Earnings Report Checklist

Check whether revenue grew or declined and read management's explanation of demand, pricing, or volume changes.

Review earnings per share, but look for one-time items, share count changes, and the connection to cash flow.

Margins help show whether the company is keeping more or less profit from sales after costs.

Cash flow can confirm whether accounting earnings are supported by cash generation.

Guidance is management's outlook, not a guarantee. Read it with risk factors and assumptions.

Look for what management says drove results and what they are watching next.

Read the 10-Q for updated risk factors after the earnings release.

Compare results, commentary, and risks with the prior quarter to see whether the business story changed.