David N. Hurtt

Applying reverse regression techniques in earnings–return analyses ☆

Abstract Measurement error in unexpected earnings is recognized as a source of bias in examinations of the relation between earnings and returns. Reverse regression procedures are commonly used as a means of coping with this bias. This study examines the properties of reverse regression procedures in multi-interacted variable settings with a specific focus on the earnings response coefficient (ERC) analysis of Collins and Kothari (J. Account. Econom. 11 (1989) 143.). It shows that both conventional reverse regression techniques and novel techniques employed by Collins and Kothari are not robust. It also demonstrates how reverse regression techniques can be successfully employed in such settings using non-interacted-variable designs.

Corporate Pension Plans: How Consistent are the Assumptions in Determining Pension Funding Status?

With the bankruptcy of Enron and the accompanying loss of pension benefits of its employees, pensions have recently received significant press. Accounting for pension plan obligations, for defined benefit plans in particular, requires companies to make assumptions regarding discount rates, projected salary increases, and expected long‐term return on plan assets. Such assumptions, in turn, determine the funding status of the pension plan and the annual pension expense. Higher assumed discount rates reduce the pension obligation, enhance the funding status of the plan, and reduce any lump‐sum payments. Higher expected return on assets reduces the current pension expense. This study investigates the relationship between pension plan assumptions and the funding status of a pension plan. The results reveal that companies with pension plans that are more fully funded assume higher discount rates and expected long‐term return on assets than do companies with less funded plans. The effect of these assumptions is that higher discount rate assumptions lead to better funding status, and higher expected long‐term rates of return on assets partially offset the pension expense impacts of these higher discount rate assumptions. We are doubtful that more funded plans collectively should be assuming higher discount rates and expected long‐term return on plan assets, especially since the actual return on plan assets investigated did not correlate with these assumptions.

Stock Buybacks and Their Association with Stock Options Exercised in the IT Industry

One of the most complex and controversial issues confronting the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) over the last several years has been the accounting and financial reporting of stock options. In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123R, Share-Based Payment, in the hope that the long process of revising the accounting and financial reporting for stock options will be put to rest. FASB Statement 123R requires the fair-value-based method of accounting for share-based payments. In order to offset the dilutive effects of generous stock option compensation packages for employees, companies are seemingly participating in stock repurchase plans. In the past, stock buyback programs were viewed as a means of distributing excess cash flow to investors; however, it appears now that many companies are financing stock repurchases through the issuance of debt, which can significantly impact the financial flexibility of a company. So, why do companies engage in this behavior? One possible reason for stock buybacks is to reduce the dilutive effect of stock option plans. Companies have, however, disputed that there is a direct relationship between exercised stock options and stock buyback transactions. Nevertheless, several articles and studies have found that there is a relationship and the FASB seems to believe that there is an association between stock buybacks and stock options, as Statement 123R requires that companies disclose the relationship between stock buybacks and stock payment programs. Using a sample of technology firms, we find evidence of an association between exercised stock options and repurchase of stock.

M&A compensation issues: Can you keep everybody happy?

Compensation is an important issue in all mergers and acquisitions. But executives and employees worry about different things. How should you handle it?

Cost Management: Is Vertical Integration the Answer?

Vertical integration is booming in many industries. Is it the answer to cost management problems?

Auditing to combat revenue recognition fraud

Revenue recognition fraud has been in the news lately. In fact, more than half of all financial reporting fraud involves overstating revenue. The authors review the current literature that applies to revenue recognition fraud and offer some useful audit tools and procedures to prevent it.

CEO Compensation, Performance Variables, and Socially Responsible Investing

Significant investment dollars are now allocated to companies deemed by investors as socially responsible. This socially responsible theme contends that corporations should be held accountable for the totality of their actions and decisions, including CEO compensation levels. This paper investigates whether CEO compensation levels are more associated with traditional performance measures for socially responsible firms than for firms deemed not socially responsible, with the assumption being that social choice firms will be more sensitive to and may attempt to align CEO compensation levels with corporate performance. Rank correlation analysis and regression results using nine performance variables for 270 firms indicated that CEO compensation levels at social choice companies were more highly associated with performance variables than those at nonsocial companies. The study results suggest that social choice companies, in addition to their other corporate good deeds, seem to include CEO compensation levels as a part of their overall corporate decision process.

Accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets: A review and update

Recent marks by SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt and Chief Accountant Lynn Turner have put new attention on certain provisions of SFAS No. 121. In light of the SEC concerns, the authors review and update the issue of asset impairment for readers. The authors also present the results of their review of note disclosures for 48 Fortune 500 firms.

Excessive CEO compensation: Do “socially responsible” firms buck the trend?

Excessively bloated CEO compensation packages have received a lot of public criticism. Do “socially responsible” firms link their packages more closely to performance?