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Thomas Lys
Thomas Lys

ACCOUNTING INFORMATION & MANAGEMENT
Eric L. Kohler Chair in Accounting
Professor of Accounting Information & Management

Print Overview
Thomas Z. Lys is the Eric L. Kohler Chair in Accounting and Professor of Accounting Information and Management and Professor of Law (by courtesy) at the Northwestern School of Law.

Professor Lys’ research has been published in prominent academic journals, including the Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Business, and the Journal of Monetary Economics. His research investigates the stock price consequences that result from alternate financial reporting standards, changes in capital structure, changes in the money supply, and from corporate disclosures. He is an editor of the Journal of Accounting and Economics and has served on the editorial board of the Accounting Review. He is a member of the American Accounting Association.

In Kellogg’s MBA program, Professor Lys teaches courses in real estate finance, financial reporting, security analysis, and mergers and acquisitions. He co-teaches this course with a faculty member from Northwestern School of Law and the course is offered jointly to both business and law school students.

In Kellogg's Executive Master's Program, Professor Lys conducts a course on financial reporting, a course on security analysis, and a course on behavioral finance integrating both the economic and the behavioral perspective of financial decision-making. He was awarded the Outstanding Professor of the Year Award, Executive Masters’ Program 32 (1996), 35 (1997), 38 (1998), 44 (2000), and 46 (2000), and the Sidney J. Levy Teaching Award, Master of MBA Program 1998-99.

Professor Lys has consulted with Cox Communications, Ciba Chemical, General Electric, IBM, USX and Guidant Corporation. Professor Lys holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Bern, Switzerland, and a master and PhD in Accounting and Finance from the University of Rochester. He is fluent in three foreign languages: German, French, and Polish.



Areas of Expertise
Acquisitions (Biotechnology)
Corporate Capital Structure
Corporate Governance
Corporate Restructuring
Debt-Equity Choice
Financial Accounting
Financial Analysts
Financial Disclosure/Statements
Financial Reporting
Management Compensation
Mergers and Acquisitions
Pension Funds
Performance Evaluations
Real Estate
Security Analysis
Print Vita
Education
PhD, 1982, Accounting, Finance, University of Rochester
MS, 1980, University of Rochester
Lic.Rer.Pol., 1976, Economics, Operations Research, University of Bern, Summa Cum Laude

Academic Positions
Eric L. Kohler Chair in Accounting and Professor of Accounting and Information Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 2006-present
Professor of Law (courtesy appointment), School of Law, Northwestern University, 2000-present
Gary A. Rosenberg Distinguished Professor of Real Estate Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1999-2006
Professor of Accounting and Information Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1997-2006
Director, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1997-2006
Gary A. Rosenberg Distinguished Associate Professor of Real Estate Management, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1997-1999
Visiting Associate Professor of Accounting, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, 1997-1997
John L. and Helen Kellogg Distinguished Associate Professor of Accounting and Information Systems, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1995-1997
Associate Professor of Accounting and Information Systems, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1989-1995
Assistant Professor of Accounting and Information Systems, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, 1981-1989
Visiting Assistant Professor of Accounting, Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago, 1986-1987

Grants and Awards
Teacher of the Year, Kellogg Recanati Award , 2009

Editorial Positions
Consulting Editor, Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2010-Present
Editor, Journal of Accounting and Economics, 2000-2010

 
Print Research
Research Interests
Stock price consequences of financial reporting standards, changes in capital structure, money supply,corporate disclosures, Risk arbitrage, labor participation in corporate decisions, auditors’ liability, earnings forecasts

