Outstanding share count is crucial information when deciding on whether or not to invest in a company. Knowing this helps to keep investors informed and management in check. I believe it is standard practice to have this information available to shareholders when requested. Gagged TAs are often seen in penny stocks and are often associated with scams or when management is trying to pull a fast one on its shareholders by hiding major diution. Reputable companies are more transparent and more regulated and should not be hiding anything.