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The role of corporate governance in the write-off decision

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  • Minnick, Kristina

Abstract

The recent popularity of write-offs allows for examination of the role governance plays in the write-off decision. I find that well governed companies are more likely to announce write-offs. Additionally, better governed firms announce smaller write-offs relative to poorly governed firms. The evidence also indicates that the stocks of well governed firms experience announcement abnormal returns that are over six percent higher than those of poorly governed firms. The results suggest better governed firms take a pro-active approach to reveal bad news early, and thereby mitigate further uncertainty for investors.

Suggested Citation

  • Minnick, Kristina, 2011. "The role of corporate governance in the write-off decision," Review of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 130-145.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:revfin:v:20:y:2011:i:4:p:130-145
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rfe.2011.10.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate governance; Executive compensation; Write-offs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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