Conference proceeding
Information Uncertainty and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Nordic Accounting Conference 2018, Copenhagen
2018
Abstract
We examine the relation between critical accounting policies and estimates (CAPE) disclosures in the Form 10-K and information uncertainty, measured as analyst forecast errors and dispersion. CAPE disclosures can either be associated with 1) greater information uncertainty as they reveal unknown estimation uncertainties, 2) less information uncertainty as they resolve known estimation uncertainties, or 3) have no effect on information uncertainty because of their discretionary and boilerplate nature. Using computerized content analysis, we create indices of estimation words, accounting topics, and language specificity. We find more estimation words are associated with higher analyst forecast errors and dispersion (consistent with the first prediction). When more specific language is used or an accounting topic is specified in conjunction with estimation words, forecast errors and dispersion are reduced (consistent with the second prediction). This paper contributes to the literature by explicitly considering the effect of accounting disclosures of estimation uncertainty on analyst forecast properties.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Information Uncertainty and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
- Creators
- Elizabeth A GordonXinjie MaEmmeli Runesson - Department of Business Administration, Accounting
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Publication Details
- Nordic Accounting Conference 2018, Copenhagen
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2018
- Academic Unit
- Accounting
- Record Identifier
- 9984937922402771
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