Trump blasted for call to scrap quarterly reports — but even Warren Buffett says they can lead to ‘bad things’

Core Viewpoint - President Trump is advocating for a change in the long-standing tradition of quarterly earnings reports, proposing that companies only need to report earnings twice a year instead of every three months [1][2][3]. Group 1: Proposal and Support - Trump has called on the SEC to relax reporting rules, suggesting that semi-annual reporting would save money and allow managers to focus on running their companies [3]. - SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, a Trump appointee, supports the proposal, stating it is "a good way forward" while allowing companies the option to continue quarterly reporting if they choose [3]. Group 2: Debate on Reporting Frequency - The proposal has sparked a renewed debate regarding the advantages and disadvantages of semi-annual reporting, raising questions among investors about potential changes [4]. - Proponents argue that quarterly reporting encourages short-term thinking among investors, which may hinder long-term investment [5]. Group 3: Comparative Analysis - The shift from quarterly to semi-annual reporting in Europe and the U.K. during the 2010s is cited, but a 2017 Columbia Business School study found no significant increase in corporate investments in the U.K. as a result [5]. - Investment experts like Warren Buffett advocate for quarterly reports but suggest eliminating the mandatory "guidance" section, which can lead to negative outcomes [6].