Use Of Fair Value Research Articles

Impact of factors on fair value accounting: empirical study in Vietnam

Due to the ongoing process of globalization, enterprises need to provide financial statements in accordance with international practices, in which information about assets and liabilities should be presented at fair values rather than at original prices. Fair value is supported by the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the adoption of fair value accounting in Vietnam and the impact of factors on the adoption of fair value. The paper used the analytical framework of previous studies to identify factors affecting the adoption of fair value. Additionally, this study applied quantitative research methods and collected data by sending questionnaires to 127 accountants and directors of listed companies. Particularly, binary logistic regression was conducted to investigate the extent of the impact of each factor on the adoption of fair value. The results have shown that human resources have the strongest and positive impact on the adoption of fair value, and this is followed by the benefits of fair value. Difficulties and markets negatively affect the use of fair value. Furthermore, the control variables that affect the use of fair value are sector, size and length of operation with different levels of impact. The accuracy rate of the overall predictive model is 85.8%. The findings provide guidance of the application of fair value accounting in companies and give recommendations to policy makers in establishing a legal accounting framework in Vietnam.

Understanding accounting discretion in China: An analysis of fair value reporting for investment property

This study sheds light on the discretionary accounting practices in China, the largest emerging market in the world. In particular, we focus on whether Chinese firms use discretion in investment property fair values to manage reported performance. We examine whether firms’ ex ante needs for accounting discretion affect their decisions to adopt fair value reporting for investment property and the ex post performance management by these fair value adopters. Our findings show that the voluntary adoption of fair value reporting for investment property in China remains low. However, the fair value option for investment property is significantly more likely to be chosen by firms with greater needs for accounting discretion. Consistent with the conjecture that firms choose the fair value model to manipulate reported earnings, we show that fair value adopters use the unrealized gains and losses associated with investment properties to smooth earnings and that these firms are also more likely to meet or beat earnings benchmarks after adoption. Overall, our findings indicate that the use of fair value reporting for investment property in the emerging Chinese market is driven by managerial opportunism.

On theoretical engorgement and the myth of fair value accounting in China

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide “Comments” on two previous papers in this journal about fair value in Chinese accounting. It extends those papers by considering developments since 2006.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses the contents of Chinese Accounting Standards, dividing the references to fair value into several different categories. This analysis is compared to the findings of the two previous papers. This paper then re-assesses the evidence about the alleged pressures from international institutions on Chinese accounting.FindingsThe two previous papers greatly overstate the importance of fair value in Chinese accounting, partly through misinterpreting Chinese standards and partly because of a lack of caveat that the instructions about fair value often relate to special circumstances or unusual companies. The theorising about Chinese enthusiasm for fair value is misguided: the present author suggests that China became keen to adopt international standards despite their use of fair value not because of it, and that China removed much of the fair value when it adapted international standards. The extension of the analysis beyond 2006 provides a fuller coverage but does not alter the conclusions.Research limitations/implicationsThe earlier of the two papers examined has been extensively cited. Researchers need to be warned that the technical content and the conclusions of both papers are questionable. Authors should define terms clearly and should provide sufficient reference detail to enable readers to check findings.Practical implicationsMultinational companies, auditors and financial analysts should not be misled into thinking that Chinese accounting makes extensive use of fair value accounting.Originality/valueThis paper critically re-assesses two previous papers, starting with detailed technical data and moving through to the influence of international institutions. This paper also newly extends the analysis of Chinese standards beyond 2006.

Fair Value Accounting: The Eternal Debate – AinE EAA Symposium, May 2018

The last financial crisis led to a vigorous debate still in place about the pros and cons of fair-value accounting (FVA). While detractors basically argue its potential negative impact on procicality and financial stability or inadequacy in illiquid markets or specific business models, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) pushed to extend FVA in the new financial instruments standard and issued IFRS 13 to clarify its meaning and application. Some empirical research shows the usefulness of fair value accounting information to investors and contradicts its negative impact on stability, while other studies argue about its limitations in the contracting and stewardship role of accounting. The panelists of this symposium will present their views to contribute to the debate, which should be of interest not just to academic researchers, but also to practitioners and standard setters to deal with implementation issues and potential needs to address in the standards.

