A small business claims that it possesses real data that could allow it to secure contracts through its supply chain, yet it finds it difficult to make that information public. The Korea Economic Daily reported that the latest DART (Electronic Disclosure System) analysis found that in the “semiconductor manufacturing equipment” sector, the number of single‑sale and supply agreements announced publicly rose to 58 this year’s first half—about four times higher than the same period last year. That data shows a sharp increase in orders while maintaining relationships with major semiconductor firms.
However, the small business is being subjected to non‑disclosure pressure because it holds that data. Executives point out that large companies have demanded that it not reveal that it has “traded” on a supply contract. Accordingly, the small company does not voluntarily disclose details such as price or period, creating inconvenience for customers and investors.
The Ministry of Commerce issued a notice on March 3 that among the Korea Exchange (KOSDAQ) listed firms, those with a price‑to‑book ratio below the industry average by 10 % over the past six years should be valued at least 30 % higher than current valuation when evaluating capital and equity. That policy aims to curb tax avoidance through low valuations, but the small‑business sector responds that it cannot actively disclose real data. Executives say “shareholders are now receiving dozens of messages a day asking why the price is not rising,” adding that even if they wish to show solid data to the market, customers and investors may still be skeptical.
The difficulty for a small firm to publish its data while keeping ties with large semiconductor companies can negatively affect corporate value. Many KOSDAQ‑listed small firms possess solid data but are excluded from upward price trends. This situation calls for re‑examination of relationships with large semiconductor firms.