On the value relevance argument

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 660-676
Author(s):  
Arthur Joseph Avwokeni

PurposePotential investors need information on corporate social issues to choose less risky investments, but the IASB framework excludes corporate social disclosure from financial reporting, and this corroborates Ohlson (1995) and Myers’ (1999) view that financial statements do not provide all domain variables to predict value relevance. The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether market participants place a premium on the future prospect of the firm when making investment decisions, and if they do, then Ohlson and Myers are correct, and this would be glaring evidence to recommend a rethink on the IASB reporting framework.Design/methodology/approachNigeria provides a realistic research setting to detect value relevance attributable to the IFRS because it is less affected by the 2007/2008 financial crisis. The price model was estimated for Nigerian domestic accounting standards and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The means for each predictor were plugged into each estimated equation to obtain the average value relevance of each financial reporting system. Then, the IFRS accounting policies were made to play by the rules of the domestic accounting standards. If, in fact, accounting information is the dominant factor that drives value relevance, then equalizing backgrounds should equalize value relevance, otherwise market participants place a premium on the future prospect of the firm.FindingsThe study detects,inter alia, a significant gap even after equalizing backgrounds, suggesting that market participants look beyond the financial statements in forming perceptions on the future prospect of the firm; e.g. relationship with host communities, development stages of new products in their life cycles, etc.Practical implicationsThe findings ring a bell for the IASB to include metrics of future prospect of the firm in corporate financial reporting so that investors can choose less risky investment portfolios. Furthermore, the findings lend support to Ohlson and Myers’ argument that financial statements do not provide all domain variables to predict value relevance.Originality/valueTo date, no study has reported the amount of value relevance attributable to the IFRS vis-à-vis domestic accounting standards and future prospect of the firm.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-262
Author(s):  
Hesham I. Almujamed ◽  
Mishari M. Alfraih

Purpose This paper aims to explore how the characteristics of the board of directors (BoD) shape earnings and book value information available to market participants. Design/methodology/approach The authors investigated the impact of board size, presence of non-executives and role duality as proxies of effective corporate governance on the value relevance of financial reporting for 178 firms on the Kuwait stock exchange in 2013. Regression analysis based on Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model was used to test hypotheses. Findings The authors found that board size was significantly associated with company value and that Kuwaiti firms with large boards increased the value-relevance of earnings and book value. The influence of role duality was positive although not significant. The presence of non-executives on the board had a negative correlation with market value (not significant). Research limitations/implications These findings deliver empirical support for the prediction that the characteristics of the BoD improve the value relevance of financial reporting. Limitations such as small sample size and one-year duration of the study did not negate the basic findings, however. Future studies will use larger samples, longer duration and additional board characteristics. Practical implications This study provides empirical support for the hypothesis that board size influences market valuation. This study may benefit managers, investors and other decision-makers. Originality/value This study delivers empirical evidence on the impact of board characteristics on the value relevance of accounting information. It will be useful for regulators and market participants monitoring the influence of board characteristics on the value relevance of accounting information.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mishari M. Alfraih

Purpose Drawing on market efficiency theory and studies on intellectual capital (IC) disclosure, this study aims to examine if IC information provided in the corporate annual reports of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) listed companies in 2013 is value-relevant. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is divided into two parts. First, the level of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) of KSE-listed companies is examined using the content analysis method. Second, the value relevance of financial reporting is examined empirically using Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model. Findings The results reveal that ICD is positively and significantly associated with market value, suggesting that greater ICD is valued by KSE market participants, who incorporate it into their valuation models. Practical implications Given the importance of ICD in enhancing equity valuation, a practical implication of this study is to make managers aware of its positive and significant effect on equity valuation, which may encourage companies to increase their level of disclosure. Originality/value This is the first study of the association between the level of ICD and the value relevance of financial reporting for market participants in Kuwait. It therefore extends and confirms the prior literature by broadening its scope to include frontier markets. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence in support of recent calls from regulators and professional bodies for information that supplements and complements traditional financial reporting.


