Wall Street Breakfast Trump calls for earnings just twice a year
Sep 15, 2025
The discussion kicks off with President Trump's bold idea to reduce earnings reporting from quarterly to just twice a year, sparking debate on its potential impact on corporate strategy and market stability. Elon Musk makes headlines by purchasing a staggering $1 billion in Tesla stock. Meanwhile, Alphabet makes waves by joining the exclusive $3 trillion club. The conversation also dives into the ongoing conversations surrounding an AI bubble and the framework for a potential TikTok deal.
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Switch To Semiannual Reporting
- President Trump urged switching from quarterly to semi-annual earnings reports to save companies money and reduce short-term focus.
- He argued less frequent reporting would let managers focus on running businesses rather than meeting quarterly targets.
Guidance, Not Frequency, Drives Short-Termism
- Herb Greenberg said the real problem is forward guidance, not quarterly reporting itself.
- He warned that less frequent reports could amplify extreme guidance and adjusted earnings manipulation.
Musk's $1B Tesla Buy
- Elon Musk bought 2,568 Tesla shares at about $371–$396 per share for a total exceeding $1 billion.
- The purchase pushed Tesla to an eight-month high as markets reacted to the insider buy.