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Financial statement comparability and earnings management under alternative standards: A study of Brazilian electrification cooperatives

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  • Souza, Paulo Vitor Souza de
  • Sousa, Allison Manoel de

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between financial statement comparability, under regulatory and corporate standards, and earnings management in Brazilian electrification cooperatives. The sample includes 36 cooperatives analyzed from 2014 to 2022 using panel and quantile regression. Results show that higher comparability is associated with lower levels of earnings management, especially under regulatory standards, with a more substantial effect in cooperatives prone to manipulation. The study highlights the role of comparability in reporting standards and the relevance of reducing information asymmetry, benefiting cooperatives and creditors in financial resource allocation.

Suggested Citation

  • Souza, Paulo Vitor Souza de & Sousa, Allison Manoel de, 2025. "Financial statement comparability and earnings management under alternative standards: A study of Brazilian electrification cooperatives," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s0957178725001730
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2025.102058
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