Abstract

This paper focuses on studying why some managers of listed companies decide to disclose their financial numbers later than others who opt to publish earlier. This research concentrates on both statutory annual financial disclosures in France: the earnings announcements date and the full financial statements release date. The reporting lag is in fact a pivotal issue, since there is increasing demand from investors for relevant up-to-date. Annual summary statistics continue to underline that the reporting delay is shortening under mounting pressure from capital markets. In contrast, reporting lag in the release of financial statements is rising over time. Empirical results provide further insight into the determinants of reporting lags (DELAYS) that documenting managers can opt for when reporting accounting numbers.

Key words: Annual financial disclosures, reporting lag, delays, earnings announcements, financial statement releases.