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The mitigation of high-growth-related accounting distortions after sarbanes-oxley

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  • Graham, Roger C.
  • Moore, Jared A.

Abstract

This study examines the effect of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) on accounting distortions in the context of the earnings quality of high-growth firms relative to lower-growth firms. High-growth creates unique management and reporting challenges that can contribute to accounting-related distortions. SOX, with its emphasis on financial reporting, control systems and management responsibility, could have been particularly relevant for high-growth firms with such challenges. Test results indicate a stronger reduction (weaker increase) in accounting distortions related to total accruals and book-tax differences (performance-matched modified Jones discretionary accruals) for high-growth firms from the pre- to the post-SOX period relative to lower-growth firms. Other tests indicate that the relation between accounting returns and market returns strengthened for high-growth firms in the period after SOX, but not for lower-growth firms. These results suggest greater reductions in accounting distortions and related improvements in reporting quality for high-growth firms relative to other firms coinciding with the post-SOX period.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham, Roger C. & Moore, Jared A., 2018. "The mitigation of high-growth-related accounting distortions after sarbanes-oxley," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 82-94.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reacre:v:30:y:2018:i:2:p:82-94
    DOI: 10.1016/j.racreg.2018.09.009
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