Data Visualization in 10-K Filings

Christensen, Theodore E.; Fronk, Karson; Lee, Joshua A.; Nelson, Karen K.

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3748711

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Data Visualization in 10-K Filings

Christensen, Theodore E. and Fronk, Karson and Lee, Joshua A. and Nelson, Karen K., Data Visualization in 10-K Filings (July 20, 2023). Journal of Accounting & Economics (JAE), Forthcoming., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4520788 or https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2023.101631.

75 Pages Posted: 9 Mar 2021 Last revised: 26 Jul 2023

See all articles by Theodore E. Christensen

Theodore E. Christensen

University of Georgia - J.M. Tull School of Accounting; University of Georgia

Karen K. Nelson

Texas Christian University - Department of Accounting

Date Written: July 20, 2023

Abstract

The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages the presentation of information or data in graphical form to improve users’ ability to understand financial disclosures. We find a dramatic increase in the disclosure of both qualitative and quantitative infographics in 10-K filings over time and substantial cross-sectional variation in firms’ choices regarding image types, data content, and the placement of infographics within 10-Ks. We provide evidence on factors associated with firms’ use of infographics and explore the persistence with which they are disclosed over time. Finally, we investigate the relation between the use of infographics and uncertainty in capital markets.

Keywords: Voluntary disclosure; Data visualization; Infographics; Graphic similarity

JEL Classification: D83, G14, G18, M41

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Christensen, Theodore E. and Fronk, Karson and Lee, Joshua A. and Nelson, Karen K., Data Visualization in 10-K Filings (July 20, 2023). Christensen, Theodore E. and Fronk, Karson and Lee, Joshua A. and Nelson, Karen K., Data Visualization in 10-K Filings (July 20, 2023). Journal of Accounting & Economics (JAE), Forthcoming., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4520788 or https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacceco.2023.101631., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3748711 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3748711