XBRL, REPORTING AND INVESTOR RELATIONS - SOLUTION OF ALL PROBLEMS OR ADITIONAL BURDEN?

Abstract

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is a mark-up language used for the standardized distribution of business and accounting information. The development of XBRL was primarily caused by the need to provide efficient electronic processing and distribution of accounting and other information about the companies, regardless of differences in languages, accounting standards or areas in which analyzed companies operate. In addition to the exchange of information between companies or with financial markets supervising bodies, single stock companies in developed markets are increasingly using the XBRL standard for distributing information to investors in their securities. Impact of the XBRL on the investor relations is reflected in a more accurate and up to date reporting, which results in reducing costs and risks of investment, and consequently the cost of the capital. However, although the concept of XBRL has been loudly announced, practice shows that its application has not yet come to life in the expected extent. The fact that the concept is still new to the most of market participants, both those in companies and investors, creates a certain amount of repulsion in it’s use and the fear that the flexibility in reporting will be lost. Also, most of the participants are still not accustomed to all the advantages that this concept provides. However, the creators of XBRL believe that it is not a question whether this concept will be used videly in practice, but only when it will happen.