Abstract
In this paper, we examine the relation between managerial discretion in accruals and informational efficiency. We measure managerial discretion in accruals by the absolute value of abnormal accruals. Assuming that efficient prices follow a random walk, we measure informational efficiency by using stock return variance ratios. We find that the absolute value of abnormal accruals is negatively associated with the price deviation from a random walk pattern, estimated in the 12-month period subsequent to the accrual reporting; hence, future informational efficiency increases with the extent to which managers exercise discretion over accruals. The results are consistent with the view that discretionary accruals, on average, convey useful information to investors and facilitate the price convergence to its fundamental value. Our findings are robust to a battery of tests, including tests to validate both our measures of informational efficiency and our measure of managerial discretion in accruals.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 375-416 |
Number of pages | 42 |
Journal | Journal of Business Finance and Accounting |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
Early online date | 22 Feb 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Apr 2017 |
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Pietro Perotti
- Management - Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor)
- Accounting, Finance & Law
- Centre for Governance, Regulation and Industrial Strategy - Senior Lecturer
- Centre for Business, Organisations and Society (CBOS)
Person: Research & Teaching