Effect of international financial reporting standard (IFRS) adoption on earnings value relevance of quoted Nigerian firms

In this study, we examine the effect of IFRS adoption on the earnings value relevance of quoted Nigerian firms. Using a sample of 101 firms (1212 firms-year observation) that are quoted on or before 2006, and have adopted IFRS from 2006 to 2017, we can investigate earnings value relevance. As the principal objective of the inquiry, we introduce a cross-product term, equal to the product of earnings per share (EPS) and IFRS dummy variable, into the basic Ohlson model. The paper uses the Fixed Effect Model as the appropriate estimator for analysis of the data. The estimated coefficient on the cross-product term is statistically significant and positive. The results suggest that the adoption of IFRS in Nigeria leads to higher earnings value relevance. IFRS, as a principle-based, allows managers to use their discretion in the specific treatment of financial items. In doing so, they may bias earnings. Further, the results revealed that estimated coefficient of the cross product of book value and IFRS dummy variable is statistically insignificant and negative. Surprisingly, the simultaneous addition of earnings, the book value of equity, and firm-specific variables in a modified basic Ohlson model show enhanced earning incremental value relevance, while other variables were insignificant, except the interaction of earnings and audit firm size. Overall, results suggest that earnings under IFRS are valued relevance about economic growth conditions, with the nature of such relevance explaining variations on the share price. The findings of this study are utmost important to economic policymakers, investors, and Standard Setters.