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Inference†in†residuals as an Estimation Method for Earnings Management

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  • Demetris Christodoulou
  • Le Ma
  • Andrey Vasnev

Abstract

The paper tests the assumptions underlying the inference†in†residuals method as an estimation framework for detecting and classifying suspects of earnings management. We derive several systematic biases that are shown to confound inference†in†residuals and, depending on the data, could render the method a futile exercise. This is not a matter of model specification, but a limitation of the statistical method. Also, it is shown that the method of using estimated residuals in a second stage regression on economic determinants of earnings management suffers considerably, especially when residuals are estimated by industry classification in the first stage.

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  • Demetris Christodoulou & Le Ma & Andrey Vasnev, 2018. "Inference†in†residuals as an Estimation Method for Earnings Management," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 54(2), pages 154-180, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:abacus:v:54:y:2018:i:2:p:154-180
    DOI: 10.1111/abac.12121
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    4. Thomas A. Gilliam, 2021. "Detecting Real Activities Manipulation: Beyond Performance Matching," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 57(4), pages 619-653, December.
    5. Berrill, Jenny & Campa, Domenico & O'Hagan-Luff, Martha, 2021. "Firm diversification and earnings management strategies: European evidence," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    6. Majeed, Muhammad Ansar & Yan, Chao & Zhong, Huijie, 2022. "Do firms manipulate earnings after winning public-private partnership bids? Evidence from China," Emerging Markets Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(PB).
    7. Tri Tri Nguyen & Chau Minh Duong & Sunitha Narendran, 2021. "CEO profile and earnings quality," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 987-1025, April.
    8. Robert Kieschnick & Wenyun Shi, 2021. "Nonstationarity in the relationship between corporate governance and accounting conservatism," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3-4), pages 463-497, March.
    9. Andrew B. Jackson, 2022. "Residuals from two‐step research designs," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(4), pages 4345-4358, December.
    10. Yu Chen & Xiaoyan Chu & Jung Chul Park & Jared S. Soileau, 2022. "CEO religious university affiliation and financial reporting quality," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(1), pages 417-468, March.
    11. Stewart Jones & Nurul Alam, 2019. "A machine learning analysis of citation impact among selected Pacific Basin journals," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 59(4), pages 2509-2552, December.
    12. Vlad‐Andrei Porumb & Abe De Jong & Carel Huijgen & Teye Marra & Jan Van Dalen, 2021. "The Effect of Auditor Style on Reporting Quality: Evidence from Germany," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 57(1), pages 1-26, March.
    13. Andrew B. Jackson & Chao Li & Richard D. Morris, 2020. "Earnings Co‐movements and the Informativeness of Earnings," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 56(3), pages 295-319, September.

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