EARNINGS QUALITY DURING COVID-19: CENTRAL ASIAN CASE

The purpose of this research. In 2021 Gong & Choi investigated the eff ect of State ownership on Accounting quality. Positive relationship between State ownership and Earnings management has weakened in recent years, which is the result of the eff ective mixed-ownership reform [1]. Our research is an event study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the National IPO/SPO Program results in terms of Earnings quality changes in partial state-owned enterprises.

Methodology. We analyze 572 unbalanced panel fi rm-year observations during 2009-2021period. Sample data is extracted from KASE Stock Exchange population across diff erent industries excluding fi nancial institutions and investment holdings. To estimate Earnings quality, we combine Kasznik cash fl ow model for accrual-based Earnings management and Roychowdhury aggregate model for real activity Earnings management [2; 3].

Findings. We found that COVID-19 positively aff ected Earnings quality in partially state-owned companies and its eff ect was stronger compared to Earnings quality in 100 % owned private and state enterprises. Despite such the immediate and positive reaction, in post COVID-19 2021 year, Earnings quality deteriorated in partial state-owned companies (with 50-99 % Government ownership) up to the level of 100 % private/state companies.

Originality / value of the research. Our study is among the fi rst attempts to analyze Earnings quality dynamics over 2009-2021 horizon in Kazakhstan with the assessment of COVID-19 impact. As a practical recommendation, our research fi ndings could be integrated into the National IPO/SPO Program as a red fl ag to impact Earnings quality trend in partial state-owned enterprises.

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