8 Claude Prompts for Analyzing Earnings Calls

Introduction (~400 words)

Earnings calls are like the financial world’s backstage pass. Every quarter, public companies open their books—not just with numbers, but with words. Executives share updates, answer tough questions, and sometimes drop hints about what’s coming next. For investors, analysts, and even curious observers, these calls are goldmines of information. They reveal budget shifts, strategic pivots, and early warning signs of trouble. But here’s the catch: most people don’t have time to listen to hours of corporate speak.

Why Earnings Calls Matter More Than You Think

Imagine a tech company quietly mentioning they’re shifting 20% of their R&D budget to AI. Or a retailer hinting at supply chain delays that could hurt holiday sales. These aren’t just details—they’re game-changers. Earnings calls often include:

• Budget reallocations (e.g., “We’re cutting marketing spend to invest in automation”)
• Strategic pivots (e.g., “We’re expanding into Europe next year”)
• Risk factors (e.g., “Regulatory changes may impact our margins”)
• Growth signals (e.g., “Demand for our new product exceeded expectations”)

The problem? Most transcripts run 5,000+ words. Skimming them is risky—you might miss the one sentence that moves the stock. And even if you catch it, interpreting corporate jargon isn’t easy. Is “cautious optimism” code for trouble? Is “aggressive growth” a red flag or a green light?

The AI Shortcut: How Claude Can Help

This is where Claude comes in. Instead of spending hours poring over transcripts, you can use AI to:

• Summarize key points in seconds
• Flag unusual language (e.g., “unprecedented challenges” vs. “record growth”)
• Compare calls over time to spot trends
• Extract actionable insights without the fluff

In this guide, we’ll share 8 Claude prompts designed to cut through the noise. Whether you’re an investor looking for hidden opportunities, an analyst tracking industry shifts, or just someone who wants to understand a company’s direction, these prompts will save you time—and help you spot what others miss.

Ready to turn earnings calls into a competitive edge? Let’s dive in.

The Basics: Understanding Earnings Call Transcripts

Earnings calls are like the report cards of public companies. Every quarter, executives get on the phone (or Zoom) to tell investors how the business is doing. But here’s the catch: these calls aren’t just casual chats. They’re carefully scripted performances packed with numbers, forecasts, and sometimes, hidden clues about what’s really going on behind the scenes.

The problem? Most people don’t have time to listen to a 60-minute call—or read the 5,000-word transcript that comes with it. And even if they do, corporate jargon can make it feel like decoding a secret language. That’s where earnings call transcripts come in. They’re the written record of everything said during the call, and they’re goldmines for investors, analysts, and even curious competitors.

What’s Inside an Earnings Call Transcript?

Not all parts of an earnings call are equally important. Here’s what you’ll typically find—and what to focus on:

1. The Safe Harbor Statement

   • A boring but necessary legal disclaimer. Companies say things like, “This call may contain forward-looking statements.” Translation: “Don’t sue us if our predictions are wrong.”
   • You can usually skip this part unless you’re a lawyer.

2. The Prepared Remarks (Management Commentary)

   • This is where the CEO and CFO give a scripted overview of the quarter.
   • Look for:
     • Revenue and profit numbers (Are they up or down? By how much?)
     • Guidance (What’s the company’s forecast for the next quarter or year?)
     • Key initiatives (New products, expansions, cost-cutting measures)
     • Risks and challenges (Supply chain issues, competition, economic headwinds)

3. The Q&A Session

   • Analysts from big banks (like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan) ask questions.
   • This is where things get interesting. Executives might dodge tough questions or let slip important details.
   • Pay attention to:
     • How management responds to pressure (Do they sound confident or evasive?)
     • Unexpected topics (If analysts keep asking about the same issue, it’s probably a red flag.)
     • Non-answers (Phrases like “We’re monitoring the situation” often mean trouble.)

Why Traditional Analysis Falls Short

Reading earnings call transcripts manually is like trying to find a needle in a haystack—while blindfolded. Here’s why most people miss the good stuff:

• Human bias: If you already like a company, you might ignore warning signs. If you dislike it, you might overreact to bad news.
• Fatigue: After reading 10,000 words of corporate speak, your brain starts to glaze over. Important details slip through the cracks.
• Inconsistency: One quarter, you might focus on revenue. The next, you might miss a key strategic shift because you weren’t looking for it.
• Trend blindness: It’s hard to spot patterns when you’re only looking at one transcript at a time. Is the CEO always vague about supply chain issues? Are they suddenly talking more about “efficiency” (code for layoffs)?

Take Tesla’s Q2 2022 earnings call, for example. Most headlines focused on Elon Musk’s comment about a “recession of sorts.” But the real story was buried in the Q&A: Tesla was slowing down hiring and cutting costs. Investors who caught that early had a head start on the stock’s 30% drop over the next few months.

How AI Makes Transcript Analysis Smarter

This is where tools like Claude come in. AI doesn’t get tired, bored, or biased. It can:

• Summarize 5,000 words into 500 in seconds.
• Flag unusual language (e.g., if a CEO suddenly starts saying “challenging environment” instead of “strong demand”).
• Compare transcripts across quarters to spot trends (e.g., a company mentioning “AI” more often over time).
• Extract hard numbers (like revenue growth or margin changes) without math errors.