Articles
Lys, Thomas, Anne Beyer, Daniel Cohen and Beverly Walther. 2010. The Financial Reporting Environment: Review of the Recent Literature. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 50(2-3): 296-343.
Lys, Thomas and Jayanthi Sunder. 2008. Endogenous Entry/Exit as an Alternative Explanation for the Disciplining Role of Independent Analysts. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 45(2-3): 317-323.
Abstract
Cohen, Daniel A., Aiyesha Dey and Thomas Lys. 2008. Real and Accrual-Based Earnings Management in the Pre- and Post-Sarbanes Oxley Periods. Accounting Review. 83(3): 757-787.
AbstractLink
Cohen, Daniel A., Aiyesha Dey, Thomas Lys and Shyam V. Sunder. 2007. Earnings Announcement Premia and the Limits to Arbitrage. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 43(2-3): 153-180.
Abstract
Gonzalez, Chris M., Tom Jang, Melanie Raines, Thomas Lys and Anthony J. Schaeffer. 2006. Significant Clinical Practice Cost Savings through Downsizing Office Supply Inventory and Just in Time Ordering. Journal of Urology. 176(1): 267-269.
AbstractLink
Cohen, Daniel A. and Thomas Lys. 2006. Weighing the Evidence on the Relation between External Corporate Financing Activities, Accruals and Stock Returns. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 42(1-2): 87-105.
Abstract
Cohen, Daniel A. and Thomas Lys. 2004. A Note on Analysts' Earnings Forecast Errors Distribution. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 36(1-3): 147-164.
AbstractLink
Keating, Elizabeth K. , Thomas Lys and Robert Magee. 2003. The Internet Downturn: Finding Valuation Factors In Spring 2000. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 34(1-3): 189-236.
Abstract
Fields, Thomas, Thomas Lys and Linda Vincent. 2001. Empirical Research on Accounting Choice. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 31(3-1): 255-301.
Abstract
Bishop, Marguerite L. and Thomas Lys. 2001. Inferring Accounting Information from Corporate Financing Choices: An Examination of Security Issuances in the Banking Industry.. Contemporary Accounting Review. 18(3): 397-423.
Abstract
Lo, Kin and Thomas Lys. 2000. The Ohlson model, contribution to valuation theory, limitations, and empirical applications. Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance. 15(3): 337-367.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas and Leonard Soffer. 1999. A Closer Look at Post Earnings Announcement Drift: The Role of the Dissemination of Predictable Information. Contemporary Accounting Review. 16(2): 305-331.
Jacob, John, Thomas Lys and Jowell Sabino. 1999. Auto-Correlation Structure of Forecast Errors from Time-Series Models: Implications for Post-Earnings Announcement Drift Studies. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 28(3)
Abstract
Jacob, John, Thomas Lys and Margaret A. Neale. 1999. Expertise in Forecasting Performance of Security Analysts. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 28(1): 51-82.
Abstract
Brown, Stephen, Kin Lo and Thomas Lys. 1999. Use of R2 in accounting research: measuring changes in value relevance over the last four decades. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 28(2): 83-115.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas. 1996. Abandoning the Transactions-Based Accounting Model: Weighing the Evidence. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 22(1-3): 155-175.
Lys, Thomas and Linda Vincent. 1995. An Analysis of the Value Destruction in AT&T's Acquisition of NCR. Journal of Financial Economics. 39(2): 353-378.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas and Lisa Gilbert Soo. 1995. Analysts’ Forecast Precision as a Response to Competition. Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance. 10(4)
Lys, Thomas and Ross Watts. 1994. Lawsuits against Auditors. Journal of Accounting Research. 32(Supplement): 65-93.
Lys, Thomas. 1993. The evolution of lawsuits against auditors - determinants, consequences, and solutions. Journal of Economics & Management Strategy. 2(3): 427-433.
Lys, Thomas and Jowell Sabino. 1992. Research design issues in grouping-based tests. Journal of Financial Economics. 32(3): 355-387.
Lys, Thomas and Sungkyu Sohn. 1990. The association between revisions of financial analysts’ earnings forecasts and security price changes. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 13(4): 341-363.
Johnson, W. Bruce and Thomas Lys. 1990. The market for audit services: evidence from voluntary auditor changes. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 12(1-3): 281-308.
Kothari, S.P., Thomas Lys, Clifford W. Smith and Ross Watts. 1988. Auditor Liability and Information Disclosure. Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance. 3(4): 349-350.
Lys, Thomas and Konduru Sivaramakrishnan. 1988. Earnings Expectations and Capital Restructuring: The Case of Equity for Debt Swaps. Journal of Accounting Research. 26(2): 273-299.
Larcker, David F. and Thomas Lys. 1987. An Empirical Analysis of the Incentives to Engage in Costly Information Acquisition: The Case of Risk Arbitrage. Journal of Financial Economics. 18(1): 111-126.
Benelli, Giuseppe, Claudio F. Loderer and Thomas Lys. 1987. Labor Participation in Private Business Making Decisions: The German Experience with Codetermination. Journal of Business. 60
Healy, Paul and Thomas Lys. 1986. Auditor changes following big eight mergers with non-big eight audit firms. Journal of Accounting and Public Policy. 5(4): 251-265.
Loderer, Claudio F., Thomas Lys and Urs Schweizer. 1986. Daily Monetary Impulses and Security Prices. Journal of Monetary Economics. 18(1): 33-47.
Lys, Thomas. 1986. Discussion of: Capital Analysis of Reserve Recognition Accounting. Journal of Accounting Research. 24(Supplement): 109-111.
Lys, Thomas. 1984. Mandated Accounting Changes and Debt Covenants: The Case of Oil and Gas Accounting. Journal of Accounting and Economics. 6(1): 39-65.
Working Papers
Lys, Thomas, Linda Vincent and Nir Yehuda. 2011. The Nature and Implications fo Acquistion Goodwill.
Lys, Thomas, Gary Chen and Jie Zhou. 2011. How Much Silence is Too Much? An Empirical Analysis of Firms Ceasing Guidance of Different Frequencies.
Hostak, Peter, Emre Karaoglu, Thomas Lys and Yong Yang. 2010. An Examination of the Impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on the Attractiveness of U.S. Capital Markets for Foreign Firms.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas, Henock Louis and Amy X. Sun. 2010. Conservatism and the Apparent Analyst Optimistic Bias.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas, Brad Badertscher and Daniel Collins. 2010. Earnings Management and the Predictive Ability of Accruals with Respect to Future Cash Flows.
Abstract
Lys, Thomas, Tjomme O Rusticus and Ewa Sletten. 2010. Executive Severance Agreements.
Abstract
Cohen, Daniel A., Aiyesha Dey and Thomas Lys. 2007. The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002: Implications for Compensation Structure and Risk-Taking Incentives of CEOs.
AbstractLink
Lo, Kin and Thomas Lys. 2006. Bridging the Gap Between Value Relevance and Information Content.
Sletten, Ewa and Thomas Lys. 2006. Motives for and Risk-Incentive Implications of CEO Severance.
Jacob, John and Thomas Lys. 2000. Determinants and Implications of the serial-correlation in analysts' earnings forecast errors.
Book Chapters
Lys, Thomas, Burton Cohen and Tzachi Zach. Forthcoming. "Financing Decisions by Company (Net Stock Anomalies)." In Conceptual Foundations of Capital Market Anomalies: Handbook of Investment Anomalies, edited by Len Zacks. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Lys, Thomas. 1992. "The real value of takeovers to shareholders." In The Handbook of Communications in Corporate Restructuring and Takeovers, edited by Clarke L. Caywood and Raymond P. Ewing, Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Other
Lys, Thomas and Margaret A. Neale. "Discretion in Financial Reports: Communicating in a less-than-rational World." CEO Magazine, December.
Books
Lys, Thomas. 1997. Monetary theory and monetary policy. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Lys, Thomas. 1996. Economic analysis and political ideology. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.

