Amman Stock Exchange Research Articles

The effect of tax avoidance on firm value with leverage as a moderating variable

This study investigated the effect of tax avoidance (TAV) on company value in Jordan, with a specific focus on the moderating role of leverage. The sample is 55 Jordanian industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the study period from 2005 to 2022. Given the evolving regulatory landscape and the importance of tax planning strategies for corporate performance, understanding these dynamics is critical. Employing panel data analysis spanning several years, the study examined the link between tax avoidance, leverage, and company value. The results indicated a significant negative association between TAV and firm value (the correlation between them is –29.3%), suggesting that firms engaging in higher levels of TAV experience lower market valuations. Additionally, the analysis reveals that leverage plays a crucial moderating role in this relationship, amplifying the negative impact of TAV on firm value. The study also found a strong correlation between firm value and size, and the relationship between firm value and ROA remains significant and positive. These findings provided valuable information for policymakers, corporate executives, and investors navigating the complexities of contemporary business environments in Jordan and beyond.

The Measurement of Blockchain Technology in Financial Reports in Commercial Banks

The objective of the present study is to measure the impact of blockchain technology on financial reports. The study utilizes a time series analysis covering eleven commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2019. Two key measures, namely other operating expenses and customer deposits are employed in the Return on Assets (ROA). The findings indicate that blockchain technology can be quantified by 0.038 of other operating expenses. However, there are no discernible indications of measuring blockchain technology through customer deposits. The study suggests that blockchain technology is a double-edged sword; when not utilized as required, it leads to increased expenses, and conversely, its effective exploitation can have cost-reducing effects. In other words, operational inefficiencies or heterogeneity are associated with elevated costs associated with implementing blockchain technology. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-02-014 Full Text: PDF

The impact of external auditors with forensic accounting competencies on auditee firm performance

The purpose of this study is to examine how the presence of auditors with forensic accounting skills impacts the financial performance of audited companies. Using a quantitative approach, this research employs linear regression analysis and examines a sample of 74 companies from the industrial and service sectors listed on the Amman Stock Exchange between 2012 and 2021. The findings reveal that external auditors with forensic accounting competencies have a positive impact on the financial performance of audited companies. The insights presented in this study could serve as valuable tools for improving the financial performance of companies in the service and industry sectors, highlighting the importance of supporting and promoting the skills and competencies of forensic accountants.

Technology factors and ERP system efficiency in the Jordanian industrial firms: does company size matter?

The study was structured to investigate the impact of technological factors on the effectiveness of enterprise resource planning (ERP) in Jordanian industrial firms, using a descriptive-analytical approach. This study also examines company size as a moderator variable, which has been measured using the logarithm of total assets extracted from each firm’s annual report. The study’s target population consisted of all Jordanian industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange, totaling 55 firms. Managers participated as respondents, with 220 questionnaires distributed electronically, averaging four questionnaires per company. After data collection, 92 valid questionnaires were used for statistical analysis. The findings indicate a significant and positive relationship between technological factors (such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency) and ERP system effectiveness in Jordanian industrial firms. However, the study revealed that trust, as one of the technological factors, did not significantly impact ERP system efficiency. Additionally, it was found that the moderating role of company size moderates positively the relationship between two technological factors (i.e., perceived usefulness and digital proficiency), and ERP system efficiency. The research suggests that industrial firms in Jordan should take into account technological factors, including factors like ease of use, perceived usefulness, and digital proficiency, to remain current with advancements that can improve the efficiency of ERP systems. This is important due to the positive influence it can have on the operational effectiveness of Jordanian industrial companies, aiding them in their planning and decision-making processes.

