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Valuation and Accounting for Inflation and Foreign Exchange

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  • JOHN HUGHES
  • JING LIU
  • MINGSHAN ZHANG

Abstract

Inflation and foreign exchange raise new issues with respect to accounting representations of equity value. For example, inflation creates an earnings illusion as an artifact of the mismatching of expenses based on allocations of historical costs with current revenues in determining earnings. This mismatching distorts mappings of aggregate earnings and book values into equity value such that value‐relevant information is lost. In this article we consider the consequences of inflation and foreign exchange accounting policies, including those contained in accounting standards, on the value relevance of bottom‐line accounting numbers. Policies are identified that achieve efficient accounting in the sense that aggregate (comprehensive) earnings and book values are sufficient for an accounting representation of equity value. The linear relations that emerge provide predictions on capitalization coefficients that help explain results of empirical inquiries. As well, our analysis provides a theoretical foundation for policies contained in accounting standards that contributes to the resolution of controversies such as that concerning foreign exchange accounting.

Suggested Citation

  • John Hughes & Jing Liu & Mingshan Zhang, 2004. "Valuation and Accounting for Inflation and Foreign Exchange," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(4), pages 731-754, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:42:y:2004:i:4:p:731-754
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-679X.2004.00155.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Frank Richter, 2011. "Barwert von Cashflows und Residualgewinnen bei unsicheren Inflationserwartungen," Schmalenbach Journal of Business Research, Springer, vol. 63(5), pages 430-457, August.
    2. Dmitry Livdan & Alexander Nezlobin, 2017. "Accounting rules, equity valuation, and growth options," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1122-1155, September.
    3. repec:prg:jnlcfu:v:2022:y:2022:i:2:id:574 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Eddie Chamisa & Musa Mangena & Hamutyinei Harvey Pamburai & Venancio Tauringana, 2018. "Financial reporting in hyperinflationary economies and the value relevance of accounting amounts: hard evidence from Zimbabwe," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1241-1273, December.
    5. Jaroslava Janhubová & Miloslav Janhuba, 2022. "20th century approaches to accounting for the effects of inflation [Přístupy 20. století k účetnímu vykazování vlivů inflace]," Český finanční a účetní časopis, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2022(2), pages 5-18.
    6. Salvary, Stanley C. W., 2007. "Accounting: A General Commentary on an Empirical Science," MPRA Paper 5005, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 10 Sep 2007.
    7. Matthias Meitner, 2013. "Multi-period Asset Lifetimes and Accounting-based Equity Valuation: Take Care with Constant-growth Terminal Value Models!," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 49(3), pages 340-366, September.

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