Prior research shows extant discretionary accrual models are misspecified when applied to firms with unusual performance. Nonetheless, research on earnings management and market efficiency frequently uses these models. We examine the specification and power of tests based on performance-matched...

To test hypotheses about earnings management many studies investigate managers' manipulation of real activities (real earnings management, REM). Tests using measures of abnormal REM hinge critically on the measurement of normal real activities. Yet there is no systematic evidence on the...

Consistent with the uncertainty of research and development's future benefits, prior accounting studies hypothesize and find a positive relation between research and development (Ramp;D) and the variability of future earnings. However, prior research has assumed constant marginal productivity of...