Earnings Season
The 4–6 week window each quarter when most public companies report results. Runs approximately January, April, July, and October.
Earnings season is the concentrated period — roughly 4–6 weeks after each calendar quarter ends — when the majority of S&P 500 companies release their quarterly earnings reports. The US earnings calendar peaks in mid-to-late January, April, July, and October.
During earnings season, volatility across the market rises as each major report can ripple through its sector. A disappointing result from a bellwether (e.g., a major retailer) can reprice every company in the group even before they report.
Traders track the calendar closely to avoid holding options through binary earnings events — or to position specifically for earnings reactions using strategies like straddles or ratio spreads.
Related Terms
Earnings Beat
When a company reports EPS or revenue above the analyst consensus estimate. Often triggers a stock price increase.
BeginnerEarnings Gap
The overnight price jump or drop a stock makes between the prior close and the open after an earnings report.
IntermediateEarnings Miss
When a company reports EPS or revenue below the analyst consensus estimate. Typically triggers a sharp stock decline.
BeginnerEarnings Report
A company's official quarterly disclosure of revenue, earnings, margins, and guidance. The biggest recurring event in single-stock trading.
BeginnerForward Guidance
Management's public forecast for future revenue, earnings, or margins. Often moves the stock more than the reported quarter itself.
Intermediate