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Earnings management in the electric utility industry: profit incentives

Author

Listed:
  • Shiyou Li

    (Texas A&M University Commerce)

  • Emeka Nwaeze

    (University of Texas at San Antonio)

  • Jennifer Yin

    (University of Texas at San Antonio)

Abstract

Electric utilities face profit regulation tied explicitly to accounting data. Under existing rate structure, the utilities are required to provide periodic and specialized accounting reports for use in rate decisions. Consumer groups and opponents often criticize the rate structure alleging possible alteration of accounting reports by utilities to gain favorable regulation. Nonetheless, there is little empirical evidence supporting the allegation. This study investigates profit incentives for earnings management by utilities seeking rate increases. Specifically, this study investigates whether electric utilities proactively adopt profit-reducing actions before and during rate requests. The results are consistent with strategic use of accounting methods to reduce reported profits immediately before and during rate requests. The evidence supports the notion that utilities reduce profits just before and during rate reviews to relax regulatory constraints and improve profit opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiyou Li & Emeka Nwaeze & Jennifer Yin, 2016. "Earnings management in the electric utility industry: profit incentives," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 46(3), pages 633-660, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:rqfnac:v:46:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s11156-014-0481-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11156-014-0481-1
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    Cited by:

    1. Matthew Notbohm & Katherine Campbell & Adam R. Smedema & Tianming Zhang, 2019. "Management’s personal ideology and financial reporting quality," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 521-571, February.
    2. Chu, Yin & Chang, Chun-Ping, 2020. "Vertical separation of transmission control and market efficiency in the wholesale electricity market," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 51(C).
    3. Yi-hsun Lai & Wen-chang Lin & Liang-wei Kuo, 2018. "Forestalling capital regulation or masking financial weakness? Evidence from loss reserve management in the property–liability insurance industry," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 50(2), pages 481-518, February.
    4. William Grieser & Charles J. Hadlock & Joshua R. Pierce, 2021. "Doing good when doing well: evidence on real earnings management," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 906-932, September.
    5. Michael Lacina & B. Brian Lee & Dong Wuk Kim, 2018. "Management of Revenue and Earnings in Korean Firms Influenced by Cognitive Reference Points," Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies (RPBFMP), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 21(02), pages 1-36, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Electric utility; Earnings management; Profit incentive;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities
    • M41 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Accounting - - - Accounting

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