Author(s):  
Aprilia Beta Suandi

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the classification of profit-sharing investment accounts (PSIAs) under various accounting standards, and determine whether Islamic banks maintain uniform practices when the same accounting standards are applied. It also aims to determine whether Islamic banks consider investment account holders (IAHs) important financial statement users by disclosing necessary information pertaining to PSIAs. Design/methodology/approach A sample composed of financial statements from 63 Islamic banks from 15 countries is compared with respect to the information related to PSIAs. Findings The results show heterogeneity of classification for PSIAs. Applying the same standards does not lead to the uniform classification of PSIAs when banks apply International Financial Reporting Standards, while financial statements applying Financial Accounting Standards by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions are more similar. The perplexity in classifying PSIAs brings obscurity on the treatment for PSIA-related accounts, particularly returns attributable to IAHs. The fact of fewer disclosures pertaining to PSIAs in Islamic banks – which apply accounting standards not specifically tailored to Islamic finance – suggests that IAHs receive less attention under those accounting standards. Research limitations/implications The main limitation relates to the lack of financial statements available online and the possibility of sample selection bias toward larger Islamic banks. Originality/value This research contributes to the limited literature on accounting for PSIAs, and reveals the diversity of reporting methods for unique transactions in Islamic banks and the insufficiency of current accounting standards to guide them, which create possible challenges of comparability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-291
Author(s):  
Gaurav Kumar ◽  
Jagjit S. Saini

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of choice of accounting standards on the value relevance and accrual quality of reported earnings and book values under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) versus US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Design/methodology/approach The authors examine the effect of choice of accounting standards on the value relevance and accrual quality of reported earnings and book values under IFRS versus US GAAP using 404 firms from 37 countries listed in the USA. They use the modified Jones (1991) model to measure accruals. Findings The authors find that value relevance of the book value of equity is increasing (significantly) when the sample firms use IFRS to prepare their financial statements. They also find some evidence in support of the mediating effect of the choice of accounting standards on the accrual quality of the sample firms. The results of this paper indicate that sample firms with lower accrual quality (larger discretionary accruals) experience higher returns during the fiscal year. However, the authors also find that the positive association between size of discretionary accruals and returns is decreasing in the use of IFRS by the sample firms. Originality/value This paper adds to prior literature on the harmonization of accounting standards and emphasizes the role of accounting standards in the quality of financial reporting. By using the financial data of all foreign registrants listed in the USA, the authors are able to provide deeper and more representative evidence.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mishari M. Alfraih

Purpose – Anecdotal concerns expressed regarding developed capital markets suggest that the information provided in financial statements has lost its value relevance to equity holders over time. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue from the perspective of Kuwait, which is a frontier market. Design/methodology/approach – Consistent with prior research, the design employs the price regression model. A total of 2,490 observations were collected from all firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) over a period of 21 years (1994-2014). Findings – Although this study documents a notable decline in both the value relevance of earnings and book value for equity holders over this period, the results suggest that the decline in the value relevance of earnings was deeper and more pronounced than that of book value. Practical implications – Because a fundamental prerequisite for the value relevance of accounting information is the quality of the financial reporting environment, the results are useful for regulators because they provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the current financial reporting environment. The results highlight the need for improvements because higher-quality information helps equity holders to determine value more precisely. As the timely dissemination of financial statements is an essential ingredient contributing to the relevance of financial statements, a direct implication of the study’s findings for the management of KSE companies is that timely reporting of financial statements may mitigate the observed decline of the value relevance of financial statements produced by KSE companies. Originality/value – This study contributes to the capital market research regarding changes in the value relevance of financial statement information through an empirical examination of a frontier capital market.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Agbodjo ◽  
Kaouther Toumi ◽  
Khaled Hussainey

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the value relevance of accounting information for Islamic, conventional and hybrid banks. It also investigates the moderation impact of IFRS adoption and AAOIFI mandatory adoption on value relevance of accounting information.Design/methodology/approachUsing value relevance models, The authors run panel data regressions on 47 Islamic banks, 112 conventional banks and 42 hybrid banks (conventional banks with Islamic windows). The study covers listed banks from 14 countries over the period 2010–2018.Findingspaper offers three empirical evidences. First, the authors find that value relevance of accounting information is higher for Islamic banks, compared to conventional banks. Second, the authors find that IFRS framework strengthens the relevance of accounting information in Islamic banks, but the authors did not find the same for hybrid banks. Third, the authors find that the mandatory adoption of AAOIFI accounting standards has a moderation effect on value relevance of accounting information for both Islamic banks and hybrid banks. The robustness analysis shows that there is a significant contribution of compliance with Islamic Finance rules in IBs and HBs, which substantially reduces managers' opportunistic behavior to manage accounting information.Research limitations/implicationsOne limit of this research is the reduced number of sampled listed IBs since the authors deleted countries that do not have both listed Islamic and conventional banks.Practical implicationsThe study is useful for investors that consider the Islamic ethical practices to make their investment decisions as well as for the standards-setting bodies that focus on establishing accounting standards for the Islamic banking industry.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the value relevance literature by providing novel evidence on the value relevance in fully-fledged Islamic, fully-fledged conventional and hybrid Banks. The authors also provide new evidence on the moderating role of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions standard (AAOIFI) for the value relevance of accounting information.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
James G.S. Yang ◽  
Frank J. Aquilino

