Despite the fast-approaching August 15 deadline for listed companies to disclose their Q2 2025 financial results (ending June 30), the pace of announcements remains sluggish.
So far, only 11 out of 140 listed companies have published their results—representing a mere 8% compliance rate.
Among the early disclosers is the Independent Petroleum Company, which continues its long-standing practice of issuing preliminary results, a transparency initiative it has upheld for over 18 years. Yet no other company has adopted this model.
Years ago, regulatory authorities exempted investment companies subject to pre-audit requirements from prior disclosures. Despite this, along with the broader freedom enjoyed by 131 out of 140 listed companies (only 9 banks require prior Central Bank approval), disclosure timeliness has not improved, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Investment sources have called on boards and executive teams to enhance both the speed and transparency of financial disclosures.
They note that companies:
- Have the legal flexibility to announce results without prior approval
- Can obtain board approval electronically or by circulation
- Are only reporting quarterly results, not annual outcomes that involve more complex reviews
- Despite these advantages, many companies are still delaying.
The 45-day legal deadline to disclose Q2 results falls on Friday, August 15 (a public holiday), making Thursday, August 14 the last business day for compliant announcements. Any company that fails to publish its results before the opening of trading on Sunday, August 17, will face trading suspension.
Market experts emphasize the importance of early disclosure as a strategic investment with multiple benefits:
- Prevents the spread of rumors and misleading information targeting retail investors.
- Raises market transparency, improving Kuwait’s competitiveness among regional bourses.
- Builds investor confidence in boards and executive management.
- Promotes institutional investment, reduces volatility, and supports long-term capital inflows.
Although a few companies face logistical delays due to international affiliations, most companies have ample flexibility to disclose results on time.
As the market awaits a flood of disclosures, the focus now shifts to whether companies will rise to the challenge—or risk reputational and regulatory consequences.