Ideological diversity in standard setting

I compare voting positions taken by Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) members on standards to positions taken by constituent sponsors in comment letters both before and after the emergence of the FASB’s conceptual framework. I find that, relative to the Pre-CF regime (1973–1986), FASB members in the CF regime (1987–2007) take positions that are (i) less like their constituent sponsors and (ii) more like one another. Both shifts are associated with standards increasing accounting relevance; in the CF regime, such standards are likely a product of the framework’s broad focus on decision usefulness. From 1996 to 2007, all but one dissenting vote on fair value standards explicitly argues for an even greater use of fair values, while none argue for less use. To the extent standard-setters’ idiosyncratic ideologies influence their voting positions, the evidence is consistent with a decline in the level of ideological diversity among FASB members.

The use of fair value to measure accounting items: Practical issues

The use of fair value to measure accounting items: Practical issues

The Future of Financial Reporting: Insights from Research

Research offers insights that, if heeded and built upon, could improve financial reporting, thereby contributing to a more prosperous society. In particular, research suggests improvement could stem from greater use of fair value; a performance statement designed to reveal the information embedded in changes in fair value; better information to help investors assess the value of intangible assets; more specific information about risk and uncertainty; information that is unbiased, rather than conservative; acceptance of a degree of earnings management together with a determination of how much earnings management is acceptable; and a financial reporting package designed to convey information users need, which presumably is broader than today's financial statements.

Ideological Diversity in Standard Setting

I explore whether the level of ideological diversity among Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) members has declined since the emergence of their conceptual framework. I analyze votes made by FASB members on Statements of Financial Accounting Standards and compare them to comment letters submitted by constituent sponsoring organizations. I demonstrate that, relative to the Pre-CF regime (1973–1986), FASB members’ voting positions in the CF regime (1987–2007) are (i) less like their constituent sponsors and (ii) more like one another. The former result is primarily attributable to differences between FASB members with auditor and preparer backgrounds and those groups’ sponsors. Both of these shifts are associated with standards increasing accounting relevance; in the CF regime, standards that increase relevance likely do so because of the framework’s broad focus on decision usefulness. I document a significant increase in sponsors’ dissent in the CF regime, and regression analysis indicates that variation in standards’ authoritative references to the conceptual framework accounts for all of this increase. Lastly, from 1996–2007, all but one dissenting vote by FASB members on fair value standards explicitly argues for an even greater use of fair values, while none argue for less use. To the extent FASB members’ individual ideologies influence their voting positions, the evidence is consistent with a decline in the level of ideological diversity among FASB members in the CF regime.

Fair value: history, assessment and financial crisis

For the last 20 years fair value accounting has considerably extended its domain. Fair value is a probabilistic market value, which is expected to be obtained on the basis of forecasting of future events, connected with an asset sale or transfer of liabilities. The purpose of fair value is to define a price of an ordinary operation of an asset sale or transfer of liabilities between the market participants, which would have taken place by the date of measurement in the present market conditions. Market value is fair only with an active market, at which prices are determined by demand and supply. This is the reason of a discussion about the use of fair value. The opponents of fair value accounting state that exactly fair value has become a cause of financial crisis and had a negative influence on companies. However, there are many supporters of fair value accounting, who state that fair value is the indicator of financial system significant difficulties and it helps in warning financial crises. The purpose of the article is to validate the economic characteristics of fair value and to analyze its` role in a financial crisis

КОНЦЕПЦИЯ СПРАВЕДЛИВОЙ СТОИМОСТИ

The article discusses historic and present day approaches to the concept of fair value from the point of view of IFRS 13 provisions. History of the fair value development shows the continuous extension of its use in overseas countries. This trend is also observed today. The authors analyze problems connected with defining and methodology of calculating the fair value, investigate theoretical and practical issues dealing with establishing this type of assessment and offer ideas about the use of fair value in Russia. They show obstacles to using this assessment and its advantages and disadvantages. The possibility to use fair value for all entities of accounting is considered.

