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Journal of Corporate Finance Vol. 94 2025

Number of numbers: Does a greater proportion of quantitative textual disclosure reduce information risk?

John L. Campbell1; Xin Zheng2; Dexin Zhou3

1 University of Georgia · 2 University of British Columbia · 3 Baruch College

Abstract

This study investigates the association between quantitative disclosure and information risk, hypothesizing that a greater proportion of numerical information in earnings conference calls decreases information risk and thus increases firm value. We find that, even after controlling for earnings information, more extensive numerical disclosure correlates positively with earnings announcement returns. This effect concentrates in firms with poorer information environments and during periods of heightened performance uncertainty. Finally, we show that a greater proportion of numerical disclosure reduces implied volatility, bid-ask spread, and implied cost of capital. Our findings highlight numerical disclosure's role in reducing information risk and emphasize its importance in financial disclosures.

DOI
10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2025.102813
Volume
94
Pages
102813
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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