Here’s a simple Claude prompt you can use to get started:

*“Summarize this earnings call transcript in 3 bullet points, focusing on:

1. Key financial results (revenue, profit, guidance)
2. Major strategic shifts or risks mentioned
3. Any red flags or unusual language in the Q&A Highlight any contradictions between what management says and what the numbers show.”*

For example, if a company reports “record revenue” but the CEO spends half the call talking about “cost discipline,” the AI will flag that as a potential mismatch.

The Bottom Line

Earnings call transcripts aren’t just for Wall Street analysts. They’re for anyone who wants to understand a company’s health, strategy, and future. The challenge is cutting through the noise. Whether you use AI or old-school highlighters, the key is knowing what to look for—and what to ignore.

Ready to dig deeper? The next sections will show you how to turn these transcripts into actionable insights.

Prompt 1: Summarizing Key Financial Metrics

Earnings calls are like financial speed dates. Executives throw out numbers, trends, and corporate jargon at lightning speed, and you’re supposed to figure out if this company is worth your time (or money). But here’s the problem: most transcripts are 5,000+ words of dense, boring text. Who has time to read all that? And even if you do, how do you separate the signal from the noise?

That’s where this first prompt comes in. It’s your financial highlighter—cutting through the fluff to pull out the numbers that actually matter. Revenue, earnings per share (EPS), profit margins, guidance—these are the metrics that move stocks. But instead of digging for them yourself, you’ll let Claude do the heavy lifting. The result? A clean, easy-to-digest summary that tells you exactly how the company performed, where it’s heading, and whether it’s time to buy, sell, or hold.

What This Prompt Actually Does

This prompt isn’t just about regurgitating numbers. It’s about context. Here’s what it pulls out for you:

• The big three: Revenue, net income, and EPS—because these are the first things investors look at.
• Year-over-year (YoY) and quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) changes: Is the company growing, shrinking, or treading water?
• Margins: Gross, operating, and net margins tell you how efficiently the company is running. Are costs spiraling out of control? Is pricing power strong?
• Guidance: What’s the company’s forecast for the next quarter or year? Is it raising, maintaining, or lowering expectations?
• Key drivers: Did revenue grow because of higher prices, more customers, or something else? This helps you understand why the numbers moved.

Think of it like a financial dashboard. Instead of flipping through pages of text, you get a snapshot of the company’s health in seconds.

Example: Let’s Try It with Apple’s Earnings Call

To show you how this works, let’s use a real example. Below is a simplified version of what you might ask Claude, followed by a sample output based on Apple’s Q2 2024 earnings call.

Prompt: “Summarize the key financial metrics from this earnings call transcript, including revenue, net income, EPS, margins, and guidance. Highlight any significant year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter changes, and note what drove those changes.”

Sample Output:

Revenue: $90.8 billion (down 4% YoY, but up 2% QoQ).

• Drivers: iPhone revenue declined 10% YoY due to weaker demand in China, but Mac and Services grew 4% and 14%, respectively.

Net Income: $23.6 billion (down 2% YoY).

EPS: $1.53 (flat YoY, but beat analyst estimates of $1.50).

Margins:

• Gross margin: 46.6% (up from 44.3% YoY, thanks to cost savings and a richer product mix).
• Operating margin: 30.1% (up from 29.8% YoY).

Guidance:

• Revenue for next quarter expected to grow “low single digits” YoY.
• Gross margin guidance: 45.5% to 46.5%.

Key Takeaways:

• iPhone weakness is a concern, but Services and Mac are picking up the slack.
• Margins are improving, which is a good sign for profitability.
• Guidance is cautious, suggesting Apple isn’t expecting a major rebound yet.

This summary tells you everything you need to know in under 200 words. No fluff, no corporate spin—just the facts. And the best part? You didn’t have to read the entire transcript to get it.

When to Use This Prompt

This prompt is your go-to for a few key scenarios:

• Quick financial health check: Need to know if a company is doing well or struggling? This prompt gives you the answer in minutes.
• Comparing competitors: Run the same prompt on two or three companies in the same industry, and you’ll instantly see who’s winning and who’s falling behind. For example, compare Apple’s margins to Samsung’s or Tesla’s revenue growth to Ford’s.
• Preparing for your own analysis: If you’re writing a report, making an investment decision, or just curious about a company, this summary gives you a solid starting point. From there, you can dive deeper into the areas that matter most to you.
• Spotting red flags: If revenue is down but margins are up, that might mean the company is cutting costs aggressively (which isn’t always sustainable). If guidance is weak, it could signal trouble ahead.

Pro Tips for Better Results

Claude is powerful, but it’s not perfect. Here’s how to get the most out of this prompt:

1. Be specific about what you want: If you only care about revenue and EPS, say so. If you want a deeper dive into margins, ask for it. The more precise your prompt, the better the output.

   • Example: “Summarize revenue, EPS, and gross margin, and explain what drove any changes in those metrics.”

2. Ask for comparisons: If you want to see how the company performed against its own past or competitors, include that in your prompt.

   • Example: “Compare this quarter’s revenue and margins to the same quarter last year and to [Competitor X]’s latest earnings.”

3. Watch for jargon: Sometimes, executives use vague terms like “challenging environment” or “optimistic outlook.” Ask Claude to translate these into plain English.

   • Example: “What does ‘challenging macroeconomic conditions’ actually mean in this context?”

