Do differences in financial reporting attributes impair the predictive ability of financial ratios for bankruptcy?

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Beaver, William H.; Correia, Maria; McNichols, Maureen F.
• 署名单位: Stanford University; University of London; London Business School
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTING STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1380-6653
• DOI: 10.1007/s11142-012-9186-7
• 发表日期: 2012
• 页码: 969-1010
• 关键词: VALUE-RELEVANCE; information-content; earnings; statements; accruals; equity; RISK

摘要

This study explores the effect of cross-sectional and time-series differences in financial reporting attributes on the predictive ability of financial ratios for bankruptcy. We identify proxies for discretion over financial reporting, the importance of intangible assets, the comprehensiveness of the accounting model and recognition of losses. Each of our proxies for financial reporting attributes is associated with financial ratios that are less informative in predicting bankruptcy. Furthermore, our time-series tests reveal a decline in the predictive ability of financial ratios for bankruptcy and document that this decline is associated with our measures of financial reporting attributes.