Help Speed the Information Flow

A lot has changed in the capital markets since the 1970s, particularly relating to the rapid dissemination of information. However, one key piece of information still reaches companies slower than the 405 Freeway on a Friday afternoon–13F reports showing changes in institutional shareholder ownership.
 
Today, 13F reports, the reporting form filed by institutional investment managers, reaches the public 45 days following the end of each quarter, a glacial pace when considering the advances in electronic communications. Now there is an effort underway to encourage the rapid dissemination of such information, changing that filing period to two days following the quarter.
 
NYSE Euronext, along with the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals and the National Investor Relations Institute recently petitioned the SEC to change the 13F reporting period, stating that the delay “hampers public companies’ ability to identify and engage with their shareholders, including their ability to consult with shareholders regarding “say on pay,” proxy access and other key corporate governance issues.”
 
The petition argues the following points: The length of the current 45-day delay period keeps material information from reaching investors and public companies on a timely basis;The objectives underlying section 13(f) support reducing the delay period; The arguments for maintaining a 45-day delay period are unpersuasive;A substantial reduction in the 45-day delay period would align rule 13(f) with public company governance best practices.
 
We certainly agree that this petition makes sense, especially when you consider the timely disclosure requirements under Regulation FD, filing requirements for 8k’s and Form 4’s, combined with management’s need to understand and know its shareholder base. To send a letter to the SEC in support of the petition, please click here.

 

— Matt Sheldon – msheldon@pondel.com