We use computer-intensive techniques to study the informational properties of forward-looking disclosures in the MD&A sections of 10-K filings made with the SEC. We find that firms make more forward-looking MD&A disclosures when their stock prices have lower informational efficiency, i.e., when...

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) requires every company to report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting. Section 404 has arguably been the most controversial provision of SOX, with many registrants complaining that the high cost of compliance outweighs its...

We examine whether firms that frequently issue quarterly earnings guidance behave myopically, where myopic behavior is defined as sacrificing long-term growth for the purpose of meeting short-term goals (Porter [1992]). We find that dedicated guiders invest significantly less in research and...

We examine the effect of Regulation FD on stock return volatility. Critics suggest FD has increased volatility by causing firms to (a) disclose less information, resulting in increased noise trading and pricing errors; or (b) substitute essentially continuous communication to the market through...

We examine whether Regulation FD is associated with changes in the information environment prior to earnings announcements. After implementation of Regulation FD we find (a) lower return volatility around earnings announcements; (b) some improvement in the speed with which pre earnings...

This study examines the relation between audit quality and earnings management. Consistent with prior research, we treat audit quality as a dichotomous variable and assume that Big Six auditors are of higher quality than non-Big Six auditors. Earnings management is captured by discretionary...