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Internal control weakness, investment and firm valuation

Author

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  • Jacoby, Gady
  • Li, Yingqi
  • Li, Tianze
  • Zheng, Steven Xiaofan

Abstract

We propose reduced investment as a potential explanation for why firms with internal control weakness (ICW) exhibit lower valuation relative to non-ICW firms. We show that ICW firms significantly reduce investment around ICW disclosure and also have poor stock performance. Additional evidence shows that many of the investment reductions have been announced during the year before ICW disclosure. A possible explanation for investment reductions is the higher costs of financial friction associated with ICW. Consistent with this explanation, we show that ICW firms with credit ratings do not reduce their investment as much and have much better stock performance than ICW firms without credit ratings.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacoby, Gady & Li, Yingqi & Li, Tianze & Zheng, Steven Xiaofan, 2018. "Internal control weakness, investment and firm valuation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 165-171.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:25:y:2018:i:c:p:165-171
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2017.10.018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Adrian-Cosmin Caraiman, 2020. "Responsibility for Internal Control in Corporate Governance," Ovidius University Annals, Economic Sciences Series, Ovidius University of Constantza, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 0(2), pages 612-618, December.
    4. Wunhong Su & Liuzhen Zhang & Chao Ge & Shuai Chen, 2022. "Association between Internal Control and Sustainability: A Literature Review Based on the SOX Act Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-30, August.
    5. Imran Abbas Jadoon & Umara Noreen & Usman Ayub & Muhammad Tahir & Naima Shahzadi, 2021. "The Impact of Family Ownership on Quality and Disclosure of Internal Control in Pakistan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    6. Chang, Kai & Ding, Jiehuan & Lou, Qichun & Li, Zesheng & Yang, Jiahui, 2021. "The impact of capital leverage on green firms’ investment: New evidence regarding the size and age effects of Chinese green industries," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Sarbanes–Oxley act; Internal control weakness; Stock performance; q theory of investments; Benchmark adjusted returns; Credit ratings;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General

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