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Do artificial income smoothing and real income smoothing contribute to firm value equivalently?

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  • Huang, Pinghsun
  • Zhang, Yan
  • Deis, Donald R.
  • Moffitt, Jacquelyn S.

Abstract

This paper examines the potential impacts of artificial smoothing (abnormal accruals) and real smoothing (derivatives) on firm value. We find that the value of the firm decreases with the magnitude of abnormal accruals and increases with the level of derivative use. Moreover, the accrual discount is more pronounced in firms with weak investor protection and the hedging premium is greater for poorly governed firms. These results suggest that although managers can engage in real smoothing to improve the informativeness of firms' earnings and thus reduce agency costs, they might use artificial techniques to cosmetically improve the income stream in order to expropriate minority shareholders. In further support of agency theories, we report that poor corporate governance motivates the use of abnormal accruals and discourages derivative use.

Suggested Citation

  • Huang, Pinghsun & Zhang, Yan & Deis, Donald R. & Moffitt, Jacquelyn S., 2009. "Do artificial income smoothing and real income smoothing contribute to firm value equivalently?," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 224-233, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:33:y:2009:i:2:p:224-233
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    2. Chia-Ling Chao & Shwu-Min Horng, 2013. "Asset write-offs discretion and accruals management in Taiwan: the role of corporate governance," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 41-74, January.
    3. Iatridis, George Emmanuel, 2015. "Corporate philanthropy in the US stock market: Evidence on corporate governance, value relevance and earnings manipulation," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 113-126.
    4. Yeejin Jang & Kyung Yun (Kailey) Lee, 2022. "Taking a long view: Investor trading horizon and earnings management strategy," International Review of Finance, International Review of Finance Ltd., vol. 22(1), pages 36-71, March.
    5. Alina Beattrice Vladu & Barcelona Spain, 2013. "Smoothing Behavior Of Firms In Times Of Crisis: Empirical Evidence From The Spanish Economic Environment," Annales Universitatis Apulensis Series Oeconomica, Faculty of Sciences, "1 Decembrie 1918" University, Alba Iulia, vol. 2(15), pages 1-13.
    6. Veliota Drakopoulou, 2016. "The Earnings Smoothing Management Philosophy of BHCs in the SFAS -133 Framework," Accounting and Finance Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 5(3), pages 1-64, August.
    7. Haggard, K. Stephen & Howe, John S. & Lynch, Andrew A., 2015. "Do baths muddy the waters or clear the air?," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 59(1), pages 105-117.
    8. Chi, Jianxin (Daniel) & Gupta, Manu, 2009. "Overvaluation and earnings management," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 1652-1663, September.
    9. 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).
    10. Abdolkarim Moghadam & Mehdi Baharmoghadam & Mojtaba Mohammadzadeh, 2013. "Income Smoothing and the Cost of Debt and Credit Ratings," International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, vol. 3(3), pages 234-241, July.
    11. Iatridis, George, 2012. "Hedging and earnings management in the light of IFRS implementation: Evidence from the UK stock market," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(1), pages 21-35.
    12. Ken Cyree & Pinghsun Huang & James Lindley, 2012. "The Economic Consequences of Banks’ Derivatives Use in Good Times and Bad Times," Journal of Financial Services Research, Springer;Western Finance Association, vol. 41(3), pages 121-144, June.

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