SEC chair defends proposal to allow companies to report earnings only twice a year

July 30, 2026 - 19:24

Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins has pushed back against critics of a proposal that would allow publicly traded companies to report their financial results only twice a year, instead of the current quarterly schedule. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Atkins argued the change would reduce short-term pressure on corporate executives and encourage long-term investment strategies.

The proposal, which has drawn sharp reactions from investor advocacy groups and some lawmakers, would make semiannual reporting optional for most firms. Atkins said the current system forces companies to focus on meeting short-term earnings targets rather than building sustainable growth. He pointed to international markets where semiannual reporting is common and said the U.S. regulatory framework should adapt.

Opponents warn that less frequent reporting could reduce transparency and make it harder for investors to spot problems early. Some have also raised concerns about insider trading risks. Atkins acknowledged those worries but said the SEC would maintain strict enforcement and require companies to disclose material events promptly between reports. He added that the proposal is still in early stages and will go through a public comment period before any final decision.