Fair Value Accounting and Earnings Persistence: Evidence from International Banks

ABSTRACTUsing hand-collected data from a sample of 210 international banks during the period 2009 to 2013, we investigate whether fair value exposure, the proportion of financial assets measured at fair values, is associated with earnings persistence and whether the reliability of fair value measurements influences earnings persistence. We also examine whether the association between fair value measurements and earnings persistence is a function of institutional factors such as legal enforcement, the audit environment, and country-level auditor industry expertise. Results suggest that the use of fair values for balance sheet financial instruments enhances earnings persistence. Also, we find that the nondiscretionary fair value Level 1 assets (measured with observable inputs) are positively associated with earnings persistence, whereas the Level 2 assets (measured with indirectly observable inputs) and Level 3 assets (measured using unobservable inputs) are not associated with earnings persistence. We provide further evidence that there is a strong association between factors reflecting countrywide institutional structures and the predictive power of fair values based on discretionary measurement inputs (Level 2 and Level 3 assets) and we find that the moderating effect from these institutional factors is greater for Level 3 assets than for Level 2 assets. Additional tests suggest that the association between fair value estimates and earnings persistence is moderated by the classification of fair value assets (that is, through profit and loss versus other comprehensive income) and the reliability of fair value estimates.

Residual foreign exchange risk: does CEO compensation matter?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether CEO compensation scheme may induce some agency conflicts in the foreign exchange risk hedging policy.Design/methodology/approachResidual exposure is a post-hedging variable computed as the ratio of unrealized foreign exchange risk gains/losses to international sales. The authors follow the optimal hedging theory developed by Smith and Stulz (1985). The residual foreign exchange risk exposure is a way to capture some consequences of the managerial risk aversion, whereas the compensation scheme granted to CEO reveals that of the shareholders. The authors interpret any deviation to the predictions of this theory as a mark that some agency conflicts exist.FindingsCEO compensation (stock-options, shares and so) significantly influence the level of the residual foreign exchange risk exposure. Both in-the-money exercisable options and shares are negatively related to the residual exposure of foreign exchange risk. The authors also document that the effect of agency problems is rather contingent because shares and options have especially a negative impact when the level of foreign exchange risk is relatively high.Originality/valueThe residual FX risk exposure variable the authors promote in this paper completes the traditional proxies used to depict the corporate hedging policy such as the nominal or total fair value of currency derivatives (Davies et al., 2006), use of nominal values (Spanò, 2007), use of fair values of derivatives and the fraction of production hedged (Wang and Fan, 2011). The information that it conveys differs significantly from the one provided by traditional proxies because it captures the year-end post hedging firm’s risk profile.

The Bright Side of Fair Value Accounting: Evidence from Private Company Valuation

Using proprietary valuations from a large sample of international private equity managers, we examine how the use of fair value accounting improves the valuation of private companies. We find that the use of fair value accounting reduces valuation bias and increases valuation accuracy. These improvements are especially salient for the valuation of outperforming and mature private companies. Our findings provide novel evidence that fair value accounting improves the usefulness of financial reporting even in settings where valuations are subjective and unverifiable.

