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A theory of risk disclosure

Author

Listed:
  • Mirko S. Heinle

    (The University of Pennsylvania)

  • Kevin C. Smith

    (The University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the price effects of risk disclosure. We develop a model in which investors are uncertain about the variance of a firm’s cash flows and the firm releases an imperfect signal regarding this variance. In our model, uncertainty over the riskiness of a firm’s cash flows leads to a variance uncertainty premium in its price. We demonstrate that risk disclosure decreases the firm’s cost of capital by reducing this premium and that the market response to risk disclosure is small when the expected level of risk is high. Moreover, we find that firms acquire and disclose more risk information when their cash flow risk is greater than expected. Finally, we demonstrate that in a multi-asset setting, only risk disclosure concerning systematic risks will impact the cost of capital.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirko S. Heinle & Kevin C. Smith, 2017. "A theory of risk disclosure," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1459-1491, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reaccs:v:22:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s11142-017-9414-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11142-017-9414-2
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    5. Sticca, Ralph Melles & Nakao, Silvio Hiroshi, 2019. "Hedge accounting choice as exchange loss avoidance under financial crisis: Evidence from Brazil," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
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    7. Thomas D. Steffen, 2022. "The Information Asymmetry Effects of Expanded Disclosures About Derivative and Hedging Activities," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(8), pages 6298-6325, August.
    8. Ott, Christian, 2020. "The risks of mergers and acquisitions—Analyzing the incentives for risk reporting in Item 1A of 10-K filings," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 158-181.
    9. Shivaani, M.V. & Agarwal, Nishant, 2020. "Does competitive position of a firm affect the quality of risk disclosure?," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    10. M. J. Histen, 2022. "Taking Information Seriously: A Firm-side Interpretation of Risk Factor Disclosure," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 28(3), pages 119-131, November.
    11. Nadine Gatzert & Dinah Heidinger, 2020. "An Empirical Analysis of Market Reactions to the First Solvency and Financial Condition Reports in the European Insurance Industry," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 87(2), pages 407-436, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk disclosure; Variance uncertainty; Cost of capital;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • D53 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Financial Markets
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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