Are financial analysts more likely to forecast earnings after the announcement of management forecast in the post-IFRS period?

초록

We investigate the timing of financial analysts’ earnings forecasts in the pre-and post-IFRS periods. Specifically, we examine whether the likelihood of issuing analysts’ forecasts after the announcement of management forecasts are released increases in the post-IFRS period. Consolidated financial reporting, principle-based accounting standards, fair value accounting, and the increase of information quantity in the notes are key features of IFRS, which are challenging for financial analysts to interpret the financial information. Under these circumstances, prior studies have documented that earnings forecast becomes more difficult. We hypothesize financial analysts utilize management forecasts for their earnings forecast more under IFRS regime because management forecasts are regarded as relatively more accurate and reliable information source. Using firms listed in the Korea Stock Exchange from 2006 to 2015, we find that financial analysts are more likely to release their forecasts after the announcement of management forecasts in post-IFRS period. However, the likelihood of issuing analysts forecasts after the announcement of management forecasts is larger in the early years than in the late years from the IFRS adoption. It can be interpreted that financial analysts adapt themselves to new accounting standards since IFRS was introduced. This study contributes to IFRS-related studies by presenting that the informational value of management forecasts increases for financial analysts’ earnings forecasts under IFRS regime. © 2021, Korean Accounting Association. All rights reserved.

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