SEC eyes end to mandatory quarterly earnings

March 17, 2026 (MLN):  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly drafting a proposal that could ease corporate reporting requirements by allowing publicly listed firms to disclose earnings twice a year instead of every quarter, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The proposal, which could be unveiled as early as next month, is still under discussion, with regulators consulting major stock exchanges to assess potential changes to listing rules.

If formally introduced, the measure would proceed to a vote by the commission following a public comment period that typically spans at least 30 days.

Importantly, the plan is expected to make quarterly reporting optional rather than abolish it entirely, giving companies greater flexibility in how frequently they communicate financial performance.

The regulator has not issued an official statement on the matter, while independent verification of the report remains pending.

The move aligns with renewed calls from Donald Trump, who has long advocated for reducing the frequency of mandatory earnings disclosures.

During his earlier tenure, he argued that quarterly reporting pressures companies into prioritizing short-term results over long-term strategy.

The current SEC chair, Paul Atkins, has expressed support for revisiting the framework, indicating that a formal proposal could emerge by early 2026.

Under existing rules, companies are required to publish financial results every 90 days, as reported by Reuters.

A shift to semiannual reporting would significantly reduce compliance burdens and associated costs for listed firms.

Supporters of the change believe it could encourage long-term planning and reduce market fixation on short-term earnings cycles.

However, critics warn that less frequent disclosures may limit transparency, potentially increasing uncertainty and volatility in financial markets.

The debate highlights a broader policy question: whether easing reporting obligations can strike the right balance between corporate flexibility and investor protection in modern capital markets.

Copyright Mettis Link News