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Economic consequences of SFAS 142 goodwill write-offs

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  • Henry Jarva

Abstract

type="main" xml:lang="en"> This paper examines the economic consequences of goodwill write-offs under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS 142). Although write-off firms have performed poorly, it is evident that deteriorating economic performance explains only a small proportion of write-offs. After controlling for endogeneity of write-off choice, I fail to find evidence that investors and analysts fixate on SFAS 142 goodwill write-offs. I also provide evidence that write-off firms pay higher audit fees, suggesting that auditors charge higher fees in response to extra audit effort. These results are consistent with the principles of market efficiency, analyst-forecast rationality and efficient audit pricing.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Jarva, 2014. "Economic consequences of SFAS 142 goodwill write-offs," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 54(1), pages 211-235, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:acctfi:v:54:y:2014:i:1:p:211-235
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/j.1467-629X.2012.00495.x
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    2. Johannes Thesing & Patrick Velte, 2021. "Do fair value measurements affect accounting-based earnings quality? A literature review with a focus on corporate governance as moderator," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 91(7), pages 965-1004, September.
    3. Joseph V. Carcello & Terry L. Neal & Lauren C. Reid & Jonathan E. Shipman, 2020. "Auditor Independence and Fair Value Accounting: An Examination of Nonaudit Fees and Goodwill Impairments," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 37(1), pages 189-217, March.
    4. Francesco Avallone & Claudia Gabbioneta & Paola Ramassa & Marco Sorrentino, 2015. "Why Do Firms Write Off Their Goodwill? A Comparison of Different Accounting Systems," FINANCIAL REPORTING, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2015(1), pages 23-40.

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