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Directors׳ and officers׳ liability insurance and the cost of equity

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  • Chen, Zhihong
  • Li, Oliver Zhen
  • Zou, Hong

Abstract

We examine whether directors׳ and officers׳ (D&O) liability insurance affects a firm’s cost of equity. We find a positive association between D&O insurance and the cost of equity. Information quality and risk-taking appear to be two underlying channels through which D&O insurance affects the cost of equity. Further tests suggest that this positive association is not due to optimal risk-taking, as evidenced by a negative market reaction to an increase in D&O insurance coverage, a lack of improvement in firms׳ cash flow and a low valuation associated with high D&O insurance. Overall, our evidence is consistent with the notion that D&O insurance weakens the disciplining effect of shareholder litigation, leading to an increase in the cost of equity.

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  • Chen, Zhihong & Li, Oliver Zhen & Zou, Hong, 2016. "Directors׳ and officers׳ liability insurance and the cost of equity," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 100-120.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaecon:v:61:y:2016:i:1:p:100-120
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jacceco.2015.04.001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Legal liabilities; Directors' and officers' (D&O) insurance; Cost of equity; Investor protection;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • 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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