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The role of large shareholders in goodwill impairment decisions – Evidence from China

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  • Han, Hongwen
  • Tang, Jiali Jenna
  • Tang, Qingquan

Abstract

Our paper examines how large shareholders manage goodwill impairment to inflate earnings as well as the role of audit functions in this setting. The influence of large shareholders on corporate decisions is well documented, however, overlooked in goodwill literature. Using data from China, we find that a higher ownership percentage held by large shareholders associates with a lower likelihood of recording goodwill impairment as well as a reduced impairment amount, suggesting that goodwill impairment is intentionally avoided or decreased by large shareholders. We further find that the presence of big4 auditors mitigates such relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Han, Hongwen & Tang, Jiali Jenna & Tang, Qingquan, 2024. "The role of large shareholders in goodwill impairment decisions – Evidence from China," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ememar:v:59:y:2024:i:c:s1566014123000985
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ememar.2023.101093
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Emerging market; Goodwill impairment; Large shareholders; Big4 auditors; Earnings management;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting
    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing

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