How Markets Valuate and Response to IFRS Reconciliations Adjustments in Finland

Abstract

This study focuses on the value relevance and market responses of mandatory transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), using samples of Finnish first-time IFRS adopters. The Finnish data is used since prior research findings suggest large differences between Finnish accounting standards (FAS) and IFRS. Some evidence of value relevance is found in IFRS adjustments on earnings but not with IFRS adjustments in shareholders' equity. Furthermore, only minor market responses on stock returns and no excess trading after the release of IFRS reconciliation adjustments are evidenced. This suggests that great deal of IFRS reconciliations, if relevant, were anticipated by investors.

Keywords: accounting disclosure, accounting standards, earnings quality, IFRS, valuation impacts, event study

JEL Classification: D82, G14, M41, M44, M47