We examine the ‘‘confirmation’’ hypothesis that audited financial reporting and
disclosure of managers’ private information are complements, because independent
verification of outcomes disciplines and hence enhances disclosure credibility. Committing to higher audit fees (a measure of financial statement verification) is associated
with management forecasts that are more frequent, specific, timely, accurate and
informative to investors. Because private information disclosure and audited financial
reporting are complements, their economic roles cannot be evaluated separately. Our
evidence cautions against drawing inferences exclusively from market reactions around
‘‘announcement periods’’ because audited financial reporting indirectly affects information released at other times and through other channels.