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Real earnings management around CEO turnovers

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  • Paul G. Geertsema
  • David H. Lont
  • Helen Lu

Abstract

Following CEO turnovers, US firms adjust real business activities to manage earnings downwards (REM bath). This effect is most pronounced in firms with low levels of institutional ownership. REM baths early in CEOs’ tenure can be confounded with legitimate adjustments to business activities. However, we show that they are not accompanied by increases in R&D or capital expenses, nor are they explained by restructuring expenses. CEOs with short tenure record more negative REM measures in their first year of tenure, when compared with CEOs with long tenure.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul G. Geertsema & David H. Lont & Helen Lu, 2020. "Real earnings management around CEO turnovers," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(3), pages 2397-2426, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:60:y:2020:i:3:p:2397-2426
    DOI: 10.1111/acfi.12434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Xiaolong Gu & Zhe An & Chen Chen & Donghui Li, 2023. "Do foreign institutional investors monitor opportunistic managerial behaviour? Evidence from real earnings management," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 63(1), pages 317-351, March.

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