The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has proposed amendments that would let companies file semiannual reports in place of quarterly reports, giving issuers the option to reduce the frequency of periodic reporting while preserving the ability to continue with the current quarterly cadence. In a supporting Commission statement, the proposal was presented as a way to ease part of the reporting burden associated with public company status and potentially make public markets more attractive to some companies. The statement notes that annual reporting dates back to the early securities laws, that semiannual reporting was introduced in 1955, and that the current quarterly reporting framework was adopted 15 years later. It also highlights that Form 10-Q now requires more detailed information than the earlier semiannual framework. Even if the proposal is adopted, companies could still choose to remain quarterly reporters to meet investor demand or stay aligned with peers. The statement also invites comment on whether the SEC should reduce the substance of Form 10-Q requirements instead of, or in addition to, making quarterly reporting optional, and whether that work should be undertaken in this rulemaking or as part of the SEC’s broader review of disclosure requirements.
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission 2026-05-05
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission proposes allowing companies to file semiannual reports instead of quarterly reports
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has proposed amendments to allow issuers to file semiannual reports instead of quarterly reports, with companies retaining the option to continue quarterly reporting. The proposal is framed as easing the reporting burden of public company status and seeks feedback on whether to reduce the substance of Form 10-Q requirements as an alternative or complement to optional quarterly reporting.