A Multidimensional Assessment of Audit Quality and Its Impact on the Cost of Debt: Evidence from an Emerging Market

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.28924/2291-8639-24-2026-150
Published: May 20, 2026
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Linh Tran Thuy, Hung Dang Ngoc, Ha Hoang Thi Viet, A Multidimensional Assessment of Audit Quality and Its Impact on the Cost of Debt: Evidence from an Emerging Market, Int. J. Anal. Appl., 24 (2026), 150.

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Linh Tran Thuy, Hung Dang Ngoc, Ha Hoang Thi Viet

Abstract

This study examines the impact of audit quality on the cost of debt of listed firms in Vietnam within the context of an emerging economy. Grounded in agency theory and signaling theory, the paper adopts a multidimensional approach to measuring audit quality through four key components: auditor size (Big 4), auditor switching (CHANGET), audit opinion (QO), and audit timeliness (TIME), while also constructing a composite variable (AUDITQUALITY) to capture the overall effect. Using a sample of 4,960 firm-year observations and employing Pooled OLS, FEM, REM, and GLS estimation techniques, the empirical results indicate that audit quality has a negative and statistically significant effect on the cost of debt. Specifically, engagement of Big 4 audit firms and timely issuance of audit reports help reduce information asymmetry, thereby lowering borrowing costs. In contrast, modified audit opinions are perceived by creditors as high-risk signals, leading to higher costs of debt. The study provides important implications for corporate managers in auditor selection and for credit institutions in optimizing credit risk assessment processes.

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