We examine whether Basu’s (1997) differential timeliness metric and the related
C-Score metric are effective in detecting predictable differences in conservatism
surrounding corrections of overstated earnings. Cross-sectional and time-series ana-
lyses, employing 2132 firms making restatements during 1999–2005, suggest Basu-
based metrics capture variation in conservatism. Further, we find that increases in
conservatism following restatements are contingent on improvements in corporate
governance. Collectively, these results provide evidence of the usefulness of the Basu-
based metrics in the restatement setting.
coefficient of POSTit is positive and highly significant.