This study examines how key market participants-managers and analysts-responded to SFAS 1 23R's controversial requirement that firms recognize stock-based compensation expense. Despite mandated recognition of the expense, some firms' managers exclude it from non-GAAP earnings and some firms'...

We address banks' use of available-for-sale (AFS) securities to manage earnings and regulatory capital. Although prior research investigates banks' use of realized securities gains and losses to smooth earnings and regulatory capital, results are mixed. Creation of AFS securities and enhanced...

We discuss “Mandatory IFRS Reporting and Changes in Enforcement” by Christensen, Hail, and Leuz (CHL, in this issue). We begin by discussing CHL in the context of prior literature, and subsequently discuss the research design, results, and inferences. CHL seeks to contribute to the...

Building on the Dechow, Kothari, and Watts (1998) model of the accrual process, this study provides insights into the role of accruals in predicting future cash flows. The model shows that each accrual component reflects different information relating to future cash flows; aggregate earnings...

We examine whether application of International Accounting Standards is associated with higher accounting quality. The application of IAS reflects the combined effects of features of the financial reporting system, including standards, their interpretation, enforcement, and litigation. We find...