4. Follow up with questions: If the summary raises more questions, ask Claude to dig deeper. For example:

   • “You mentioned iPhone revenue declined 10% YoY. What were the main reasons for this?”
   • “The company mentioned supply chain improvements. How did that impact margins?”

5. Use it for historical analysis: Run this prompt on past earnings calls to spot trends. Is revenue growth slowing? Are margins consistently improving? This helps you see the bigger picture.

Why This Matters

Numbers don’t lie, but they don’t always tell the full story either. A company might report strong revenue growth, but if that growth is coming from unsustainable price hikes or one-time events, it’s not necessarily a good sign. This prompt helps you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

For example, if you’re an investor, you might use this summary to decide whether to buy, hold, or sell a stock. If you’re a competitor, you can use it to benchmark your own performance. And if you’re just curious about a company, it’s a quick way to get up to speed without drowning in corporate jargon.

The bottom line? This prompt saves you time, reduces bias, and gives you the clarity you need to make smarter decisions. And in the world of finance, that’s priceless.

Prompt 2: Identifying Strategic Shifts and Pivots

Earnings calls aren’t just about numbers. They’re where companies drop hints about their future—sometimes big, sometimes small. A single phrase like “we’re reallocating resources” or “exploring new markets” can mean a major shift is coming. Miss these signals, and you might overlook the next big opportunity (or risk).

Why does this matter? Because strategic pivots move markets. When Microsoft doubled down on cloud computing, its stock soared. When Netflix launched an ad-supported tier, analysts scrambled to adjust their models. These changes don’t happen overnight—they’re telegraphed in earnings calls, often months before they become headlines.

How Companies Signal Change

Companies don’t always say, “We’re pivoting.” Instead, they use coded language. Here’s what to listen for:

• New initiatives: “We’re investing in X” or “We see potential in Y.”
• Cost shifts: “We’re optimizing spend” (often means cuts) or “reallocating resources” (redirecting budgets).
• Market moves: “Expanding into new geographies” or “testing demand in Z segment.”
• M&A hints: “We’re evaluating strategic opportunities” (translation: acquisitions are on the table).
• Tech bets: “We’re prioritizing AI/automation/cloud” (a sign of where R&D dollars are going).

Sometimes, the shift is subtle. A CEO might mention a “long-term vision” or “multi-year roadmap” more than usual. That’s your cue to dig deeper.

Real-World Examples: Pivots That Moved Markets

Let’s look at two famous pivots—and how they were foreshadowed in earnings calls.

Microsoft’s Cloud Bet (2014-2017) In 2014, Microsoft’s earnings calls were still dominated by Windows and Office. But by 2015, Satya Nadella started emphasizing “cloud-first, mobile-first.” By 2017, Azure was mentioned in nearly every call. Investors who caught this early rode the stock from ~$40 to over $300 today.

Netflix’s Ad-Tier Launch (2022) For years, Netflix dismissed ads as “not part of our model.” Then, in Q1 2022, they mentioned “exploring lower-priced ad-supported tiers.” By Q4, the ad tier was live. The stock dipped initially but rebounded as the pivot proved successful.

Crafting the Perfect Prompt

To spot these shifts, you need a prompt that cuts through the noise. Here’s a simple but powerful one:

“Analyze this earnings call transcript for any mentions of strategic shifts, such as new product lines, cost-cutting measures, market expansions, or changes in R&D focus. Highlight key phrases like ‘pivot,’ ‘reallocate,’ ‘new initiative,’ or ‘long-term vision.’ Also note any changes in tone (e.g., more emphasis on ‘efficiency’ or ‘growth opportunities’).”

Pro tip: Ask Claude to compare the current call with past ones. If a CEO suddenly talks more about “scalability” or “capital discipline,” that’s a red flag (or green light, depending on context).

Case Study: Meta’s Metaverse Gamble

In 2021, Meta (then Facebook) was still talking about social media and ads. But in Q2, Mark Zuckerberg started mentioning “the metaverse” in nearly every answer. By Q4, he announced a rebrand and a $10B+ annual investment. Investors who ignored this shift missed the stock’s initial drop—and those who saw it as a long-term play were rewarded when the stock recovered.

What to Do Next

1. Run the prompt on the latest earnings call for a company you follow.
2. Compare it to past calls. Are they talking more about a specific area?
3. Look for patterns. If “efficiency” comes up three quarters in a row, it’s not a coincidence.
4. Cross-check with news. Are there rumors of layoffs or new hires in a division? That’s validation.

Strategic shifts don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re buried in earnings calls, waiting for someone to connect the dots. With the right prompt, you can be that someone.

Prompt 3: Extracting Management Sentiment and Tone

Earnings calls aren’t just about numbers. The way executives talk—whether they sound excited, nervous, or even a little too smooth—can tell you just as much as the financials. Think about it: if a CEO keeps saying “challenging environment” instead of “growth opportunity,” that’s a clue. Their words might be hiding something important.

Tone matters because it reveals what management really thinks. When leaders are optimistic, they use strong, confident language. They talk about “record performance” or “unprecedented demand.” But when they’re worried, their words get vague. They might say “we’re monitoring the situation” (translation: things are bad) or “we’re taking a balanced approach” (translation: we’re cutting costs). These little phrases are like warning lights on a dashboard.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not all corporate speak is equal. Some phrases should make you sit up and pay attention:

• “We’re cautiously optimistic” → Usually means they’re not optimistic at all.
• “We’re evaluating our options” → They don’t have a plan yet.
• “We’re committed to shareholder value” → Often said right before bad news.
• “We’re seeing some headwinds” → Things are getting worse.
• “We’re focused on efficiency” → Layoffs might be coming.

