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Do co-opted boards increase insider profitability?

Author

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  • Rahman, Dewan
  • Malik, Ihtisham
  • Ali, Searat
  • Iqbal, Jamshed

Abstract

Using a sample of U.S. firms over the period 1996–2014, this paper examines whether insider trading profitability increases with high board co-option. Indeed, we find that firms with a higher level of co-opted directors exhibit higher insider trading profitability, largely due to a lower level of managerial ability and analyst coverage. Co-opted boards are also unlikely to implement self-imposed insider trading restrictions, exacerbating this relationship. This positive association is mitigated by a higher level of external monitoring by institutional investors and if the CEO receives more performance-based incentives. Overall, co-opted directors demonstrate aligned interests with CEOs and corporate insiders rather than performing their role as monitors. As a result, a more co-opted board is positively associated with exploitative behaviour of insiders.

Suggested Citation

  • Rahman, Dewan & Malik, Ihtisham & Ali, Searat & Iqbal, Jamshed, 2021. "Do co-opted boards increase insider profitability?," Journal of Contemporary Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jocaae:v:17:y:2021:i:3:s1815566921000230
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcae.2021.100265
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    1. Bhuiyan, Md. Borhan Uddin & Sangchan, Pinprapa & Costa, Mabel D', 2022. "Do Co-opted boards affect the cost of equity capital?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 46(PB).
    2. Ghafoor, Abdul & Zhichuan, Frank Li & Yousaf, Imran, 2024. "Co-opted Boards and Corporate Cash Holdings," CAFE Working Papers 27, Centre for Accountancy, Finance and Economics (CAFE), Birmingham City Business School, Birmingham City University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Co-opted boards; Insider trading; Market-adjusted buy-and-hold abnormal returns;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • G40 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - General

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