When Is the End of the Fiscal Quarter?

A fiscal quarter is a fundamental financial reporting period for businesses, used to assess performance throughout the year. Unlike calendar quarters, which follow fixed dates (January-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December), fiscal quarters vary significantly based on a company’s chosen financial year. This flexibility allows organizations to align reporting cycles with their operational rhythms and specific industry needs. The end date of a fiscal quarter is directly tied to the company’s designated fiscal year.

Defining Fiscal Quarters

A fiscal quarter represents one of four consecutive three-month periods that form a company’s fiscal year. Each of these segments is precisely three months in duration, designed to facilitate regular financial reporting and analysis. Publicly traded companies in the United States are required to submit quarterly financial statements, known as Form 10-Q filings, to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first three quarters. Fourth-quarter results are typically included in the annual Form 10-K filing.

A calendar quarter adheres to the standard Gregorian calendar, always beginning on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, and ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. In contrast, a fiscal quarter’s start and end dates are entirely dependent on the company’s chosen fiscal year, which can begin in any month. This means a fiscal quarter’s timing is unique to each organization.

Common Fiscal Year Structures

Companies have the flexibility to choose their fiscal year start and end dates, which in turn determines the end of their fiscal quarters. The most common structure aligns with the calendar year, where the fiscal year concludes on December 31. For businesses following this structure, their fiscal quarters end on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Many businesses opt for fiscal year-ends that align better with their operational cycles or industry specifics. Other common fiscal year-ends include September 30, June 30, and March 31. For example, if a company’s fiscal year ends on September 30, its quarters would end on December 31 (Q1), March 31 (Q2), June 30 (Q3), and September 30 (Q4). The U.S. federal government, for instance, uses a fiscal year that runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.

Retailers often utilize specialized fiscal calendars, such as the 4-4-5 or 4-5-4 week structures. These systems divide the year into quarters that consist of specific week counts, ensuring consistency in comparing sales data and managing inventory by having each period end on the same day of the week.

Identifying Specific Fiscal Quarter End Dates

To determine specific fiscal quarter end dates, the method depends on the type of organization. For publicly traded companies, this information is readily accessible through their official financial filings. Their annual reports (Form 10-K) and quarterly reports (Form 10-Q) explicitly state their fiscal year-end. These documents can be found on the SEC’s EDGAR database or within the investor relations section of the company’s official website.

For private companies and small businesses, the fiscal year and corresponding quarter ends are defined by their internal accounting policies or operating agreements. This information is not publicly disclosed. Individuals seeking these dates should inquire directly with the company’s management or accounting department, or consult internal financial records.

Governmental and non-profit entities also operate on defined fiscal years, often established by legislation or their governing charters. Information regarding their fiscal year and quarter ends can usually be found in their annual reports, budget documents, or on their official websites. The U.S. federal government’s fiscal year concludes on September 30.