← Search

Journal of Accounting Research Vol. 58 No. 2 2020

Corporate Disclosure as a Tacit Coordination Mechanism: Evidence from Cartel Enforcement Regulations

Thomas Bourveau1; Guoman She2; Alminas Žaldokas2

1 Columbia University Business School · 2 Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Business School

Abstract

We empirically study how collusion in product markets affects firms' financial disclosure strategies. We find that after a rise in cartel enforcement, U.S. firms start sharing more detailed information in their financial disclosure about their customers, contracts, and products. This new information potentially benefits peers by helping to tacitly coordinate actions in product markets. Indeed, changes in disclosure are associated with higher future profitability. Our results highlight the potential conflict between securities and antitrust regulations.

DOI
10.1111/1475-679x.12301
Volume
58
Issue
2
Pages
295-332
Language
en
Sources
openalex bibtex:phds-export.bib crossref

Cite