Valmöjligheter inom IAS 40 : Vad påverkar och hur motiverar svenska fastighetsbolag besluten?

Abstract: Background – From the 1st of January 2005 should companies, within the EU, listed on a stock market implement International Accounting Standards, IAS. This means among other things that assets can be valued with the fair value model which was not an option before according to Swedish regulations. This opportunity implies that companies face different choices. Problem discussion – IAS 40, Investment Properties, is a standard that implies choices. The Standard makes it possible to value investment properties with the fair value model or the cost model. Another choice within IAS 40 concerns the question, who shall perform the valuation. There is no demand for independent valuers, it is up to the management to choose between a internal or external valuer. Another choice concerns if fair value should be determined by market price or cash flow analysis. Purpose – The purpose of this study is to state which choices, Swedish real estate companies listed on the stock market, make in compliance with IAS 40, and also describe and explain how the management effects and what incentives that lies behind the choices. Method – This study have been carried out with a qualitative study of five real estate companies listed on the stock market. The annual reports have been examined and interviews were made with all of the companies. Theories that have been used to explain the incentives behind the choices are positive accounting theory, institutional theory and the interest model. Conclusion – Swedish real estate companies listed on the stock market, will choose fair value model. The incentives are mainly, institutionalization within the line of business, meet the interest of the stock market with better information and that the alternative is not adjusted to the real estate business. A solid majority of the companies choose a internal valuer. The incentives are mainly that it is recognized by the line of business, internal knowledge gives a more correct value and that independence is not highly considerated. The companies choose a cash flow analysis to determine the value because the market is not active enough to use market value. And also because of the professional organizations that have made it accepted. The Swedish real estate market is clearly effected by the institutionalization and the professional organizations have strong influence on the decisions.