 
Print Teaching
Teaching Interests
Financial reporting, security analysis, mergers and acquisitions
Full-Time / Part-Time MBA
Financial Planning For Mergers and Acquisitions (ACCT-444-0)

This course counts toward the following majors: Accounting, Finance.

Many companies are able to identify potential merger partners where combinations can result in significant synergies or value creation. But less than half are able to execute the merger to claim the value created. This course provides the technical knowledge necessary to identify targets as well as prepare business and law practitioners for their future collaborations in the mergers and acquisitions field. The course is offered jointly by the Kellogg School of Management and Northwestern's Law School and is primarily targeted for those interested in planning, analyzing, executing or facilitating corporate acquisitions. Topics include economics of mergers and acquisitions, securities law and anti-trust regulation, financial reporting issues, tax implications, and economic and legal considerations.

Doctoral
Seminar in Empirical Capital Markets Research in Accounting (ACCT-520-1)
This course focuses on research methods used to assess the impact of accounting information on capital markets. Students will become acquainted with issues, methodologies and implications through journal readings, an exam and empirical research projects.

Executive MBA
Financial Reporting Systems (ACCTX-430-0)
Financial Reporting Systems introduces generally accepted accounting principles and concepts and trains students to analyze financial statements.

Mergers & Acquisitions (ACCTX-444-0)


Securities Analysis (FINCX-463-0)
Securities Analysis focuses on the use of financial statement information, such as earning and cash flows, to value various corporate securities. The central questions to be answered are how risky is an investment strategy and what is one willing to pay for key corporate claims such as equity and debt.

Not By Numbers Alone: Influences on Financial Decisions (MORSX-464-0)