The impact of structure-related variables on forward-Ooking disclosure in the annual reports of non-financial Egyptian companies

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to test the relationship between numbers of variables representing firm characteristics (structure-related variables) and the extent of voluntary disclosure levels (forward-looking disclosure) in the annual reports of Egyptian firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange. This study uses empirically investigate hypothesized impacts of structure-related variables on the extent of forward-looking disclosure. This study uses a list of forward-looking keywords to determine the differences in the level of forward looking disclosure between firms in different sectors. The sample includes 49 non-financial firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Statistical analysis is implemented using a multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that firm size is significantly positive (in all the three years) with the level of forward-looking disclosure. Firm age also is, only for the year 2008, and with insignificant association with the level of forward-looking disclosure in years 2009 and 2010. On the other hand, leverage and ownership dispersion variables are found being insignificantly associated with the level of forward-looking information disclosed in the annual reports for all the three years. There are some limitations in this study. First, the study uses the same list of forward-looking items as applied in previous studies. Second, the selected items do not show observed importance levels by financial information users. Third, the study applies an "unweights" approach to measure the level of forward-looking disclosure. Finally, the study concentrates on non-financial listed firms on the Egyptian Stock Exchange and excluded financial and insurance firms. Few studies have examined the forward-looking information disclosure in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East; no study has yet tested disclosure of forward-looking information in the annual reports for Egyptian firms. Furthermore, all previous studies examined the forward-looking disclosure in the annual reports for a sole year: this study examines it for a somewhat longer period (three years).