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Accounting standard’s effectiveness on equity overstatement – Conservatism when it matters

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  • Oler, Mitchell

Abstract

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of FASB’s standards on accounting conservatism when a firm is likely overstating assets or understating liabilities. Specifically, this paper considers whether conservatism increases due to SFAS 87, 106, 121, 142, and 123R, conditional on the firm being an aggressive reporter. To test these standards, I perform two time-series analyses from 1976 though to 2010. The first analysis compares the number of observations with a book to market ratio (BTM) greater than one to all observations at the industry level. The second determines whether each standard is correlated with a reduction in the probability of a firm having a BTM greater than one. I use the BTM greater than one to identify firms that should be more conservative (avoid equity overstatement), and to exclude those that are biasing earnings to artificially low levels. The results are consistent with only some of the standards, SFAS 106 (Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension) and SFAS 142 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets), being effective in reducing equity overstatement.

Suggested Citation

  • Oler, Mitchell, 2014. "Accounting standard’s effectiveness on equity overstatement – Conservatism when it matters," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 75-82.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reacre:v:26:y:2014:i:1:p:75-82
    DOI: 10.1016/j.racreg.2014.02.007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bowen, Robert M. & DuCharme, Larry & Shores, D., 1995. "Stakeholders' implicit claims and accounting method choice," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(3), pages 255-295, December.
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    4. Zhou, Jian, 2008. "Financial reporting after the Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Conservative or less earnings management?," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 187-192.
    5. Beaver, WH & Ryan, SG, 2000. "Biases and lags in book value and their effects on the ability of the book-to-market ratio to predict book return on equity," Journal of Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(1), pages 127-148.
    6. Jenkins, David S. & Velury, Uma, 2011. "The emergence of second-tier auditors in the post-SOX era: An analysis of accounting conservatism," Research in Accounting Regulation, Elsevier, vol. 23(2), pages 172-176.
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    1. Huasheng Gao & Jun Huang & Tianshu Zhang, 2023. "Employee firing costs and accounting conservatism: Evidence from wrongful discharge laws," Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 50(9-10), pages 1612-1632, October.

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