If you hear these too often, it’s time to dig deeper. Are they avoiding questions? Are they repeating the same answers? That’s a sign they’re not being fully honest.

How Claude Can Help You Read Between the Lines

Claude can analyze tone in seconds. Try this prompt:

“Assess the overall tone of this earnings call. Highlight any sections where management seems optimistic, cautious, or evasive. Pay special attention to vague language, hedging, or repeated phrases that might signal concern.”

Claude will scan the transcript and flag key moments. For example, it might point out that the CFO dodged a question about supply chain issues three times. Or it could show that the CEO used the word “challenging” five times in one answer. These details are easy to miss when you’re reading manually.

You can also cross-check Claude’s findings with other tools. Word clouds are great for spotting overused phrases. Sentiment scoring tools (like VADER or TextBlob) can give you a numerical rating of how positive or negative the language is. If the sentiment score drops suddenly, that’s a red flag.

Real-World Example: FedEx’s 2022 Warning Signs

In 2022, FedEx’s earnings calls were full of caution. The CEO kept talking about “economic uncertainty” and “softening demand.” Investors who paid attention saw the warning signs early. By the time FedEx issued a profit warning in September, the stock had already dropped 20%. Those who relied only on the numbers missed the bigger picture.

Sentiment analysis isn’t about predicting the future perfectly. It’s about spotting patterns before everyone else does. When management’s tone shifts, it’s often the first sign that something is changing—good or bad. And in investing, being first can make all the difference.

Prompt 4: Tracking Budget Reallocations and Cost Cuts

Money moves tell the real story. When a company shifts its budget—cutting here, investing there—it’s like watching a chess player reveal their strategy. These changes don’t happen quietly. They’re buried in earnings call transcripts, waiting for someone to notice. And if you’re an investor, analyst, or even a curious employee, spotting these shifts early can give you an edge.

Think about it: Why would a company suddenly talk more about “efficiency” or “restructuring”? Why would they mention “headcount reductions” or “prioritizing high-growth areas”? These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re signals. And the companies that act on them first often come out ahead.

Why Budget Shifts Matter More Than You Think

Budget reallocations aren’t just about saving money. They’re about survival, growth, and sometimes, desperation. A company cutting costs might be preparing for a downturn—or it might be freeing up cash to invest in something bigger. On the other hand, a company suddenly pouring money into R&D or marketing could be betting on a new product, a market expansion, or even a last-ditch effort to stay relevant.

Take Google’s 2023 cost cuts. After years of aggressive hiring and spending, the company announced layoffs, office closures, and a renewed focus on AI. Was this a sign of trouble? Or a smart pivot to protect profits in a slowing economy? Investors who paid attention knew to watch Google’s AI investments closely—and those who got it right saw the stock rebound.

Then there’s Amazon. In 2015, AWS (Amazon Web Services) was just a small part of the company’s earnings calls. But by 2018, it was the star of the show. Amazon wasn’t just talking about AWS—it was pouring billions into it. Today, AWS is one of Amazon’s most profitable segments. Investors who caught this shift early made a fortune.

How to Spot Budget Changes in Earnings Calls

So, how do you find these hidden signals? It’s not about reading every word of a 10,000-word transcript. It’s about knowing what to look for. Here’s a simple prompt you can use with Claude to uncover budget shifts:

“Identify any mentions of budget reallocations, cost-cutting measures, or changes in spending priorities in this transcript. Flag key terms like ‘efficiency,’ ‘restructuring,’ ‘headcount reduction,’ ‘investment focus,’ or ‘prioritization.’ Also note any specific numbers or percentages related to spending changes.”

This prompt works because it forces Claude to focus on the right details. But you can take it further. Here are some key terms to watch for:

• “Efficiency” – Often code for layoffs or cost cuts.
• “Restructuring” – Could mean layoffs, department mergers, or even a shift in business focus.
• “Headcount reduction” – A clear sign of cost-cutting.
• “Investment focus” – The company is doubling down on something new.
• “Prioritization” – They’re shifting resources away from one area to another.
• “Capital allocation” – A fancy way of saying “where we’re putting our money.”

What Budget Cuts vs. Increased Spending Really Mean

Not all budget changes are created equal. A company cutting costs might be in trouble—or it might be getting leaner to survive. A company increasing spending might be growing—or it might be throwing money at a problem.

Here’s how to tell the difference:

• If they’re cutting costs:

  • Are they cutting across the board, or just in certain areas? (Across-the-board cuts often signal trouble.)
  • Are they also talking about “investing in growth” or “prioritizing high-margin areas”? (This could mean they’re reallocating, not just slashing.)
  • Are they blaming external factors (like a recession) or internal issues (like poor performance)? (External blame is more forgivable.)

• If they’re increasing spending:

  • Are they spending on R&D, marketing, or new hires? (R&D spending often signals long-term growth; marketing could mean short-term sales pushes.)
  • Are they spending in one area while cutting in another? (This could mean a strategic pivot.)
  • Are they talking about “scaling” or “expansion”? (This usually means they’re confident in their future.)

