on a public company is to go to its Web site. Find a link or search for "investors" or "investor relations." This is where most companies post copies of their 10-K (annual), 10-Q (quarterly) and other financial statements. Many copies also post press releases here or in a separate section usually called "newsroom" or "media."

Sometimes, you’ll have to find these sections by first clicking on a link or tab that says "About" the company.

To get the media’s spin on a company’s financial report or press release, visit news sites such as www.marketwatch.com, www.thestreet.com, www.bloomberg.com, http://finance.yahoo.com/ and www.msnbc.com.