Investment analysts’ perception of disclosure in UK interim financial reports

Abstract

This paper provides insight into the importance of interim reports of UK listed companies to investment analysts. The primary objective of financial reporting is assumed to be the provision of information to help investors make rational investment decisions. In this study, a survey of financial analysts and fund managers was undertaken to determine their perception of the importance of 113 items disclosed in interim reports. The main findings demonstrate that both financial analysts and fund managers perceive disclosure items in the profit and loss account and cash flow statement sections as the most important. Additionally, the results show that there are similarities between financial analysts and fund managers with regard to the relative usefulness of items in the profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statements and accounting policies and notes. However, significant differences exist between the two groups with respect to management commentary information. Overall, the conclusion that can be drawn from these results is that increased disclosure in interim reports is useful to investment analysts. These findings are important for policy‐makers and companies as the views of investment analysts (as users of financial reports) are essential in the attempt to improve disclosure.