Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about earnings dates, market hours, and using EarningsHub.
What does "Before Market Open (BM)" mean?
When a company reports earnings before market open (BM), it means the earnings announcement is released before the stock market opens for trading at 9:30 AM ET. Investors react to the news when the market opens, which often leads to significant price movement in the first hour of trading. Companies that report before market open typically release their results early in the morning, giving traders time to analyze the numbers before making buy or sell decisions.
What does "After Market Close (AH)" mean?
After market close (AH) earnings are announced after normal trading hours end at 4:00 PM ET. This gives the company more time to prepare a full press release and often includes a conference call with analysts. Price movement in AH trading can be more volatile since it happens with lower volume. Many major tech companies like Apple (AAPL) and Meta (META) prefer after-hours reporting because it allows them to present comprehensive results before the market reacts the next morning.
How are earnings dates determined?
Publicly traded companies in the US are required to report their earnings quarterly (every 3 months), roughly 40-45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter. While the exact date is technically voluntary, most companies follow a fairly consistent schedule year over year. EarningsHub derives its estimates from historical reporting patterns and upcoming corporate event calendars. However, companies can change their reporting date with little notice, so always check the official company investor relations page for the most current date.
Why do earnings dates matter for options traders?
Earnings announcements create short-term volatility, which directly affects options prices. Options traders look for high Implied Volatility (IV)periods around earnings because premiums are higher, offering greater profit potential — and greater risk. The days leading up to a major earnings announcement are often when options premiums peak. Trading around earnings requires understanding both the directional bias (will the stock go up or down?) and the expected magnitude of the move (a concept known as the "earnings surprise" or "IV crush" after the announcement).
Can I trade options right before an earnings announcement?
Yes, but it carries significant risk. Pre-earnings options positions can be highly profitable if the move is large, but they also lose value rapidly if the stock doesn't move as expected — a phenomenon called IV crush. After the earnings announcement, implied volatility typically drops sharply even if the stock moves, causing options prices to decline regardless of direction. Many traders prefer to sell options right before earnings to capture the IV collapse, while others buy options expecting a big directional move. Understanding the Greeks and expected move is critical.
Is EarningsHub financial advice?
No. EarningsHub is an informational tool only. We display earnings dates, countdowns, and basic financial data sourced from third-party providers. This is not financial advice. All data should be verified with official company filings before making any investment decision. Past earnings performance does not guarantee future results. Options trading involves substantial risk of loss. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
How do I find a company's earnings date?
Simply type the ticker symbol or company name in the search bar at the top of this page. EarningsHub will show you the next scheduled earnings date, whether it's before or after market, and a countdown in days. You can also browse popular tickers from the homepage. Each ticker page also shows the previous earnings date and any available EPS data from the most recent report.
Still have questions? Learn more about EarningsHub or explore individual ticker pages for company-specific earnings context.