Core Viewpoint - The debate on the frequency of corporate earnings reporting in the US has resurfaced, with President Trump advocating for semi-annual reporting instead of quarterly, citing potential cost savings and improved management focus [1][7]. Group 1: Reporting Frequency Comparison - US companies are mandated to report earnings quarterly, while most international companies only require semi-annual filings [3][7]. - In a universe of 11,000 global equities, only 13% report twice a year, with 62% being North American companies, and only 1% of those are North American companies [4]. Group 2: UK Case Study - The UK transitioned from semi-annual reporting to quarterly reporting between 2007 and 2014, before reverting back to semi-annual reporting [5]. Group 3: Pros of Semiannual Reporting - Advocates argue that semi-annual reporting could reduce "short-termism" and allow companies to focus on long-term strategies [9]. - It is believed that less frequent reporting could revive IPO markets, as the current rigorous SEC requirements deter companies from going public; the number of publicly traded companies in the US has decreased by 17% over three years and nearly 50% since 1997 [10]. Group 4: Cons of Semiannual Reporting - Critics highlight that less frequent earnings reports could lead to reduced transparency and insights into company performance, which are crucial for investors and analysts [11]. - There are concerns that semi-annual reporting could increase opportunities for illegal activities within corporations due to fewer checkpoints for scrutiny [12]. Group 5: Fundamental Debate - The core of the debate revolves around whether public markets should prioritize transparency and up-to-date information for investors or create an environment that allows companies to focus on long-term growth without short-term pressures [13].

By Simon Jessop LONDON (Reuters) - A call by Donald Trump to ditch quarterly corporate reporting has received cautious support from an unlikely source: international investors pushing business to do more on longer-term sustainability issues, many lambasted by the U.S. president. Trump on Monday called for companies to shift to six-monthly updates, adding his voice to those of business heavyweights including Berkshire Hathaway Chair Warren Buffett and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who have argued in the past ...

Reporting structure How often should a company update investors about its financials? That debate has been shoved back into the public sphere after President Trump called for earnings to be reported on a semiannual basis, as opposed to the current framework of quarterly results. "This will save money and allow managers to focus on properly running their companies," he wrote in a post on Truth Social.Some history: The SEC has required publicly traded companies in the U.S. to publish their earnings on a ...

`` (Reuters) -Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on Monday advocated to provide public companies the option to report either quarterly or semi-annually, as the exchange operator reinforces its support for reforms to reduce reporting burden on publicly listed companies. `` `` The comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday renewed calls for ending quarterly reports for companies, a move that would mark a major shift for corporate America if approved. `` ```` Trump's idea, which revisits a similar call h ...

Speaking of which, the president also posted this morning about potentially changing companies quarterly reports, saying, quote, "Subject to SEC approval. Companies and corporations should no longer be forced to report on a quarterly basis, quarterly reporting, but rather to report on a six-month basis. This will save money, allow managers to focus on properly running their companies." Jim, uh, the Securities Exchange Act of 34 might have something to say about this. It's interesting because in a lot of cou ...

This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. The Trial Balance is CFO.com’s weekly preview of stories, stats and events to help you prepare. Part 1 —  Quarterly earnings under fire, again President Donald Trump revived debate over how often public companies should report results, suggesting Monday on Truth Social that firms move from quarterly to semiannual disclosures. He argued that the shift would cut costs and allo ...