To what extent do firms comply with IAS 36? : A study based on firms listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm

Abstract: Title - To what extent do firms comply with IAS 36?: A study based on firms listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm.Level - Master thesis in business administration.Authors - Stina Skyttner and Nora Wennertorp.Supervisors - Arne Fagerström and Saeid Homayoun.Date - 2 June 2017.Purpose - The overall aim of this paper is to build upon earlier research by examining to what extent firms listed on Nasdaq OMX Stockholm comply with disclosure requirements of IAS 36 paragraph 134. The second aim is to examine what variables affect the compliance level of these firms.Methodology - A sample of 90 firm’s annual reports and disclosure notes are surveyed from 2006 to 2016, and aggregated compliance scores are determined and analysed using quantitative statistical methods. The dependent variable is compliance with disclosure requirements of IAS 36 paragraph 134. The independent variables are size, industry, audit firm, leverage ratio, profitability ratio, learning, and the 2008 financial crisis.Findings - The results show that firm’s compliance levels with IAS 36 paragraph 134 have increased from 2006 to 2016, but they are still low compared to what the standard requires. There is not a significant increase in compliance levels during the crisis, therefore the 2008 financial crisis cannot be seen as a determinant factor of compliance with the disclosure requirements. The results show that larger firms and firms with higher leverage- and profitability ratios comply to a greater extent with the standard. Further, the type of industry in which the firm operates in affected the compliance level.Keywords - Impairment testing of Goodwill, IAS 36 paragraph 134, Compliance, Financial Reporting.