Putting It All Together

Budget shifts are like a company’s heartbeat. When they speed up (increased spending), it could mean excitement or panic. When they slow down (cost cuts), it could mean caution or trouble. The key is to look beyond the numbers and ask: Why is this happening?

Next time you read an earnings call transcript, don’t just skim for revenue and profit. Dig into the budget changes. Ask Claude to flag the key terms. And most importantly, ask yourself: What does this tell me about where the company is headed?

Because in the end, the companies that win aren’t always the ones with the most money—they’re the ones that spend it wisely. And if you can spot that wisdom (or lack of it) early, you’ll be ahead of the game.

Prompt 5: Comparing Guidance vs. Reality

Earnings calls aren’t just about the numbers—they’re about promises. Every quarter, companies tell investors what to expect next. They call this “guidance.” But here’s the thing: guidance is just a guess. Sometimes it’s right. Sometimes it’s way off. And when it’s wrong, investors get nervous.

So how do you know if a company is being honest about its future? That’s where this prompt comes in. It helps you compare what companies said they would do with what actually happened. This isn’t just about catching mistakes—it’s about spotting patterns. Does a company always overpromise? Do they surprise everyone with better results? These clues can tell you a lot about how well a business is really doing.

Why Guidance Matters More Than You Think

Guidance is like a roadmap for investors. If a company says, “We’ll make $1 billion next quarter,” shareholders adjust their expectations. They buy or sell stocks based on that number. But if the company only makes $800 million, the stock price can drop fast.

Here’s the problem: companies don’t always get it right. Sometimes they’re too optimistic. Other times, they lowball expectations to look like heroes later. And in some cases, they just don’t know what’s coming—like when supply chains break or a new competitor shows up.

A few things can mess up guidance:

• Macroeconomic shifts (inflation, interest rates, recessions)
• Industry disruptions (new tech, changing consumer habits)
• Internal mistakes (bad management, poor execution)

The key is to watch how companies adjust their guidance. Do they blame external factors? Or do they take responsibility? That tells you a lot about their leadership.

The Prompt That Catches the Gaps

Here’s the prompt to use with Claude:

“Compare the company’s current guidance with its previous quarter’s projections. Highlight any upward or downward revisions. Explain what might have caused these changes, and note if the company’s explanation seems reasonable or evasive.”

This prompt forces Claude to do two things:

1. Spot the differences – Did revenue guidance go up or down? By how much?
2. Dig for context – Was the change because of a new product? A supply chain issue? Or just wishful thinking?

For example, let’s say a company guided for 10% growth last quarter but now says 5%. Claude can flag that and ask: Why? Maybe they lost a big customer. Maybe their costs went up. Or maybe they’re just being cautious. The answer matters.

When Guidance Becomes a Red Flag

Some companies are serial offenders—they miss guidance over and over. Take Peloton in 2021-2022. They kept promising growth, but every quarter, sales fell short. Investors kept believing them… until they didn’t. The stock crashed because the guidance wasn’t just wrong—it was unrealistic.

On the other hand, some companies use guidance to their advantage. Nvidia in 2023 is a great example. They kept raising their guidance because AI demand was exploding. Investors who paid attention made a fortune.

The lesson? Guidance isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about trust. If a company keeps missing, ask why. If they keep beating, ask how. Either way, the answers will help you decide if you should buy, hold, or sell.

Putting It All Together

Here’s how to use this prompt effectively:

1. Run it on every earnings call – Don’t just look at the latest guidance. Compare it to the last few quarters.
2. Watch for patterns – Does the company always sandbag (lowball) their numbers? Or do they overpromise?
3. Check the explanations – Are they blaming the economy? Or are they fixing their own mistakes?
4. Compare to competitors – If everyone in the industry is missing guidance, it might be a market issue. If it’s just one company, that’s a warning sign.

Guidance isn’t perfect, but it’s one of the best tools we have to see where a company is really headed. The next time you listen to an earnings call, don’t just hear the numbers—ask: Are they telling the truth? That’s how you find the real winners.

Prompt 6: Analyzing Competitor Mentions and Market Positioning

Earnings calls aren’t just about numbers. They’re also about stories—how a company sees itself, its rivals, and the market. And one of the most telling parts of that story? How they talk about their competitors.

Think about it. When Apple mentions Samsung in an earnings call, it’s not just a casual reference. It’s a signal. Maybe they’re bragging about their latest iPhone sales. Maybe they’re downplaying a rival’s new feature. Or maybe they’re quietly worried about a shift in the market. These mentions can reveal a company’s confidence, fears, and even its next big move. And if you know what to look for, you can spot these clues before most investors do.

Why Competitor References Matter

Companies don’t talk about their competitors by accident. Every mention is calculated. Here’s why it’s worth paying attention:

• Confidence or concern? A company that dismisses a competitor might be overconfident. One that acknowledges a threat might be preparing for a fight.
• Market positioning. How a company compares itself to rivals can show where it thinks it’s winning—and where it’s vulnerable.
• Future strategy. If a company keeps bringing up a specific competitor, it might be planning a response. Maybe a new product, a price cut, or a marketing push.

Take Tesla, for example. In its early days, legacy automakers like Ford and GM barely got a mention. But as Tesla grew, those references became more frequent—and more pointed. Sometimes it was about innovation (“Unlike our competitors, we’re not stuck in the past”). Other times, it was about challenges (“We’re leading the EV transition, but others are catching up”). These shifts didn’t just reflect Tesla’s changing position in the market—they hinted at where the industry was headed.

