use an innovative approach to study wealth
effects by examining stock market reaction for firms that lobby for or against the provisions of
SOX. Greater returns to firms that lobby against strict implementation of SOX suggest SOX had a
positive impact on corporate transparency and governance. Further, they find that firms with
corporate insiders that oppose strict SOX-related rules are larger, more profitable, have lower future
growth opportunities, and retain more cash, all characteristics of free cash flow or agency problems.
These firms experience higher cumulative abnormal returns during the SOX passage period relative
to peer firms that choose not to lobby. These cumulative returns do not reverse themselves
following the passage of SOX.