SEC Proposes Scrapping Quarterly Earnings Requirement

The move, supported by former President Trump, would give companies the option to report results twice a year.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:56pm

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The Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing a proposal to make quarterly earnings reporting optional for public companies, allowing them to report results twice a year instead. The proposed change is expected to be published as soon as next month and would need to go through a public comment period before being voted on by the SEC.

Why it matters

The move, which has the backing of former President Trump, is aimed at discouraging short-term thinking by public companies and reducing compliance costs. However, critics warn that delaying disclosures could reduce transparency and increase market volatility.

The details

Under the SEC's proposal, companies would have the option to report earnings every six months instead of the current mandate to report figures every 90 days. Regulators are in talks with major exchanges to discuss how their rules may need to be adjusted to accommodate the change.

  • The SEC proposal could be published as soon as next month.
  • The public comment period on the proposal typically lasts at least 30 days.
  • The SEC will vote on the proposal after the public comment period.

The players

Paul Atkins

Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States, who has previously called for ending quarterly reporting for companies.

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What they’re saying

“Late last year, President Trump renewed calls for ending quarterly reporting for companies, with SEC chair Paul Atkins backing the push and saying the agency could release a proposal by the end of 2025 or in early 2026.”

— Paul Atkins, SEC Chair (Reuters)

What’s next

The SEC proposal will need to go through a public comment period before being voted on by the Commission.

The takeaway

This proposed change to quarterly earnings reporting requirements reflects an ongoing debate over the merits of short-term versus long-term thinking in public companies. While supporters argue it will discourage shortsightedness, critics warn it could reduce transparency and increase market volatility.