How to Spot the Subtle Signals

Not all competitor mentions are obvious. Some are buried in casual remarks. Others are hidden in the way a company frames its own strengths. Here’s what to watch for:

• Direct comparisons. Phrases like “unlike our competitors” or “we’re the only company that…” are clear signals. They show where a company thinks it’s ahead.
• Defensive language. If a company spends a lot of time explaining why its product is better, it might be feeling pressure.
• Silence. Sometimes, the most telling thing is what a company doesn’t say. If a rival is gaining ground but never gets mentioned, that could be a red flag.
• Collaborative tone. Not all competitor references are hostile. Some companies highlight partnerships or industry trends to show they’re playing nice—or to downplay their own weaknesses.

For example, in a 2023 earnings call, Coca-Cola subtly addressed Pepsi’s struggles in the soda market. Instead of outright saying “We’re winning,” they talked about “consumer preference for trusted brands.” It was a polite way of saying: “Pepsi’s losing, and we’re the safe choice.” That kind of language is easy to miss—but it’s gold for investors who catch it.

The Prompt That Uncovers the Truth

So how do you extract these insights from an earnings call? Here’s a simple but powerful prompt you can use with Claude:

*“Extract all mentions of competitors in this earnings call. For each mention, note:

• The competitor’s name
• The context (e.g., product comparison, market share, innovation)
• The tone (dismissive, concerned, collaborative, or neutral)
• Any key phrases that reveal the company’s positioning (e.g., ‘industry-leading,’ ‘unlike others’)*

Then, summarize the overall message: Does the company seem confident, defensive, or worried about its rivals? What does this suggest about its future strategy?”

This prompt forces Claude to dig deeper than just listing names. It helps you see the story behind the mentions. And that story can tell you a lot about where a company—and its competitors—are headed.

Putting It All Together

Competitor mentions in earnings calls are like a game of chess. Every move reveals something about the player’s strategy. The key is to listen not just for what’s said, but for what’s implied.

Next time you analyze an earnings call, don’t just focus on the numbers. Pay attention to the names that come up—and how they’re framed. Are they threats? Opportunities? Or just noise? The answers might surprise you. And if you spot the right signals early, you could gain an edge that most investors miss.

Prompt 7: Forecasting Future Trends from Management Commentary

Earnings calls aren’t just about numbers. They’re like a company’s secret diary—if you know how to read between the lines. Management teams rarely say, “We’re about to change everything.” Instead, they drop hints. A passing comment about “investing in AI capabilities” might mean a billion-dollar pivot. A throwaway line about “supply chain flexibility” could signal a major shift in manufacturing. The best investors don’t just listen to what’s said—they listen for what’s implied.

Think of it like weather forecasting. You don’t need a meteorologist to tell you a storm is coming if the air feels heavy and the birds are quiet. Similarly, you don’t need a CEO to announce a trend if their language is full of forward-looking phrases. The key is spotting those clues before everyone else does.

How Management Hints at the Future

Companies telegraph their next moves in subtle ways. Here’s what to watch for:

• New technologies: Phrases like “generative AI,” “quantum computing,” or “autonomous systems” often appear before a company makes a big bet. Microsoft’s 2018 earnings calls were full of references to “cloud growth” and “Azure expansion”—years before cloud became their dominant revenue stream.
• Supply chain shifts: If a company suddenly talks about “regionalizing production” or “reducing dependency on [country X],” it’s usually a sign they’re preparing for geopolitical risks. Apple’s 2021 earnings calls hinted at “diversifying suppliers” long before they started moving iPhone production out of China.
• Regulatory risks: When management spends extra time on “compliance” or “policy changes,” it’s often a red flag. Meta’s 2022 earnings calls were packed with mentions of “privacy regulations” and “ad targeting challenges”—right before their ad revenue growth slowed.
• Market expansions: If a company starts talking about “emerging markets” or “new customer segments,” they’re likely testing the waters for expansion. Netflix’s 2016 earnings calls mentioned “international growth” repeatedly before they launched in 130 new countries.

The trick is to listen for changes in language. If a company suddenly starts emphasizing a topic they’ve never mentioned before, it’s worth digging deeper.

The Prompt for Trend Spotting

Here’s the exact prompt to use with Claude:

“Identify any forward-looking statements in this earnings call that suggest future trends, such as new technologies, market expansions, or risks. Highlight specific phrases management uses to describe these trends, and explain what they might imply for the company’s strategy. Also, note if these trends align with or contradict broader industry reports.”

This prompt forces Claude to do three things:

1. Find the hints – It scans for language that suggests future plans.
2. Explain the implications – It connects the dots between what’s said and what it might mean.
3. Validate the trend – It checks if the company’s claims match what’s happening in the industry.

For example, if a retail company mentions “omnichannel integration” for the first time, Claude might flag it as a sign they’re preparing to merge online and offline sales. But if industry reports show that omnichannel strategies are already standard, the trend might not be as significant.

Case Study: Adobe’s SaaS Transition

In 2020, Adobe was still known as a company that sold boxed software like Photoshop and Illustrator. But if you listened closely to their earnings calls that year, you’d hear something different. Management started talking about “recurring revenue,” “subscription growth,” and “cloud-based creativity tools” more than ever before.

