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Financial Statement Comparability and Idiosyncratic Return Volatility

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  • Ahsan Habib
  • Mostafa Monzur Hasan
  • Ahmed Al‐Hadi

Abstract

This study examines the association between financial statement comparability and idiosyncratic return volatility (IRV). A greater degree of comparability lowers information acquisition costs, reduces the uncertainties associated with performance evaluation, and increases the overall quantity and quality of information available to corporate outsiders, which, in turn, helps investors to understand and evaluate the cash flow and performance of firms more accurately. Therefore, we hypothesize a negative association between financial statement comparability and IRV. Using a large US sample from 1981 to 2013, we show that financial statement comparability is associated with lower level of IRV significantly. We also find this association to be more pronounced in a poor information environment. This study contributes to the emerging research that stresses the benefits of financial statement comparability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahsan Habib & Mostafa Monzur Hasan & Ahmed Al‐Hadi, 2020. "Financial Statement Comparability and Idiosyncratic Return Volatility," International Review of Finance, International Review of Finance Ltd., vol. 20(2), pages 383-413, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:irvfin:v:20:y:2020:i:2:p:383-413
    DOI: 10.1111/irfi.12227
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    Cited by:

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    3. Meshram, Vedprakash Vasantrao & Arora, Jagriti, 2021. "Accounting constructs and economic consequences of IFRS adoption in India," Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, Elsevier, vol. 45(C).

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