FTSE 100 firms are failing to respond to shareholder demands for greater clarity in the information they provide in their corporate reports, according to research by business analysis specialist Metapraxis.

Metapraxis looked at the proportion of measurable, forward-looking data provided by FTSE 100 chairmen and CEOs over a five year-period between 2006 and 2011.

Its analysis shows a 49% decrease in the quality of information provided by the CEOs of telecommunication companies, a 23% fall in the basic materials sector and a 32% fall in the consumer goods arena.

However, in more regulated industries, such as utilities and oil and gas, Metapraxis says companies are starting to meet shareholder demands for greater clarity on expectations for future performance, with the proportion of quantifiable forward-looking data in the chairman and CEO statements rising by 20% or more.

Simon Bittlestone, Metapraxis managing director, said: 'As businesses continue to compete for investment in a challenging economy, shareholders are increasingly relying on access to forward-looking information to help minimise the risk surrounding their investments and maximise their return. However, the majority of CEO statements continue to be based on historical data as management teams seem reluctant to commit to future predictions.'

'Those organisations that fail to improve financial transparency leave shareholders wondering whether the internal management information and planning processes are robust enough to give management control over the business and confidence in its future performance,' Bittlestone said.