Value relevance of earnings and book values during IFRS convergence period in India

Purpose - The authors aim to examine the association between earnings and book values with stock prices in India during the IFRS convergence period because, in India, the literature is yet to investigate more about IFRS convergence and its impact on the financial reporting environment. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess the influence of IFRS conversion on the value relevance of accounting information throughout the IFRS conversion period. Design/methodology/approach - The current paper endeavors to investigate the earnings and book values affiliation with stock prices in India during the IFRS convergence period by employing a price valuation model (Ohlson’s Model). The study assembled a total of 3,440 firm-year observations from the National Stock Exchange in India over five years, which signifies the IFRS conversion period (2015–2019). Findings - The research findings displayed that accounting information such as earnings, book value has value relevance throughout the IFRS enforcement period; however, the value relevance has been increasing for earnings and showing a descending association for book value. The significant explanatory power of earnings reveals that market participants give more weightage to earnings than book values. Overall, the findings of the study will facilitate improved decision making for both, capital market participants and regulators, by highlighting the key areas for improvement in the Indian capital market. Research limitations/implications - This study also extends a discussion on the subject in those economies where regulations are weak and the market is imperfect with asymmetrical information. Practical implications - The research outcome provides for empirical shreds of evidence regarding the value relevance of accounting information during IFRS enforcement in India, where IFRS is a recent emergence. Social implications - This paper examines the value relevance of accounting information during IFRS convergence period in India which will felicitate improved decision making for both, market regulators and investors. Originality/value - This research is the first factual documentation regarding value relevance of earnings and book value during the IFRS enforcement process in India with the most recent data and contributes to the limited study conducted in developing nations like India.