We address three research questions motivated by the recent ascent of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Europe. First, analyzing the determinants of voluntary IFRS adoption by publicly traded German firms during the period 1998-2004, we find that size, international exposure, dispersion of ownership, and recent IPOs are important drivers. Second, using the results from this determinant model to construct propensity score-matched samples of IFRS and German-GAAP (HGB) firms, we document significant differences in terms of earnings quality: IFRS firms have more persistent, less predictable and more conditionally conservative earnings. Third, analyzing information asymmetry differences between IFRS and HGB firms, we show that IFRS adopters experience a decline in bid-ask spread of 70 base points and an average of 17 more days with price changes per year. On the other hand, IFRS adopter's stock prices seem to be more volatile. In the light of some important limitations of our study, we discuss IFRS-related research opportunities in post-2005 Europe.

Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject Business economics - Accounting and Taxes, grade: 81%, University of South Wales, language: English, abstract: The report aims to analyse the opportunities, negative impacts and limitations of adopting IFRS for German SMEs. At first, a classification of SMEs in Germany is given and their current situation is demonstrated. The next passage critically analyses the impact of an introduction of IFRS for SMEs in Germany. The analysis includes investigating if the effect varies in different crucial business factors of SMEs as well as their company type. At last, the results are summarised and recommendations are given.

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2008 in the subject Business economics - Accounting and Taxes, grade: 1,0, University of the West of England, Bristol (Bristol Business School), course: Accounting in Context, language: English, abstract: This report addresses the question whether unlisted German companies should voluntarily adopt IFRS. Benefits for internal as well as external users are discovered including facilitated international comparability and higher quality of financial reports. Furthermore, a comparison reveals that equity figures and volatility are higher under IFRS than under German GAAP. It is discovered that national economic and political circumstances significantly influence reporting practices and thus quality and comparability. Combined with fair value accounting which is of lower reliability as there are no active markets from which values can be derived, IFRS not necessarily seems to be a better alternative compared to German GAAP. Moreover, because IFRS is primarily intended for listed companies and investors' needs, IFRS only appears to be an alternative for non-listed companies that plan a listing. In general, the complex and costly implementation process must be outweighed thoroughly. If costs prevail other possibilities represent IFRS for SMEs or the continuation of German GAAP.

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2008 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 1,3, University of applied sciences, Munich, language: English, abstract: Due to a regulation of the European Union (EU) concerning financial accounting issued on June 6th, 2002, all listed companies in EU are obligated to provide their Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) in accordance with financial accounting principles of International Accounting Standards (IAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from January 1st, 2005. This regulation enables a necessary harmonization of accounting principles within the EU and supports a clear comparability of CFS worldwide. The object of this study is to analyze major differences of CFS in German GAAP and IAS/IFRS. Thereby, variations of both accounting standards are compared and a major difference is explained thoroughly with a concrete example. The major differences of CFS in IAS/IFRS and German GAAP result from different aims of both accounting standards. The German GAAP is strongly based on prudence principle for protection of creditors and authoritative principle (tax accounting based on commercial accounting). In comparison, the IAS/IFRS deliver potential investors realistic and decision useful information about assets, finance, and profit situations of a company (true and fair view / fair presentation principle). These basic principles could be reflected in several key points of the both accounting standards whose differences are clarified in this study. Furthermore, an essential key point of CFS namely the basis of consolidation (contains enterprises included in the consolidation and capital consolidation methods) is illuminated with a concrete example. Hereby, the relation between the control influence of the parent enterprise on its "sub-entities" and the correspondent capital consolidation methods are studied.

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2008 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 1,3, University of applied sciences, Munich, language: English, abstract: Due to a regulation of the European Union (EU) concerning financial accounting issued on June 6th, 2002, all listed companies in EU are obligated to provide their Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) in accordance with financial accounting principles of International Accounting Standards (IAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from January 1st, 2005. This regulation enables a necessary harmonization of accounting principles within the EU and supports a clear comparability of CFS worldwide. The object of this study is to analyze major differences of CFS in German GAAP and IAS/IFRS. Thereby, variations of both accounting standards are compared and a major difference is explained thoroughly with a concrete example. The major differences of CFS in IAS/IFRS and German GAAP result from different aims of both accounting standards. The German GAAP is strongly based on prudence principle for protection of creditors and authoritative principle (tax accounting based on commercial accounting). In comparison, the IAS/IFRS deliver potential investors realistic and decision useful information about assets, finance, and profit situations of a company (true and fair view / fair presentation principle). These basic principles could be reflected in several key points of the both accounting standards whose differences are clarified in this study. Furthermore, an essential key point of CFS namely the basis of consolidation (contains enterprises included in the consolidation and capital consolidation methods) is illuminated with a concrete example. Hereby, the relation between the control influence of the parent enterprise on its “sub-entities” and the correspondent capital consolidation methods are studied.

This book provides the only introduction to accounting according to German GAAP in English. This is helpful for students attending courses taught in English as well as for professionals in foreign subsidiaries of German companies. The 2nd edition provides a new translation of relevant parts of the German Commercial Code, updates the legal references and extends the exercises and case studies offered.

An invaluable aid to companies and auditors involved in first-time adoption of the new SMEs standard Applying the IFRS for SMEs provides expert insights and explanations of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). This important book includes comprehensive coverage of this recently issued standard aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. Provides essential coverage for application of IFRS-now a necessity in the accounting world Includes Foreword by Paul Pacter, Director of Standards for SMEs, IASB Offers commentary on the theory in the standard, illustrative disclosures, comprehensive illustrative financial statements and comparisons to full IFRS Includes relevant real life worked out examples aimed at SMEs, plus summaries of important points The first book on how to apply the new SMEs standard, Applying the IFRS for SMEs is a must-have book for your small or medium-sized business.