Virus-Hit Companies Get Broader SEC Reprieve on Filing Deadlines

Publicly traded companies could be given an additional 45 days to file annual and quarterly reports as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission expands efforts to help businesses cope with disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Disclosures due between March 1 and July 1 will be eligible for extensions if the companies can justify the need, the SEC said in a statement Wednesday. The move broadens and extends relief that the agency announced earlier this month.

“These actions provide temporary, targeted relief to issuers,” SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said in the agency’s statement. “At the same time, we encourage public ...