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Income Smoothing, Earnings Quality and Firm Valuation

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  • Ben‐Hsien Bao
  • Da‐Hsien Bao

Abstract

This study argues that lower variability of earnings does not guarantee income smoothers’ higher firm values. Instead, smoothers’ earnings should be more value‐relevant if they are of high quality, i.e., earnings quality should be considered simultaneously. Sample firms are divided into four groups: quality earnings smoothers, quality earnings non‐smoothers, non‐quality earnings smoothers, and non‐quality earnings non‐smoothers. Value relevance of reported earnings is then studied using both the levels and the changes approaches with indicator variables. Results show quality earnings smoothers have the highest price‐earnings multiple while non‐quality non‐smoothers have the lowest price‐earnings multiple.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben‐Hsien Bao & Da‐Hsien Bao, 2004. "Income Smoothing, Earnings Quality and Firm Valuation," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(9‐10), pages 1525-1557, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jbfnac:v:31:y:2004:i:9-10:p:1525-1557
    DOI: 10.1111/j.0306-686X.2004.00583.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    17. Hasyyati Yusrina & Mukhtaruddin Mukhtaruddin & Luk Luk Fuadah & Zunaidah Sulong, 2017. "International Financial Reporting Standards Convergence and Quality of Accounting Information: Evidence from Indonesia," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 7(4), pages 433-447.
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