Does corporate governance moderate the impact of earnings management on capital structure of the listed corporations on Palestine and Amman Bourses

The purpose of this research is to investigate the moderating role of corporate governance on the relationship between earnings management and debt level in capital structure. The paper used a hypothesis-testing research approach to gather data from the annual reports of 13 industrial companies listed on Palestine Exchange and 25 Jordanian companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, along with correlation analysis to evaluate linear relationships between variables. The fixed and random effect regressions were utilized to develop the research model. In the case of Palestinian manufacturing firms, the results revealed that Earnings Management (EM) had a significant negative impact on debt level. According to the moderating role of Corporate Governance (CG), larger boards and the existence of female members on the board of directors causes an increase in the high-leverage impact of EM, whereas CEO duality mitigates the high-leverage impact. However, in the case of Jordanian manufacturing firms, EM showed an insignificant impact on debt level. Regarding the moderating role of CG, it was proved that the presence of female members on the board of directors increased the firm’s reliance on debt financing as a result of EM practices, while institutional investors mitigate the effect of EM on debt financing, leading to a decrease in reliance on debt. The findings of this research are suitable for the regulators while formulating policies on the Corporate Governance and the Impact of Earnings Management on Capital Structure. These findings have guided the policymakers that they should enhance their focus on Palestine and Jordan companies to test Corporate Governance Moderates the Impact of Earnings Management on Capital Structure. This study is also helpful for the new researcher while investigating this area in the future.

The Impact of Disclosing Sustainability on the Value Added from the Stakeholders’ Perspective of Industrial Companies Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange

The Impact of Disclosing Sustainability on the Value Added from the Stakeholders’ Perspective of Industrial Companies Listed on the Amman Stock Exchange

The Impact of Operating Cash Flow on Corporate Profitability: Amman Stock Exchange case study

The problem of the study is the challenges faced by the growth of different sectors, which requires the identification of an appropriate operating cash flow policy to increase corporate Profitability. Unbalanced policies followed in operating cash flows can negatively affect companies' Profitability. The study's objective is to investigate the impact of operating cash flow on the Profitability of companies in different sectors listed on the Oman Stock Exchange. For five years (2017–2021) for 71 companies. In these sectors, Profitability and metrics have been used carefully. To show how these elements affect the success of each of these sectors? It is because investors can use this information to make sound investment decisions using different operating cash flow methods to evaluate company profitability. The researchers created a checklist to test the research hypothesis, in which each operating cash flow (OCF) was used as an independent variable. (Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE)) was determined as the type of firm Profitability, which is the dependent variable. The results are shown through two models. Data using descriptive statistical analysis. Regression Approaches Using EViews 12, Given that the data included both time series and cross-sectional characteristics, fixed least squares (PLS) regression effects models were used to estimate the study models. The results reveal that operating cash flow has an impact of 57.9% on ROA, a measure of corporate Profitability, and other variables have an impact of 42.1% that is not mentioned. Meanwhile, the independent variable affects ROE by 57.7% and other variables by 42.3%. Paper type: Research paper.

Analyzing the Impact of Real and Accrual Earnings Management on the Cost of Equity: Evidence from the Jordanian Amman Stock Exchange

Analyzing the Impact of Real and Accrual Earnings Management on the Cost of Equity: Evidence from the Jordanian Amman Stock Exchange

Risk Modeling, Return Forecasting, and Optimal Portfolio Selection

The main objective of this research is to form an optimal investment portfolio consisting of a number of stocks selected according to specific criteria in Amman Stock Exchange and to test the ability of a various economic models to predict the performance of this portfolio in the foreseeable future. A time series for the return of the selected portfolio and for the return of a market index are formed. A set of tests were conducted to reach a stationary time series return and, then, to follow the Box-Jenkins methodology in order to build predictive models (ARMA) and to examine the residuals of models and to model them using ARCH and GARCH models to reach the best prediction of the performance of the portfolio and the market index in the forecasted periods. The data were tracked on a daily basis for the study sample and the market index simultaneously for a period of three years. Twenty-one companies were selected in the investment portfolio distributed among several sectors. The study concluded that the formed portfolio achieved a good diversification and gave a high return in relation to the lowest possible risk according to the Sharpe scale. Also, it is concluded that the model ARMA (1,1) is the most suitable for estimating market portfolio returns and forecasting risks for the market index return, and ARMA (2,1) and the model ARMA - GARCH are the most capable one of achieving good results that can be relied upon in tracking the performance of the studied investment portfolio.

