Publications
Publications
- August 2008
- Journal of Accounting & Economics
The Implications of Unverifiable Fair-value Accounting: Evidence from the Political Economy of Goodwill Accounting
By: Karthik Ramanna
Abstract
I study the evolution of SFAS 142, which uses unverifiable fair-value estimates to account for acquired goodwill. I find evidence consistent with the FASB issuing SFAS 142 in response to political pressure over its proposal to abolish pooling accounting. The result is interesting given this proposal was due in part to SEC concerns over pooling misuse. I also find evidence consistent with lobbying support for SFAS 142 increasing in firms' discretion under the standard. Agency theory predicts such unverifiable discretion can be used opportunistically.
Keywords
Accounting; Fair Values; Politics; Standard Setting; Fair Value Accounting; Goodwill Accounting; Government Legislation; Agency Theory
Citation
Ramanna, Karthik. "The Implications of Unverifiable Fair-value Accounting: Evidence from the Political Economy of Goodwill Accounting." Journal of Accounting & Economics 45, nos. 2-3 (August 2008): 253–281. (Winner of the Elsevier JAE 2008 Best Paper Prize. Winner of the American Accounting Association FARS Best Dissertation Award. Presented at the 2006 Journal of Accounting & Economics Conference.)