Insights from Accounting Practitioners on China's Convergence with IFRS

AbstractThis study provides insights from accounting practitioners on China's convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Through a survey of 33 senior financial executives of Chinese listed companies in 2014, the study reports their perceptions on the following issues: first, the degree of convergence between IFRS and Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS); second, the choice between fair value and historical cost accounting, and the usefulness of fair value accounting for Chinese companies’ financial reporting; third, challenges in the process of China's harmonisation with IFRS; and finally, essential capabilities of Chinese accounting professionals in the process of China's harmonisation with IFRS. Multivariate regression was used for further analysis. The survey findings reveal that in general CAS have converged with IFRS, with a few exceptions that reflect the unique Chinese context. Historical cost accounting is the preferred measurement base to fair value accounting. Exercising professional judgement was identified as a challenge for China's full convergence with IFRS. Ownership structure and the expertise of accounting practitioners were found to affect respondents’ judgements on China's convergence with IFRS. This study has policy implications for international accounting standard setters and accounting educators to consider the contextual issues of implementing IFRS in an emerging economy.

The shift of accounting models and accounting quality: The case of Norwegian GAAP

This paper investigates the change in accounting quality when firms shift from a revenue-oriented historical cost accounting regime as Norwegian GAAP (NGAAP) to a balance-oriented fair value accounting regime as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Previous studies have demonstrated mixed effects on the accounting quality upon IFRS adoption. One possible reason is that the investigated domestic GAAP to a large extent has been adjusted to IFRS prior to IFRS adoption. This is not the case in NGAAP where IFRS adoption led to significant changes in the recognition and measurement rules. To investigate the change in accounting quality, the paper makes use of a panel design with 640 firm-year obserations from 2001 up to the financial crisis year 2008, including four years of pre-IFRS NGAAP observations and four years of IFRS-observations. The paper employs four commonly used approaches to investigate accounting quality: test of value relevance of net earnings and book values, accrual quality of net earnings, incidence of small positive net earnings and test of timely loss recognition. The paper demonstrates that the adoption of IFRS increases the relevance accounting information has for valuation purposes. IFRS requires recognition of intangible assets and off-balance sheet liabilities not allowed under NGAAP. Moreover, IFRS allows the use of fair value to a larger extent than NGAAP. The paper also demonstrates that NGAAP leads to timelier recognition of losses than IFRS. This supports the notion that historical cost accounting, which is the basic accounting principle under NGAAP, provides more conservative accounting numbers. Overall, this suggests that IFRS provides information more useful for valuation purposes, but to a lesser extent stewardship purposes which generally favours conservatism. NGAAP on the other hand, provides information less relevant for valuation purposes, but more relevant for stewardship purposes.

The economic consequences of extending the use of fair value accounting in regulatory capital calculations

We investigate the economic consequences of the Basel III requirement to include unrealized fair value gains and losses on available-for-sale (AFS) securities in regulatory capital. Using data for U.S. banks we find negative market reactions around news indicating an increased likelihood of this regulatory change being implemented, consistent with increased regulatory costs. We also find that banks affected by this regulation reduce their investment in risky AFS securities relative to unaffected banks. This result suggests that extending the use of fair values for regulatory purposes reduces ex ante risk taking.

Judgment of the Relevance of Fair Value in Biological Assets: A Experimental Analysis on the Market Perception Versus the Academic Perception

The usage of the fair value for the evaluation of biological assets arising from the adoption of international accounting standards have caused significant economic effects on the value of the companies and, hence, on their current and future results. Furthermore, there is a number of criticisms - from both the academic and business environments - about the importance and usage of such evaluation metrics, especially for assets related to agricultural products which do not have an active trading market, for instance: eucalyptus forests. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze if the users of the accounting information acknowledge the importance of using the fair value method to measure the biological assets. To analyze the issue, this study conducted an experiment with 217 market professionals attending the Executive MBA course and 155 students from the Graduation Course in Accounting, from the perspective of the Counterfactual Thinking Theory. The following stimuli about the judgment of the relevance of fair value in biological assets were considered: (i) if the result (losses or gains) arising from the evaluation at fair value, (ii) if the type of biological asset (with or without liquidity) and (iii) if the managerial decision (hold the asset to the maturity date or make it available for sale) interfere in the judgment of the relevance of fair value. The findings reveal that the use of fair value is relevant for the measurement of the biological assets, in opposition to the use of the Historical cost. I has also been found that the fair value is more important for the assets without active market (eucalyptus) than for the assets with net market (bovines). Thereby, the findings of the research adhere to the guidelines of the List of International Financial Reporting Standards recommending the adoption of the fair value as a measurement methodology for such assets (eucalyptus and bovines), although there is still some concern with the reliability of the measurement approach (fair value).

