AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES DISCLOSURE PRACTICES. THE CASE OF ROMANIAN PRIVATE LISTED COMPANIES

Abstract

The research aimed to identify and evaluate the level of disclosure of accounting estimates in the annual reports of companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) on the premium segment. Excluding the banking sector and suspended companies from the total premium companies, 55 companies were identified in the sample. The companies' annual reports for 2018-2022 were analyzed to identify accounting estimates and any changes in these estimates. For each business, a score of 1 was assigned for changes in estimates and 0 for non-change. Using qualitative research methods, the set of data on accounting estimates was obtained by examining public information in the notes to the annual financial statements. The analysis of descriptive statistics was carried out to interpret the data, classifying companies according to turnover, total assets, average number of employees, and net result. Companies were also clustered into three categories, and the analysis highlighted industries with varying levels of disclosure. These findings provide insights into the level of disclosure of accounting estimates among Romanian companies listed on BVB, with stakeholder involvement and policy development for sustainable economic development.