This paper analyzes the consequences of the capitalization of development expenditures under IAS 38 on analysts' earnings forecasts. We use unique hand-collected data in a sample of highly research and development (R&D) intensive German listed firms over the period 2000 to 2007. We find that the...

This paper analyzes the capitalization of Research & Development (R&D) expenditures under IFRS. Discretionary R&D capitalization can be exercised by managers to signal private information on future economic benefits to the market. It can, however, also serve as opportunistic earnings management....