Reporting Financial Performance Through Internet

Abstract

The analysis of results of preset study shows that not more than half of the sample firm is providing mandatory and voluntary information. Power and steel sector is providing financial information to greater extent in comparison to other sectors. Balance sheet and profit and loss account have been provided in majority of cases and only few companies are providing director's report. No company is providing auditor's report. Only one fourth of the companies having web sites are providing voluntary disclosures. Most of the companies have emphasized on installing information about company profile, company history etc. and are not giving any relevant information from user's point of view. Results show that Indian companies have started using Internet as a media for reporting corporate financial performance. Though the percentage of companies giving information for investor's use is not very high but there are chances of increasing trend in Indian corporate sector. The percentage of Indian companies reporting financial performance via Internet is low in comparison to other advanced countries but it is going to gain importance in the recent future. Thus, it can be suggested that greater stress should be given on providing up to date financial information. An attempt should be made to include auditor's report while presenting information on web sites. Awareness should be created among various users for reporting financial performance through web. Launching separate web sites for all companies coming under same group should provide detailed and requisite financial information. Last, but not the least, users perception should be kept in mind while providing financial disclosures.