Good reading .... Transparency Pays in the Mark
Post# of 36537
Transparency Pays in the Markets
Mounting evidence suggests that the market gives a higher value to firms that are upfront with investors and analysts. Transparency pays, according to Robert Eccles, author of "The Value Reporting Revolution" (2001). Eccles shows that companies with fuller disclosure win more trust from investors. Relevant and reliable information means less risk to investors and thus a lower cost of capital, which naturally translates into higher valuations. The key finding is that companies that share the key metrics and performance indicators that investors consider important are more valuable than those companies that keep information to themselves.
Of course, there are two ways to interpret this evidence. One is that the market rewards more transparent companies with higher valuations because the risk of unpleasant surprises is believed to be lower. The other interpretation is that companies with good results usually release their earnings earlier. Companies that are doing well have nothing to hide and are eager to publicize their good performance as widely as possible. It is in their interest to be transparent and forthcoming with information so that the market can upgrade their fair value.