What H1 and H2 mean
H1 is first-half EPS, usually the combined result of Q1 and Q2. H2 is second-half EPS, usually Q3 and Q4 combined. Companies do not all share a December fiscal year-end, so comparisons should follow each company’s reported fiscal periods.
In Find Leading Stocks, select “Add the latest two years of H1/H2 EPS” and expand a company name to see its four most recent half-year figures. The data is optional so the screen does not become a table with four extra columns by default.
Why half-year data can help
A single quarter can be distorted by seasonality, one-time items, inventory changes or currencies. Half-year figures do not remove every distortion, but they provide a steadier comparison window.
Ask three questions:
- Is the latest H1 or H2 better than the same period last year?
- Is half-year earnings growth accelerating, stable or slowing?
- Is price strength supported by earnings progress?
Common mistakes
EPS growth does not always mean revenue growth; margins, expenses, buybacks and one-time items can matter. EPS weakness also does not automatically mean a broken business. Use H1/H2 EPS as a first comparison, then read revenue, margins, guidance and industry context before reaching a conclusion.