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Credit default swaps and corporate performance smoothing

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  • Wu, Wei-Shao
  • Fok, Robert C.W.
  • Chang, Yuanchen
  • Chen, Chao-Jung

Abstract

This study examines whether the availability of traded credit default swaps (CDS) influences the referenced firms' incentive to smooth their performance. We show that with the introduction of CDS trading on their debt, CDS-referenced firms (CDS firms) lower both their earnings and cash flow volatility. Specifically, earnings volatility declines faster than cash flow volatility, which is consistent with income smoothing behavior. The effect of CDS trading on performance smoothing is qualitatively similar under different market and economic conditions. These results support the notion that CDS firms smooth their performance to avoid renegotiation with CDS-protected creditors. We also find that CDS firms smooth their cash flows via hedging with derivatives and smooth their earnings using discretionary accruals after the inception of CDS trading.

Suggested Citation

  • Wu, Wei-Shao & Fok, Robert C.W. & Chang, Yuanchen & Chen, Chao-Jung, 2022. "Credit default swaps and corporate performance smoothing," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:corfin:v:75:y:2022:i:c:s0929119922000815
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcorpfin.2022.102238
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    1. Naceur Essaddam & Miran Hossain & Tashfeen Hussain, 2023. "Do credit default swaps impact lenders’ monitoring of loans?," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 567-600, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Credit default swaps; Cash flow volatility; Income smoothing; Earnings management; Corporate hedging;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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