SEC publishes list of companies ordered to certify accuracy and completeness of recent annual reports

WASHINGTON – The Securities and Exchange Commission recently published a list of 945 companies whose chief executives and chief financial officers are now required to personally certify-in writing, under oath, and for publication that their most recent reports filed with Commission are both complete and accurate. Officers who make false certifications will face personal liability. “This is an unprecedented step to help restore investor confidence,” said SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt. “We are demanding that CEOs and CFOs swear that the numbers they’ve reported in their financial reports are correct and that they’ve left nothing important out.” The order is intended to assure the investing public and the SEC that the corporate disclosure in reports already filed this year with the Commission is in compliance with federal securities laws, or, provide information quickly about those companies where that is not the case. The Commission’s order applies to companies with reported annual revenues in excess of $1.2 billion. The Commission’s order and list of companies covered by the order have been posted on the SEC Web site at http://www.sec.gov/rules/other/4-460.htm. The Commission will also notify those covered by the order.