The Impact of The Computerized Accounting Information System in Reducing Financial Risks in Jordanian Commercial Banks

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of computerized accounting information systems (CAIS) on reducing financial risks within Jordanian commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. This involved examining the components, characteristics, and benefits of CAIS in this context. Methods: The study employed a questionnaire-based approach to gather information, distributing 75 questionnaires among financial managers and internal auditors within Jordanian commercial banks. A total of 64 questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed to draw conclusions. Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed a significant impact of various variables related to computerized information systems in mitigating financial risks within the sampled banks. This finding underscores the importance of CAIS in enhancing risk management practices within the banking sector. Notably, the study highlights the necessity of corporate governance implementation and the preparation of specialized reports to enhance financial risk disclosure processes. Implications of the Research: The findings of this research have several implications for both academia and practice. Firstly, they emphasize the crucial role of CAIS in reducing financial risks within commercial banks. Secondly, they underscore the importance of implementing robust corporate governance mechanisms to strengthen risk management frameworks. Additionally, the study suggests the need for further research to explore the impact of accounting information systems on different types of risks and their consequent effects on financial performance. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the specific context of Jordanian commercial banks and their utilization of CAIS for managing financial risks. By identifying the components, characteristics, and benefits of CAIS in this setting, the research adds valuable knowledge to the field of accounting and finance. Moreover, its recommendations for enhanced corporate governance practices and specialized reporting can inform practical strategies for risk management in banking institutions.

Navigating Ethics: Insights into External Auditor Compliance from Financial Managers and Internal Auditors in Jordanian Companies

This study aims to assess to what extent Jordanian external auditors comply with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, as perceived by financial managers and internal auditors. The hypotheses are tested using one sample and an independent sample t-test for a sample of 53 industrial public shareholding companies listed on the Amman stock exchange during 2020–2023. The study utilized the survey instruments to collect the necessary data from 200 participants. The findings show that the external auditor complies with the code of professional ethics at a high to moderate level per the Relative Important Index from the viewpoint of both financial managers and internal auditors. Moreover, the outcomes also show there are no significant variances between their beliefs regarding the adherence of external auditors to the code of ethics. The study consequences indicate that the enacted regulations that organize the work of the auditors can effectively enhance the compliance of Jordanian auditors with the code of professional ethics. Nevertheless, it emphasized the need for more shared efforts for more compliance with professional ethics in the auditing profession. The study suggests Many recommendations to enhance auditors’ compliance such as continuous oversight of auditor compliance from the Jordanian Association of Certified Public Accountants, ethical awareness, research and development in the area of ethics, and training programs to explain ethical complexities. This study assures the importance of enhancing ethical compliance in the auditing profession in an emerging country to increase public trust, attract investment, and improve financial statements integrity.

Evaluating the Level of Disclosure in Interim Financial Reports in Accordance with IAS (34)-A Comparative Applied Study of a Sample of Banks Registered in The Iraq Stock Exchange and The Amman Stock Exchange

Evaluating the Level of Disclosure in Interim Financial Reports in Accordance with IAS (34)-A Comparative Applied Study of a Sample of Banks Registered in The Iraq Stock Exchange and The Amman Stock Exchange

How Audit Fees Impact Earnings Management in Service Companies on the Amman Stock Exchange through Audit Committee Characteristics

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the potential moderating role of audit fees in the relationship between audit committee characteristics and earnings management. Specifically, this study aimed to establish connections between audit committee features, such as committee size, member independence, and financial expertise, and the practice of earnings management. To address these research questions, a convenient sample of 46 service providers listed on the Amman Stock Exchange between 2016 and the subsequent year was employed. Descriptive statistical methods were applied to characterize the variables under investigation, while a multiple regression model was utilized to assess the study’s hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant correlation between the size of the audit committee and earnings management. However, a negative correlation was observed between the audit committee’s independence and the financial expertise of its members. Importantly, when audit fees were introduced as a moderating variable, the relationships between committee member independence and earnings management, as well as between committee member financial expertise and earnings management, were found to be weakened. These results have potential implications for policymakers and regulators in Jordan. They may offer valuable insights into corporate governance reforms that could assist Jordanian businesses in enhancing their earnings management practices.

