Definition:

The Most Recent Quarter Date refers to the end date of the latest fiscal quarter for which a company has reported its financial results. This date is crucial for investors and analysts as it marks the period up to which the most current financial data is available.

Examples

If a company's fiscal year ends on December 31st, the most recent quarter date for the first quarter would be March 31st, for the second quarter June 30th, for the third quarter September 30th, and for the fourth quarter December 31st.

Formula:

There is no specific formula for the Most Recent Quarter Date as it is determined by the company's fiscal calendar. However, it can be represented as:

Most Recent Quarter Date = End Date of Latest Fiscal Quarter

How to use the metric:

The Most Recent Quarter Date is used to assess the timeliness of financial data. Analysts and investors use it to evaluate the latest financial performance and trends of a company. It helps in comparing the most recent financial results with previous quarters or the same quarter in prior years.

Limitations:

The Most Recent Quarter Date does not provide any financial insights on its own. It is merely a reference point for the latest available data. Additionally, companies with different fiscal year-end dates may have different most recent quarter dates, making direct comparisons challenging without adjustments.

Applies to:

This metric is applicable across all industries, as every publicly traded company is required to report quarterly financial results. It is particularly useful in industries where quarterly performance can significantly impact stock prices, such as technology, retail, and finance.

Doesn't apply to:

The concept of a Most Recent Quarter Date does not apply to private companies that do not report quarterly financials. Additionally, industries with less frequent reporting requirements, such as certain non-profit organizations, may not utilize this metric.

Summary:

The Most Recent Quarter Date is a key reference point for the latest financial data of a company, marking the end of the most recent fiscal quarter. It is widely used in financial analysis to assess current performance but does not provide insights on its own. It applies broadly across industries with quarterly reporting requirements but is not relevant for private companies or those with less frequent reporting.