Knowing the release schedule of the Q1 financial reports is the first key to unlocking US stock investments

For U.S. stock investors, the timing of Q1 earnings reports often marks the beginning of a year’s investment opportunities. Earnings reports are the most direct and effective source of information for researching publicly traded companies, but many novice investors face the same dilemma: When will the Q1 earnings be released? How can I get the reports immediately? The reports are so thick and complex—which parts should I focus on? This article will unveil the mysteries of U.S. stock earnings reports, helping you easily master the key points of querying and analyzing these reports.

Concept of Fiscal Year and Types of Earnings Reports: Why the Release Dates Vary by Company

Many investors notice that, although they are all looking at Q1 reports, different companies release theirs at completely different times. The reason lies in the fact that U.S. companies are allowed to choose their own fiscal year.

What is a Fiscal Year (FY)?

A fiscal year is the accounting period a company selects based on its business cycle and revenue pattern. Unlike the calendar year (January 1 to December 31), a company’s first quarter can start in any month. For example:

• Apple Inc. (AAPL) ends its fiscal year on September 24, meaning its Q1 begins on September 26
• Microsoft (MSFT) ends its fiscal year on June 30, so its Q1 starts on July 1

This difference directly causes variations in the timing of earnings report releases. When comparing quarterly performance across companies, investors need to align with each company’s fiscal calendar.

The Annual Earnings Cycle of U.S. Companies

Before understanding when Q1 reports are released, it’s crucial to grasp the overall annual reporting cycle.

Quarterly Reports (3-Month Reports)
Quarterly reports typically cover three months of unaudited financial results. According to SEC regulations, publicly listed companies must file Form 10-Q within 40–45 days after the quarter ends. This means Q1 reports are generally released about six weeks after the first quarter concludes.

Annual Reports (Year-End Reports)
Annual reports include audited financial statements for the full year (12 months) and must be filed within 60–90 days after year-end using Form 10-K. These reports are more comprehensive, including audit opinions, risk disclosures, and detailed analysis.

Earnings Conference Calls
Most companies hold conference calls shortly after releasing earnings reports, where management, analysts, and investors discuss performance and outlook in detail.

The Pattern of Q1 Earnings Release: Understanding the Time Window

Although the release dates vary due to fiscal year differences, there are observable patterns. Generally, within 1–2 weeks after the quarter ends (March, June, September, December), many companies will announce their earnings.

To get the latest updates on Q1 earnings release schedules, investors can use the following methods:

Investor Relations Websites
Most companies publish their earnings release dates in the Investor Relations section of their official websites (search for “Company Name + Investor Relations”). This is the most accurate source.

Financial Information Platforms
Several platforms regularly update earnings calendars for U.S. stocks, making it easy to track:

• Yahoo Finance: detailed earnings schedule
• NASDAQ official site: real-time updates on earnings release plans
• Investing.com: global earnings info
• SeekingAlpha: analyst commentary and earnings forecasts

Quick Reference Table for Q1 Earnings Release Dates of Major U.S. Companies (2022 Fiscal Year)

To help investors intuitively understand the release rhythm, here are some well-known companies’ 2022 fiscal year earnings release dates and key data:

This table clearly shows that, although all are for the 2022 fiscal year, their release times span multiple months.

How to Quickly Find Q1 Earnings Release Dates and Reports

Once you understand the pattern, you need to learn how to query earnings reports from official channels.

SEC Filing Codes Cheat Sheet

Before searching SEC filings, familiarize yourself with the document codes:

Note: Foreign companies (e.g., TSMC TSM.US) are not required to file quarterly 10-Q reports unless there are significant events; they mainly file 6-Ks. This makes tracking their Q1 reports more challenging.

SEC Website Query Steps

Step 1: Visit SEC’s EDGAR system at sec.gov

Step 2: Enter the company’s stock ticker or full name (e.g., AAPL.US)

Step 3: On the company’s filings page, filter for 10-K (annual) or 10-Q (quarterly) reports to find the full report and release date

Step 4: Download or view the report online

Four Key Sections of Earnings Reports for New Investors

After obtaining the Q1 report, the next challenge is extracting key information for investment decisions from the large document. Most investors don’t need to read every word; focusing on these four core modules is sufficient.

