The COVID-19 pandemic has created a disclosure nightmare for public companies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recognized this challenge and, to its credit, has provided relief to public companies by, among other things, extending the deadline for companies to file certain disclosure reports. Nonetheless, companies are faced with the challenge of crafting disclosures regarding the risks presented by the coronavirus crisis to their business and operations and their plans for addressing those risks. This challenge is made all the more difficult by the looming presence of securities class action firms, which already have sued companies over coronavirus-related disclosures. In addition, the SEC in the recent past has charged companies for allegedly insufficient disclosures made in reaction to crisis situations.
