Earnings

Earnings refer to the financial performance of a publicly traded company, specifically the profit or loss it generates during a particular period. Earnings are typically reported quarterly, and the key figures reported include net income, revenue, earnings per share (EPS), and other financial metrics that indicate the company’s profitability and overall financial health. Companies often provide a breakdown of their earnings in relation to market expectations, which can influence stock prices.

The average timeframe for earnings reports is as follows:

1. Quarterly Earnings Reports: Most publicly traded companies release their earnings four times a year, usually after the end of each fiscal quarter. The standard fiscal quarters are:

• Q1 (First Quarter): January 1 to March 31, reported in April/early May.
• Q2 (Second Quarter): April 1 to June 30, reported in July/early August.
• Q3 (Third Quarter): July 1 to September 30, reported in October/early November.
• Q4 (Fourth Quarter): October 1 to December 31, reported in January/early February.

2. Earnings Report Deadlines: Companies must file their earnings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) using forms like 10-Q for quarterly earnings and 10-K for the annual report. The deadline for filing these reports varies:

• For 10-Q filings, they are generally due within 40 days after the end of the fiscal quarter for large companies.
• For 10-K filings, they are generally due 60 days after the fiscal year ends.

3. Earnings Call: Companies usually hold an earnings call shortly after the earnings report is published, where senior executives discuss the results and provide outlooks. These calls are often scheduled a few days to a week after the report is released.