Most Recent Quarter (MRQ)
The term most recent quarter (MRQ) refers to the fiscal quarter that most recently ended. Fiscal quarters are typically divided as such: Q1: January, February, March Q2: April, May, June Q3: July, August, September Q4: October, November, December Thus, when a prospective investor is seeking the latest information about a company in February 2021, the company will refer them to the most recent quarter which would be Q4 of 2020. Companies compile complete financial statements for each fiscal quarter, presenting their sales, earnings, and other measures of performance. The term most recent quarter (MRQ) refers to the fiscal quarter that most recently ended. While most companies' fiscal year matches a calendar year, some businesses use a fiscal year of their own construction.
What Is Most Recent Quarter (MRQ)?
The term most recent quarter (MRQ) refers to the fiscal quarter that most recently ended. MRQ figures are used to describe changes in company performance. MRQ information is found on a company's financial statements.
Understanding Most Recent Quarter (MRQ)
Companies compile complete financial statements for each fiscal quarter, presenting their sales, earnings, and other measures of performance. Halfway through a quarter, complete data, including earnings, is not likely to be available. So the most recent financial data that is complete is likely to be available only when the quarter is complete.
Fiscal quarters are typically divided as such:
Thus, when a prospective investor is seeking the latest information about a company in February 2021, the company will refer them to the most recent quarter which would be Q4 of 2020.
While most companies' fiscal year matches a calendar year, some businesses use a fiscal year of their own construction. Costco Wholesale Corporation's fiscal year, for example, begins in September and ends in the following August.
Companies are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to release quarterly disclosures, such as the 10-Q, in order to communicate to investors the most recent quarter's performance. Many companies also put out less complete but still extensive press releases detailing their performance for the most recent quarter.
Companies typically include their income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for each quarter. They also show how the quarter compares to the same period from a year earlier. Half-year data and an annual report may also be presented.
Related terms:
SEC Form 10-Q
Learn about SEC Form 10-Q, a comprehensive report of a company's performance submitted quarterly by all public companies to the SEC. read more
Accounting
Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions of a business to oversight agencies, regulators, and the IRS. read more
Balance Sheet : Formula & Examples
A balance sheet is a financial statement that reports a company's assets, liabilities and shareholder equity at a specific point in time. read more
Financial Statements , Types, & Examples
Financial statements are written records that convey the business activities and the financial performance of a company. Financial statements include the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. read more
MJSD
MJSD is an acronym representing March, June, September, and December—the final months of their respective financial quarters. read more
Quarter (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4)
A quarter is a three-month period on a company's financial calendar that acts as a basis for the reporting of earnings and the paying of dividends. read more
Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD)
Regulation Fair Disclosure is a rule to prevent selective disclosure by public companies to market professionals and certain shareholders. read more
SEC Form N-CSR
SEC Form N-CSR is a form that a registered management investment company completes and files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), following the transmission of annual and semiannual reports to stockholders. read more
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is a U.S. government agency created by Congress to regulate the securities markets and protect investors. read more
Year to Date (YTD)
Year to date (YTD) refers to the period of time beginning the first day of the current calendar year or fiscal year up to the current date. read more