Earnings review template for stock investors

Use this template after earnings to decide what changed in your view, what was only noise, and what needs a follow-up review.

• After quarterly or annual results for a watched or owned company.
• When guidance, margin, retention, backlog, or capital allocation changes.
• Before acting on a post-earnings price move.

Copy this template

1. Result summary

• What result mattered most...
• What management said that changed or confirmed your view...
• What the market reaction appeared to price in...

2. View comparison

• Assumption that strengthened...
• Assumption that weakened...
• Open question for the next quarter...

3. Decision output

• Hold, add, trim, exit, or watch...
• Reason for action or no action...
• Next review trigger...

Filled example

Fictional sample only: Meridian Tools after quarterly results. This is not investment advice.

Result summary

Revenue beat expectations, but operating margin missed because of temporary freight costs.

View comparison

Demand assumption strengthened; margin durability remains unresolved.

Decision output

Hold and wait for next margin update; no add until freight pressure normalizes.

Next review

Review after management provides updated gross margin guidance.

How to keep the template useful.

• Compare the next earnings review with the prior review.
• Track whether temporary explanations actually resolved.
• Attach the earnings call or filing as a saved source.