Essential Section 1: Business Overview (Item 1)

This part describes the company’s business model, core operations, and industry position. Unlike consumer-oriented product descriptions, this management perspective details how the company operates and generates revenue.

For newcomers or those unfamiliar with the industry, this section is a must-read. It also provides detailed disclosures when the company undertakes major strategic shifts or launches new businesses.

Essential Section 2: Risk Factors (Item 1A & Item 7A)

Item 1A discloses the company’s own risks, while Item 7A covers macro risks (currency, policy, economic cycles). These seemingly negative disclosures are actually critical for assessing investment risks and the company’s resilience.

Many companies spend considerable space on risk factors, which reflects management’s honesty. Investors should read this carefully, especially when performance is strong, to understand potential vulnerabilities.

Essential Section 3: Management’s Discussion & Analysis (Item 7)

This is the most information-rich part of the report. Management evaluates quarterly/yearly performance, compares it with previous periods, and explains major changes in financial data.

It also provides outlooks for the next quarter and full year, which are vital for gauging future trends. For investors wanting a quick grasp of the company’s operational status and future direction, this section is indispensable.

Essential Section 4: Financial Statements & Supplementary Data (Item 8)

Core financial statements include three main tables:

Income Statement
Shows revenue, costs, expenses, and net profit over a period, indicating profitability.

Balance Sheet
Displays assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity at a specific point, reflecting financial health.

Cash Flow Statement
Reveals sources and uses of cash, divided into operating, investing, and financing activities. It’s key to understanding the company’s actual cash position.

Supplementary data break down key figures further, such as revenue by business segment, debt types and rates, asset categories, etc. These details help investors see the company’s strengths and weaknesses more clearly.

Data Comparison in Earnings Reports: GAAP vs Non-GAAP

Investors often see two different numbers for the same metric in earnings reports. This is because companies report under two different accounting standards.

GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) is the standard set of rules all U.S. listed companies must follow, ensuring comparability and transparency.

Non-GAAP figures are adjusted by the company, often excluding one-time expenses, stock compensation, etc., to present a “more favorable” view of performance.

Investors should consider both sets of data and pay attention to the differences. Large gaps between GAAP and Non-GAAP profits can be a warning sign.

Why Reading Q1 Earnings Reports Is Essential: Four Core Reasons

Reason 1: Access to the Most Authentic Information
Compared to news reports and analysis articles, earnings reports submitted to the SEC are the most truthful and complete. They disclose not only Non-GAAP figures but also full GAAP data and potential risks.

Reason 2: Understand the Whole Picture
Earnings reports provide more than profit figures—they include revenue breakdowns by business segment, geography, etc., giving a comprehensive view of operations. This is more in-depth and professional than general summaries or consumer reviews.

Reason 3: Spot Market Pricing Opportunities
Market valuations often do not fully reflect a company’s financial data. Careful analysis of earnings reports can reveal overlooked investment opportunities or risks.

Reason 4: Build Investment Discipline
Developing the habit of promptly tracking Q1 earnings release dates and systematically analyzing reports is essential for becoming a professional investor.

From Earnings Analysis to Trading: Choosing Investment Tools

After mastering how to read earnings reports, investors need to select suitable trading instruments to implement their strategies. Besides direct stock holdings, Contract for Difference (CFD) trading is a popular option.

CFDs offer several advantages over traditional stock trading:

Higher Leverage: Up to 1:200, allowing investors to control larger positions with less capital.

24/7 Trading: Not limited by U.S. market hours, suitable for global investors.

Unlimited Short Selling: Easy to short without borrowing costs.

Intraday Trading: No minimum capital requirement for day trading, unlike traditional stocks.

Lower Entry Barriers: Minimum trade size as low as 0.01 lots, suitable for small and medium investors.

However, high leverage also entails higher risk. Investors should fully understand the market, master precise entry and exit timing, and only use high-leverage tools when confident.

Summary: Master Q1 Earnings Release Dates and Start Rational Investing

Knowing the timing of Q1 earnings releases is not just about scheduling; it’s the first step into rational investing. By understanding fiscal year concepts, learning how to query reports, and developing the habit of analyzing financial statements, investors gradually shift from relying on others’ analysis to independent judgment.

When the next earnings season arrives, you will no longer be a passive recipient of information but an active participant capable of discerning and understanding corporate developments. This is the starting point of financial freedom.