The impact of audit committee dimensions on financial reporting efficiency of limited partnership companies listed on the Amman Stock exchange

Currently, the Jordanian economy needs more investment due to the growing financial deficit facing the Jordanian state. Therefore, this study came to increase investors' trust in financial reports issued by Jordanian companies to attract more investments. Based on that, this study will investigate the impact of audit committee dimensions on the efficiency of financial reports of limited partnership companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The data were collected from financial reports issued by 52 limited partnership companies for the year 2021. The study used multiple regression to test the hypotheses. Based on the findings, audit committee dimensions explained the variation in financial reports' efficiency which reached 0.629. The audit committee members' size does not significantly affect the financial reports' efficiency. The significance reached 0.287. However, the knowledge of financial management has a significant positive effect on financial report efficiency; the significance reached 0.000 and the effect volume arrived at 0.699. Also, the findings showed that audit committee meetings have a greater effect on financial reporting efficiency than financial management knowledge. The impact was significantly positive, arriving at 0.790, while the significance reached 0.000. The main research conclusion is that limited partnership companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange adopt corporate governance to achieve control effectiveness of audit committees to increase financial reporting efficiency to achieve more investments. AcknowledgmentThe publication of this research has been supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies at Philadelphia University – Jordan.

Inverting the paradigm: digital transformation’s impact on firm performance and the counterintuitive role of gender

Purpose This study aims to analyze the impact of digital transformation on firm performance within the banking sector, specifically focusing on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE)-listed banks from 2015 to 2022. Additionally, it explores the influence of gender dynamics on the implementation and outcomes of these digital transformation initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a robust empirical approach, using manual content analysis of annual reports from ASE-listed banks. The Digital Transformation Disclosure Index (DTDI) is used to assess the extent and nature of digital transformation initiatives within these banks. The methodology is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the correlation between digital transformation efforts, firm performance and gender dynamics. Findings The research reveals that digital transformation initiatives have a significant positive impact on the performance of ASE-listed banks. It also uncovers nuanced insights into the role of gender dynamics, indicating that gender diversity within firms influences the adoption and success of digital transformation strategies in complex ways. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of digital transformation in the banking sector, offering empirical evidence on its benefits for firm performance. Additionally, the study illuminates the intricate role of gender dynamics in digital transformation, providing a new perspective on organizational diversity within the context of technological change. Originality/value This research pioneers in academically linking digital transformation and gender dynamics within the banking sector, addressing a notable gap and introducing a fresh academic perspective. Practically, it equips banking executives and policymakers with actionable insights for gender-inclusive digital strategies, crucial for enhanced firm performance. Methodologically, the study sets a benchmark in research innovation, using the DTDI to offer a replicable model for future investigations in this evolving field.

From traditional to digital: the role of XBRL adoption in improving financial statements transparency

Purpose This study aims to explore the role of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) adoption in improving financial statements transparency in the Jordanian context. Design/methodology/approach The partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was used to analyze the obtained data. Findings The empirical outcomes indicated that the adoption of XBRL contributes to improving financial statements transparency in listed Jordanian firms in the Amman Stock Exchange, whereas information technology (IT) infrastructure was found to moderate the relationship between XBRL adoption and improving financial statements transparency and hence the related hypotheses were accepted. Originality/value This study encouraged the importance of shifting to the adoption of the XBRL which will contribute to improving transparency of financial data and information in listed Jordanian firms and then support the process of decision-making.

