Trump wants to stop quarterly earnings reports for US companies

On September 15, 2025, President Donald Trump put forth a suggestion that publicly traded American corporations should cease the practice of submitting quarterly financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. This proposal aims to provide companies with more flexibility and reduce short-term focus on stock prices. By eliminating the need for frequent reporting, businesses can concentrate on long-term growth and strategic planning.

Quarterly reports have long been a standard requirement for publicly listed companies in the United States. These reports offer investors and analysts insight into a company’s financial health and performance over the past three months. However, critics argue that quarterly reporting encourages short-term thinking and prioritizes meeting short-term targets over long-term sustainability.

President Trump’s proposal suggests that shifting to semi-annual reporting could alleviate some of these concerns. By reducing the frequency of reporting, companies can divert their attention away from meeting quarterly expectations and instead focus on implementing sustainable business practices that drive long-term growth. This change could also benefit smaller companies that may find it challenging to produce accurate and detailed reports every three months.

The idea of moving away from quarterly reporting is not entirely new. In 2018, executives from some of the largest American corporations, including Warren Buffet and Jamie Dimon, advocated for a shift to biannual reporting. They argued that this change would encourage a more long-term view of business performance and reduce market volatility driven by quarterly earnings reports.

Supporters of President Trump’s proposal believe that less frequent reporting will lead to more stable stock prices and reduced market volatility. By allowing companies to focus on long-term strategies rather than short-term results, investors may have a more accurate understanding of a company’s value and potential for growth.

Opponents of the proposal, however, express concerns about the potential for decreased transparency and accountability. Quarterly reports provide investors with up-to-date information on a company’s financial standing, which can be crucial for making informed investment decisions. Without regular updates, investors may feel left in the dark about a company’s performance and prospects.

Overall, President Trump’s suggestion to move away from quarterly reporting has sparked a debate within the business community. While some see it as a positive step towards encouraging long-term growth and reducing market volatility, others worry about the implications for transparency and investor confidence. As discussions around this proposal continue, it will be essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully before implementing any changes to the current reporting system.