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Ownership concentration, modified audit opinion, and auditor switch: New evidence and method

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  • Hu, May
  • Muhammad, Abdul
  • Yang, Jingjing

Abstract

This study investigates: 1) how does the ownership structure of listed firms influence the relation between their earnings management behavior and auditor opinion; 2) how does the ownership structure influence the relation between the auditor opinion and auditor switch. We find that the level of listed firms’ earnings management is positively associated with the propensity of being issued modified audit opinions (MAOs) by auditors when their ownership structure is highly concentrated. However, the issuance of MAOs is not associated with the auditor switch under such condition. On the contrary, a high level of earnings management is not associated with the propensity of being issued MAOs when firms’ ownership structure is less concentrated. Further, the issuance of MAOs may increase the likelihood of auditor switch. The empirical findings suggest that auditors may cater for the preferences of the real controller of listed firms when issuing audit opinions. Moreover, the “auditor opinion shopping” behavior by listed firms is also affected by listed firms’ ownership structure.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, May & Muhammad, Abdul & Yang, Jingjing, 2022. "Ownership concentration, modified audit opinion, and auditor switch: New evidence and method," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecofin:v:61:y:2022:i:c:s106294082200047x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.najef.2022.101692
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ownership concentration; Earnings management; Modified audit opinion; Auditor switch; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • M42 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Auditing

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