Bulk of companies to report results by end March

Bonnie Chan, the head of listing at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, said about 80 percent of listed companies could announce annual financial results before the end of March.

About 1,781 listed companies set December as the end of their financial year and are required to release last year's results before the end of this month.

HKEX has communicated with 1,754 listed companies. About 1,304 listed companies would be able  to release audited results on time, while another 122 listed companies are allowed to announce results under a flexible arrangement, according to a joint statement.

The HKEX and Securities and Futures Commission held a meeting with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Hong Kong Institute of Directors and the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and responded on frequently asked questions last Friday, Chan added.

Charles Li Xiaojia, the chief executive of HKEX, said the US stocks have hit highs a few times last year, and declines are expected.