The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority said this weekend it is asking listed companies to delay publication of their preliminary results for “at least two weeks” to allow them more time to gauge the impact of the coronavirus on their earnings.
More than 50 UK-listed firms were scheduled to publish half-year and full-year figures over the next two weeks, including Newcastle housebuilding giant Bellway and Cumbernauld-based Irn-Bru maker A.G. Barr.
“The FCA will be writing tonight to companies it is aware were intending to publish preliminary financial statements in the next few days to delay their planned publications,” said the FCA in a statement.
“The FCA strongly requests all listed companies observe a moratorium on the publication of preliminary financial statements for at least two weeks.
“Investors in capital markets rely on trustworthy information on the companies whose instruments they trade.
“The unprecedented events of the last couple of weeks mean that the basis on which companies are reporting and planning is changing rapidly.
“It is important that due consideration is given by companies to these events in preparing their disclosures.
“Observing timetables set before this crisis arose may not give companies the necessary time to do this.
“In addition, listed companies and the audit profession are facing unprecedented practical challenges during the Coronavirus crisis.
“The FCA believes the practice of issuing preliminary financial statements in advance of the full audited financial statements is adding unnecessarily to the pressure on companies and the audit profession at this moment.
“The FCA notes that the practice of issuing preliminary financial statements is common among UK-listed companies but is not required by either the Listing Rules or the Transparency Directive.
“Rather, the requirement is that companies publish full audited financial statements within four months of the financial year end.
“The FCA further notes that it is common to publish preliminary financial statements considerably earlier than the four months permitted for the filing of full financial statements.
“The FCA confirms it in talks with the Financial Reporting Council and the PRA about a package of measures aimed at ensuring companies take the necessary time in these uncertain times to prepare appropriate disclosures and address current practical challenges and the three bodies intend to announce details shortly.
“The FCA reminds companies that the Market Abuse Regulation remains in full force and listed companies are still required to announce inside information to the market as soon as possible unless a valid reason to delay disclosure under the regulation exists.”