The Effect of Information Asymmetry and Corporate Diversification on Firm Value with the Mediating Role of Earnings Management

Zahra  Helali Zadeh; Alireza Farimani

Authors

Zahra Helali Zadeh Department of Accounting, Ya.C., Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0027-3627
Alireza Farimani Department of Accounting, Ya.C., Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8320-4650

Keywords:

Firm value, information asymmetry, corporate diversification, earnings management

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of information asymmetry and corporate diversification on firm value with the mediating role of earnings management. In terms of subject scope, the research is focused on the field of accounting. In terms of purpose, this study is applied–empirical, because its results can contribute to better decision-making by investors in the stock exchange. In terms of nature, it is classified as descriptive–correlational research. In addition, in terms of reasoning, it is inductive, and theoretically, it falls within the domain of positive research. In terms of spatial scope, the research data were extracted from the databases of the Tehran Securities and Exchange Organization and Research Management Publications, as well as stock-market software programs such as Rahavard Novin and Tadbirpardaz. Accordingly, the statistical population included all companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange, and based on the sampling method, 125 companies were selected as the sample. In terms of temporal scope, the research data covered a 10-year period from 2015 to 2024. Excel software was first used to process, classify, and prepare the variables, and EViews software was then used to test the hypotheses. The estimation of the regression models indicated that information asymmetry has a negative and significant effect on firm value, whereas corporate diversification, through a positive and significant effect, plays a constructive role in increasing firm value. Furthermore, the results related to the mediation test showed that earnings management does not have a significant mediating role in the relationship between information asymmetry and firm value; however, in the relationship between corporate diversification and firm value, it acts as a negative mediating variable.

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