Purpose The accounting standards for consolidated financial statements have been updated recently. The change involves the measurement of goodwill and noncontrolling interest. Under the new accounting standards, goodwill consists of not only the parent company’s portion but also the noncontrolling interest’s share. The noncontrolling interest comprises both the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets and goodwill. In addition, it further changes the treatment of noncontrolling interest from liability to equity. The change indeed has far-reaching consequences on financial statements. This paper formulates an equation to measure goodwill and noncontrolling interest. It also provides some examples for illustrative purposes. The purpose of this paper is to update the financial reporting to the current standards. Design/methodology/approach New accounting standards under FASB #141R and 160. Findings New accounting standards in measuring goodwill and noncontrolling interest in financial reporting. Research limitations/implications The knowledge is useful for accountants and financial analysts. Practical implications Improve the quality of financial statements. Social implications Investors will be better informed. Originality/value This new accounting standard was not explored before.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erick Rading Outa ◽  
Peterson Ozili ◽  
Paul Eisenberg

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative value relevance of accounting information arising from the adoption of converged and revised International Accounting Standards (IAS)/International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in East Africa. Design/methodology/approach The research applies “same firm year” design for identification of the effects of changes in accounting standards. A model similar to Ohlson’s price model and random-effects GLS are used to estimate R2 of the regressions of share prices on book values and earnings. Findings The results show that accounting information prepared from revised and converged IAS/IFRS display higher value relevance and also increased following the revision and convergence of IAS/IFRS. The cross-product term is more significant in the post-revision/convergence period thus providing further evidence for increased value relevance after the revision of IAS/IFRS. The results are robust to various models and show that value relevance in East Africa is relatively lower than that of the developed markets. Originality/value The current study provides empirical evidence that value relevance increases with converged/revised IAS/IFRS based on quasi natural experimental setting in East Africa. The authors also extend the debate on whether value relevance is relevant in emerging markets, which are regarded as imperfect markets with few regulations, weak enforcement and limited sources of information. The results may be useful to accounting preparers, regulators, investors, standard setters and countries seeking to adopt IAS/IFRS in developing countries.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Russell

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the contradiction between sustainability and accounting practices, underpinned by reporting standards and question whether financial statements prepared in this way represent a true and fair view? The paper highlights the disregard for externalities as a fundamental obstacle to sustainable reporting and proposes taxation designs to recognise the costs associated with externalities as the basis for equitable reporting, pricing and sustainable business practices. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken uses Smith’s (1776) tenets of a good tax, to consider characteristics of taxation that may be harnessed for financial reporting, valuation, economic substance and legal form. Findings – The findings reveal a case for further examination of the efficacy of taxation, alongside a full-cost accounting approach, to benefit sustainable reporting. Research limitations/implications – The implications of the research are a possible whole reappraisal of costs and prices to recognise the sustainability dimension and place it at the heart of the corporate agenda. The limitations arise from contestable valuation of sustainable matters, arising from a lack of an agreed theoretical framework. Originality/value – The paper proposes a realignment of costs and prices to correct market imperfection through the innovative application of taxation, but without a fundamental reappraisal of the economic status quo upon which Western-style capitalism is underpinned.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shahin Miah ◽  
Haiyan Jiang ◽  
Asheq Rahman ◽  
Warwick Stent

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the association between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) effort due to higher levels of material adjustments and audit fees. In addition, this paper tests whether these associations differ between industry specialist auditors and non-specialist auditors. Design/methodology/approach The authors measure IFRS effort by using differences between local GAAP and IFRS. More specifically, they measure the differences in the balances of accounts that are prepared under IFRS as opposed to the previously used Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) standards. They posit that higher material adjustments and more risk to fair presentation of financial statements require additional accounting and auditing effort (“IFRS effort”). Findings The authors find that audit fees are higher when accounting standards are more material and complex at an aggregate level. Nevertheless, not all standards are equally complex and/or material and not all individual standards contribute to higher audit fees. In addition, the results show that the positive association between IFRS effort and audit fees is more pronounced when firms are audited by city-level industry specialists than by non-industry specialists. Originality/value Overall, the results are consistent with the prediction of increasing audit fees for firms requiring higher levels of IFRS effort compared to firms requiring lower levels of IFRS effort. The results contribute to the understanding that not all IFRS are equally complex and, thereby, the standards require different levels of auditor effort. Isolating specific standards based on materiality/risk levels is informative to standard setters for standard setting, standard implementation and post-implementation review of standards.


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