Earnings season has arrived on the ASX, and for many investors sitting on spare cash, the question is simple: should you put it to work now or wait for the results to roll in?
Deploying your money before companies report can open the door to opportunity, but it also comes with some pitfalls. Here's a closer look at the pros and cons of investing during earnings season.
The pros
Let's have a look at a few reasons why it could be a good idea.
Early access to potential gains
When a company surprises the market with better-than-expected results, its share price can jump sharply. Investors who bought in before the announcement can benefit immediately.
For example, in past reporting seasons, high-quality growth stocks like ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) or WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) have delivered strong results that were rewarded with meaningful share price gains. Entering before earnings allows you to capture the upside rather than chasing the rally afterward.
Long-term compounding doesn't wait
If your goal is to invest for 5–10+ years, trying to time the perfect entry can be less important than simply getting your money into the market.
Blue-chip shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) can continue compounding regardless of short-term volatility, meaning your cash starts working for you sooner.
Dividends and franking credits
Many ASX shares announce dividends during earnings season, and buying shares beforehand can lock in entitlement to those payouts. For income-focused investors, this can provide an immediate return on capital alongside potential capital gains.
The cons
Here are a few reasons why you might want to sit tight during earnings season.
Earnings volatility
The biggest risk of deploying cash before earnings is that the company misses expectations, causing the share price to fall. Even solid businesses like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) or NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) can see short-term dips if the market isn't impressed by their guidance or results.
Market sentiment can outweigh fundamentals
Sometimes an ASX share will post a good result on paper, but if the market expected more, the share price can still drop. This sell the news phenomenon can make earnings season frustrating for new buyers.
Opportunity cost
Keeping some cash aside for post-earnings dips can be a strategic move. Earnings season often throws up bargains when quality ASX shares are temporarily sold off, giving patient investors the chance to buy at a discount.
Foolish takeaway
Deploying spare cash during earnings season can be rewarding, but it comes with higher short-term risk. For long-term investors, buying quality companies like ResMed, Goodman, or WiseTech Global and holding through the noise can be a winning strategy.
If you prefer to avoid volatility, you might wait for results to land and then selectively buy into great businesses at attractive prices.
Ultimately, the best approach balances opportunity with risk, ensuring your spare cash works hard without leaving your portfolio exposed to unnecessary shocks.
