Using the US Census data to capture new entrants, we find that incumbents are more likely to redact proprietary information embedded in material contracts when a greater number of new firms establish their businesses in the focal firm's industry. The effect remains significant when we measure new entrants by the net growth in the number of firms within an industry. Moreover, the effect of new entrants on contract redactions is significantly stronger when the focal firm has greater competition risk, lower dependence on external financing, and fewer foreign subsidiaries. Finally, we identify new entrants based on potential product entries through patents. These alternative aspects of new entrants are also linked to a significant increase in incumbents’ contract redactions. These results indicate that the presence of new entrants intensifies the influence of product market threats on incumbents’ disclosure decisions, leading to increased redaction of proprietary information in contracts. © 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Business Finance & Accounting published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