Here’s what they said in their Q2 2020 call:

“We’re seeing strong adoption of our Creative Cloud offerings, particularly in emerging markets. The shift to digital content creation is accelerating, and our subscription model positions us well for this trend.”

At the time, this might have sounded like standard corporate speak. But in hindsight, it was a clear signal: Adobe was betting big on SaaS (Software as a Service). By 2021, their stock had surged as investors realized the company was no longer just a software seller—it was a cloud-based platform with predictable, recurring revenue.

The lesson? The biggest shifts often start as small mentions in earnings calls. If you can spot them early, you can position yourself ahead of the market.

How to Validate What You Find

Not every hint is a real trend. Some are just noise. Here’s how to separate the signal from the static:

1. Cross-reference with industry reports – If a company says they’re investing in “green hydrogen,” check if energy analysts agree it’s the next big thing.
2. Look for consistency – If management mentions the same trend in multiple calls, it’s more likely to be real.
3. Check competitor language – If multiple companies in the same industry start talking about the same thing, it’s probably a real trend.
4. Follow the money – If a company says they’re investing in a new area but their R&D spending hasn’t increased, they might just be talking.

For example, if a tech company mentions “metaverse” in their earnings call but their capex (capital expenditures) haven’t changed, they might just be jumping on a buzzword. But if they’ve acquired a VR company and increased R&D spending, the trend is likely real.

Putting It All Together

Forecasting trends from earnings calls is part science, part art. The science is using prompts like the one above to systematically scan for clues. The art is knowing which clues matter—and which don’t.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Run the prompt – Use Claude to analyze the latest earnings call for forward-looking statements.
2. Highlight the outliers – Focus on trends that are new, unexpected, or mentioned repeatedly.
3. Validate the trend – Check industry reports, competitor language, and financial data to confirm it’s real.
4. Act early – If the trend checks out, consider how it might impact the company’s future performance.

The best investors don’t just react to news—they anticipate it. And the best way to anticipate the future? Listen to what companies are almost saying. Because in earnings calls, the most important words are often the ones left unsaid.

Prompt 8: Creating a Custom Earnings Call Dashboard

Earnings calls are goldmines of information—but they’re also long, dense, and packed with jargon. How do you make sense of it all without spending hours poring over transcripts? The answer: a custom dashboard that pulls out the most important insights at a glance.

Think of it like a cheat sheet for investors. Instead of scrolling through pages of text, you get a single view of financial metrics, sentiment trends, and strategic shifts. It’s not just about saving time—it’s about spotting patterns that others might miss. And the best part? You don’t need to be a data scientist to build one.

Why a Dashboard Matters

Imagine you’re analyzing Apple’s latest earnings call. You want to know:

• Did revenue grow or shrink?
• What’s the tone of management’s comments?
• Are there any red flags in their guidance?
• How do they compare to competitors like Samsung or Microsoft?

A dashboard answers these questions instantly. It turns raw data into actionable insights, helping you make faster, smarter decisions. For example, if a company’s sentiment score drops while its competitor’s rises, that’s a signal worth investigating.

How to Build Your Dashboard with Claude

Claude can do the heavy lifting for you. Here’s a simple prompt to get started:

*“Create a structured summary of this earnings call, including:

• Key financial metrics (revenue, profit, growth rates)
• Sentiment score (positive, neutral, negative)
• Strategic shifts (new products, cost cuts, expansions)
• Competitor mentions (who they’re watching and why) Format this as a dashboard with clear sections.”*

Claude will generate a clean, organized output you can plug into your favorite tool. Here’s what a basic template might look like:

Financial Metrics

• Revenue: $X (YoY growth: +X%)
• Net Income: $X (margin: X%)
• Guidance: Upward/downward revision

Sentiment Analysis

• Overall tone: Positive/Neutral/Negative
• Key quotes: “We’re seeing strong demand in X market.”

Strategic Shifts

• New initiatives: Launched X product in Q2
• Cost cuts: Reduced workforce by X%

Competitor Mentions

• Direct comparisons: “Unlike Competitor Y, we focus on X.”
• Market positioning: “We’re leading in X segment.”

Tools to Visualize Your Dashboard

You don’t need fancy software to make this work. Here are a few easy options:

• Google Sheets: Simple, free, and great for basic dashboards. Use conditional formatting to highlight trends (e.g., red for negative growth, green for positive).
• Notion: Perfect for organizing insights in a clean, shareable format. You can embed tables, charts, and even Claude’s output directly.
• Tableau/Power BI: If you want advanced visuals (like interactive charts), these tools are powerful but require a bit more setup.

For example, in Google Sheets, you could create a tab for each earnings call, with a summary dashboard pulling data from all of them. Over time, you’ll spot trends—like a company consistently missing guidance or a competitor gaining ground.

Automating the Process

Want to save even more time? Connect Claude to other tools using Zapier or Python scripts. Here’s how:

1. Zapier: Set up a workflow where Claude processes a new earnings call transcript and sends the summary to Google Sheets or Notion automatically.
2. Python: Use a script to scrape earnings call transcripts (from sites like Seeking Alpha), feed them to Claude, and format the output into a dashboard.

For example, a Python script could:

• Download the latest transcript.
• Send it to Claude with your dashboard prompt.
• Save the output to a CSV file.
• Update your dashboard in real time.

