This study examines whether influenza (flu), a potential threat to the conduct of public company audits in the U.S., is associated with audit outcomes. Because the peak months of flu season overlap with audit busy season, audit offices most impacted by the flu may be adversely affected. The...

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to the audits of public companies. In response, the SEC made available a unique one-time 45-day extension to file the audited annual report. This study examines the likelihood and consequences of late filings during COVID-19. We leverage...