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Revealing or concealing? The competitive landscape of bad news disclosure

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  • Dai, Rui
  • Duan, Rui
  • Ng, Lilian

Abstract

We examine how product market competition influences corporate disclosure of adverse news. Our results indicate that firms facing intense competition from existing rivals tend to withhold unfavorable information from stakeholders such as competitors, customers, and investors. In contrast, the threat of new entrants encourages firms to disclose more adverse news as a strategy to deter competition and preserve customer relationships. Our study reconciles seemingly contradictory findings from prior research on competition and disclosure strategies. We highlight that the relationship is shaped by a broader set of corporate strategic considerations, encompassing competitor, customer, and investor dynamics, beyond managerial self-interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Dai, Rui & Duan, Rui & Ng, Lilian, 2026. "Revealing or concealing? The competitive landscape of bad news disclosure," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:97:y:2026:i:c:s0929119925001981
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2025.102930
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill

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