Companies Mull Options as SEC Floats Semiannual Reporting Plan

Public companies are weighing the benefits and costs of a pared down financial reporting schedule, as the SEC considers allowing businesses to report earnings only twice a year.

Businesses could opt for semiannual financial reports instead of quarterly ones under a Securities and Exchange Commission proposal released last month. Public feedback is due July 6.

While the proposal would reduce the required cadence, firms still could choose to issue financial results every three months. Companies should analyze the pros and cons of the quarterly system to determine which reporting schedule works best for them, accounting leaders on several ...