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Earnings myopia and private equity takeovers

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Hribar

    (University of Iowa)

  • Todd Kravet

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Trent Krupa

    (University of Arkansas)

Abstract

We examine the role of private equity in alleviating earnings myopia induced by public markets. We first construct a measure of earnings myopia and show that this measure varies as predicted with determinants and effects of myopia. Then we show that public firms exhibiting earnings myopia realize an increased likelihood of takeover by private equity buyers. Cross-sectional analyses indicate that this relation is strongest when costs of earnings myopia are likely higher. Following private equity takeovers, firms exhibiting greater measures of earnings myopia realize improvements to R&D investment and productivity. The results add to the understanding of the role of private equity in identifying and alleviating earnings myopia within U.S. capital markets. This is important given the increasing size of private equity assets under management. Takeover premiums paid for myopic firms suggest a cost of earnings myopia at approximately 6.9% of firm value.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Hribar & Todd Kravet & Trent Krupa, 2025. "Earnings myopia and private equity takeovers," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 30(1), pages 994-1035, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reaccs:v:30:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11142-024-09844-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11142-024-09844-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Private equity; Earnings myopia; Real earnings management; Going private;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G23 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Non-bank Financial Institutions; Financial Instruments; Institutional Investors
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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