Company Attributes and the Timeliness of Interim Financial Reporting in Jordan

This study examines the timeliness of half-yearly financial reports published by companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). In addition, this study determining the association between timeliness and attributes of companies (namely size, profitability, growth, age, leverage, audit firm size, and market listing status). An analysis of 193 half-yearly financial reports ended on 30 June 2013 reveals that all, except seven companies reported within an allowable reporting lag of one month. However, a large number of companies were making the most of the time given to announce their half-yearly reports. The study also provides evidence that there is a significant association between profitability, growth, age, and market listing status and timeliness. No significant association was evidenced between size, leverage, and audit firm size and timeliness. Plausible explanations for these findings are provided. The findings may provide some implications for research regarding the timeliness of financial reporting in Jordan.