How Trump's quarterly earnings shake-up could disrupt the white-collar ecosystem

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around quarterly earnings reports is shifting, with President Trump advocating for fewer reports to benefit companies, which could have significant implications for the ecosystem of white-collar jobs that support these earnings processes [2][3][4]. Group 1: Impact on Companies - President Trump has requested the SEC to investigate the potential benefits of reducing the frequency of earnings reports, suggesting that it could save costs and allow management to focus on running their companies [2]. - A survey by Nasdaq indicated that in 2019, 75% of 180 companies favored a transition to semi-annual reporting, highlighting a strong preference within corporate America for fewer earnings disclosures [3]. - Companies have expressed that the costs associated with quarterly earnings reports are substantial, involving extensive preparation and coordination among various teams [4]. Group 2: Implications for White-Collar Jobs - The potential reduction in earnings reports raises questions about the future of white-collar professionals, including investor relations and communications experts, who play a crucial role in conveying a company's financial narrative [5][6]. - Despite the possibility of fewer reports, industry experts believe that the demand for information from investors will not diminish, suggesting that many companies may continue to provide quarterly updates even if allowed to report semi-annually [7]. - The current economic climate and advancements in artificial intelligence are putting additional pressure on white-collar jobs that support the earnings reporting ecosystem [4].