The famous physicist Niels Bohr once said that "prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." While true for many aspects of quantum mechanics, traders and investors have several tools to help make accurate predictions in the financial markets. Oftentimes, these tools are derivative financial instruments that can help provide an aggregate picture of future market sentiment—tools like options.

Such predictions can be particularly useful for active traders during earnings season when stock prices are most volatile. During these times, many traders and investors use options to either place bullish bets that lever their positions or hedge their existing positions against potential downside. In this article, we'll look at a simple three-step process for making effective earnings predictions using options.