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Firm Risk and Proxy Fights: Evidence from SOX

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  • Fang Chen
  • Jian Huang
  • Han Yu

Abstract

The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is documented to curb executive risk-taking and firm risk. Utilizing SOX as an exogenous shock on firm risk, we find that proxy fight threats are positively related to a firm’s total risk and idiosyncratic risk. Specifically, although firm risk generally decreases post-SOX, high proxy fight threats mitigate this change in firm risk. We also find that although firms adopt more conservative policies such as decreasing their leverage and payout post-SOX, these changes are mitigated by proxy fight threats. In sum, our findings indicate that proxy fights act as an external disciplinary mechanism, encourage executive risk-taking, and increase firm risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang Chen & Jian Huang & Han Yu, 2018. "Firm Risk and Proxy Fights: Evidence from SOX," Accounting and Finance Research, Sciedu Press, vol. 7(2), pages 1-96, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:afr111:v:7:y:2018:i:2:p:96
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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