Issues on the application of IFRS9 and fair value measurement for Islamic financial instruments

Purpose This paper aims to examine some issues in IFRS9 with regards to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper discusses the Shariah concerns on the use of fair value to measure financial assets. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts qualitative method via the study of documents and textual analysis of Shariah opinions of scholars and relevant accounting standards. Findings The paper found that the classification and measurement of equity-based Islamic financial assets do not fit into the “default” classification category of amortised cost, as the future cash flow receivable does not constitute solely the payment of principal and interest (fixed rate payment). With regards to fair value measurement, Shariah concern arises during the adoption of fair value at Level 2 (reference of asset values from input other than quoted prices in active markets) and Level 3 (use of discounted cash flow method to arrive to asset valuation) because of the existence of in uncertainty or gharar as compared to Level 1 (fair value referred to quoted prices of similar assets). Practical implications Findings of the paper provide a starting point for a debate and extensive research on issues related to classification and measurement of Islamic financial assets and the use of fair value as a method of subsequent revaluation of Islamic financial assets. The Shariah analysis in the paper is useful for International Accounting Standard Board to engage with Islamic financial institutions and local accounting standard setters to reflect the unique nature of Shariah-compliant financial instruments. The paper serves as a basis to devise technical solutions to address accounting and reporting issues of Islamic financial instruments. Originality/value The paper offers Shariah analysis on the issue of classification, measurement and impairment model for Islamic financial assets. The paper is considered as the first paper that examines areas of possible tensions when applying IFRS9 to the accounting of Islamic financial assets. In addition, the paper has contributed to the literature in Islamic accounting and auditing.

Can Fair Values Be Used for Assessing Management's Stewardship?

Providing stewardship information represents the traditional objective of financial reporting while the movement to fair value accounting (FVA) represents a key trend over recent years. Many believe that stewardship requires historical cost accounting due to potential bias and error in fair value (FV) estimates (e.g., Ijiri 1983; ASB 1999; AAA FASC 2007). Further, since FVs dominate historical costs (HCs) for valuation purposes, theory predicts that FVs cannot be used for stewardship (Paul 1992). Using pre-IFRS FV gains and losses for UK real estate firms from 1994-2005, my evidence demonstrates that: (1) FVs can be used for stewardship purposes; (2) HC gains and losses continue their stewardship relevance even when FVs are available, contrary to findings in the valuation literature; (3) factors improving estimate reliability increase the usefulness of FVs for stewardship, as theorized by Ijiri (1983); and (4) factors demonstrating the presence of management effort increase the usefulness of FVs for stewardship, supporting agency predictions (Lambert and Larcker 1987; Banker and Datar 1989). Overall, contrary to widespread belief, I demonstrate that FVs can be used for stewardship purposes.

Theory and practice of the proposed conceptual framework: Evidence from the field

We provide survey evidence of chartered accountants' perspectives on the proposed conceptual framework of the International Accounting Standards Board. Our survey obtains their views on the changes in the definitions of assets and liabilities, recognition criterion, and additional guidance in these areas, as well as issues relating to other comprehensive income, business model-based accounting, and choice of measurement basis. Our field evidence suggests broad consensus with respect to most of these changes. The areas that generate the most disagreement among our respondents relate to the removal of economic benefits in the proposed asset definition, the proposal to remove the minimum probability threshold from the asset recognition criterion, and the use of fair value as a measurement basis for certain difficult to measure assets. Overall, our results provide interesting insights regarding how chartered accountants view the proposed conceptual framework.