Environmental Management Accounting Information and Environmental Performance, the Mediating Effect of Environmental Decision Quality

In recent times, there has been a heightened focus from both governments and societies towards evaluating Organisations’ Environmental Performance (OEP). Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) is pivotal in elevating OEP as it offers a holistic perspective to elucidate the environmental impacts and associated costs of diverse business activities. This research delves into the dynamic interplay between EMA information and the OEP. The study entails the administration of a questionnaire to Jordanian organisations listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. The research adopts the Resource-Based View Theory. The study establishes statistically significant positive connections between these variables by employing partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM) for data analysis. Central to this investigation is identifying Environmental Decision Quality (EDQ) as a mediating capability. This capability is the mechanism for translating the relationship between EMA information and OEP. This finding underscores the pivotal role of in-formed decision-making in converting such information into tangible improvements in environmental performance. The research makes a notable contribution by expanding the understanding of EMA, highlighting its informational value beyond merely the practice considerations. Moreover, findings provide invaluable guidance for policymakers and regulatory bodies striving to promote sustainable business practices, especially pertinent in the context of developing nations.

Predicting Risk of and Motives behind Fraud in Financial Statements of Jordanian Industrial Firms Using Hexagon Theory

This study intends to identify the motives that lead to increasing or fighting the fraud risk in the Financial Statements (FSs) of industrial companies whose shares are traded in regulated and unregulated markets at the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) based on the Hexagon theory, which divides the motives for fraud into six factors. The study relied on secondary data to collect and measure the study variables by extracting them from the annual reports that were published by those companies on the website of the ASE during the period of 2012–2017. The collected data were analyzed using the logistic regression model on the SPSS program. The results confirmed that the return on assets (ROA), percentage of independent members in audit committees, and tone-related party transactions had a statistically significant relationship with predicted fraudulent FSs, where these three variables belong to pressure, opportunity, and collusion fraud motives, respectively. Thus, it is worth mentioning that this study is distinguished from previous studies that examined the issue of fraud in Jordanian companies by detecting the motives of fraud according to the Fraud Hexagon theory. Moreover, some of the fraud motives were measured using new variables such as a change in inventory, the age of auditing committee’s members, and tone-related party transactions.

Impact of stock market liquidity and external factors on herding behavior in the Amman Stock Exchange

Purpose — The research investigation was centered on the potential for herding behavior in the Amman Stock Exchange. The major goal of the current investigation is to identify any herding behavior that may occur, including behavior caused by liquidity and global factor drivers (such as oil prices and Fed fund rates).Method — The study employed the quantitative research method. The sample consists of 50 observations from 171 companies, and the data were collected from monthly records spanning January 2019 to March 2023. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and a deductive approach were utilized in the quantitative methodology of this study.Result — At this stage, employing a CSSD regression analysis makes it possible to observe evidence of herding behavior in the left tail. The study also found no evidence suggesting that stock market liquidity affects herding behavior in the right tail during periods of both high and low liquidity. However, it did find evidence indicating that liquidity affects herding behavior in the left tail. The Amman capital market has demonstrated that herding behavior is not significantly influenced by global factors.Practical implications — This study suggests that the Amman Stock Exchange should make information accessible to all investors to encourage them to take an active role in making their own investment decisions.

The mediating effect of accrual earnings management on the relationship between ownership structure and firm value: Evidence from Jordan

Firm value is considered a primary and essential driver for investors when making investment decisions, so they are interested in the quality of the financial data in companies’ annual reports related to firm value in an attempt by the owners to improve the company’s image and raise its value. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between ownership structure and firm value through the mediating role of accrual earnings management. Panel data were extracted from the financial reports of 88 non-financial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for 11 years (2009–2019). The Barron and Kenny, Sobel, and other test approaches were applied to investigate the mediation effect and mediating relationships. The outcomes identified a positive impact of managerial ownership on firm value and a positive impact of foreign ownership on firm value. Also, it showed a negative impact of managerial ownership and foreign ownership on accrual earnings management, while accrual earnings management positively impacted firm value. Regarding mediating relationships, the results identified a mediating effect of accrual earnings management on the relationship between managerial ownership and firm value and a mediating effect of accrual earnings management on the relationship between foreign ownership and firm value. However, accrual earnings management does not mediate the relationship between family ownership and firm value. This shows the importance of reducing accrual earnings management through the identities of investors (managerial and foreign), which helps increase control and improve the value of a company.