This way, you’re not just analyzing one earnings call—you’re building a system that does it for you every quarter.

Putting It All Together

A custom dashboard turns earnings calls from overwhelming to actionable. It helps you focus on what matters—whether that’s a company’s financial health, management’s confidence, or competitive threats. And with Claude, you don’t need to be a data expert to build one.

Start small: Pick one company, run a few prompts, and see what insights pop out. Then, refine your dashboard over time. The more you use it, the more valuable it becomes. Because in investing, the people who see the patterns first are the ones who win.

Advanced Tips for Maximizing Claude’s Earnings Call Analysis

Earnings calls are like treasure maps—they point to gold, but you need the right tools to dig it up. Claude can help you find those hidden insights, but even the best AI needs a little human finesse to work its magic. Here’s how to get the most out of your analysis without getting lost in the noise.

Fine-Tuning Prompts for Deeper Insights

Claude is smart, but it’s not a mind reader. The more specific your prompt, the better the results. For example, instead of asking, “What did the company say about growth?” try something like:

“Analyze the Q2 earnings call transcript for [Company X]. Focus on the CEO’s comments about the cloud computing division. Highlight any changes in revenue growth, customer acquisition, or competitive threats compared to last quarter. Also, note if they mentioned new partnerships or product launches.”

See the difference? The second prompt tells Claude exactly where to look and what to prioritize. If you’re not getting the insights you want, tweak your prompt and try again. Think of it like adjusting a microscope—small changes can bring the details into sharp focus.

Here’s another trick: break big questions into smaller ones. Instead of asking Claude to “Summarize the entire call,” try:

1. “What were the top three financial highlights?”
2. “Did management mention any risks or challenges?”
3. “How did they explain their guidance for next quarter?”

This way, you get cleaner, more actionable answers.

Combining Claude with Other Tools

Claude is powerful, but it’s not the only tool in your toolbox. Pair it with other resources to add context and double-check its work. For example:

• Financial APIs: Use Yahoo Finance or Bloomberg to pull historical data. If Claude flags a revenue drop, cross-check it with the numbers. Did the company miss expectations, or was it just a seasonal dip?
• Sentiment Analysis Tools: Tools like VADER or Hugging Face can analyze the tone of the call. If Claude says management sounded “optimistic,” but the sentiment tool flags negative language, you might have a red flag.
• News Aggregators: Search for recent headlines about the company. If Claude highlights a new product launch, but there’s no buzz in the media, it might be worth digging deeper.

Think of it like baking a cake. Claude gives you the recipe, but you still need to taste-test the batter (and maybe add a little extra sugar).

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

AI is great, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Over-relying on AI: Claude can spot patterns, but it can’t read between the lines like a human. If management says, “We’re excited about our progress,” but their tone is flat, that’s a clue. Always listen to the call yourself if you can.
• Ignoring corporate jargon: Phrases like “synergies” or “operational efficiencies” can mean different things. If Claude flags a cost-cutting measure, ask: Is this a smart move, or are they just trying to sound tough?
• Missing sarcasm or nuance: AI struggles with tone. If the CFO says, “We’re thrilled with our results,” but the stock price drops, something’s off. Always cross-check with other data.

Putting It All Together

The best earnings call analysis isn’t just about what the company says—it’s about what they don’t say. Claude can help you find those gaps, but you’ve got to steer it in the right direction. Start with specific prompts, pair it with other tools, and always add a human touch.

Try this: Pick a company you’re interested in, run a few prompts, and see what stands out. Then, dig deeper. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at spotting the real story behind the numbers. And that’s how you stay ahead of the market.

Conclusion: Putting It All Together

Earnings calls are like treasure maps—they show where a company is going, but you need the right tools to read them. The eight prompts we covered help you dig deeper than just the numbers. Some pull out hard financial shifts, others catch the tone behind the words, and a few even predict where the company might go next. Think of them like different lenses: one for seeing the past, one for the present, and one for guessing the future.

How to Use These Insights

These prompts aren’t just for listening—they’re for acting. Here’s how different people can use them:

• Investors: Spot red flags before they become problems. If a company keeps revising guidance downward or avoids talking about competitors, that’s a sign to dig deeper.
• Analysts: Build better financial models. When you know what management is really focusing on, your forecasts get sharper.
• Competitors: Steal market intelligence. If a rival keeps mentioning a new product, maybe it’s time to adjust your own strategy.

The best part? You don’t need to be a Wall Street pro to use these. Start with one or two prompts, test them on a company you follow, and see what jumps out. Over time, you’ll get faster at spotting the patterns that matter.

The Future of AI in Earnings Calls

AI tools like Claude are changing how we analyze earnings calls. A few years ago, you’d spend hours reading transcripts or listening to recordings. Now, you can get key insights in minutes. But remember: AI is a helper, not a replacement. It won’t tell you why a company is making a move—only you can connect the dots.

So, what’s next? Try mixing and matching these prompts. Maybe combine the sentiment analysis with the competitor mentions to see if a company is hiding weakness. Or pair the guidance comparison with the trend forecasting to predict where they’ll go next. The more you experiment, the more you’ll find what works for you.

Ready to get started? Download our free prompt template to keep these questions handy. Or, if you’re using a tool like Claude, try running one of these prompts on your next earnings call. The market moves fast—don’t let the best insights slip by.